Andaman & Nicobar, the exotic island in the Bay of Bengal, is not just a haven for beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is also a hub of culture and spirituality, featuring an array of temples with a rich history and cultural significance. The temples in Andaman & Nicobar offer a glimpse into the fascinating past of the island and the people who reside here. From the historic Cellular Jail to the serene Radha Krishna Temple, each temple holds its unique charm and story. The temples are not only a place of worship but also a center for community gatherings, cultural events, and social activities. Some of the notable temples in Andaman & Nicobar include the Mahavir Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and located in Port Blair, the Japanese Temple that is a symbol of peace and friendship between India and Japan, and the Sree Ramakrishna Mission Ashram that provides spiritual solace to its visitors. Exploring the temples of Andaman & Nicobar is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the island. The tranquil atmosphere of these temples, surrounded by lush greenery and serene water bodies, provides a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In conclusion, Andaman & Nicobar is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a spiritual journey amidst the serene beauty of nature. Whether you are a believer or not, a visit to these enchanting temples will undoubtedly leave you with a sense of awe and wonder.
Radhakrishna Temple is situated in the Shadipur, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Thousands of bhakts (devotees) and pilgrims visits Radhakrishna Temple every month.Radha Krishna are collectively known within Hinduism as the combination of both the feminine as well as the masculine aspects of God. Krishna is often referred as Svayam Bhagavan in Vaishnavism theology and Radha is five elemental body of the feeling of love towards the almighty God Shree Krishna, soul (aatma) is a part of the God Shree Krishna and Radha is that feeling of love which connects a living being to his creator. With Krishna, Radha is acknowledged as the Supreme Goddess, for it is said that she controls Krishna. It is believed that Krishna enchants the world, but Radha “enchants even Him. Therefore She is the supreme goddess of all. Radha Krishna”
Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being within Shaivism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism.Shiva is known as the “destroyer and the transformer” within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. In Shaivism tradition, Shiva is the Supreme being who creates, protects and transforms the universe. In the tradition of Hinduism called Shaktism, the Goddess, or Devi, is described as supreme, yet Shiva is revered along with Vishnu and Brahma. A goddess is stated to be the energy and creative power (Shakti) of each, with Parvati (Sati) the equal complementary partner of Shiva. He is one of the five equivalent deities in Panchayatana puja of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism.
Sri Veer Hanuman Temple is located at Port Blair city belongs to South Andaman district in Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the seven union territories of India, are a group of islands at the juncture of Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This famous Veer Hanuman Temple is situated on MG Road, Aberdeen Bazar in the city. Aberdeen Bazar, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101
Situated in the heart of the capital city,Port Blair, is an ancient Murugan temple. It is situated right behind the Governors residence (Raj Niwas). The grandeur of this temple makes it a must see attraction. The temple is called Vetrimalai Murugan Temple and it is the most well known place of worship on the island. There is another Murugan temple in this place. It is located along the Car Nicobar coastline and is called the Malaka Murugan temple.The main deity here is lord Muruga. Besides, there are shrines for other Gods and Goddesses like Ganpathi, Lord Shiva and Parvati. Shadipur, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744106
Andhra Pradesh, located on the southeastern coast of India, is a state that boasts of a rich cultural heritage, and is home to some of the most exquisite temples in the country. These temples are a perfect blend of intricate architecture, exquisite carvings, and rich history, making them a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. One of the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh is the Sri Venkateswara Temple located in Tirumala. It is considered to be one of the richest and most visited temples in the world and attracts millions of devotees every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is situated atop the seven hills of Tirumala. Apart from the Sri Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh is also home to several other ancient temples such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Nellore, the Bhadrachalam Temple dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada. Each of these temples is known for its unique architecture, fascinating history, and spiritual significance. In addition to the ancient temples, Andhra Pradesh is also home to some modern architectural wonders such as the Lepakshi Temple, which is famous for its hanging pillar and beautiful frescoes. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal is another example of brilliant architecture that attracts visitors from all over the world. Overall, Andhra Pradesh is a treasure trove of temples that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. These temples not only provide a spiritual experience but also offer a glimpse into the history and architecture of ancient India.
Somarama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance. This temple is an old but looks like a new one because of paintings on the walls and sculptures. At the front of the temple is a lotus covered pond called Chandrakundam, and there is a large Gopuram at the temple entrance. In the left side of temple there is a big hall in which temples of Lord Srirama and Hanuma are present. On the right side of temple there is an open hall above the temple office. When a crowd is present, pujaris/pandits conduct puja here for individuals. The temple has many sculptures. In the hall of temple there is a big statue of Nandi. After crossing hall there is a room in front of sanctum. In that room there is a temple of Annapurn_a mata
Sri Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is an ancient holy temple and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. This temple is 51 km from Eluru, the headquarters of West Godavari District [Jangareddygudem] Guravaigudem, West Godavari, Jangareddy Gudem, Andhra Pradesh 534447 088212 26494
Kotasattemma Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage center in Nidadavolu of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh During Chalukya period, Kotasattemma temple was constructed by Chalukya Veerabadhra, the spouse of Rudrama Devi. The idol of Kotasattemma was immersed by several calamities during the Reddy dynasty. In 1934, the idol was found by Devulapalli Rama Murthy Sastri in his land and later he constructed the temple. Nidadavolu, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh 534301 088132 21517
Sri Sampath Vinayagar is the prominent deity of Visakhapatnam locals. The temple is located in Asilmetta of Visakhapatnam city. This temple was built in 1962 by T.S. Rajeshwaran and T.S. Selvaganesan later it comes under Endowments Department of Andhara Pradesh. Local people still believe that Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 this temple saved city from attack of PNS Ghazi and sank that submarine in the coast of Visakhapatnam. 10-1-33 Waltair Appliance, road, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003 089127 55650
Nookallamma (or Nookambika) is a local deity or Gramadevata popular in Andhra Pradesh State of India. The temple houses the goddess Nookambika. Appalaraju built this temple to Kakatambika, a family goddess. She would later be called Nookambika or Nookalamma. On “Kottha Amavasya“, a day before Ugadi, thousands of people from throughout Andhra Pradesh come to the temple for worship
Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi is the presiding deity of Visakhapatnam locals. The temple is located in Burujupeta of Visakhapatnam city. own Kotha Rd, Burujupeta, Chengal Rao Peta, Port Area, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001 089125 66515
ISKCON Visakhapatnam Temple is the upcoming temple on Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam, India. Temple construction started in 2005, the day of Akshaya Tritiya at sagar Nagar
Devipuram is a Hindu temple complex located near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Belonging primarily to the Shakta school of Hinduism, it is dedicated to the goddess Sahasrakshi (lit., “she who has a infinite eyes“, a form of Lalita Tripurasundari or Parvati), and her consort Kameshwara Via Ammulapalem P.O, Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh 531001 094408 45333
Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, located in Santharavuru, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the deity Ramalingeswara (the Hindu god Shiva). The temple dates back to the Chola period (12th century AD). According to The Hindu the temple administrators claim that the temple has a bell that reverberates 108 times when struck once,and that there are only two such bells the other being at Kashi Andhra Pradesh 523301
Goddess Gangamma Temple is in the outskirts of Dhenuva Konda, Garlapadu village in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Sunday is preferable day to offer pooja in the temple. Goddess Gangamma is a powerful figure to the Yadava community. They celebrate Jatara for her on the full moon in April. During Jatara, the temple is decorated with a huge set of lighting. Devotees visit and pray to the goddess for the whole day and night of that full moon day.
Beeramgunta Poleramma Temple is a re-established 200 years-old temple in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, sacred to the goddess Poleramma. Poleramma is a pre-Vedic deity, who is predominantly worshipped in Andhra Pradesh, and a local form of Sakti. She is worshipped as Grama devata (goddess who protects the village). The new temple was established in the center of the village, although Poleramma is a coast goddess whose temples are usually established at the outskirts of villages. This is also observed in various other places in Andhra Pradesh including Allur. Unnamed Road, Beeramgunta, Andhra Pradesh 524315 099162 25620
The Aretamma Temple (also known as Arvetamma) is a Hindu temple in Veguru Village, Kovur Mandal, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. Aretamma is worshiped as Grama devata (Goddess who protects Veguru village). She was born in a brahamana house. When counting rice one stone found in rice bag the stone called Aretamma. One day she said to him bramhana person build my temple in this village to place me on that temple. The temple was reconstructed in 2007 and that time did the thiranalu of aretamma in 3 days grandly. Again after 7 long years did the aretamma thiranalu in 14 June 2015 successfully. Veguru Sivalayam St, Veguru, Andhra Pradesh 524137
Swayambhu Sri Abhista Gnana Ganapathi Temple is a Swayambhu (Self anifested) anapathi temple in Kurnool, known as SSAGG temple located in Kurnool district of he Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Sangameswara temple is a Hindu temple in the Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located near Muchumarri at the confluence of the Krishna and Bhavanasi rivers, in the foreshore of the Srisailam reservoir where it is submerged for part of the time, surfacing when the water level recedes to a sufficient degree.It was first submerged after the Srisailam Dam was constructed in 1981, and first surfaced in 2003 The temple’s wooden Lingam, Sangameswaram, is believed to have been installed by Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas, after their visit to Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple.The temple is considered a place of religious sanctity due to being built at the confluence of seven rivers and remain visible for two months. (Bhavanasi, Krishna River and five rivers that merge into it beforehand, namely, Veni, Tunga, Bhadra, Bheemarathi and Malapaharini). Sangameshwaram,, Nandikotkur, Andhra Pradesh
Koulutla Chenna Kesava Temple is located in a reserved forest of Kappatralla, 50 km from district Kurnool District headquarters. The great Vijayanagara King, Sri Krishna Deva Raya, constructed a temple complex for the deity. Along with Koulutla Chena Kesava Temple there are additional Shiva temples in this shrine. Kappatralla village, DevanaKonda Mandal,Kurnool District,Andhra Pradesh,India, Andhra Pradesh
Peddintlamma Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage center. It is located on the shores of Kolleru Lake in Kolletikota of Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. During the 13th century, the temple was constructed by Eastern Ganga Dynasty Army General under the reign of a Suryavansha Vadiya king, Langula Narasimhadeva (Langula Gajapathi Raju) of Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Paritala Anjaneya Temple is a temple residing statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue is the tallest one dedicated to Lord Hanuman in the world.It is located in the village of Paritala on NH-9, approximately 30 km from the city of Vijayawada, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The statue was installed in the year 2003 and stands 135 feet (41 metres) tall. The statue is taller than Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (38 m, including 8 m pedestal) and attracts many devotees, both foreign and domestic. The tallest Lord Hanuman statue outside India is at Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago, which is 85 ft tall. Paritala, mandal, Kanchikacherla, Andhra Pradesh 521180
The history of the famous Kallapalem Ballasulamma temple. Kallapalem is a small village in the Kalidindi Mandal of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The incident happened back 400 years. The northern part of an Indian family of Ramannna with two sons Pedda Ramanna and China Ramanna were living together. Cattle raising was their profession. The Pedda veranna is soft and China veranna is a playboy. China Ramanna had a relationship with a Lambadi girl and this news spread to Lambadi society. They threatened to kill the Ramanna family. In fear of death the Ramanna family moved with their cattle toward southern part of India. On the way they met with Goddess Ballasulamma and she asked them to carry with them. The Ramanna requested the goddess that he cannot effort to carry her or offer food.
Pithapuram Temple is a temple in the Pithapuram area of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. It is 75 km (47 mi) from Rajahmundry and 20 km (12 mi) from Kakinada. The main deity of this Hindu temple is Kukkuteshwara Swamy.
Antarvedi is famous for its unique temple known as Neelakanteswara temple. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva who is also known Neelakanta. Puranas indicate that Lord Brahma has worshipped the idol of Lord Shiva at this temple and is therefore one of the famous Shiva temples in India. The temple is one of the ancient temples of India with devotees thronging to this place during Shiva Ratri Festival. Antarvedi is located in East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. Antervedi Pallipalem, Andhra Pradesh 533252
The Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari temple is a temple in Samalkota. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Shiva, known as Kumara Bhimeswara. The most important festival that is celebrated in this temple is Maha Sivarathri. The temple is historically prominent, as it was built by Chalukyas who reigned over this location. Construction of the temple started in 892 and completed around 922. It is similar to the temple in Draksharamam, but is also unique, such as the linga being white. The temple still stands strong, and it was made a National Heritage Site. It resembles a twin of Draksharam, with two staired Mandapa, and notable that it is in excellent condition, without any cracks. Though the temple is not in a populated place, people do visit there. The linga is a limestone, 14 feet (4.3 m) high. The temple was built in Dravidian style, by the King Chalukya Bhima. Hence, the god name is Bhimeswara (between 892-922CE). The Kakatiya rulers (in the period 1340-1466CE) have added and renovated the temple pillars with very fine sharp finishes. The work of Chalukyas and Kakatiya’s is very easily distinguished, by the well-decorated and polished pillars in the temple to the rest of the temple, both new and old. The construction of this temple is so solid that it has not changed much through all the years, when compared to the Draksharaam temple. Kala Bhairava is also of importance, and Balatripura sundari is the Goddess. Shaasanas between 1147-1494 were scripted into pillars of the temple, which also have lists of gifts given, through the ages, for the temple. Recent excavations in the compound of the temple has yielded many figures dated back 1000 years are now present inside the temple. In Puranas it has been written that it is a Yogakshetram, which means, the person who has the “yogam” (“fated to have” or “opportunity given by god” or “boon”) to visit, will visit the temple Jaggamma Garipeta, Samarlakota, Andhra Pradesh 533440
The temple of Andhra Shirdi is located in a small and prosperous village called Balabhadrapuram in Bikkavolu Mandal of East Godavari, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. As of 2014, the Temple had been under construction for nine years, with a total budget of ₹30 million Rupees, and another 20 million Rupees planned. The project’s goal is to make “Andhra Shirdi” one of the most important and holiest temples in India. The temple contains a statue of Sai Baba of Shirdi, an Indian guru that was erected on 17 February 2005. Sai Baba is a well-known figure in many parts of the world, especially in India, where he is much revered. His parentage, birth details, and life before the age of sixteen are obscure, which has led to speculation about his origins, and he showed characteristics of both Hinduism and Islam. Sai Baba is revered by several notable Hindu and Sufi religious leaders. Some of his disciples became famous as spiritual figures and saints. Way to Main rd, Balabhadhrapuram, Andhra Pradesh 533342 076609 31882
Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy Temple is a 500 year old Vaishnavite temple situated at Therani village in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is referred to as Vaikuntanatha. The temples was constructed during 16th Century on the banks of river Kushasthali. The temple is 5 km away from Nagari town and 50 km away from Tirupati city. The temple was built during 16th Century by Sudarsanachary, a pundit in the royal court of the Karvetinagaram which was a part of Vijayanagara Empire. The temple was most neglected and turned into a ramshackle structure over a period of time. The temple had undergone recent renovation works with donations from a devotee.
The Ekam is located in Varadaiahpalem, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Oneness Temple is built on the grounds of the Oneness University campus of Sri Bhagavan’s ashram. The temple was inaugurated in April 2008.The temple is located in a wide open land beside the misty Eastern Ghats mountains. The location where the temple is built was supposed to have been where many rishis had meditated from the ancient times, giving it a special Spiritual energy. Built in white marble, the temple is designed with stupas, spires, domes, ornate doors and latticed windows. With its pillar-less meditation halls covering over 22,500 sq feet, largest of such halls in Asia, the temple is a symbol of modern engineering. The temple complex, designed to the Golden Ratio, has a span of 50 metres. The temple consists of three floors. Each floor is a large meditation hall. More than 8000 people can meditate together at the same time inside the temple. The halls at the ground and middle level are each a surface area of 6700 m2. The hall at the top floor has a surface area of 2500 m2. The height of the temple is 32.85 m. The entire temple is built on a raised platform of 130 m × 106 m and surrounded by a moat of water bodies at the 4 corners.
Vakula Devi is the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara. As per the legend of Tirumala, it dates back to Dvapara Yuga when Yasoda, the foster mother of Lord Krishna (avatar of Lord Vishnu) complains to him that she couldn’t witness any of his marriages. To this, Lord Krishna replies he would ensure she would get such opportunity later in Kali Yuga. In Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu adorns the world as Lord Venkateswara and Yasoda is reborn as Vakula Devi, foster mother of Lord Venkateswara, to arrange his wedding with Padmavati the daughter of King Akasa Raja. Thus Vakula Devi fulfills her wish to witness the kalyanam (wedding) of Lord Venkateswara.
Sri Sunama Jakini Maatha was born into Suryavamshi Are-Katika community of Pinnepalli village in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. A temple was built for this goddess in Gooty town of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh is also one of the first temple for Are-katika community. Sri Sunama Jakini maatha was born in Malkari family from Are-Katika community at Pinnepalli village of Yadiki mandal, Tadipatri taluk, Anantapur district (officially: Anantapuramu), Andhra Pradesh state of India. She married to Hanumanthakari Thanji Rao at a very young age. She was very devotional and use to observe fasting very often. One day during fasting she fell unconscious. Her husband thought that she is dead and ordered to bury her. Localites requested her husband to pass on the message to her mother, father and brothers who live in Pinnepalli village. Her husband did not allow this. As localites were getting ready to bury her, they found that Sunama maatha is still alive and informed the same to her husband. Under alcohol effect her husband ordered them to bury her anyway. In that sense Sunama Jakini maatha has taken jeeva samadhi Buddhism: Nirvana). It is estimated that this incident took place around 1803 AD.
Mounagiri is a Hindu temple near Bengaluru Highway in Anantapur, India. The temple displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Andhra culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple was inspired and developed by Sri Eswaraiah Swamy, the spiritual head of the Mounagiri Global Trust and Philosophical Society, whose 500 volunteers helped 1,000 artisans construct the Mounagiri Hanuman Temple. The Hanuman idol cost around ₹40 lakh (US$58,000) to sculpture. Hampapuram, Andhra Pradesh 515722
Chintalarayaswamy Temple or Sri Chintala Venkataramana Temple is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at Tadipatri, a town in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh state, India.The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is referred to as Chintala Venkataramana.It is situated on banks of river Penna which is passing through the town.The Temple is known for its granite sculptures and is classified as one of the Monuments of National mportance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple has a Garuda mantapa built as Chariot with rotating granite wheels which is similar to the one found in Vithala Temple of Hampi. Gandhi Katta, Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh 515411 095814 52866
Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple is a Siva shrine situated in Tadipatri, Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple lies on the bank of the Penna River. Ellutla, Andhra Pradesh 515425 088863 66030
Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam is a Hindu Narasimha (avatar of Vishnu) with a temple in Malakonda, Valetivari Palem, Prakasham district, Andhra Pradesh, India. He is Lord of Malyadri (Malakonda). A large number of devotees visit the sacred shrine of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha to pay their homage to him. Malyadri is one of the NavaNarasimhas (Nine Narasimhas). ‘Malyadri’ means the Parvatas are arranged as flower mala. The west side of Malyadri has the Ahobhila Narasimha Swamy, northwest side of Malyadri has the Sri Sailam, south side of Malyadri has the Vruchachala kshetram, east side of Malyadri has the Narasimha swamy of Singarayakonda, south side of Malyadri has the Penna River (Pinakini). North side of Malyadri has the Krishna River. All the devotees of Malyadri give their children names related to Sri Malyadri Narasimha, for males, and related to Sri Mahalakshmi for females.The God Srimannarayana Swamy is Sri Narasimha’s avatara. He has Sudarshana Chakra on one hand, Sanku on one hand, Sri Mahalakshmi is sitting on his thigh, so one hand is surrounding her, and blessing devotees with one hand. The God gives blessings to Yakshas, Gandharvas, Sidhas, and Devamunis on six days (Sunday to Friday). The God gives blessings to Devotees (Manavas) on Saturday only.Sri Mahalakshmi Devi Mata is Goddess of Malyadri. She is on top of the Hill of Malyadri. Here also the God Sri Narasimha and the Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi Devi give blessings to the Devotees. There are no services by Airline Nearest Railway station is at ongole which is 75 Km away. There are two ways to reach Malakonda. The eastern route is through the Lingasamudram from Singarakonda in Prakasam district. West way from Pamur in Prakasam district. Mandal Valetivaripalem, District Prakasam, Malakonda, Andhra Pradesh
Panduranga Swamy Temple Is A Famous Temple In Chilakalapudi, Machilipatnam, Krishna District In The State Of Andhra Pradesh. This Temple Was Constructed In 1929 By Sri Bhakta Narasimham. It Has A Spiritual Significance Among The People Of Machilipatnam. The Deity And The Garbhagriha Of The Temple Are Very Similar To Pandaripur Temple. An Idol Of Sri Abhayanjaneya Swami (An Incarnation Of Lord Hanuman) Is Installed In Front Of The Lord. Every Year During The Kartika Month There Will Be A Festival Celebrated At This Temple. The nearest airport is Gannavaram Airport. It is located at a distance of 17.9 km from the city of Vijayawada. From there it is 67.9 km along the Machilipatnam road. Taxi / Bus services are available from Vijayawada to Machilipatnam. Trains are available from Vijayawada Railway Station to Machilipatnam Railway Station. From there Machilipatnam is about 80 km, can be reached by train. Buses are available from Pandit Nehru Bus Station, Vijayawada to Machilipatnam. From there it is 67.9 km by road. Taxi / Bus services are available from Vijayawada to Machilipatnam.
Kurmanathaswamy temple, Srikurmam, Andhra Pradesh Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple (also known as Srikurmam temple) is a Hindu temple in the Gara mandal of the Srikakulam district in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Kurma avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is worshipped as Kurmanathaswamy, and his consort Lakshmi, worshipped as Kurmanayaki. According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have manifested here in the form of a tortoise-shaped idol upon the wishes of Swetha Chakravarthi. Brahma then consecrated the idol with Gopala Yantra. The temple is famous for ancestor worship. Srikurmam is the only Indian temple in the world where Vishnu is worshiped in his Kurma avatar. Initially dedicated to Shiva and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, Ramanuja is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th century AD. Since then, the temple was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with Simhachalam. The temple has two dhvajasthambas, a rarity for a Vaishnavite temple. 108 ekasila (single-stone) pillars, with none resembling each other, bear few inscriptions related to the royal lineages that existed in this area in the past. A tortoise park has been built to conserve the adult and young star tortoises, making Srikurmam the only conservation centre for this species.Srikurmam follows both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions of worship. Four daily rituals and four annual festivals are celebrated in Srikurmam, out of which the three-day Dolotsavam is the major one. Gajapathi Rajus of Vizianagaram are the trustees of the temple, which is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Indian postal department issued a stamp featuring the temple on 11 April 2013. The temple is situated in the Gara mandal of the Srikakulam district, which is located at a distance of 130 kilometres (81 mi) from Visakhapatnam. Considered the only Indian temple where the Hindu deity Vishnu is worshipped in the form of a tortoise, Srikurmam is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) away from Srikakulam town and 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) away from the Suryanarayana temple, Arasavalli. Believed to have been built before the 2nd century AD,the temple is popular among the Tamil diaspora as well because it is a Vaishnavite temple. Initially dedicated to Shiva and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, Ramanuja is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th century AD.His disciples established Vaishnavism in the temple with the support of Kalinga king Anantavarman Chodaganga, the eastern Ganga king.After this incident, a group of devadasis were employed to sing and dance daily before the deity in the morning and evening. Official Address
Annavaram Satyanarayana Temple, Andhra Pradesh Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayanaswamy Temple or Annavaram Temple is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at Annavaram town in East Godavari District, of Andhra Pradesh state, India.The temple is on a hillock named Ratnagiri and is dedicated to Veera Venkata Satyanarayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Official Address
Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi, Andhara Pradesh The temple has been built on the southern side of Lepakshi town, on a low altitude hillock of a large exposure of granite rock, which is in the shape of a tortoise, and hence known as Kurma Saila. It is 140 kilometres (87 mi) away from Bangalore. The approach from the National Highway NH7 to Hyderabad that takes a branch road at the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border leading to Lepakshi, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) away. Another route to reach the temple is taking a route from Hindupur. It is situated 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Penukonda, located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Official Address Old, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331
Ranganatha Temple, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Yaganti temple, Andhra Pradesh One story of the site’s origin is as follows: The sage Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the idol got broken. The sage was upset over this and performed a penance for Shiva. When Shiva appeared, he said the place suits Shiva better as it resembles Kailash. Agastya then requested Shiva to give the devotees a Parvathi Goddess as Lord Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Shiva obliged.A second story is as follows: Chitteppa, a devotee of Shiva, was worshiping Shiva and Shiva appeared to him as a tiger. Chitteppa understood that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and shouted Neganti Shivanu ne kanti (meaning: I saw Shiva I saw), and danced with joy. There is a cave called Chitteppa nearby. Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is one of the few temples patronized by one of the great dynasties of India. Every year Maha Shivaratri is celebrated and a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit. Shiva, Parvati and Nandi are the main deities in this temple.This temple is 14 km away from Banaganipalli in kurnool dt. The saint lord Veerabrahmendra swami stayed here for some time and wrote Kalagnanam. Official Address
Pallikondeswara Temple, Surutapalli, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Konetirayala Temple, Keelapatla, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Parasurameswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh Though a small village, historically it is very important, because it has a beautiful Siva Temple which is popularly known as “the Parasurameswara Temple.”The main importance of the temple lies in the Linga which is housed in the Garbhagriha of the temple and considered unique for its naturalistic depection. This is supposed to be the earliest Linga discovered so far and it has been assigned to the 3rd century BCE. The name of the temple is mentioned as Parasurameswara Temple in the inscriptions. These inscriptions do not refer to the original builders of the temple. But they register the gifts made to the temple like land, money and cows for the conduct of daily worship in the temple. The Black and Redware sherds of the 2nd or 3rd century AD have been brought to light during the course of excavations conducted in 1973. Potsherds of the Andhra Satavahana period (Circa 1st century AD to 2nd century AD) and large sized bricks measuring 42x21x6 inches of the same period have also been found. Hence some historians assign the temple to the Satavahana period. Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Antarvedi, Andhra pradesh There are three ways that one can travel to Antarvedi. Steam launches are available. Alternatively, one can ride on the ferry, upon reaching Sakhinetipalli and from there start for Antarvedi by road. The third option is to cross the Chinchinada using the newly built bridge, and travel the rest of the way by road. Official Address
Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple, Andhra pradesh near the Antharvahini river amongst 16 acres of grass fields and coconut palms. The temple is 20 km (12 mi) from Kakinada and 58 km (36 mi) away from Rajahmundry Official Address
Siddheswara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Kulandeshwara Temple, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
{Temple Name} Alipiri Padala Mandapam or Alipiri is the place at foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. One Footstep way and two road ways, one up and one down, leading to Tirumala through seven hills starts from Alipiri and hence it got the name “The Gate Way to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple” In older days pilgrims used to climb all the seven hills only through the stepped way on foot, as there was no other option. Hence the pilgrims came from long distances used to take rest for some time there, cooked their food, eat there. After taking rest they started to climb the steps. Nowadays all the stepped way is covered with roof to protect the pilgrims from sun light and rain. The lights are also provided. Special privilege is provided to the pilgrims who came on foot for the visit of the god There is an ancient footsteps path to Tirumala, that starts from Alipiri known as Alipiri Metlu. The Devotees to fulfil their Vow to Lord Venkateswara will take this path to reach Tirumala on foot from Tirupati. It consists of a total 3550 Steps which makes a distance of 12 km.There are Four Gopurams(Temple Towers) on the way. It is completely roofed and passes through seven hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills. Official Address
Veeranjaneya Temple, Ardhagiri, Andhra pradesh Official Address
Vedanarayana Temple, Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Varahaswamy Temple, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Official Address Balaji Nagar, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Prasanna Venkateswara Temple, Appalayagunta, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Kodandarama Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple is one of the famous temples, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, in the holy city of Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama an incarnation of Vishnu along with Sita and Lakshmana. The temple also has a sub-shrine for Anjaneya the mount of Lord Sri Rama.Rama Navami is celebrated with major grandeur at this temple which includes Hanumantha Vahana Seva in connection with Sri Rama Navami day, followed by Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on Dasami and Sri Rama Pattabhisheka Mahotsavam on Ekadasi. The nine-day annual brahmotsavams celebrated every year which falls between March and April is another biggest event in the temple.The Annual three-day Teppotsavams(Float festival) will be celebrated during April at the temple where the processional deity of Sri Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana will taken over a float in Sri Ramachandra Pushkarini.[1] Official Address
Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasamangapuram, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Kapila Theertham, Andhra Pradesh Kapila Theertham is a famous Saivite Temple and Theertham, located at Tirupati in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The idol is believed to be installed by Kapila Muni and hence Lord Siva here is referred to as Kapileswara.The temple stands at the entrance to a mountain cave in one of the steep and vertical faces at the foot of the Tirumala hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills, where the waters of the mountain stream fall directly into Temple Pushkarini known as “Kapila Theertham“. A huge stone statue of a seated bull “Nandhi”, Shiva’s steed, greets devotees and passersby at the entrance to the templeThough this temple’s significance has diminished due to the hugely popular neighboring Temples in Tirumala and Tiruchanoor, it received very good patronage from the Kings of Vijayanagara in the 13th thru 16th centuries, especially Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, and the eternally famous Sri Krishna Deva Raya, and some of the later rulers like Venkatapathi Raya, and Aliya Ramaraya, Sri Krishna Deva Raya’s Son-in-law 20 kms from tirumala & 4.2 kms from Tirupati bus station Official Address
Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh temple is only half a km away from Tirupati Railway station and at a distance of 1.5 km from Tirupati RTC Bus stand. Official Address govindaraja Swamy Temple, Varadaraja Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh -517501 Phone: 09885950162
Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. It is mentioned in the sacred texts.A nearby temple viewed from Prakasam Barrage on night lightsThis is the place where Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha astra after his great penance for Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed for Goddess Durga by Arjuna. It is connected by steps and a ghats road The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures as several of the Siva-leelas and Shakti-mahimas were enacted on or around it, making the region a place of unequaled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since times immemorial.[3]It is mentioned in the Vedas that the deity in the Kanakadurga temple is regarded as ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested, hence considered very powerful.Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous hindu Temple of Goddess Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River. Kaalika puraana, Durgaa sapthashati and other vedic literature have mentioned about Goddess Kanaka Durga on the Indrakeelaadri and have described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa. Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20 km from airport. Temple buses are available at bus stand and railway station for every 20 minutes.Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road, rail and air from all parts of the country. Official Address Arjuna Street Mallikarjunapeta Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520001
Vinayaka Temple, Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh The temple is about 11 km from Chittoor and 68 km from Tirupati. Official Address
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh The Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam is a Hindu temple situated on the Simhachalam hill, which is 500 metres above the sea level in the north of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to one of the Hindu trinity deitiesVishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. As per the temple’s legend (which is divided into 32 chapters), Vishnu manifested in this peculiar form, with a boar head, human torso and a lion’s tail, after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter’s father Hiranyakashipu. Except on Akshaya Tritiya, the idol of Varaha Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which makes it resemble a Shiva Lingam. Simhachalam is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh which are important pilgrimage centres. It was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with Srikurmam and others. The temple has been recognised by historians with the help of a 9th-century AD inscription by the Chalukya Chola king Kulottunga I. In the later half of the 13th century, the temple complex underwent radical physical changes during the reign of the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I. It later received patronage from many royal families, of which Tuluva dynasty of Vijayanagara Empire is a notable one. The temple underwent 40 years of religious inactivity from 1564 AD to 1604 AD. In 1949, the temple came under the purview of the state government and is currently administered by the Simhachalam Devasthanam Board. Simhachalam temple resembles a fortress from outside with three outer courtyards and five gateways. The architecture is a mixture of the styles of the Kalinga Architecture/Odishan(Orissan), Chalukyas and the Cholas. The temple faces west instead of east, signifying victory. There are two temple tanks: Swami Pushkarini near the temple and Gangadhara at the bottom of the hill. The temple houses a number of sub-shrines and a few mandapams. The religious practices and customs of the temple are formulated by the Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja. They are modelled based on the Satvata Samhita, one of the 108 texts of the Pancharatra Agama. Simhachalam is the second-largest after Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh in terms of income earned. It is believed that the deity is capable of giving progeny to women and fulfilling wishes of devotees. Kalyanotsava and Chandanotsava are the two major festivals celebrated in the temple, followed by Narasimha Jayanti, Navaratrotsava and Kamadahana. The festivals celebrated in Simhachalam have an influence of the Dravida Sampradaya, the customs followed in Tamil Nadu. Apart from those by well known poets, the temple found many literary references and lyrical works dedicated by anonymous writers which are preserved in the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, Chennai. Official Address Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028
Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple, Penna Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh Temple was built on the footprint of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy measuring 5 feet 3 inches. Temple Timings: 8.00 am to 11.00 am & 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is a popular location for marriage ceremonies. A grand car festival is conducted annually in the month of April. Official Address Penna Ahobilam Rd, Penna Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh 515812
Srikalahasteeswara temple, Andhra Pradesh Srikalahasti is a great city to visit in the state of Andhra Pradesh.There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srikalahasti. Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport.Srikalahasti is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.You can easily get regular buses to Srikalahasti from other major cities of the country. BY FLIGHT There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srikalahasti. Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport.Srikalahasti29 km awayTirupati Airport (TIR), Tirupati, Andhra PradeshSrikalahasti96 km awayChennai Airport (MAA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu BY FLIGHT There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srikalahasti. Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport BY TRAIN: Srikalahasti is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. BY BUS:You can easily get regular buses to Srikalahasti from other major cities of the country.Bus Station(s): Srikalahasti Official Addres Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh 517644
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh The town (as well as the mandal) of Srisailam is reputed for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga on the flat top of Nallamala Hills. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is also one among the 275 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal. Srisailam has played a dominant role in the Hindu religious, cultural and social history since ancient times. The epigraphical evidence reveals that the history of Srisailam began with the Satavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India. The earliest known historical mention of the hill, Srisailam, can be traced to the King Vasishthiputra Pulumavi’s Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D. Srisailam or Srisailamu (Śrīśailaṁ, Śrīśailamu) is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is on the banks of the Krishna River about 212 km south of Hyderabad and 179 km from Kurnool. It is sometimes spelled Shrishailam. Official Address
Padmavathi Temple, Andhra Pradesh Padmavathi It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu to Akasha Raja, the ruler of this region, and wed Venkateshwara of Tirupati. Goddess Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Venkateswara on a red Lotus flower (Padma in Sanskrit) at Alamelu mangapuram after his deep penance for twelve years. According to tradition, the Mother Goddess manifested Herself in the holy Pushkarini called Padmasarovaram in a golden lotus. The Venkatachala Mahatyam states that Lord Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the lotus in full splendour. A temple dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana is situated on the eastern side of the Pushkarini. The Padma Purana gives a vivid description of the advent of the Goddess and subsequent wedding with Lord Srinivasa.The manifestation of Sri Padmavathi Devi occurred in the month of Karthika on Sukla Paksha Panchami when the star Uttarashada in the ascendent. The Brahmotsavam of the Goddess is celebrated with all pomp and glory to commemorate the auspicious occasion of Her avatara. Official Address
Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and the Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[1] Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level. The Hills comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha. The temple lies on the seventh peak -Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as “Temple of Seven Hills”. Tirumala town covers about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km2) in area. The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. The Garbagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in standing posture and faces east in Garbha griha. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras and is listed as 106th and the last earthly Divya Desam. The Temple premises had two modern Queue complex buildings to organize the pilgrim rush, Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites. It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.. In 2016, it was reported that 27.3 million pilgrims visited the temple. It is around 435 km (270.3 mi) from Vijayawada, 571.9 km (355.4 mi) from Hyderabad, 138 km (85.7 mi) from Chennai, 291 km (180.8 mi) from Bangalore, and 781.2 km (485.4 mi) from Visakhapatnam There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti(deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga. Buses and other transport are banned on ghat road from Tirupati to Tirumala between 12 AM and 3 AM. Official Address S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshiped here as Gnanaparasunambikai. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva Linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him Mukthi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola Kings and the Vijaya Nagara kings. The Shivalinga at Sri Kalahasti is marked by symbols of three creatures — that of a spider at the bottom, a five-hooded snake on top and elephant-tusks on either side. Legend informs us that Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) were cursed by Brahma, Shiva and Parvati but attained moksha by worshipping Lord Shiva here. Hence Shiva came to be called Sri Kalahasteeswara. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 19th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. A lamp burns inside the inner sanctum that constantly flickers despite the lack of air movement inside. Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. The river Swarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple. The temple architecture is a treat to the eyes for all those who visit Srikalahasthi. The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple to have darshan of the almighty Sri Kalahasteeswara and Sri Gnanaparasunambikai Devi. Sri Kalahasteeswara showers grace to wipe out the sins and obstacles of devotees. Worshipping Sri Kalahasteeswara results in dispelling all worldly miseries and attaining marvelous spiritual happiness. Goddess Gnanaparasunambikai Devi received the Panchakshara mantra from the Lord himself. The Goddess arrived at the place and started her penance here. Of the nine planets, Kalahasthi importance is attached to Rahu and Ketu (Dragon’s tail and head respectively) those afflicted with the adverse effects of these planets and problems related to snakes, pray for relief here. After fulfillment of the prayers, devotees perform Abhishek to the Lord, offer Vastras (clothes) and also offer donation for the maintenance of the temple depending on their affordability. Shri Kalahasteeswara Swamy temple is reputed as the Rahu Kethu Kshetra. People who have Rahu Kethu Doshas and Sarpa Doshas, the unmarried, those with children and those who are facing various problems for long period, perform the most effective Rahu – Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana pooja in this temple all, it is believed that the Doshas get removed and desired results occur. Thousands of devotees from the country and abroad perform this pooja and fulfill their vows continuously, after receiving good results. The temple follows Saivite tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m and Sayarakshai between 7:45 – 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alankaram (decoration), neivedhyam (food offering) and Deepa aradhanai (waving of lamps) for both Srikalahasteeswara and Gnana Prasunambika. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple is open from 6am – 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm. Kalahasthi temple is closely attached with the history of Kannappar, whose bhakti (devotion) is yet to be equaled in the history of the religious literature of Tamilnadu. Acharya Shankara had devoted a verse in praise of Kannappar in his celebrated Shivanandalahari. Sekkizhar, in his Periyapuranam elaborately sings the greatness of Kannappar in 185 verses. Kannappar performed abishek to the Lord bringing water from the Swarnamukhi river in his mouth. Vibhuti Prasad is not offered in this temple, but symbolizing the Abishek Theertha of Kannappar, only Theertha Prasad (water) is offered to the devotees mixed with Pachai Karpooram. It is offered through a conch. The Vibhuti (sacred ash) brought by the devotees are placed at the feet of the Lord, an Arati is offered and returned to the devotee. Abishek is performed to the Lord only with water mixed with Pachai Karpooram. Other Abisheks are offered only to the stage (called Avudayar – the Linga Peetam). As the Shrine is related to Rahu-Ketu planets, devotees do the Pradikshina in an anti-clockwise way. As sage Bharadhwaja performed penance here, only those belonging to the Bharadhwaja Gotra are appointed as archakas in the temple. The Kavacham covering the Lord has the symbols of the planets, hence there is no separate shrine for the Navagrahas except for Saturn. Garlands are not offered on the body of Lord. An Angi – upper cloth – is placed on the Lord on which Thumba Flower Garland is placed. In the Oddiyanam (belt made of gold studded with pearls and precious stones), of Mother Gnanaparasunambikai, the symbol of planet Kethu is carved. There is a temple for Lord Manikandeswarar on the slopes of the hill through which Kannappar went on the hill taking his Abishek Water from Ponmuhali river. There is also a mandap called Manikarnika Gattam near this temple carved out of the hill. The story goes that it is here Lord Shiva uttered the Tharaka Mantra to a woman (commonly known as Karna Manthra being uttered on the ears of the departing soul) as Lord Viswanatha did in Kasi – Varanasi to a devotee. Following this tradition, devotees use to bring those nearing their end to Manikarnika Gattam and place them lying here so that the last breath may leave the mortal body through the right ear. Procession of Lord is taken from the North tower entrance. As Maharishis worshipped the Lord facing the east after a dip in the Ponmuhali river, Lord Kalathiappar is facing west to bless the Rishis. Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival when lakhs of devotees offer prayers to seek the blessings of the Lord. Mahasivarathri Brahmotsavams are celebrated in par with Maha Shivaratri for 13 days during which the Utsava Murtis of Siva and Parvati will be taken on Vahanams in a procession around the temple streets. The fifth day of the festival in the month of Maasi coincides with the Maha Shivaratri. Mahasivarathri, Nandi Seva, Lingodbhavam, Rathotsavam, Theppotsavam and Swami-Ammavarla Kalyanotsavam are the important aspects of this festival. Shivaratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vijayadasami, Thirukarthigai in November-December, Oonjal festival on all Fridays, Makara Sankaranthi (Pongal) in January and Giri Valam on Shivarathri day are the other important festivals celebrated here. 9-30 PM (on Saturday to Monday) Srikalahasthi: Srikalahasthi is named after Sri (spider) Kala (Snake) Hasti (Elephant). They were staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the elephant or Hasti used to clean the Shiva deity by watering the idol with the help of river-water carried in his trunks and pray for him by placing Vilva leaves. The spider or Sri tried to protect the deity from external damage by weaving his web and to provide shelter for the Shiva lingam. The snake or Kala used to place its precious gem on the Linga to adorn the lord. In this way, they all worshipped the Vayu Linga separately without knowing what the other was doing. One day, the spider had built a very big and thick web around the deity to protect it from dust and weather while the snake places its gem. The elephant not knowing this and assuming that this form of puja by Sri and Kala is a desecration by the seeming miscreants, pours water on it and cleans it up. This causes a war between the three. The snake punishes the elephant by entering its trunk and in the process, kills itself while the elephant runs amok and hits its trunk and head against the Shiva Linga. During this struggle, the spider is squashed against the Linga by the elephant’s trunk and the elephant dies due to the snake’s poison. Lord Shiva then appeared and gave moksha to all three of them for their selfless devotion. The spider takes rebirth as a great king while the elephant and the snake reaches heaven for satisfying all its karma. This king continues his good work from his previous birth and builds a variety of temples that seeks to protect the underlying deity with tons of stones. It is interesting to note that all his temples, keep the deity beyond the access of an elephant. In this temple, access to the deity is through a narrow passage in the side of the building that prevents an elephant from extending its trunk over the lord from any side. This temple is considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshina Kailasam. At the foot of the Linga one can see a spider, two elephant tusks and a five-headed (the five elements) serpent to remind the devotee of these acts of supreme devotion. The legend here is similar to that of the Jambukeswarar temple at Tiruvanaikkaa. Vayu Lingam: During the early days of creation, Lord Vayu performed penance for thousands of years to “Karpoora Lingam” (Karpooram means camphor). Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva manifested before him and said, ” O Vayu Deva! Though you are dynamic in nature, you stayed here without movement and did penance for me. I’m pleased with your devotion. I shall grant you three boons”. Lord Vayu said, “Swami! I want to be present everywhere in this world. I want to be an integral part of every Jiva who is none other than the manifestation of Paramatma. I want to name this Karpoora Linga, which represents you, after me. Samba Siva said,” You are qualified for these three boons. As per your wish, you will be spread throughout this world. Without you there will be no life. This Linga of mine will forever be known all over through your name, and all Suras, Asuras, Garuda, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Siddhas, Saadhvis, humans and others will worship this Lingam”. Lord Shiva disappeared after granting these boons. Thereafter, this Karpoora Vayu Lingam is worshipped by all Lokas (worlds). Gnana Prasunambika Devi: Once, Parvati was cursed by Lord Shiva to discard her heavenly body and assume the human form. To get rid of the above curse Parvati did a long penance here. Pleased with her deep devotion Lord Shiva again recreated her body – a hundred times better than her previous heavenly body and initiated various mantras including the Panchakshari. Consequent to this, Parvati gained fame and came to be known as Shiva-Gnanam Gnana Prasunamba or Gnana Prasunambika Devi. Ghanakala prayed to Lord Shiva here: Cursed to become a ghost, Ghanakala prayed at Srikalahasthi for 15 years and after chanting the Bhairava Mantra many times Lord Shiva restored her original form. Mayura, Chandra and Devendra prayed to Lord Shiva here: Mayura, Chandra and Devendra were also freed from their curses after taking bath in the river Swarnamukhi and praying at Srikalahasthi. Lord Shiva preached to Sage Markandeya here: To Markandeya, Lord Shiva appeared in Srikalahasthi and preached that a Guru alone could make esoteric teachings and, therefore he is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Legends of Kannappa Nayanar: Kannappa Nayanar was an enthusiastic devotee of Lord Shiva and a hunter by profession. It is believed that once, he saw blood coming out of the eyes of the Lord Shiva. Kannappa plucked out one of his eyes and placed in the eye of Linga which was oozing with blood and tears. When the tears and the blood were still trickling from another eye, Kannappa decided to remove his second eye and placed one of his feet on the spot of the right eye of the Shiva Linga. Before he could pull out his second eye with the arrow, Lord Shiva appeared and restored his eye and for this reason earned the name Kannappan (his original name being Thinnan) and the distinction of having his statue adorn the sanctum. This act of Kannappa placed him among the 63 Nayanmars. At Sri Kalahasthi, Lord Shiva tested the unshakable devotion of Kannappa Nayanar before the sages gathered at Srikalahasthi. With his divine power, Lord Shiva created a tremor and the roof tops of the temple began to fall. All the sages ran away from the scene except Kannappa who covered the Linga with his body to prevent it from any damage. According to Swami Sivananda’s book, Sixty-Three Nayanar Saints, some Saivite traditions believe that Kannappa was the reincarnation of Arjuna. Arjuna, worshipped Siva for seeking the Pasupatha Astra and failed to recognize him in the form of a hunter. Thus, according to this tradition, Arjuna had to be born as a hunter and adore the Lord before attaining final liberation. Flickering Flame in the Hanging Lamp at Sanctum: In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple is a hanging lamp that always keeps swinging with a flickering flame though there is no visible inlet for wind. No one knows where the wind comes from is a mystery. Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam: Along with this, Srikalahasthi Temple is also linked with Rahu and Ketu, two of the nine important celestial bodies of Indian astrological system. Many pilgrims visit here to offer their prayers to Rahu and Ketu, considered be immensely powerful. Srikalahasthi is a holy town in Chittoor District of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasthi is located at 13°45′N 79°42′E on the banks of river Swarnamukhi. Kalahasti Town is easily accessible by Air, Rail and Bus. Srikalahasthi is located at about 37 Kms from Tirupati, 98 Kms from Nellore, 58 Kms from Gudur, 27 Kms from Renigunta, 28 Kms from Naidupeta, 39 Kms from Sullurupeta, 15 Kms from Yerpadu, 38 Kms from Gudimallam, 46 Kms from Tada, 74 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 50 Kms from Nagalapuram and 116 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 550 meters from Kalahasthi Bus Station. Andhra Pradesh State owned Bus services APSRTC operates buses from Tirupati, Chittoor and Nellore. The state government runs Non-Stop bus service to this place from Tirupati. The pilgrims have the facility of Bus services to almost all the places of Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. On the other hand, the pilgrims may hire affordable private taxis to cover all the places of Tirupati, Tirumala, Sri Kalahasti and Kanipakam to save time. The local transport is by taxis or autorickshaws and city buses. Shuttle buses between Tirupathi and Srikalahasthi run every 10 mins. Andhra Pradesh State Owned Bus services (APSRTC) are available from Tirupati central bus station, at a frequency of 10 minutes and other tour operators provide religious tour package visits to the temple in Srikalahasthi from the City centre at Tirupati. Taxicabs are also available from Tirupati. There are many such state-owned buses that are available from the nearby town like Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai and Nellore. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is operating number of buses from the city. Bus facilities are available from Tirupathi, Renigunta, Kancheepuram and Thiruthani. By Train: Srikalahasthi Railway Station is located on Gudur-Katpadi Branch line section of Guntakal (GTL) Division of the South-Central Railway (SCR). Kalahasti Railway Station is located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. The temple runs a free Bus service from the station to the temple for the sake of pilgrims. People from Chennai may get down at Renigunta Junction or Naidupeta or Sullurpeta or Gudur Junction and reach the temple by bus which is only less than one hour drive from these stations. By Air: Tirupathi Airport is the Nearest Airport. There are daily services from Hyderabad, Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi and Visakhapatnam to this Air Port which is only about 26 kms from Sri Kalahasti. Taxis are available to connect to the temple directly to Kalahasti. It is only 2 hours of drive from Chennai International Airport. Chennai International Airport is located at about 135 Kms from Srikalahasthi. Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasti, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh – 517644 Phone: +91 8578 222240 / 221336 Mobile: +91 9885974050 Email: [email protected]
Vaaleeswarar Temple, Ramagiri, Andhra Pradesh Ramagiri Vaaleeswarar temple is believed to be built by Pallava king in the 9th century AD and renovated over time by King Vira Rajendra Chola. Even though it is believed that the temple was built by Pallava king, the current structure of the temple doesn’t appear to be of Pallava architectural style. However, the idols of the temple are extremely beautiful and they resemble the ancient idols of Pallava period of other temples. From inscriptions, one can understand that a king called Sangama Kula Virupaksharaya tried to construct a Raja Gopuram at the temple. The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 11.45 AM and 03.00 PM to 5.45 PM. The Murugan Temple on the Hill top remains open only between 08.00 AM to 09.00 PM Festivals Shivarathri and Pradosham days are celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. Bairavar here is called Santhaana Prapthi Bhairavar, famous for granting boon for child birth. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Nagalapuram, 17 Kms from Uthukottai, 15 Kms from Surutapalli, 42 Kms from Thiruvallur, 43 Kms from Thiruthani, 27 Kms from Nagari Railway Station, 59 Kms from Tirupati, 75 Kms from Chennai and 86 Kms from Chennai Airport. This place, also called Kaalinga Madu Karai or Thirukaarikarai is in the Chennai – Thirupathi route, after Suruttuppalli and Nagalapuram, about 5 Kms from Nagalapuram. Some of the APSRTC buses stop just outside the temple. A person travelling from Chennai has to cross Poondi and Uthukottai. Ramagiri can be reached through two routes. Via Redhills, Karanodai, Periyapalayam, Uthukottai and Nagalapuram. In the Chennai – Kolkata Grand North Trunk (GNT) Road you can go upto Karanodai bridge / Toll Plaza and immediately after that you can take the road on the left that goes via Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Nagalapuram to Thirupathi. From Nagalapuram, the temple is just 5 Kms away and is on the main road itself. You can also come via Thiruvallur, Poondi, Uthukottai to Nagalapuram. Vaaleeswarar Temple, Ramagiri – 517581 Andhra Pradesh Mobile: +91 9490008887
Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli, Chittoor Lord Shiva has 5 faces; Isanam, Thatpurusham, Vaamadevam, Sathyojaatham and Agoram. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples on the banks of Kosasthalaiyar (Brahmaranya River) representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Tatpurusha face of Lord Shiva. This temple built by Vijayanagara emperor Vidhyaranyar was in a dilapidated state but now it has been renovated beautifully. Kanchipuram Sankara Paramacharya is considered to have spent lot of time here meditating and he is the person who traced this place to Ramayana period findings. This temple was one of the favorites of the Paramacharya, who stayed here for 10 days, and in whose memory a Dhyana Mandapam was constructed. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi performed the Kumbabhishekam of the temple on June 23, 2002. The Temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m and 04.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Shivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals of the temple. Pradosham days morning 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Sani Pradosham is especially important when about 15,000 devotees throng this temple. On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri well over 30,000 devotees wait for the darshan of Pallikondeswarar. Surutapalli is the place, where Pradosha puja first began. If devotees worship Pallikonda Easwara, who swallowed the venom to save the world on Pradosha day falling on a Saturday, they will recover the losses. Those demoted will be reinstalled in their proper position again with promotion too. Obstacles in wedding proposals will not occur. Separated couples will see re-union in life. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform archanas to Lord Shiva with Vilwa garlands. Origin of Pradosham: Once Indra, the King of Gods, while riding on his white elephant Iravadha came across Sage Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland but without giving much importance he gave it to his elephant. Iravadha was irritated by the smell of the flowers in the garland and therefore threw the garland on the floor and stamped on it. This act enraged sage Durvasa as he got the garland from “Sridevi” as prasadam. Immediately Durvasa cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune. Due to this curse, in the battles that followed Devas were defeated and Asuras led by Mahabali Chakravarthy, gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to take the path of diplomacy with Asuras and the only way to regain lost glory was to drink Amrutham/nectar. Devas came to an agreement with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishu told Devas that he would ensure Amrutha (Nectar) does not get to Asuras. During the Samudra Manthan (churning) of the Ocean of Milk Mount Mandaranchal was used as the dasher (churning tool), and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope. The gods held the tail of the snake, while the demons (Asuras) held its head, and they pulled on it alternately causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. With request from both Devas and Asuras Lord Vishnu took the form of a turtle (Kurma avatar), came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back. Halahala Poison was the first to come when churning started and this terrified the Devas and Asuras because, the poison was so toxic that it might have destroyed all of creation. On the advice of Vishnu, both Devas and Asuras approached Shiva for help and protection. Out of compassion for living beings, Shiva drank the poison. It was so potent that it changed the color of Shiva’s neck to blue and therefore he is also called Neelakantha (the blue-necked one, Nila = “blue”, kantha = “throat”). Parvati immediately realized the deeds of Shiva and put her hand to stop the poison from entering Lord Shiva’s body. After the episode, Shiva proceeded to his abode Kailash with Parvati. On the way, he felt exhausted and slightly uncomfortable, when he reached a place in the bounds of Andhra, which came to be called Suruttuppalli. There, he lied down to relax, keeping his head in the lap of Parvati. The gods, who were concerned about Shiva’s well-being assembled there and stood around him, waiting for the Lord to open his eyes. This lying posture of Shiva is rare and unique, is almost similar to Vishnu’s reclining posture. As soon as the effect of poison diminished and Lord Shiva came back to normalcy all Devas and Asuras wanted to have his Darshan. When they approach Nandi (Sacred Bull) for permission to see Lord Shiva, Nandi refused and asked them to pray and wait since, Lord Shiva and Parvati were together. On waking up, he found that everyone was happy and feeling relieved since a big disaster was averted. So, happily, he then began his cosmic dance, Anantha Thandavam, on top of the forehead of Rishaba Vahana accompanied by Devendhran reciting flute, Mahalakshmi singing dance, Brahma playing the jalra, Mahavishnu playing the mridangam in the presence of all the Devars and Rishis. This period when Lord Shiva gave them Darshan is known as Pradosha Kalam. Pradhosha, generally, is a significant occasion observed with great piety at all Siva temples. It is believed that Pradosham is originated here. Valmikeswarar & Ramalingeswarar: Sage Valmiki prayed to Lord Rama and the Lord gave him darshan. After defeating Ravana, and before reaching Ayodhya, Rama stayed at this place. So, the two together prayed to Lord Siva. The Lingam, which Valmiki prayed to, is called Valmikeswarar and the one Rama prayed to is Ramalingeswarar. At present these two Lingams face each other. Lava & Kusa visit to this Temple: Unknowingly twins Lava and Kusa fought with his father Rama over the Ashwamedha Yaga horse. To get salvation from this they visited many Shiva temples along with Sage Valmiki. This is one of the Temples visited by them. Pancha Brahma Sthalams: The river Brahma Aranya was believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. Once when he churned the Arani wood (Arani means fire) to create fire to start the Yagna for Sage Romesa, fire came out initially but on churning further, water came out of it and flown as a river. Since this was created by Lord Brahma from the Arani wood, this is called Brahma Aranya river. The Brahma Aranya river flows from Andhra Pradesh and merges with sea at Pazhaverkadu. Many sages have meditated at the banks of this river and created many temples. Out of these, in five places they have contained all their meditative powers into Shivalingams and built temples. They are called Pancha Brahma Sthalams, representing the five faces of Lord Shiva and they are: All these temples are many thousand years old and since they have been created by Sages, the base of the lingam (Avudayar) will be in square shape. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Uthukottai, 2 Kms from Uthukottai Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Nagalapuram, 15 Kms from Ramagiri, 26 Kms from Thiruvallur, 29 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 74 Kms from Tirupati, 60 Kms from Chennai and 72 Kms from Chennai Airport. This Temple is situated on the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh Border. This village is on the Chennai-Tirupati route. Some of the APSRTC buses stop just outside the temple. A person travelling from Chennai has to cross Poondi and Uthukottai. Surutapalli is midway between Uthukottai and Nagalapuram. Suruttuppalli can be reached through two routes. Via Redhills, Karanodai, Periyapalayam and Uthukottai. In the Chennai – Kolkata Grand North Trunk (GNT) Road you can go upto Karanodai bridge / Toll Plaza and immediately after that you can take the road on the left that goes via Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Nagalapuram to Thirupathi. From Uthukottai, the temple is just 2 Kms away and is on the main road itself. It is at the end of the Uthukottai town which is the border between Tamilnadu and Andhra states and the temple is in the Andhra state territory. You can also come via Thiruvallur and Poondi to Uthukottai. Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli, Dasukuppam Post, Nagalapuram M.D., Chittoor District – 517 588 Andhra Pradesh, India Phone: +91 8576 278 599 / 274 971
The Deity at this temple is also called Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy who is Swayambhu i.e. self-manifested. Here two shilas are intertwisted thereby forming a lion head over a man’s body. In Telugu, Penu means twisted and Sila means stone which means twisted stone. The temple location is historically famous as the place where Sage Kanva used to perform austerities. The temple is located in the Penchalakona valley. Apart from Narasimha Jayanthi, the Penchala Swamy festival is popular here which goes on from Vaisakha Shuddha Dwadashi to Bahula Padyami i.e. for a period of 5 days. As in Tirumala, devotees offer their hair during this festival. Somasila Narasimha Swamy is another name to the Lord here in this temple. This temple is one of the Nine manifestations of Narasimha Swamy. The Temple Legend: Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Narasimha Swamy (Body is of Human and Head is of Lion) to kill the demon Hiranyakasyapa. Even after killing the demon, the anger was not controlled and he started roaming the forests. To control his anger, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of tribal lady Chenchu Lakshmi to please Narasimha Swamy. Chenchu Lakshmi hugged Narasimha Swamy at this place to control the anger. Hug in Telugu called Penu Vesukonuta. Thus the place got the name Penusila, as time passes by the name changed to Penchalakona. Direct buses are available From Gudur Bus station, Near Railway station To Rapur. From Raipur, one can reach Penchalakona. Those who are planning from Chennai, South Gudur is the nearest station. From Chennai Central to Nellore, Local sub trains are available with fare Rs. 35 To 40 for 110 Km Brahmotsavam starts on Vaisaka Sudda Ekadasi and goes for 5 days, the celebration occurs during the months of Apr and May. Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi will be celebrated in a grand. Devotees from Kadapa, Prakasam District, Nellore, Tamil Nadu used to take part during this festival.
Srikalahasti Temple is located around 36 kms from Tirupati. This temple is among the most famous Shiva temples in South India. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kasi. In this temple, Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara. This temple is considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshin Kailash and also as Dakshina Kasi The temple consists of two main deities – Lord Shiva & Parvati. Lord Shiva is in the form of Linga while Parvati is in the standing posture facing North and is called by the name Gnana Prasunamba. Shrine dedicated to Dakshinamurthy is at the entrance of the temple,. He is regarded as the Guru of Lord Shiva. There are many deities and idols dedicated to Venkateswara, Vinayaka, Nataraja, Subhramanya, Surya, Nayanars and also replica Lingas of other famous Shiva temples all over India. Panchaboothasthalam(Vayu Linga): Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of Vayu (Wind) Lingam. Rahu Kethu Kshetra: Kalahasteeswara temple is famous for Rahu Kethu Kshetra. People with Rahu Ketu dosh and Sarpa Dosh or people with problems with planets cann perform Rahu – Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja in this Temple. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century by the Pallav dynasty. The Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings constructed the outer temple in the 12th century. The entire temple is carved out of the side of a huge stone hill. The mandapam with 100 pillars and the 120 feet (37 m) high main gopuram were constructed by Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara king in 1516. The temple complex abounds in lithic records (stone inscriptions) of Chola kings such as Rajaditya (regnal years 947-949 CE), Raja Raja Chola (regnal years 985-1014 CE), his son Rajendra Chola (1012-1044 CE), his son Rajadhiraja (1018-1054 CE), Kulottunga I (1070-1120 CE) and Kulotunga III (1178-1218 CE). According to Hindu mythology, the elephant or Hasti used to clean the Shiva deity by watering the idol with the help of river-water carried in his trunks and pray for him by placingBilva leaves. The spider or Sri tried to protect the deity from external damage by weaving his web and to provide shelter for the Shiva lingam. The snake or Kala used to place its precious gem on the linga to adorn the lord. In this way, they all worshipped the Vayu linga separately without knowing what the other was doing. One day, the spider had built a very big and thick web around the deity to protect it from dust and weather while the snake places its gem. The elephant not knowing this and assuming that this form of puja by Sri and Kala is a desecration by the seeming miscreants, pours water on it and cleans it up. This causes a fight between the three. The snake punishes the elephant by entering its trunk and in the process kills itself while the elephant runs amok and hits its trunk and head against the shiva linga. During this struggle, the spider is squashed against the linga by the elephant’s trunk and the elephant dies due to the snake’s poison. Lord Shiva then appeared and gave moksha to all three of them for their selfless devotion. The spider takes rebirth as a great king while the elephant and the snake reaches heaven for satisfying all its karma. This king continues his good work from his previous birth and builds a variety of temples that seeks to protect the underlying deity with tons of stones. It is interesting to note that all his temples, keep the deity beyond the access of an elephant. In this temple, access to the deity is through a narrow passage in the side of the building that prevents an elephant from extending its trunk over the lord from any side. Photo by Krishna Kumar Subramanian
Somarama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance. This temple is an old but looks like a new one because of paintings on the walls and sculptures. At the front of the temple is a lotus covered pond called Chandrakundam, and there is a large Gopuram at the temple entrance. In the left side of temple there is a big hall in which temples of Lord Srirama and Hanuma are present. On the right side of temple there is an open hall above the temple office. When a crowd is present, pujaris/pandits conduct puja here for individuals. The temple has many sculptures. In the hall of temple there is a big statue of Nandi. After crossing hall there is a room in front of sanctum. In that room there is a temple of Annapurn_a mata
Sri Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is an ancient holy temple and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. This temple is 51 km from Eluru, the headquarters of West Godavari District [Jangareddygudem] Guravaigudem, West Godavari, Jangareddy Gudem, Andhra Pradesh 534447 088212 26494
Kotasattemma Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage center in Nidadavolu of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh During Chalukya period, Kotasattemma temple was constructed by Chalukya Veerabadhra, the spouse of Rudrama Devi. The idol of Kotasattemma was immersed by several calamities during the Reddy dynasty. In 1934, the idol was found by Devulapalli Rama Murthy Sastri in his land and later he constructed the temple. Nidadavolu, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh 534301 088132 21517
Sri Sampath Vinayagar is the prominent deity of Visakhapatnam locals. The temple is located in Asilmetta of Visakhapatnam city. This temple was built in 1962 by T.S. Rajeshwaran and T.S. Selvaganesan later it comes under Endowments Department of Andhara Pradesh. Local people still believe that Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 this temple saved city from attack of PNS Ghazi and sank that submarine in the coast of Visakhapatnam. 10-1-33 Waltair Appliance, road, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003 089127 55650
Nookallamma (or Nookambika) is a local deity or Gramadevata popular in Andhra Pradesh State of India. The temple houses the goddess Nookambika. Appalaraju built this temple to Kakatambika, a family goddess. She would later be called Nookambika or Nookalamma. On “Kottha Amavasya“, a day before Ugadi, thousands of people from throughout Andhra Pradesh come to the temple for worship
Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi is the presiding deity of Visakhapatnam locals. The temple is located in Burujupeta of Visakhapatnam city. own Kotha Rd, Burujupeta, Chengal Rao Peta, Port Area, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001 089125 66515
ISKCON Visakhapatnam Temple is the upcoming temple on Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam, India. Temple construction started in 2005, the day of Akshaya Tritiya at sagar Nagar
Devipuram is a Hindu temple complex located near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Belonging primarily to the Shakta school of Hinduism, it is dedicated to the goddess Sahasrakshi (lit., “she who has a infinite eyes“, a form of Lalita Tripurasundari or Parvati), and her consort Kameshwara Via Ammulapalem P.O, Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh 531001 094408 45333
Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, located in Santharavuru, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the deity Ramalingeswara (the Hindu god Shiva). The temple dates back to the Chola period (12th century AD). According to The Hindu the temple administrators claim that the temple has a bell that reverberates 108 times when struck once,and that there are only two such bells the other being at Kashi Andhra Pradesh 523301
Goddess Gangamma Temple is in the outskirts of Dhenuva Konda, Garlapadu village in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Sunday is preferable day to offer pooja in the temple. Goddess Gangamma is a powerful figure to the Yadava community. They celebrate Jatara for her on the full moon in April. During Jatara, the temple is decorated with a huge set of lighting. Devotees visit and pray to the goddess for the whole day and night of that full moon day.
Beeramgunta Poleramma Temple is a re-established 200 years-old temple in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, sacred to the goddess Poleramma. Poleramma is a pre-Vedic deity, who is predominantly worshipped in Andhra Pradesh, and a local form of Sakti. She is worshipped as Grama devata (goddess who protects the village). The new temple was established in the center of the village, although Poleramma is a coast goddess whose temples are usually established at the outskirts of villages. This is also observed in various other places in Andhra Pradesh including Allur. Unnamed Road, Beeramgunta, Andhra Pradesh 524315 099162 25620
The Aretamma Temple (also known as Arvetamma) is a Hindu temple in Veguru Village, Kovur Mandal, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. Aretamma is worshiped as Grama devata (Goddess who protects Veguru village). She was born in a brahamana house. When counting rice one stone found in rice bag the stone called Aretamma. One day she said to him bramhana person build my temple in this village to place me on that temple. The temple was reconstructed in 2007 and that time did the thiranalu of aretamma in 3 days grandly. Again after 7 long years did the aretamma thiranalu in 14 June 2015 successfully. Veguru Sivalayam St, Veguru, Andhra Pradesh 524137
Swayambhu Sri Abhista Gnana Ganapathi Temple is a Swayambhu (Self anifested) anapathi temple in Kurnool, known as SSAGG temple located in Kurnool district of he Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Sangameswara temple is a Hindu temple in the Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located near Muchumarri at the confluence of the Krishna and Bhavanasi rivers, in the foreshore of the Srisailam reservoir where it is submerged for part of the time, surfacing when the water level recedes to a sufficient degree.It was first submerged after the Srisailam Dam was constructed in 1981, and first surfaced in 2003 The temple’s wooden Lingam, Sangameswaram, is believed to have been installed by Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas, after their visit to Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple.The temple is considered a place of religious sanctity due to being built at the confluence of seven rivers and remain visible for two months. (Bhavanasi, Krishna River and five rivers that merge into it beforehand, namely, Veni, Tunga, Bhadra, Bheemarathi and Malapaharini). Sangameshwaram,, Nandikotkur, Andhra Pradesh
Koulutla Chenna Kesava Temple is located in a reserved forest of Kappatralla, 50 km from district Kurnool District headquarters. The great Vijayanagara King, Sri Krishna Deva Raya, constructed a temple complex for the deity. Along with Koulutla Chena Kesava Temple there are additional Shiva temples in this shrine. Kappatralla village, DevanaKonda Mandal,Kurnool District,Andhra Pradesh,India, Andhra Pradesh
Peddintlamma Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage center. It is located on the shores of Kolleru Lake in Kolletikota of Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. During the 13th century, the temple was constructed by Eastern Ganga Dynasty Army General under the reign of a Suryavansha Vadiya king, Langula Narasimhadeva (Langula Gajapathi Raju) of Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Paritala Anjaneya Temple is a temple residing statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue is the tallest one dedicated to Lord Hanuman in the world.It is located in the village of Paritala on NH-9, approximately 30 km from the city of Vijayawada, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The statue was installed in the year 2003 and stands 135 feet (41 metres) tall. The statue is taller than Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (38 m, including 8 m pedestal) and attracts many devotees, both foreign and domestic. The tallest Lord Hanuman statue outside India is at Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago, which is 85 ft tall. Paritala, mandal, Kanchikacherla, Andhra Pradesh 521180
The history of the famous Kallapalem Ballasulamma temple. Kallapalem is a small village in the Kalidindi Mandal of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The incident happened back 400 years. The northern part of an Indian family of Ramannna with two sons Pedda Ramanna and China Ramanna were living together. Cattle raising was their profession. The Pedda veranna is soft and China veranna is a playboy. China Ramanna had a relationship with a Lambadi girl and this news spread to Lambadi society. They threatened to kill the Ramanna family. In fear of death the Ramanna family moved with their cattle toward southern part of India. On the way they met with Goddess Ballasulamma and she asked them to carry with them. The Ramanna requested the goddess that he cannot effort to carry her or offer food.
Pithapuram Temple is a temple in the Pithapuram area of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. It is 75 km (47 mi) from Rajahmundry and 20 km (12 mi) from Kakinada. The main deity of this Hindu temple is Kukkuteshwara Swamy.
Antarvedi is famous for its unique temple known as Neelakanteswara temple. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva who is also known Neelakanta. Puranas indicate that Lord Brahma has worshipped the idol of Lord Shiva at this temple and is therefore one of the famous Shiva temples in India. The temple is one of the ancient temples of India with devotees thronging to this place during Shiva Ratri Festival. Antarvedi is located in East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. Antervedi Pallipalem, Andhra Pradesh 533252
The Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari temple is a temple in Samalkota. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Shiva, known as Kumara Bhimeswara. The most important festival that is celebrated in this temple is Maha Sivarathri. The temple is historically prominent, as it was built by Chalukyas who reigned over this location. Construction of the temple started in 892 and completed around 922. It is similar to the temple in Draksharamam, but is also unique, such as the linga being white. The temple still stands strong, and it was made a National Heritage Site. It resembles a twin of Draksharam, with two staired Mandapa, and notable that it is in excellent condition, without any cracks. Though the temple is not in a populated place, people do visit there. The linga is a limestone, 14 feet (4.3 m) high. The temple was built in Dravidian style, by the King Chalukya Bhima. Hence, the god name is Bhimeswara (between 892-922CE). The Kakatiya rulers (in the period 1340-1466CE) have added and renovated the temple pillars with very fine sharp finishes. The work of Chalukyas and Kakatiya’s is very easily distinguished, by the well-decorated and polished pillars in the temple to the rest of the temple, both new and old. The construction of this temple is so solid that it has not changed much through all the years, when compared to the Draksharaam temple. Kala Bhairava is also of importance, and Balatripura sundari is the Goddess. Shaasanas between 1147-1494 were scripted into pillars of the temple, which also have lists of gifts given, through the ages, for the temple. Recent excavations in the compound of the temple has yielded many figures dated back 1000 years are now present inside the temple. In Puranas it has been written that it is a Yogakshetram, which means, the person who has the “yogam” (“fated to have” or “opportunity given by god” or “boon”) to visit, will visit the temple Jaggamma Garipeta, Samarlakota, Andhra Pradesh 533440
The temple of Andhra Shirdi is located in a small and prosperous village called Balabhadrapuram in Bikkavolu Mandal of East Godavari, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. As of 2014, the Temple had been under construction for nine years, with a total budget of ₹30 million Rupees, and another 20 million Rupees planned. The project’s goal is to make “Andhra Shirdi” one of the most important and holiest temples in India. The temple contains a statue of Sai Baba of Shirdi, an Indian guru that was erected on 17 February 2005. Sai Baba is a well-known figure in many parts of the world, especially in India, where he is much revered. His parentage, birth details, and life before the age of sixteen are obscure, which has led to speculation about his origins, and he showed characteristics of both Hinduism and Islam. Sai Baba is revered by several notable Hindu and Sufi religious leaders. Some of his disciples became famous as spiritual figures and saints. Way to Main rd, Balabhadhrapuram, Andhra Pradesh 533342 076609 31882
Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy Temple is a 500 year old Vaishnavite temple situated at Therani village in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is referred to as Vaikuntanatha. The temples was constructed during 16th Century on the banks of river Kushasthali. The temple is 5 km away from Nagari town and 50 km away from Tirupati city. The temple was built during 16th Century by Sudarsanachary, a pundit in the royal court of the Karvetinagaram which was a part of Vijayanagara Empire. The temple was most neglected and turned into a ramshackle structure over a period of time. The temple had undergone recent renovation works with donations from a devotee.
The Ekam is located in Varadaiahpalem, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Oneness Temple is built on the grounds of the Oneness University campus of Sri Bhagavan’s ashram. The temple was inaugurated in April 2008.The temple is located in a wide open land beside the misty Eastern Ghats mountains. The location where the temple is built was supposed to have been where many rishis had meditated from the ancient times, giving it a special Spiritual energy. Built in white marble, the temple is designed with stupas, spires, domes, ornate doors and latticed windows. With its pillar-less meditation halls covering over 22,500 sq feet, largest of such halls in Asia, the temple is a symbol of modern engineering. The temple complex, designed to the Golden Ratio, has a span of 50 metres. The temple consists of three floors. Each floor is a large meditation hall. More than 8000 people can meditate together at the same time inside the temple. The halls at the ground and middle level are each a surface area of 6700 m2. The hall at the top floor has a surface area of 2500 m2. The height of the temple is 32.85 m. The entire temple is built on a raised platform of 130 m × 106 m and surrounded by a moat of water bodies at the 4 corners.
Vakula Devi is the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara. As per the legend of Tirumala, it dates back to Dvapara Yuga when Yasoda, the foster mother of Lord Krishna (avatar of Lord Vishnu) complains to him that she couldn’t witness any of his marriages. To this, Lord Krishna replies he would ensure she would get such opportunity later in Kali Yuga. In Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu adorns the world as Lord Venkateswara and Yasoda is reborn as Vakula Devi, foster mother of Lord Venkateswara, to arrange his wedding with Padmavati the daughter of King Akasa Raja. Thus Vakula Devi fulfills her wish to witness the kalyanam (wedding) of Lord Venkateswara.
Sri Sunama Jakini Maatha was born into Suryavamshi Are-Katika community of Pinnepalli village in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. A temple was built for this goddess in Gooty town of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh is also one of the first temple for Are-katika community. Sri Sunama Jakini maatha was born in Malkari family from Are-Katika community at Pinnepalli village of Yadiki mandal, Tadipatri taluk, Anantapur district (officially: Anantapuramu), Andhra Pradesh state of India. She married to Hanumanthakari Thanji Rao at a very young age. She was very devotional and use to observe fasting very often. One day during fasting she fell unconscious. Her husband thought that she is dead and ordered to bury her. Localites requested her husband to pass on the message to her mother, father and brothers who live in Pinnepalli village. Her husband did not allow this. As localites were getting ready to bury her, they found that Sunama maatha is still alive and informed the same to her husband. Under alcohol effect her husband ordered them to bury her anyway. In that sense Sunama Jakini maatha has taken jeeva samadhi Buddhism: Nirvana). It is estimated that this incident took place around 1803 AD.
Mounagiri is a Hindu temple near Bengaluru Highway in Anantapur, India. The temple displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Andhra culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple was inspired and developed by Sri Eswaraiah Swamy, the spiritual head of the Mounagiri Global Trust and Philosophical Society, whose 500 volunteers helped 1,000 artisans construct the Mounagiri Hanuman Temple. The Hanuman idol cost around ₹40 lakh (US$58,000) to sculpture. Hampapuram, Andhra Pradesh 515722
Chintalarayaswamy Temple or Sri Chintala Venkataramana Temple is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at Tadipatri, a town in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh state, India.The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is referred to as Chintala Venkataramana.It is situated on banks of river Penna which is passing through the town.The Temple is known for its granite sculptures and is classified as one of the Monuments of National mportance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple has a Garuda mantapa built as Chariot with rotating granite wheels which is similar to the one found in Vithala Temple of Hampi. Gandhi Katta, Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh 515411 095814 52866
Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple is a Siva shrine situated in Tadipatri, Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple lies on the bank of the Penna River. Ellutla, Andhra Pradesh 515425 088863 66030
Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam is a Hindu Narasimha (avatar of Vishnu) with a temple in Malakonda, Valetivari Palem, Prakasham district, Andhra Pradesh, India. He is Lord of Malyadri (Malakonda). A large number of devotees visit the sacred shrine of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha to pay their homage to him. Malyadri is one of the NavaNarasimhas (Nine Narasimhas). ‘Malyadri’ means the Parvatas are arranged as flower mala. The west side of Malyadri has the Ahobhila Narasimha Swamy, northwest side of Malyadri has the Sri Sailam, south side of Malyadri has the Vruchachala kshetram, east side of Malyadri has the Narasimha swamy of Singarayakonda, south side of Malyadri has the Penna River (Pinakini). North side of Malyadri has the Krishna River. All the devotees of Malyadri give their children names related to Sri Malyadri Narasimha, for males, and related to Sri Mahalakshmi for females.The God Srimannarayana Swamy is Sri Narasimha’s avatara. He has Sudarshana Chakra on one hand, Sanku on one hand, Sri Mahalakshmi is sitting on his thigh, so one hand is surrounding her, and blessing devotees with one hand. The God gives blessings to Yakshas, Gandharvas, Sidhas, and Devamunis on six days (Sunday to Friday). The God gives blessings to Devotees (Manavas) on Saturday only.Sri Mahalakshmi Devi Mata is Goddess of Malyadri. She is on top of the Hill of Malyadri. Here also the God Sri Narasimha and the Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi Devi give blessings to the Devotees. There are no services by Airline Nearest Railway station is at ongole which is 75 Km away. There are two ways to reach Malakonda. The eastern route is through the Lingasamudram from Singarakonda in Prakasam district. West way from Pamur in Prakasam district. Mandal Valetivaripalem, District Prakasam, Malakonda, Andhra Pradesh
Panduranga Swamy Temple Is A Famous Temple In Chilakalapudi, Machilipatnam, Krishna District In The State Of Andhra Pradesh. This Temple Was Constructed In 1929 By Sri Bhakta Narasimham. It Has A Spiritual Significance Among The People Of Machilipatnam. The Deity And The Garbhagriha Of The Temple Are Very Similar To Pandaripur Temple. An Idol Of Sri Abhayanjaneya Swami (An Incarnation Of Lord Hanuman) Is Installed In Front Of The Lord. Every Year During The Kartika Month There Will Be A Festival Celebrated At This Temple. The nearest airport is Gannavaram Airport. It is located at a distance of 17.9 km from the city of Vijayawada. From there it is 67.9 km along the Machilipatnam road. Taxi / Bus services are available from Vijayawada to Machilipatnam. Trains are available from Vijayawada Railway Station to Machilipatnam Railway Station. From there Machilipatnam is about 80 km, can be reached by train. Buses are available from Pandit Nehru Bus Station, Vijayawada to Machilipatnam. From there it is 67.9 km by road. Taxi / Bus services are available from Vijayawada to Machilipatnam.
Kurmanathaswamy temple, Srikurmam, Andhra Pradesh Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple (also known as Srikurmam temple) is a Hindu temple in the Gara mandal of the Srikakulam district in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Kurma avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is worshipped as Kurmanathaswamy, and his consort Lakshmi, worshipped as Kurmanayaki. According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have manifested here in the form of a tortoise-shaped idol upon the wishes of Swetha Chakravarthi. Brahma then consecrated the idol with Gopala Yantra. The temple is famous for ancestor worship. Srikurmam is the only Indian temple in the world where Vishnu is worshiped in his Kurma avatar. Initially dedicated to Shiva and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, Ramanuja is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th century AD. Since then, the temple was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with Simhachalam. The temple has two dhvajasthambas, a rarity for a Vaishnavite temple. 108 ekasila (single-stone) pillars, with none resembling each other, bear few inscriptions related to the royal lineages that existed in this area in the past. A tortoise park has been built to conserve the adult and young star tortoises, making Srikurmam the only conservation centre for this species.Srikurmam follows both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions of worship. Four daily rituals and four annual festivals are celebrated in Srikurmam, out of which the three-day Dolotsavam is the major one. Gajapathi Rajus of Vizianagaram are the trustees of the temple, which is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Indian postal department issued a stamp featuring the temple on 11 April 2013. The temple is situated in the Gara mandal of the Srikakulam district, which is located at a distance of 130 kilometres (81 mi) from Visakhapatnam. Considered the only Indian temple where the Hindu deity Vishnu is worshipped in the form of a tortoise, Srikurmam is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) away from Srikakulam town and 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) away from the Suryanarayana temple, Arasavalli. Believed to have been built before the 2nd century AD,the temple is popular among the Tamil diaspora as well because it is a Vaishnavite temple. Initially dedicated to Shiva and referred to as Kurmeswara temple, Ramanuja is said to have converted Srikurmam into a Vaishnavite temple in the 11th century AD.His disciples established Vaishnavism in the temple with the support of Kalinga king Anantavarman Chodaganga, the eastern Ganga king.After this incident, a group of devadasis were employed to sing and dance daily before the deity in the morning and evening. Official Address
Annavaram Satyanarayana Temple, Andhra Pradesh Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayanaswamy Temple or Annavaram Temple is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at Annavaram town in East Godavari District, of Andhra Pradesh state, India.The temple is on a hillock named Ratnagiri and is dedicated to Veera Venkata Satyanarayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Official Address
Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi, Andhara Pradesh The temple has been built on the southern side of Lepakshi town, on a low altitude hillock of a large exposure of granite rock, which is in the shape of a tortoise, and hence known as Kurma Saila. It is 140 kilometres (87 mi) away from Bangalore. The approach from the National Highway NH7 to Hyderabad that takes a branch road at the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border leading to Lepakshi, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) away. Another route to reach the temple is taking a route from Hindupur. It is situated 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Penukonda, located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Official Address Old, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331
Ranganatha Temple, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Yaganti temple, Andhra Pradesh One story of the site’s origin is as follows: The sage Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the idol got broken. The sage was upset over this and performed a penance for Shiva. When Shiva appeared, he said the place suits Shiva better as it resembles Kailash. Agastya then requested Shiva to give the devotees a Parvathi Goddess as Lord Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Shiva obliged.A second story is as follows: Chitteppa, a devotee of Shiva, was worshiping Shiva and Shiva appeared to him as a tiger. Chitteppa understood that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and shouted Neganti Shivanu ne kanti (meaning: I saw Shiva I saw), and danced with joy. There is a cave called Chitteppa nearby. Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is one of the few temples patronized by one of the great dynasties of India. Every year Maha Shivaratri is celebrated and a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit. Shiva, Parvati and Nandi are the main deities in this temple.This temple is 14 km away from Banaganipalli in kurnool dt. The saint lord Veerabrahmendra swami stayed here for some time and wrote Kalagnanam. Official Address
Pallikondeswara Temple, Surutapalli, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Konetirayala Temple, Keelapatla, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Parasurameswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh Though a small village, historically it is very important, because it has a beautiful Siva Temple which is popularly known as “the Parasurameswara Temple.”The main importance of the temple lies in the Linga which is housed in the Garbhagriha of the temple and considered unique for its naturalistic depection. This is supposed to be the earliest Linga discovered so far and it has been assigned to the 3rd century BCE. The name of the temple is mentioned as Parasurameswara Temple in the inscriptions. These inscriptions do not refer to the original builders of the temple. But they register the gifts made to the temple like land, money and cows for the conduct of daily worship in the temple. The Black and Redware sherds of the 2nd or 3rd century AD have been brought to light during the course of excavations conducted in 1973. Potsherds of the Andhra Satavahana period (Circa 1st century AD to 2nd century AD) and large sized bricks measuring 42x21x6 inches of the same period have also been found. Hence some historians assign the temple to the Satavahana period. Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Antarvedi, Andhra pradesh There are three ways that one can travel to Antarvedi. Steam launches are available. Alternatively, one can ride on the ferry, upon reaching Sakhinetipalli and from there start for Antarvedi by road. The third option is to cross the Chinchinada using the newly built bridge, and travel the rest of the way by road. Official Address
Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple, Andhra pradesh near the Antharvahini river amongst 16 acres of grass fields and coconut palms. The temple is 20 km (12 mi) from Kakinada and 58 km (36 mi) away from Rajahmundry Official Address
Siddheswara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Kulandeshwara Temple, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
{Temple Name} Alipiri Padala Mandapam or Alipiri is the place at foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. One Footstep way and two road ways, one up and one down, leading to Tirumala through seven hills starts from Alipiri and hence it got the name “The Gate Way to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple” In older days pilgrims used to climb all the seven hills only through the stepped way on foot, as there was no other option. Hence the pilgrims came from long distances used to take rest for some time there, cooked their food, eat there. After taking rest they started to climb the steps. Nowadays all the stepped way is covered with roof to protect the pilgrims from sun light and rain. The lights are also provided. Special privilege is provided to the pilgrims who came on foot for the visit of the god There is an ancient footsteps path to Tirumala, that starts from Alipiri known as Alipiri Metlu. The Devotees to fulfil their Vow to Lord Venkateswara will take this path to reach Tirumala on foot from Tirupati. It consists of a total 3550 Steps which makes a distance of 12 km.There are Four Gopurams(Temple Towers) on the way. It is completely roofed and passes through seven hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills. Official Address
Veeranjaneya Temple, Ardhagiri, Andhra pradesh Official Address
Vedanarayana Temple, Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Varahaswamy Temple, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Official Address Balaji Nagar, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Prasanna Venkateswara Temple, Appalayagunta, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Kodandarama Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple is one of the famous temples, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, in the holy city of Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama an incarnation of Vishnu along with Sita and Lakshmana. The temple also has a sub-shrine for Anjaneya the mount of Lord Sri Rama.Rama Navami is celebrated with major grandeur at this temple which includes Hanumantha Vahana Seva in connection with Sri Rama Navami day, followed by Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on Dasami and Sri Rama Pattabhisheka Mahotsavam on Ekadasi. The nine-day annual brahmotsavams celebrated every year which falls between March and April is another biggest event in the temple.The Annual three-day Teppotsavams(Float festival) will be celebrated during April at the temple where the processional deity of Sri Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana will taken over a float in Sri Ramachandra Pushkarini.[1] Official Address
Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasamangapuram, Andhra Pradesh Official Address
Kapila Theertham, Andhra Pradesh Kapila Theertham is a famous Saivite Temple and Theertham, located at Tirupati in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The idol is believed to be installed by Kapila Muni and hence Lord Siva here is referred to as Kapileswara.The temple stands at the entrance to a mountain cave in one of the steep and vertical faces at the foot of the Tirumala hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills, where the waters of the mountain stream fall directly into Temple Pushkarini known as “Kapila Theertham“. A huge stone statue of a seated bull “Nandhi”, Shiva’s steed, greets devotees and passersby at the entrance to the templeThough this temple’s significance has diminished due to the hugely popular neighboring Temples in Tirumala and Tiruchanoor, it received very good patronage from the Kings of Vijayanagara in the 13th thru 16th centuries, especially Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, and the eternally famous Sri Krishna Deva Raya, and some of the later rulers like Venkatapathi Raya, and Aliya Ramaraya, Sri Krishna Deva Raya’s Son-in-law 20 kms from tirumala & 4.2 kms from Tirupati bus station Official Address
Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh temple is only half a km away from Tirupati Railway station and at a distance of 1.5 km from Tirupati RTC Bus stand. Official Address govindaraja Swamy Temple, Varadaraja Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh -517501 Phone: 09885950162
Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. It is mentioned in the sacred texts.A nearby temple viewed from Prakasam Barrage on night lightsThis is the place where Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha astra after his great penance for Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed for Goddess Durga by Arjuna. It is connected by steps and a ghats road The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures as several of the Siva-leelas and Shakti-mahimas were enacted on or around it, making the region a place of unequaled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since times immemorial.[3]It is mentioned in the Vedas that the deity in the Kanakadurga temple is regarded as ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested, hence considered very powerful.Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous hindu Temple of Goddess Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River. Kaalika puraana, Durgaa sapthashati and other vedic literature have mentioned about Goddess Kanaka Durga on the Indrakeelaadri and have described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa. Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20 km from airport. Temple buses are available at bus stand and railway station for every 20 minutes.Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road, rail and air from all parts of the country. Official Address Arjuna Street Mallikarjunapeta Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520001
Vinayaka Temple, Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh The temple is about 11 km from Chittoor and 68 km from Tirupati. Official Address
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh The Shri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Simhachalam is a Hindu temple situated on the Simhachalam hill, which is 500 metres above the sea level in the north of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to one of the Hindu trinity deitiesVishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. As per the temple’s legend (which is divided into 32 chapters), Vishnu manifested in this peculiar form, with a boar head, human torso and a lion’s tail, after saving his devotee Prahlada from a murder attempt by the latter’s father Hiranyakashipu. Except on Akshaya Tritiya, the idol of Varaha Narasimha is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year, which makes it resemble a Shiva Lingam. Simhachalam is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh which are important pilgrimage centres. It was regarded as an important centre of Vaishnavism in the medieval period along with Srikurmam and others. The temple has been recognised by historians with the help of a 9th-century AD inscription by the Chalukya Chola king Kulottunga I. In the later half of the 13th century, the temple complex underwent radical physical changes during the reign of the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I. It later received patronage from many royal families, of which Tuluva dynasty of Vijayanagara Empire is a notable one. The temple underwent 40 years of religious inactivity from 1564 AD to 1604 AD. In 1949, the temple came under the purview of the state government and is currently administered by the Simhachalam Devasthanam Board. Simhachalam temple resembles a fortress from outside with three outer courtyards and five gateways. The architecture is a mixture of the styles of the Kalinga Architecture/Odishan(Orissan), Chalukyas and the Cholas. The temple faces west instead of east, signifying victory. There are two temple tanks: Swami Pushkarini near the temple and Gangadhara at the bottom of the hill. The temple houses a number of sub-shrines and a few mandapams. The religious practices and customs of the temple are formulated by the Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja. They are modelled based on the Satvata Samhita, one of the 108 texts of the Pancharatra Agama. Simhachalam is the second-largest after Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh in terms of income earned. It is believed that the deity is capable of giving progeny to women and fulfilling wishes of devotees. Kalyanotsava and Chandanotsava are the two major festivals celebrated in the temple, followed by Narasimha Jayanti, Navaratrotsava and Kamadahana. The festivals celebrated in Simhachalam have an influence of the Dravida Sampradaya, the customs followed in Tamil Nadu. Apart from those by well known poets, the temple found many literary references and lyrical works dedicated by anonymous writers which are preserved in the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library, Chennai. Official Address Simhachalam Rd, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028
Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple, Penna Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh Temple was built on the footprint of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy measuring 5 feet 3 inches. Temple Timings: 8.00 am to 11.00 am & 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is a popular location for marriage ceremonies. A grand car festival is conducted annually in the month of April. Official Address Penna Ahobilam Rd, Penna Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh 515812
Srikalahasteeswara temple, Andhra Pradesh Srikalahasti is a great city to visit in the state of Andhra Pradesh.There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srikalahasti. Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport.Srikalahasti is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.You can easily get regular buses to Srikalahasti from other major cities of the country. BY FLIGHT There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srikalahasti. Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport.Srikalahasti29 km awayTirupati Airport (TIR), Tirupati, Andhra PradeshSrikalahasti96 km awayChennai Airport (MAA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu BY FLIGHT There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srikalahasti. Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport BY TRAIN: Srikalahasti is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. BY BUS:You can easily get regular buses to Srikalahasti from other major cities of the country.Bus Station(s): Srikalahasti Official Addres Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh 517644
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh The town (as well as the mandal) of Srisailam is reputed for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga on the flat top of Nallamala Hills. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is also one among the 275 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal. Srisailam has played a dominant role in the Hindu religious, cultural and social history since ancient times. The epigraphical evidence reveals that the history of Srisailam began with the Satavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India. The earliest known historical mention of the hill, Srisailam, can be traced to the King Vasishthiputra Pulumavi’s Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D. Srisailam or Srisailamu (Śrīśailaṁ, Śrīśailamu) is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is on the banks of the Krishna River about 212 km south of Hyderabad and 179 km from Kurnool. It is sometimes spelled Shrishailam. Official Address
Padmavathi Temple, Andhra Pradesh Padmavathi It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu to Akasha Raja, the ruler of this region, and wed Venkateshwara of Tirupati. Goddess Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Venkateswara on a red Lotus flower (Padma in Sanskrit) at Alamelu mangapuram after his deep penance for twelve years. According to tradition, the Mother Goddess manifested Herself in the holy Pushkarini called Padmasarovaram in a golden lotus. The Venkatachala Mahatyam states that Lord Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the lotus in full splendour. A temple dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana is situated on the eastern side of the Pushkarini. The Padma Purana gives a vivid description of the advent of the Goddess and subsequent wedding with Lord Srinivasa.The manifestation of Sri Padmavathi Devi occurred in the month of Karthika on Sukla Paksha Panchami when the star Uttarashada in the ascendent. The Brahmotsavam of the Goddess is celebrated with all pomp and glory to commemorate the auspicious occasion of Her avatara. Official Address
Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and the Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[1] Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level. The Hills comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha. The temple lies on the seventh peak -Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as “Temple of Seven Hills”. Tirumala town covers about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km2) in area. The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. The Garbagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in standing posture and faces east in Garbha griha. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras and is listed as 106th and the last earthly Divya Desam. The Temple premises had two modern Queue complex buildings to organize the pilgrim rush, Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites. It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.. In 2016, it was reported that 27.3 million pilgrims visited the temple. It is around 435 km (270.3 mi) from Vijayawada, 571.9 km (355.4 mi) from Hyderabad, 138 km (85.7 mi) from Chennai, 291 km (180.8 mi) from Bangalore, and 781.2 km (485.4 mi) from Visakhapatnam There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti(deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga. Buses and other transport are banned on ghat road from Tirupati to Tirumala between 12 AM and 3 AM. Official Address S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshiped here as Gnanaparasunambikai. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva Linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him Mukthi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola Kings and the Vijaya Nagara kings. The Shivalinga at Sri Kalahasti is marked by symbols of three creatures — that of a spider at the bottom, a five-hooded snake on top and elephant-tusks on either side. Legend informs us that Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) were cursed by Brahma, Shiva and Parvati but attained moksha by worshipping Lord Shiva here. Hence Shiva came to be called Sri Kalahasteeswara. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 19th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. A lamp burns inside the inner sanctum that constantly flickers despite the lack of air movement inside. Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. The river Swarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple. The temple architecture is a treat to the eyes for all those who visit Srikalahasthi. The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple to have darshan of the almighty Sri Kalahasteeswara and Sri Gnanaparasunambikai Devi. Sri Kalahasteeswara showers grace to wipe out the sins and obstacles of devotees. Worshipping Sri Kalahasteeswara results in dispelling all worldly miseries and attaining marvelous spiritual happiness. Goddess Gnanaparasunambikai Devi received the Panchakshara mantra from the Lord himself. The Goddess arrived at the place and started her penance here. Of the nine planets, Kalahasthi importance is attached to Rahu and Ketu (Dragon’s tail and head respectively) those afflicted with the adverse effects of these planets and problems related to snakes, pray for relief here. After fulfillment of the prayers, devotees perform Abhishek to the Lord, offer Vastras (clothes) and also offer donation for the maintenance of the temple depending on their affordability. Shri Kalahasteeswara Swamy temple is reputed as the Rahu Kethu Kshetra. People who have Rahu Kethu Doshas and Sarpa Doshas, the unmarried, those with children and those who are facing various problems for long period, perform the most effective Rahu – Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana pooja in this temple all, it is believed that the Doshas get removed and desired results occur. Thousands of devotees from the country and abroad perform this pooja and fulfill their vows continuously, after receiving good results. The temple follows Saivite tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m and Sayarakshai between 7:45 – 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alankaram (decoration), neivedhyam (food offering) and Deepa aradhanai (waving of lamps) for both Srikalahasteeswara and Gnana Prasunambika. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple is open from 6am – 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm. Kalahasthi temple is closely attached with the history of Kannappar, whose bhakti (devotion) is yet to be equaled in the history of the religious literature of Tamilnadu. Acharya Shankara had devoted a verse in praise of Kannappar in his celebrated Shivanandalahari. Sekkizhar, in his Periyapuranam elaborately sings the greatness of Kannappar in 185 verses. Kannappar performed abishek to the Lord bringing water from the Swarnamukhi river in his mouth. Vibhuti Prasad is not offered in this temple, but symbolizing the Abishek Theertha of Kannappar, only Theertha Prasad (water) is offered to the devotees mixed with Pachai Karpooram. It is offered through a conch. The Vibhuti (sacred ash) brought by the devotees are placed at the feet of the Lord, an Arati is offered and returned to the devotee. Abishek is performed to the Lord only with water mixed with Pachai Karpooram. Other Abisheks are offered only to the stage (called Avudayar – the Linga Peetam). As the Shrine is related to Rahu-Ketu planets, devotees do the Pradikshina in an anti-clockwise way. As sage Bharadhwaja performed penance here, only those belonging to the Bharadhwaja Gotra are appointed as archakas in the temple. The Kavacham covering the Lord has the symbols of the planets, hence there is no separate shrine for the Navagrahas except for Saturn. Garlands are not offered on the body of Lord. An Angi – upper cloth – is placed on the Lord on which Thumba Flower Garland is placed. In the Oddiyanam (belt made of gold studded with pearls and precious stones), of Mother Gnanaparasunambikai, the symbol of planet Kethu is carved. There is a temple for Lord Manikandeswarar on the slopes of the hill through which Kannappar went on the hill taking his Abishek Water from Ponmuhali river. There is also a mandap called Manikarnika Gattam near this temple carved out of the hill. The story goes that it is here Lord Shiva uttered the Tharaka Mantra to a woman (commonly known as Karna Manthra being uttered on the ears of the departing soul) as Lord Viswanatha did in Kasi – Varanasi to a devotee. Following this tradition, devotees use to bring those nearing their end to Manikarnika Gattam and place them lying here so that the last breath may leave the mortal body through the right ear. Procession of Lord is taken from the North tower entrance. As Maharishis worshipped the Lord facing the east after a dip in the Ponmuhali river, Lord Kalathiappar is facing west to bless the Rishis. Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival when lakhs of devotees offer prayers to seek the blessings of the Lord. Mahasivarathri Brahmotsavams are celebrated in par with Maha Shivaratri for 13 days during which the Utsava Murtis of Siva and Parvati will be taken on Vahanams in a procession around the temple streets. The fifth day of the festival in the month of Maasi coincides with the Maha Shivaratri. Mahasivarathri, Nandi Seva, Lingodbhavam, Rathotsavam, Theppotsavam and Swami-Ammavarla Kalyanotsavam are the important aspects of this festival. Shivaratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vijayadasami, Thirukarthigai in November-December, Oonjal festival on all Fridays, Makara Sankaranthi (Pongal) in January and Giri Valam on Shivarathri day are the other important festivals celebrated here. 9-30 PM (on Saturday to Monday) Srikalahasthi: Srikalahasthi is named after Sri (spider) Kala (Snake) Hasti (Elephant). They were staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the elephant or Hasti used to clean the Shiva deity by watering the idol with the help of river-water carried in his trunks and pray for him by placing Vilva leaves. The spider or Sri tried to protect the deity from external damage by weaving his web and to provide shelter for the Shiva lingam. The snake or Kala used to place its precious gem on the Linga to adorn the lord. In this way, they all worshipped the Vayu Linga separately without knowing what the other was doing. One day, the spider had built a very big and thick web around the deity to protect it from dust and weather while the snake places its gem. The elephant not knowing this and assuming that this form of puja by Sri and Kala is a desecration by the seeming miscreants, pours water on it and cleans it up. This causes a war between the three. The snake punishes the elephant by entering its trunk and in the process, kills itself while the elephant runs amok and hits its trunk and head against the Shiva Linga. During this struggle, the spider is squashed against the Linga by the elephant’s trunk and the elephant dies due to the snake’s poison. Lord Shiva then appeared and gave moksha to all three of them for their selfless devotion. The spider takes rebirth as a great king while the elephant and the snake reaches heaven for satisfying all its karma. This king continues his good work from his previous birth and builds a variety of temples that seeks to protect the underlying deity with tons of stones. It is interesting to note that all his temples, keep the deity beyond the access of an elephant. In this temple, access to the deity is through a narrow passage in the side of the building that prevents an elephant from extending its trunk over the lord from any side. This temple is considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshina Kailasam. At the foot of the Linga one can see a spider, two elephant tusks and a five-headed (the five elements) serpent to remind the devotee of these acts of supreme devotion. The legend here is similar to that of the Jambukeswarar temple at Tiruvanaikkaa. Vayu Lingam: During the early days of creation, Lord Vayu performed penance for thousands of years to “Karpoora Lingam” (Karpooram means camphor). Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva manifested before him and said, ” O Vayu Deva! Though you are dynamic in nature, you stayed here without movement and did penance for me. I’m pleased with your devotion. I shall grant you three boons”. Lord Vayu said, “Swami! I want to be present everywhere in this world. I want to be an integral part of every Jiva who is none other than the manifestation of Paramatma. I want to name this Karpoora Linga, which represents you, after me. Samba Siva said,” You are qualified for these three boons. As per your wish, you will be spread throughout this world. Without you there will be no life. This Linga of mine will forever be known all over through your name, and all Suras, Asuras, Garuda, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Siddhas, Saadhvis, humans and others will worship this Lingam”. Lord Shiva disappeared after granting these boons. Thereafter, this Karpoora Vayu Lingam is worshipped by all Lokas (worlds). Gnana Prasunambika Devi: Once, Parvati was cursed by Lord Shiva to discard her heavenly body and assume the human form. To get rid of the above curse Parvati did a long penance here. Pleased with her deep devotion Lord Shiva again recreated her body – a hundred times better than her previous heavenly body and initiated various mantras including the Panchakshari. Consequent to this, Parvati gained fame and came to be known as Shiva-Gnanam Gnana Prasunamba or Gnana Prasunambika Devi. Ghanakala prayed to Lord Shiva here: Cursed to become a ghost, Ghanakala prayed at Srikalahasthi for 15 years and after chanting the Bhairava Mantra many times Lord Shiva restored her original form. Mayura, Chandra and Devendra prayed to Lord Shiva here: Mayura, Chandra and Devendra were also freed from their curses after taking bath in the river Swarnamukhi and praying at Srikalahasthi. Lord Shiva preached to Sage Markandeya here: To Markandeya, Lord Shiva appeared in Srikalahasthi and preached that a Guru alone could make esoteric teachings and, therefore he is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Legends of Kannappa Nayanar: Kannappa Nayanar was an enthusiastic devotee of Lord Shiva and a hunter by profession. It is believed that once, he saw blood coming out of the eyes of the Lord Shiva. Kannappa plucked out one of his eyes and placed in the eye of Linga which was oozing with blood and tears. When the tears and the blood were still trickling from another eye, Kannappa decided to remove his second eye and placed one of his feet on the spot of the right eye of the Shiva Linga. Before he could pull out his second eye with the arrow, Lord Shiva appeared and restored his eye and for this reason earned the name Kannappan (his original name being Thinnan) and the distinction of having his statue adorn the sanctum. This act of Kannappa placed him among the 63 Nayanmars. At Sri Kalahasthi, Lord Shiva tested the unshakable devotion of Kannappa Nayanar before the sages gathered at Srikalahasthi. With his divine power, Lord Shiva created a tremor and the roof tops of the temple began to fall. All the sages ran away from the scene except Kannappa who covered the Linga with his body to prevent it from any damage. According to Swami Sivananda’s book, Sixty-Three Nayanar Saints, some Saivite traditions believe that Kannappa was the reincarnation of Arjuna. Arjuna, worshipped Siva for seeking the Pasupatha Astra and failed to recognize him in the form of a hunter. Thus, according to this tradition, Arjuna had to be born as a hunter and adore the Lord before attaining final liberation. Flickering Flame in the Hanging Lamp at Sanctum: In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple is a hanging lamp that always keeps swinging with a flickering flame though there is no visible inlet for wind. No one knows where the wind comes from is a mystery. Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam: Along with this, Srikalahasthi Temple is also linked with Rahu and Ketu, two of the nine important celestial bodies of Indian astrological system. Many pilgrims visit here to offer their prayers to Rahu and Ketu, considered be immensely powerful. Srikalahasthi is a holy town in Chittoor District of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasthi is located at 13°45′N 79°42′E on the banks of river Swarnamukhi. Kalahasti Town is easily accessible by Air, Rail and Bus. Srikalahasthi is located at about 37 Kms from Tirupati, 98 Kms from Nellore, 58 Kms from Gudur, 27 Kms from Renigunta, 28 Kms from Naidupeta, 39 Kms from Sullurupeta, 15 Kms from Yerpadu, 38 Kms from Gudimallam, 46 Kms from Tada, 74 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 50 Kms from Nagalapuram and 116 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 550 meters from Kalahasthi Bus Station. Andhra Pradesh State owned Bus services APSRTC operates buses from Tirupati, Chittoor and Nellore. The state government runs Non-Stop bus service to this place from Tirupati. The pilgrims have the facility of Bus services to almost all the places of Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. On the other hand, the pilgrims may hire affordable private taxis to cover all the places of Tirupati, Tirumala, Sri Kalahasti and Kanipakam to save time. The local transport is by taxis or autorickshaws and city buses. Shuttle buses between Tirupathi and Srikalahasthi run every 10 mins. Andhra Pradesh State Owned Bus services (APSRTC) are available from Tirupati central bus station, at a frequency of 10 minutes and other tour operators provide religious tour package visits to the temple in Srikalahasthi from the City centre at Tirupati. Taxicabs are also available from Tirupati. There are many such state-owned buses that are available from the nearby town like Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai and Nellore. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is operating number of buses from the city. Bus facilities are available from Tirupathi, Renigunta, Kancheepuram and Thiruthani. By Train: Srikalahasthi Railway Station is located on Gudur-Katpadi Branch line section of Guntakal (GTL) Division of the South-Central Railway (SCR). Kalahasti Railway Station is located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. The temple runs a free Bus service from the station to the temple for the sake of pilgrims. People from Chennai may get down at Renigunta Junction or Naidupeta or Sullurpeta or Gudur Junction and reach the temple by bus which is only less than one hour drive from these stations. By Air: Tirupathi Airport is the Nearest Airport. There are daily services from Hyderabad, Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi and Visakhapatnam to this Air Port which is only about 26 kms from Sri Kalahasti. Taxis are available to connect to the temple directly to Kalahasti. It is only 2 hours of drive from Chennai International Airport. Chennai International Airport is located at about 135 Kms from Srikalahasthi. Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasti, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh – 517644 Phone: +91 8578 222240 / 221336 Mobile: +91 9885974050 Email: [email protected]
Vaaleeswarar Temple, Ramagiri, Andhra Pradesh Ramagiri Vaaleeswarar temple is believed to be built by Pallava king in the 9th century AD and renovated over time by King Vira Rajendra Chola. Even though it is believed that the temple was built by Pallava king, the current structure of the temple doesn’t appear to be of Pallava architectural style. However, the idols of the temple are extremely beautiful and they resemble the ancient idols of Pallava period of other temples. From inscriptions, one can understand that a king called Sangama Kula Virupaksharaya tried to construct a Raja Gopuram at the temple. The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 11.45 AM and 03.00 PM to 5.45 PM. The Murugan Temple on the Hill top remains open only between 08.00 AM to 09.00 PM Festivals Shivarathri and Pradosham days are celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. Bairavar here is called Santhaana Prapthi Bhairavar, famous for granting boon for child birth. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Nagalapuram, 17 Kms from Uthukottai, 15 Kms from Surutapalli, 42 Kms from Thiruvallur, 43 Kms from Thiruthani, 27 Kms from Nagari Railway Station, 59 Kms from Tirupati, 75 Kms from Chennai and 86 Kms from Chennai Airport. This place, also called Kaalinga Madu Karai or Thirukaarikarai is in the Chennai – Thirupathi route, after Suruttuppalli and Nagalapuram, about 5 Kms from Nagalapuram. Some of the APSRTC buses stop just outside the temple. A person travelling from Chennai has to cross Poondi and Uthukottai. Ramagiri can be reached through two routes. Via Redhills, Karanodai, Periyapalayam, Uthukottai and Nagalapuram. In the Chennai – Kolkata Grand North Trunk (GNT) Road you can go upto Karanodai bridge / Toll Plaza and immediately after that you can take the road on the left that goes via Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Nagalapuram to Thirupathi. From Nagalapuram, the temple is just 5 Kms away and is on the main road itself. You can also come via Thiruvallur, Poondi, Uthukottai to Nagalapuram. Vaaleeswarar Temple, Ramagiri – 517581 Andhra Pradesh Mobile: +91 9490008887
Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli, Chittoor Lord Shiva has 5 faces; Isanam, Thatpurusham, Vaamadevam, Sathyojaatham and Agoram. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples on the banks of Kosasthalaiyar (Brahmaranya River) representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Tatpurusha face of Lord Shiva. This temple built by Vijayanagara emperor Vidhyaranyar was in a dilapidated state but now it has been renovated beautifully. Kanchipuram Sankara Paramacharya is considered to have spent lot of time here meditating and he is the person who traced this place to Ramayana period findings. This temple was one of the favorites of the Paramacharya, who stayed here for 10 days, and in whose memory a Dhyana Mandapam was constructed. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi performed the Kumbabhishekam of the temple on June 23, 2002. The Temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m and 04.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Shivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals of the temple. Pradosham days morning 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Sani Pradosham is especially important when about 15,000 devotees throng this temple. On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri well over 30,000 devotees wait for the darshan of Pallikondeswarar. Surutapalli is the place, where Pradosha puja first began. If devotees worship Pallikonda Easwara, who swallowed the venom to save the world on Pradosha day falling on a Saturday, they will recover the losses. Those demoted will be reinstalled in their proper position again with promotion too. Obstacles in wedding proposals will not occur. Separated couples will see re-union in life. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform archanas to Lord Shiva with Vilwa garlands. Origin of Pradosham: Once Indra, the King of Gods, while riding on his white elephant Iravadha came across Sage Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland but without giving much importance he gave it to his elephant. Iravadha was irritated by the smell of the flowers in the garland and therefore threw the garland on the floor and stamped on it. This act enraged sage Durvasa as he got the garland from “Sridevi” as prasadam. Immediately Durvasa cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune. Due to this curse, in the battles that followed Devas were defeated and Asuras led by Mahabali Chakravarthy, gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to take the path of diplomacy with Asuras and the only way to regain lost glory was to drink Amrutham/nectar. Devas came to an agreement with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishu told Devas that he would ensure Amrutha (Nectar) does not get to Asuras. During the Samudra Manthan (churning) of the Ocean of Milk Mount Mandaranchal was used as the dasher (churning tool), and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope. The gods held the tail of the snake, while the demons (Asuras) held its head, and they pulled on it alternately causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. With request from both Devas and Asuras Lord Vishnu took the form of a turtle (Kurma avatar), came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back. Halahala Poison was the first to come when churning started and this terrified the Devas and Asuras because, the poison was so toxic that it might have destroyed all of creation. On the advice of Vishnu, both Devas and Asuras approached Shiva for help and protection. Out of compassion for living beings, Shiva drank the poison. It was so potent that it changed the color of Shiva’s neck to blue and therefore he is also called Neelakantha (the blue-necked one, Nila = “blue”, kantha = “throat”). Parvati immediately realized the deeds of Shiva and put her hand to stop the poison from entering Lord Shiva’s body. After the episode, Shiva proceeded to his abode Kailash with Parvati. On the way, he felt exhausted and slightly uncomfortable, when he reached a place in the bounds of Andhra, which came to be called Suruttuppalli. There, he lied down to relax, keeping his head in the lap of Parvati. The gods, who were concerned about Shiva’s well-being assembled there and stood around him, waiting for the Lord to open his eyes. This lying posture of Shiva is rare and unique, is almost similar to Vishnu’s reclining posture. As soon as the effect of poison diminished and Lord Shiva came back to normalcy all Devas and Asuras wanted to have his Darshan. When they approach Nandi (Sacred Bull) for permission to see Lord Shiva, Nandi refused and asked them to pray and wait since, Lord Shiva and Parvati were together. On waking up, he found that everyone was happy and feeling relieved since a big disaster was averted. So, happily, he then began his cosmic dance, Anantha Thandavam, on top of the forehead of Rishaba Vahana accompanied by Devendhran reciting flute, Mahalakshmi singing dance, Brahma playing the jalra, Mahavishnu playing the mridangam in the presence of all the Devars and Rishis. This period when Lord Shiva gave them Darshan is known as Pradosha Kalam. Pradhosha, generally, is a significant occasion observed with great piety at all Siva temples. It is believed that Pradosham is originated here. Valmikeswarar & Ramalingeswarar: Sage Valmiki prayed to Lord Rama and the Lord gave him darshan. After defeating Ravana, and before reaching Ayodhya, Rama stayed at this place. So, the two together prayed to Lord Siva. The Lingam, which Valmiki prayed to, is called Valmikeswarar and the one Rama prayed to is Ramalingeswarar. At present these two Lingams face each other. Lava & Kusa visit to this Temple: Unknowingly twins Lava and Kusa fought with his father Rama over the Ashwamedha Yaga horse. To get salvation from this they visited many Shiva temples along with Sage Valmiki. This is one of the Temples visited by them. Pancha Brahma Sthalams: The river Brahma Aranya was believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. Once when he churned the Arani wood (Arani means fire) to create fire to start the Yagna for Sage Romesa, fire came out initially but on churning further, water came out of it and flown as a river. Since this was created by Lord Brahma from the Arani wood, this is called Brahma Aranya river. The Brahma Aranya river flows from Andhra Pradesh and merges with sea at Pazhaverkadu. Many sages have meditated at the banks of this river and created many temples. Out of these, in five places they have contained all their meditative powers into Shivalingams and built temples. They are called Pancha Brahma Sthalams, representing the five faces of Lord Shiva and they are: All these temples are many thousand years old and since they have been created by Sages, the base of the lingam (Avudayar) will be in square shape. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Uthukottai, 2 Kms from Uthukottai Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Nagalapuram, 15 Kms from Ramagiri, 26 Kms from Thiruvallur, 29 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 74 Kms from Tirupati, 60 Kms from Chennai and 72 Kms from Chennai Airport. This Temple is situated on the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh Border. This village is on the Chennai-Tirupati route. Some of the APSRTC buses stop just outside the temple. A person travelling from Chennai has to cross Poondi and Uthukottai. Surutapalli is midway between Uthukottai and Nagalapuram. Suruttuppalli can be reached through two routes. Via Redhills, Karanodai, Periyapalayam and Uthukottai. In the Chennai – Kolkata Grand North Trunk (GNT) Road you can go upto Karanodai bridge / Toll Plaza and immediately after that you can take the road on the left that goes via Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Nagalapuram to Thirupathi. From Uthukottai, the temple is just 2 Kms away and is on the main road itself. It is at the end of the Uthukottai town which is the border between Tamilnadu and Andhra states and the temple is in the Andhra state territory. You can also come via Thiruvallur and Poondi to Uthukottai. Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli, Dasukuppam Post, Nagalapuram M.D., Chittoor District – 517 588 Andhra Pradesh, India Phone: +91 8576 278 599 / 274 971
The Deity at this temple is also called Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy who is Swayambhu i.e. self-manifested. Here two shilas are intertwisted thereby forming a lion head over a man’s body. In Telugu, Penu means twisted and Sila means stone which means twisted stone. The temple location is historically famous as the place where Sage Kanva used to perform austerities. The temple is located in the Penchalakona valley. Apart from Narasimha Jayanthi, the Penchala Swamy festival is popular here which goes on from Vaisakha Shuddha Dwadashi to Bahula Padyami i.e. for a period of 5 days. As in Tirumala, devotees offer their hair during this festival. Somasila Narasimha Swamy is another name to the Lord here in this temple. This temple is one of the Nine manifestations of Narasimha Swamy. The Temple Legend: Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Narasimha Swamy (Body is of Human and Head is of Lion) to kill the demon Hiranyakasyapa. Even after killing the demon, the anger was not controlled and he started roaming the forests. To control his anger, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of tribal lady Chenchu Lakshmi to please Narasimha Swamy. Chenchu Lakshmi hugged Narasimha Swamy at this place to control the anger. Hug in Telugu called Penu Vesukonuta. Thus the place got the name Penusila, as time passes by the name changed to Penchalakona. Direct buses are available From Gudur Bus station, Near Railway station To Rapur. From Raipur, one can reach Penchalakona. Those who are planning from Chennai, South Gudur is the nearest station. From Chennai Central to Nellore, Local sub trains are available with fare Rs. 35 To 40 for 110 Km Brahmotsavam starts on Vaisaka Sudda Ekadasi and goes for 5 days, the celebration occurs during the months of Apr and May. Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi will be celebrated in a grand. Devotees from Kadapa, Prakasam District, Nellore, Tamil Nadu used to take part during this festival.
Srikalahasti Temple is located around 36 kms from Tirupati. This temple is among the most famous Shiva temples in South India. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kasi. In this temple, Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara. This temple is considered as the Kailash of the South or Dakshin Kailash and also as Dakshina Kasi The temple consists of two main deities – Lord Shiva & Parvati. Lord Shiva is in the form of Linga while Parvati is in the standing posture facing North and is called by the name Gnana Prasunamba. Shrine dedicated to Dakshinamurthy is at the entrance of the temple,. He is regarded as the Guru of Lord Shiva. There are many deities and idols dedicated to Venkateswara, Vinayaka, Nataraja, Subhramanya, Surya, Nayanars and also replica Lingas of other famous Shiva temples all over India. Panchaboothasthalam(Vayu Linga): Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of Vayu (Wind) Lingam. Rahu Kethu Kshetra: Kalahasteeswara temple is famous for Rahu Kethu Kshetra. People with Rahu Ketu dosh and Sarpa Dosh or people with problems with planets cann perform Rahu – Kethu Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Puja in this Temple. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century by the Pallav dynasty. The Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings constructed the outer temple in the 12th century. The entire temple is carved out of the side of a huge stone hill. The mandapam with 100 pillars and the 120 feet (37 m) high main gopuram were constructed by Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara king in 1516. The temple complex abounds in lithic records (stone inscriptions) of Chola kings such as Rajaditya (regnal years 947-949 CE), Raja Raja Chola (regnal years 985-1014 CE), his son Rajendra Chola (1012-1044 CE), his son Rajadhiraja (1018-1054 CE), Kulottunga I (1070-1120 CE) and Kulotunga III (1178-1218 CE). According to Hindu mythology, the elephant or Hasti used to clean the Shiva deity by watering the idol with the help of river-water carried in his trunks and pray for him by placingBilva leaves. The spider or Sri tried to protect the deity from external damage by weaving his web and to provide shelter for the Shiva lingam. The snake or Kala used to place its precious gem on the linga to adorn the lord. In this way, they all worshipped the Vayu linga separately without knowing what the other was doing. One day, the spider had built a very big and thick web around the deity to protect it from dust and weather while the snake places its gem. The elephant not knowing this and assuming that this form of puja by Sri and Kala is a desecration by the seeming miscreants, pours water on it and cleans it up. This causes a fight between the three. The snake punishes the elephant by entering its trunk and in the process kills itself while the elephant runs amok and hits its trunk and head against the shiva linga. During this struggle, the spider is squashed against the linga by the elephant’s trunk and the elephant dies due to the snake’s poison. Lord Shiva then appeared and gave moksha to all three of them for their selfless devotion. The spider takes rebirth as a great king while the elephant and the snake reaches heaven for satisfying all its karma. This king continues his good work from his previous birth and builds a variety of temples that seeks to protect the underlying deity with tons of stones. It is interesting to note that all his temples, keep the deity beyond the access of an elephant. In this temple, access to the deity is through a narrow passage in the side of the building that prevents an elephant from extending its trunk over the lord from any side. Photo by Krishna Kumar Subramanian
Arunachal Pradesh, a state located in the northeastern part of India, is home to a rich and diverse collection of temples that showcase the region’s unique blend of culture and traditions. The temples in Arunachal Pradesh are not only important religious centers but also significant tourist attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage. One of the most famous temples is the Tawang Monastery, located in the town of Tawang. The monastery is one of the largest in India and is a major center of Mahayana Buddhism. The monastery’s stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a popular tourist destination. Another notable temple in Arunachal Pradesh is the Parshuram Kund, a sacred site located in the Lohit district. The site is considered to be the place where the sage Parshuram washed away his sins and is believed to have great spiritual significance. The Golden Pagoda, also known as the Burmese Pagoda, is another significant temple in Arunachal Pradesh. The temple is located in the Namsai district and is a major center of Buddhist learning. The temple’s golden spire and intricate architecture are a sight to behold. Other famous temples in Arunachal Pradesh include the Malinithan Temple, located in the West Siang district, and the Kamakhya Temple, located in the Kamrup district. In conclusion, Arunachal Pradesh’s temples offer visitors a unique and fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. These temples are not only important religious centers but also significant tourist attractions that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
This is located at VIP colony, a very beautiful place, well maintained although small any visitor can get a glimpse of Theravada Buddhist life at Itanagar Lilabari Airport, North Lakhimpur Naharlagun Railway Station Itanagar Cona, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh 791113
It is situated at a distance of 5 km from the Pasighat market near the Raneghat Bridge Pasighat Airport. It has flights to Guwahati on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Nearest Railway Station is Murkongselek Railway Station. The Murkongselek Railway Station is located at a distance of 30 Km from Pasighat. Guwahati to Pasighat
Rigyaling Gompa is situated at a distance of 1-km from Tawang township. The former Rigya Rinpoche constructed the gompa. After his death, Changsey, the secretary took charge of the gompa. The re-incarnated Rigya Rinpoche, Rev. Tenzin Tsethar is presently in South-India, completing his education. This gompa is surrounded by a thick covering of trees planted by Changsey under the guidance and supervision of forest department, Tawang.
This Gompa is situated at a distance of around 28-km west from the Tawang headquarters towards the Geshila road. It houses around 30 anis and the new Singsur Anie Gompa was built by the previous Rev Gonpatse Rinpoche in 1960. The old Singsur Ani Gompa is also in existence and is situated in the midst of the ‘Shaa’ (huts) of the anies.
Tawang district has a long tradition of nunneries called “AniGompas”, which are the abode of nuns. Unlike the monks (Lamas), the girls become nuns and join the nunnery on their own and there is no social pressure or tradition making the practice compulsory. Brama Dung Chung Ani Gompa (nunnery) is the oldest Ani gompa (nunnery) in Tawang district. It is situated in the lap of a far off mountain laced with natural scenery and just 9-km from the main town. This nunnery was constructed by a Lama named Karchen Yeshi Gelek from Tsang province of Tibet in 1595 CE. Presently there are forty five (‘Anis’) nuns in this Monastery. Being very poor, the inhabitants of Brahmadungchung Ani Gompa depend on begging for sustaining themselves
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple located 12-km from Malinithan in West Siang district is a popular pilgrim spot for devotees across India. Sporting a classical Odisha-style of architecture, this place gets number of gifts from devotees to their Goddess for fulfillingtheir wishes. Prayers are recited at the sanctum pleading for happiness to the families. According to Kalika Purana (8th century), Lord Shiva roamed in the sky with the dead body of His consort Parvati. To bring him out of attachment for the dead body, Lord Vishnu using his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ cut the body into pieces. During this process, it is said that one of the body piece fell on a spot which is 12-km from Malinithan towards Along in West Siang district. This place is called Akashi Ganga and is very popular as a sacred place.
A Hindu pilgrimage centre Parasuram Kund is situated on the Brahmaputra plateau in the lower reaches of the Lohit River and 21 km north of Tezu in Lohit district of Arunachal. Dedicated to sage warrior Parasuram, the temple attracts pilgrims from Nepal, from across India and nearby states of Manipur and Assam. Over 70,000 devotees and sadhus take holy dip in its water each year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in the month of January. A dip in the sacred pond (kund) is believed to wash away one’s sins. The legend behind the belief as found in the Kalika Purana is that the Sage Parasuram washed away the sins of killing Kshatriyas in the water of Brahma kund. Parasuram was taking revenge by massacring Kshatriyas as they killed his father and wage a battle against the Brahmins. But as a Brahmin he was not supposed to wield a sword or get into the act of fighting.
This Gompa is situated at the heart of the Tawang township. It is believed that in the olden days the place where the present gompa stands was popularly known as “Massamg Key-ling Boothmey” which means a place where a strongman of a society used to play melodious sounds with the flutes. With the passage of time a gompa was built in that particular place.
Taktsang (Tak-Tsang) Gompa or T-Gompa, 50 km from Tawang, is oneof the holiest Buddhist shrines of Arunachal. Standing amidst high mountains, its sanctity is credited to Padmasambhava, the maverick missionary who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Popular legends speak of him as a miracle-maker. When Buddhism swept over Tibet, Padmasambhava was deified as an incarnation of both Gautama Buddha and Amitabha Buddha (‘Buddha of the Eternal Light’). Taktsang Gompa is among the few places in Arunachal believed to have been visited by him.Taktsang Gompa is among the few places in Arunachal believed to have been visited by him. The evidences of his stay can be gleaned even now from the imprints of his footsteps and the hoof prints on the rocky floor of the adjacent cave, where he meditated. Interestingly, though the holes on the floor are believed to be the hoof prints of his horse, Padmasambhava was supposedly flying on a tiger. Hence the name tak or tiger, and tsang ‘place or abode’.
The largest Chorten (stupa) of the area is the one at Gorsam near Zemithang, which is about 100-km away in the north of Tawang. Lama Pradhar, a Monpa monk, constructed it most probably in the early part of eighteenth century. The hemispherical dome rests upon a three-terraced plinth. Four miniature stupas are set on the four corners of the lower most terrace of the plinth. The base is square with each side about 170 feet in length, with a niche running all along its whole length and 120 Manis are set in frames of wood in the niche of each of the base. A paved path goes all around for the pilgrims for circumambulation.
The Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery, popular as the GRL monastery, houses Buddhist lamas and monks at Bomdila which is 8,500 feet above sea level and known for its scenic landscape with apple orchards. It is one of the major centres of the lamaistic faith of Mahayana Buddhism. The GRL monastery is situated in the Western Kameng district of Arunachal and was built by the 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche in 1965-66. The main gompa has three divisions — the lower gompa, the middle gompa and the upper gompa. The upper gompa is considered to be the main monastery. While the lower gompa is situated at the end of the main market area, depicting the richness of Tibetan architecture, the middle gompa can be found at about 2 km from the main market. There is a vast prayer hall inside the lower gompa. Popular belief says that ringing the bell of the gompa fulfils one’s wishes. At the middle gompa, there is the Blue Medicine Buddha which is also known as the Lord of Medications, as this deity is believed to cure diseases, by the locals. People perform prayers and meditation to undergo healing. The middle gompa is the oldest of all three gompas. The upper gompa, the main part of the monastery, houses a school for the monk’s children, along with a prayer hall and a Buddha temple. The upper gompa is a major tourist attraction for its peaceful Buddhist preaching.
Meghna Cave Temple is a beautiful place to visit for worship. Dedicated to Lord Lakulisha who was the 28th embodiment of lord Shiva and you will find some detailed carvings of Sanskrit scriptures with magnificent and great architecture. This temple is a must visit attraction located in a beautiful valley in Arunachal Pradesh Ziro. This tourist spot is an ancient cave temple that dates back to 5000 years and the cave temple was discovered during the year 1962. Ever since, this place sees people coming from all direction for a pilgrimage tour. This popular tourist attraction Meghna Cave Temple sits at an altitude of 300 feet which gives a stunning view of the surrounding mountains, dense evergreen forests and swiftly flowing rivers. This is undoubtedly the best destination to visit in Arunachal Pradesh that gives the onlookers lush greenery giving you the most wonderful experience. In fact if you wish to experience a grand festival then you can visit Meghna Cave Temple during Maha Shivratri that happens during the month of February. Ziro is located about 167 kilometres from Itanagar, from here you can avail a taxi service to reach Ziro. You can further take a local transport to get to Meghna Cave Temple. You can visit attractions like Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Kile Pakho, Midey, Ziro Puto, Dolo Mando, Hapoli, Pine Grove, Tarin Fish Farm and Shiv Linga. The best time to visit Meghna Cave Temple in Ziro is during the months of February to April.
Literally meaning Tiger’s Den, Taktsang Gompa is located at an altitude of about 12,500 to 13,000 feet on the top of a hillock and by a cliff. At first glance, the view of this gompa will make you feel weak on the knees. It is so peaceful, pristine, and sound that only sound that you will hear will be the wind blowing and your heart beating. One of the finest religious places to visit in Tawang, it rose to prominence in the 8th century when Guru Padmasambhava visited here. According to the legends, the guru meditated here in a cave for some time. Since it is located at a high altitude, you need to carry warm clothes. Eloped in the thick coniferous forest and lofty mountains, the monastery remain thronged with devotees. Missing out your camera on your visit to Taktsang Gompa will be a crime; it is not only a spiritual treat but a visual one too. Taktsang Gompa is approximately 40 kilometers from Tawang, a prominent attraction of Arunachal Pradesh; to reach here one need to drive for two hours. If you are traveling by your personal vehicle then drive on Bumla pass. At Y junction, turn towards the Sangetsar Lake. From Sangetsar Lake, trek for another 15 minutes to reach Taktsang Gompa After visiting the Taktsang, visit the sangest lake, which is also known as the Madhuri Lake, a prominent sightseeing place. The lake rose to prominence when Madhuri DIxit shot a song here. One can plan a visit to this iconic attraction of Tawang throughout the year but one should avoid during the winter season as the it gets way too chilly, and the snow fall may lead to blocking of the roads.
Kalachakra is a 500 years old monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, which makes it quite a famous tourist attraction in the state. The monastery is situated in a village of the same name. It is a beautiful little monastery with mosaic work. Mostly Buddhist monks and pilgrims are seen visiting this sacred place. One has to reach Kalachakra Village by a cab and then has to walk all the way to the Gompa. Visit the nearby Dirang Village, Sangti Valley and Hot Springs. The period between November and February is ideal to pay a visit. The mercury dips down and it becomes quite pleasant to walk around.
Upper Gompa, better known as the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery is the most popular tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh. This Gompa attracts a number of tourists in great numbers and it also houses a school to educate monk children. This famousmonastery in Arunachal Pradesh is a dwelling for the Buddhist Lamas and monks and inside it houses a temple of Buddha along with a prayer hall. Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery is recognised as one of the best destinations and a major centre of the Lamaistic faith of Mahayana Buddhism. Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery is however parted into three different sections, the main known as upper is Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery followed by lower and middle both located near the main market that depicts the richness of Tibetan architecture. However, the Upper Gompa is nonetheless a major tourist attraction that has been inviting travellers from all over the world to seek spirituality and to learn the peaceful living from the Buddhist preaching’s. In addition, Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery is dotted with vibrant and colourful surroundings giving a serene ambience and a sense to have an unmatched peace of mind. Bomdila is 276 kms from Itanagar and 183 kms from Tawang and 155 kms from Tezpur. You can reach the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery via taxi services. In Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery, you can wander amidst the ancient monument and witness the colourful surroundings of the monastery. Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery is located in Bomdila and the months between April to October is considered the best time to visit this place.
One of the divisions of the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling Monastery or the GRL Monastery, Lower Gompa is situated at the end of the main market area in Bomdila. The monastery is famed for its Tibetan architecture and a massive prayer hall. A popular belief says that spinning the prayer wheels of the monastery can fulfill one’s wishes. One can walk from the main market area to the Gompa, which is about 2 kms away. One must definitely spin the prayer wheel here. Tibetan architecture is at its best here as well. Apart from this, one can also head out to visit the Upper and middle Gompa along with R.R Hills and Bomdila Viewpoint. The ideal time to visit Bomdila would be the months of October to April as the weather remains pleasant during this period.
Also known as Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery, Bombdila monastery was built in 1965 by the twelfth incarnation of the TsonaGontse Rinpoche. And was rebuilt by the thirteenth reincarnation, TsonaGontseRinponche renovated the monastery by building a larger prayer hall. Inside the Gompa, there’s a huge prayer, which is used by the lamas for praying; the temple of Buddha, and a tiny quarter of monks. Apart from its religious significance, the monastery is also known for its natural beauty. Stunning vistas that you can see from here are fabulous and breathtaking. To reach Bomdila Monastery, you can find taxis from anywhere in the city. Craft Centre, Tipi, and Bhalukpong are some of the places that you can plan to visit over a trip to Bomdila Monastery. The best time to plan a visit to plan a visit to the monastery will be during the Losar Festival, which is commemorated to mark the new year. Saka Dew, which is held in the fourth month of the lunar calendar that marks the day of the Buddha’s enlightenment is also a good time to plan a visit.
Located in the foothills of the Siang hills, hardly a kilometer from the Likabali, Malinithan Temple was once an extravagant site but now completely in ruins. It was in early 20’s, between 1968 and 1971, all these relics were unearthed on this site. The ruins found nearby the temple indicates that it was built with granite stones during the period of Aryan influence in the region, which is quite unique as most of the temples in Northeast are build with bricks. There’s an intriguing story associated with the name of the temple, according to which Krishna eloped with Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha, and then traveled from Bhishmakanagar to Dwarka. During their journey, they stopped at Malinithan, where they received a wall welcome and was presented with garlands made of flowers plucked from her orchard. Krishna was so much fascinated by the scent of a flower that he addressed Parvati as Malini, meaning “the mistress of the garden.” That’s how the place got its name – Malinithan. As per another story, the image of a female without the head was unearthed during the excavations, which represented Malini who was the lover of Shiva. The image of the goddess Durga found here is known as “Pupane”, an ancient name for the Divine Mother. At the time when the temple was in the excavation process, four sculptures of lions on two elephants was found. The granite sculptures of Indra riding his mount Airavata; Kartikeya riding a peacock; Surya (Sun) riding a chariot, and Ganesha mounted over a mouse, and a large Nandi bull were also found here. There are some erotic sculptures to see too in different postures, which means that at the time when temple was in making process, tantrism prevailed here as a fertility rite of the tribal people. The Malinithan archaeological site is located at the base of the Siang mountains in the Likabali. Malinithan is quite a prominent attraction of Arunachal Pradesh. From all the major nearby hubs, you can get buses to reach Malinithan. Make a point to see the relics, and sculptures that were evacuated from this site. Throughout the year
Parshuram Kund is a Hindu pilgrimage centre located on the Brahmaputra plateau in the lower reaches of the Lohit River. The holy pond is about 21 km away from Tezu and is dedicated to sage Parshuram. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy water of this lake cleanses one from their sin. Therefore, hundreds of devotees from Nepal and across India come here to take a dip on the day of Makar Sankranti in January. It is recorded that over 70,000 devotees and sages take holy dip its water. Taxis and buses are available from Tezu to Parshuram Kund, which is 21 kms away. Apart from taking a dip in the water, one can try trekking from Tezu to Glow Lake which takes one day; hiking, river rafting and angling on the River Lohit are also ideal. Annual fair during Makara Sankranti in January is the best time to plan a visit here.
Tawang is a beautiful land with scenic landscapes, panoramic mountains, clam villages, quiet lakes and magical gompas. Amongst them all, one monastery that steals the limelight isthe Tawang Monastery. This monastery is the most popular monastery in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang Monastery is also known as the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse and it sits on the prick of a hill, about 10,000 feet above. The famous Tawang Monastery is a popular tourist attraction and it was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-61 AD and it offers an impressive and picturesque view of the Tawang – Chu valley. Undoubtedly, the monastery appears to look like a fort from afar, shimmering with royalty similar to a mini kingdom. Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is ranked as the second largest monastery in the world after Borobudur in Indonesia. Entering the Tawang Monastery itself is a grand experience; you will come across huge doors about 925 feet long and about ten to twenty feet high. This kingdom has several edifices within the premises but the most prominent one is the ‘Dukhang’ or the assembly hall. This is also the main building of the monastery which is equally marked with magnificent art work. Inside the walls of Dukhang you can notice sketches of several saints and Bodhisattvas. Besides, another important structure in the monastery is the ‘Court’ which hosts religious dances and other ceremonies. Most importantly the giant statue of Lord Buddha sits peacefully in the middle of the northern side of the Monastery. A massive richly adorned Tawang Monastery is a definite must visit attraction in Arunachal Pradesh during your next spiritual holiday.
Urgelling Gompa is at a distance of around 3 kms from Tawang Township and is reckoned to be the the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Tashi. The monastery was built in 1487 AD here and His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama, was born in 1683 and resided in Urgelling Village. It is a small monastery that holds great significance for the people of Buddhist faith. The monastery is only 3 kms from Tawang and can be reached either by hiring a taxi or on foot. A walk in the Urgyelling Village is ideal. Apart from this, the nearby destination of Tawang has a number of attractions to be explored like the Tawang Monastery. Throughout the year.
Happens to be one of the largest Shiva linga unearthed in recent times, Shiva Lingam in the Kardo Forest is the miraculous discovery of Mr. Prem Subha, who found this 25 ft tall and 22 ft wide Shiva lingam while cutting a tree during the holy month of Shravana. It is believed that the tree was on the verge of falling. Fortunately, nothing happened to the lingam, and the tree falls a few kilometers away. Suddenly something struck in his mind and realized that it was not a mere stone. It stood clearly visible which appealed him to believe it as Shiva Lingam. One can see the traces of this ancient Lingam in the 17th chapter of the ninth section (Nava Khand ke Satrahwa Adhyaya) edition 1893, where it mentioned that the tallest Shiva Lingam will appear at a place which will be called Lingalaya. At the spot, one can not only see the lingam but also the image of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha with trunk turning leftward. One can also find the river passing by the bottom of the lingam. This Shiva Lingam is located at Kardo Forest in Ziro is approximately 4 kilometers from Hapoli township. To visitShivalinga, one can find good number of taxis from Hapoli. You can visit Shiva Lingam throughout the year.
Started in the year 1989 by Talom Rukbo, a revivalist religious movement based in Arunachal Pradesh, Donyi Polo Temple is a center to worship sun and moon. It is one of the 400 centers of Arunachal Pradesh that propagates the ancient religion Donyi Poloism. To reach Donyi Polo Temple, one can hire a private taxi or go by state tourism buses. Relieve yourself from all the stress and tension by taking part in meditation organized by the temple. Throughout the year
One of the famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh, Akashiganga temple is located 12 km from Malinithan towards Along in West Siang District. Legends have it that one of the body parts of Sati fell in this location. Since then, this temple is regarded as an important holy destination for Shakti worship. According to Hindu mythology, this temple is associated with the story of Lord Shiva, as the story goes; Lord Shiva carried the dead body of Sati and roamed around in the sky and seeing this melancholy act, Lord Mahavishnu cut the dead body into many pieces using Sudarshan Chakra. This lead the body parts to scatter all around India. You may see other prominent temples dedicated to Maa Sati. However, the head part of the Goddess Sati fell at Arunachal Pradesh and the place later was build into a sacred temple Akashiganga for the Shakti worshipers. Besides, the actual Sacred Kund is located 100 meters from the temple and to get there a need to go downwards through the spiral path. The major reason to visit Akashiganga temple is because you can see a glittering object in afar distance but as one gets closer the shining object disappears. Hence, due to this the devotees from across the world come to take a glance of this phenomenon attraction. There is also a sacred pond and it is also believed to have some medicinal value for curing any kind of disease. Malainithan, 12 km from Along, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh
Centre for Buddhist Culture Gompa is located on top of a hill just above the Nehru Museum. Adorned with a beautiful gate at the base of the hill, a road spiraled up the hill to the gompa. The Gompa is actually near the main road but it seemed separated from the rest of the town by this small hill that stood out in the hill station. It is by far the most peaceful and serene place I visited in Itanagar. It is also a nice spot to view Itanagar from a higher point. The Gompa sits on top of the hill literally. A small but colorful gate marks the entrance of the Gompa. A white stupa with golden carvings stood just outside the main Gompa and against the backdrop of green rolling hills, it looked very beautiful. The main Gompa is a typical Gompa, but one of the smaller ones I had seen. There was no one inside when I went there, though later a monk came out of the monastery and I asked if it was ok to photograph the interior. To my surprise he was quite casual with being photographed. The location of the Gompa and the way it sat pretty on top was most remarkable. You could go around the back of the gompa and view the whole town. The peak offers a 360 degree view. Lilabari airport in North Lakhimpur is the nearest airport to the Itanagar at a distance of about 57 kilometres. Lilabari airport receives regional Air India flights from Kolkata and Guwahati. Harmuti railway station in Assam and Naharlagun railway station in Arunachal Pradesh are the closest railway to reach Itanagar, each at a distance of 34 kilometres and 15 kilometres respectively You can reach Itanagar via bus from Banderdewa, North Lakhimpur, Tezpur and Guwahati.
Buddha Temple in Polo area is a sacred and historic pilgrimage .The priest here is also from the same clan since its origin. The annual festival celebrated here is Buddha Purnima. Buddhist Temple Rd, Golf Links, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793001, India
This famous Shani temple is also sited at GS Road Police Bazar, Meghalaya. This temple is also a very old structure built during British period. Devotees visit this temple every Saturday and the annual biggest function celebrated here is Shani Jayanti. GS Rd, Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India
Narsingh Akhara temple is another oldest temple located at Garikhana in Snhillong, Meghalaya. Devotees celebrate the biggest annual festival- Rath Yatra along with Jagannath temple of Puri in Odisa every year with a great pomp and devotion. Narsingh Akhara temple is famed as the holiest sites for devotees. HKM Wakf Estate, Soso Tham Road, Secretariat Hills, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793001, India
Hanuman Temple was constructed during British period in 1938. Basically, it was served by Bhadupotas (Sharmas) and is still served by them. There is a belief, that Lord Hanuman is the God of Kalyug, so most of the devotees visit this temple from the town and nearby states on a daily basis. An annual festival, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated inside the temple to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.
Mahadeva Khola is positioned on the banks of Umshyrpi River in Shillong. This temple is famous as one of the ancient temples in North- East region. It is said that there is a cave which used to lead to Kamakhya temple at Guwahati. People celebrate the most renowned Shiva Festival- Maha Shivratri every year. Law Sohtun, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793004, India
This popular Kali Temple is situated at Babedpara in Meghalaya. This is another very old and sacred temple in the state of Meghalaya. A large number of devotees visit this temple every day; The biggest annual festival celebrated here is Kali Puja during deepawali. The Matri Mandir has been dedicated to Goddess Kali. However, the temple is as old as 1000 years and was destroyed by Pakistan army. Police Bazar, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793001, India
Rangnuwk hum, Arunachal Pradesh Rang Nuwk Hum is a worship place for the Tangsa people of Northeast India and Myanmar. “Rang” means the God, “Nuwk” means pray and “Hum” means a small house that contain a picture of the God Rangfrah.Rangfrah is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu lord Shiva. Devotees go to a Rang Nuwk Hum everyday to give offerings and to pray which is followed by singing local bhajans. Official Address
Parshuram Kund, Arunachal Pradesh Parshuram Kund is a Hindu pilgrimage centre situated on the Brahmaputra plateau in the lower reaches of the Lohit River and 21 km north of Tezu in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. Dedicated to sage Parshuram, the popular site attracts pilgrims from Nepal, from across India, and from nearby states of Manipur and Assam. Over 70,000 devotees and sadhus take a holy dip in its water each year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, in the month of January.The site of the Parashuram Kund as established by the sadhu was in existence until the 1950 Assam earthquake that shook the whole of the North-East and the kund was completely covered. A very strong current is now flowing over the original site of the kund but massive boulders have in a mysterious way embedded themselves in a circular formation in the river bed thus forming another kund in place of the old. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia (120 km) from where buses are available via Namsai. There are also buses available from Sadiya. The nearest airports are Tezu and Dibrugarh (Assam).There is no railway available to Parshuram Kund as of now. A survey of 122 km Rupai-Parshuram Kund broad gauge railway line was complete at the initiative of Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, while a preliminary engineering-traffic survey for the Pasighat-Tezu-Parsuram Kund was conducted by northeast frontier railways at the request of the state government Official Address
Malinithan, Arunachal Pradesh The Malinithan archaeological site is located at the base of the Siang mountains in the Likabali town and a sub-division of the Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated on a hill that rises to a height of 21 metres (69 ft), which affords a commanding view of the plains around it and of the Brahmaputra River. Official Address
Assam, a northeastern state of India, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant spiritual traditions. The state is home to a number of ancient temples, showcasing the finest examples of Assamese architecture and the spiritual beliefs of the region. One of the most famous temples in Assam is the Kamakhya Temple, located in the city of Guwahati. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a form of the Goddess Shakti, and is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history, dating back to the 8th century. The temple is also an important center for music and dance performances, as well as for the celebration of traditional festivals. Another famous temple in Assam is the Umananda Temple, located on the Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and tranquil surroundings. The temple is also an important center for meditation and spiritual practices. The Navagraha Temple, another famous temple in Assam, is dedicated to the nine planets and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, dating back to the 18th century. The temple is also an important center for astrology and is visited by people seeking blessings for good fortune and prosperity. Apart from these famous temples, Assam is also home to a number of lesser-known but equally beautiful temples, such as the Hayagriva Madhava Temple and the Bhairabi Temple. These temples offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Assam.
Basistha temple, located in the south-east corner of Guwahati city, Assam, India, is a Shiva mandir constructed by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764 along with gift of land 835 Bighas for the ashram. The history of the Basistha Ashram where the temple is located dates back to the Vedic age. At a distance of 14 km from Guwahati Railway Station, Basistha Temple is an ancient temple situated at Beltola in the southeast corner of Guwahati city. Mandir, Basistha, Guwahati, Assam 781029
The Tirupati Balaji Temple is a magnificent temple of the city, Guwahati. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is considered to be a very holy place for the Hindu pilgrims. The temple has a very unique architectural design and is built over a large area of land. At the entrance of the temple one can find a temple of Lord Ganesha. The main temple dedicated to Lord Balaji has an idol weighing about 4 tonnes. In the adjoining portions to the main temple there are several other temples that are built in dedication of other deities like Goddess Padmavathi and Garuda who is the vahana of . One can also see the South Indian style used in the construction of this temple. The pure white structure of the complex allures the visitors the most. The temple organizes regular pujas and other religious ceremonies. The Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple is 30 Km from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and the Guwahati railway Station is 20 km from the shrine. Taxis, buses and rental cars are available from the airport and Paltan Bazar area by the railway station. Guwhati is also well-connected via the roadways. Betkuchi, P.O, GARCHUK, Guwahati, Assam 781035
Lalganesh a neighbourhood of Guwahati, Assam, India. It is a little far from the heart of the city. This place is famous for an old temple. Many people believe that if anyone wishes anything in this temple their wishes get fulfilled. Lalganesh is home to a wide range of markets and commercial centres. The real beauty of this place can be seen at night when the whole place is filled with lights. Odal Bakra Road, Tiniali, Lal Ganesh, Guwahati, Assam 781034
Lankeshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple on top of a hillock in the western part of the Guwahati city near Guwahati University campus. The Lankeshwar Temple of Assam is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is placed atop a hill amidst a picturesque location. Lankeshwar is one of the many forms of Lord Shiva. The followers of Lord Shiva considered the temple as one of the most sacred one. Devotees all around the year visit this temple and seek divine blessings. The Lankeshwar Temple in Guwahati is not only popular with the religiously inclined people but with the general tourists also. Most common visitors are amongst the couples of Guwahati city, students of Guwahati University, and that of Assam Engineering College. The wonderful location of the temple is a major reason for this. Since it is situated in a convenient location in the city, it is very easily accessible. The temple is well connected by various modes of transport. It is almost 15 km away from Guwahati. Tourists can avail the buses plying from different parts of the city. GuwahatiCity Bus Number 6 provides with direct public transportation. Lankeshwar West Jalukbari, NH 17, Guwahati, Assam 781014 098644 26599
The Rudreswar Temple was built by Ahom King Pramatta Singha (reign 1744 to 1751) in honour of his father Rudra Singha who died in August, 1714. It is located in North Guwahati in Mani Karneswar area on the northern bank of River Brahmaputra. The temple is located at the site where Rudra Singha was cremated as per Hindu last rites. The temple is a fine example of a mixed style of Ahom-Mughal architecture. In the latter part of his reign, Swargadeo Rudra Singha announced his desire to expand Assam westward as far as the river Karatoya, in present day West Bengal and Bangladesh. It was considered the frontier of the ancient Kamarupa kingdom. Some sources also indicate that his ambition was to include a portion of the sacred Ganga River within his domain. Since Bengal was under the rule of the Mughals, he began to prepare for a massive military expedition against the Mughal Empire. An army of approximately 400,000 soldiers gathered in Guwahati, in which various tribes from the hills and plains came together, including the king of Cachar and the king of Jaintia from present day Meghalaya. His efforts were in vain. Before his preparations were completed he was seized with a mortal illness and died in August 1714 in his camp at Guwahati. His body was taken to Charaideo, in present day Sivasagar District, for burial as per ancient Tai-Ahom custom. According to some sources, Rudra Singha was cremated according to Hindu customs in North Guwahati, while some denote only one of his small fingers was burnt in this way. His second son, Pramatta Singha, after ascending to the throne, decided to construct in Guwahati a temple to Lord Shiva in memory of his father. The site of his father’s death was selected for the construction of the temple.
Tilinga Mandir is located in Bordubi, a small town which is 7 km far from Tinsukia District of Assam. This is a famous Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Upper Assam. Tilinga means ‘bell’ and mandir means ‘temple’ in Assamese and hence the temple is known as the “Temple of Bells” or “Tilinga Mandir”. This temple has the largest collection of bells and has made it to the Limca Book of World Records for hosting the largest collection of bells of all types in this temple. There are copper, bronze, brass and aluminium bells, in different sizes weighing anything between 50 grams to 55 kg. In 1965, local residents of the area noticed a Shiva Lingam emerge from the ground near the banyan tree where the Tilinga Mandir temple is now situated. According to Hindu mythology, banyan trees are considered “Kalpavriksha”, or “wish fulfilling divine trees” and it is believed that if someone hangs a bell from the banyan tree at Tilinga Mandir You can reach the temple by private car or bus. By Train : Nearest station is Tinsukia town station. From their the temple of Bells is very well connected by bus to Bordubi, where the temple is situated. Bordubi, Assam 786171
The Navagraha Temple is a Hindu temple located in Guwahati, Assam, India. The temple is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies or grahas in Hindu astrology, which are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). The temple is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for astrology enthusiasts and those interested in Hindu religious practices in the region. The Navagraha temple is located in Chitrachal hill in the south eastern part of Guwahati city in Assam. The temple is devoted to Navagraha—the nine (9) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These celestial bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). The temple is situated on Chitrachal Hill, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, and offers panoramic views of the city. The temple complex includes a main temple and nine smaller shrines, one for each of the Navagrahas. The temple is also known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures that adorn the walls and pillars of the temple. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year and can be reached by taking a taxi or local bus from Guwahati. Visitors are also recommended to check the temple timings and dress code before visiting. It is believed that by offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, devotees can gain blessings and have their problems related to the celestial bodies resolved. The temple is a research centre of both astrology and astronomy. The tower of the temple and a bigger part of it was earlier destroyed by an earthquake, but later it was resurrected. The temple which is in existence at present was built by the King Rajesvar Singha in 1752 A.D. The garbhagriha or the inner quarter of the temple survived the earthquake, while the upper portion was rebuilt with corrugated iron sheets. Guwahati is well connected through state-run buses, taxi cabs and auto rickshaws. You can either drive down or hire a private vehicle. Alternatively, you can take a public bus till Cenikuthi bus stop and climb up to reach your destination. Navagraha Road, Silpukhuri, Navagraha Hills, Guwahati, Assam 781003
Ugro Tara Temple is an important Sakti shrine dedicated to Tara (Devi) located in the western side of Jur Pukhuri in the heart of Guwahati city in the Latasil. Legend has it that the navel of Sati, first consort of Shiva, is related to this temple. The present temple of Ugra Tara was built by Ahom King Siva Singha in 1725 AD who had excavated a tank three years before known as Jur Pukhuri, which is situated to the east of the temple. The tank still exists, though the upper section of the temple was destroyed by a devastating earthquake. This was however rebuilt by a private citizen. Kalika purana describes a Shakti peetha called Dikkaravasini. Dikkaravasini has two forms, Tikshna kantha and Lalitha kantha. Tikshna kantha is black and potbellied, also called as Ugra Tara or Ekajata. Lalitha kantha is gracefully attractive, also called as Tamreshwari. Lamb Rd, Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, Assam 781001
The Sukreswar Temple is an important Shiva temple in the state of Assam constructed in 1744 by Ahom King Pramatta Singha. King Rajeswar Singha who also promoted cause of the Saiva cult made financial provisions for the Sukreswar Temple in 1759. Leading down from the temple compound is a long flight of steps to the Brahmaputra river from where one can view the picturesque Umananda Island, the smallest river Island in the world, or enjoy the scenery of sun setting on the river, boats moving across the river, people performing puja in honour of their relatives who have left this world, children and older people bathing, far removed from the din and noise of the city. At a distance of 1.5 km from Guwahati Railway Station,Sukreswar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Guwahati, Assam. Perched atop Sukreswar hill, it is one of the famous Shiva temples in Guwahati and among the top places to visit in Guwahati.
This Shiva Temple is located in “Umananda” the smallest river island in the midst of river Brahmaputra flowing through the city of Guwahati in Assam. The British named the island Peacock Island for its structure. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva created the island for his wife Parvati’s happiness and pleasure. Shiva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to a myth in Kalika Purana, Shiva burnt Kamadeva with his third eye on Umananda when he interrupted Shiva’s deep meditation, hence the Island is also known as Bhasmachal. Maha Shivaratri is widely celebrated in Umananda. Monday is considered to be the holiest day in the temple and the new moon brings bliss to the pilgrims. The island can be reached in via 10-minute ferry ride, available from Umananda or Kachari Ghat, located near Guwahati High court. To reach the umananda temple , one has to cross the river in a boat. It can be reach from Guwahati and North Guwahati by ferries and steamers. These boat service is available from the Kachari ghat. There is also a ferry service that is available from 7 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. Peacock Island, Baruah Souk, North Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam 781030
The Basistha temple, located in the south-east corner of Guwahati city is a Shiva mandir constructed by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764.The history of the Basistha Ashram where the temple is located dates back to the Vedic age. This temple is believed to be the home of famous sage Basistha, also known as “Vasishtha”. The temple is located on the outskirts of Garbhanga reserve forest in Guwahati which has an ample population of elephants. Although people worship the temple but still the cave in which the sage Basistha is believed to have meditated is located 5 km inside the temple. The temple stands on the bank of the mountain streams originating from the hills of Meghalaya, which becomes the rivers Basistha and Bahini/Bharalu flowing through the city. The City Bus operates from Adabari to Basistha. Tourists can also avail buses from the Inter State Bus Terminus Guwahati. There is a very good bus connectivity from Paltan Bazar Railway Station as the Bus Stop is located nearby the station.
The Asvakranta Temple is one of the most important shrines of Lord Vishnu. The deity worshiped here is called Anantasayin Vishnu which refers to the sitting position of the lord Vishnu on the serpent. The Temple is located on the North of Guwahati, Assam on a rocky bed near the Brahmaputra river. It is believed that a visit to this shrine washes away all the sins of a person and help him to attain moksha (salvation). According to the legend, Lord Sri Krishna stopped here with his army and the horses before he killed Narakasur who was the ruler of this land. The term “Asvakranta” means “ascended by horse”’ and hence the temple got its name. The temple is known for its magnificent scenic beauty and panasonic charm. Located 8 kilometer away from Guwahati city, and 6 km from Guwahati railway station the best way toreach Kamakhya Temple is by cab or a taxi. TheTemple is about 20 km from Guwahati Airport, which is linked to all major Airports across India.
Kedareswar temple is a significant medieval temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed by the Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in the year 1753. The temple is located on the top of Madanchala Hillock in Hajo about 32Km from Guwahati, Assam. This is one of the rare Svyambhu (self-originated) linga in the Ardhnareswar (male & female) form of Lord Shiva. The ‘linga’ is kept covered by a metal bowl by the priests.
The Kamakhya Temple, situated on the Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati city in Assam is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The main temple is surrounded by individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas: Kali, Tara, Sodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika. Being the centre for Tantra worship this temple attracts thousands of tantra devotees in an annual festival known as the Ambubachi Mela. Another annual celebration is the Manasha Puja. Durga Puja is also celebrated annually at Kamakhya during Navaratri in the autumn. This five-day festival attracts several thousand visitors. Kamakhya Temple is one of the most powerful temples in India. And is a very well known temple where men are not allowed to enter the temple premises during certain times of the year. During Ambubachi Mela time, the main door of the temple remains shut for four days. It is believed that the Goddess menstruates during those days. On this occasion, men are not allowed to enter the temple and only female priests or sanyasis are allowed to serve the temple during those days. Located 8 kilometer away from Guwahati city, and 6 km from Guwahati railway station the best way to reach Kamakhya Temple is by cab or a taxi. The temple is about 20 km from Guwahati Airport, which is linked to all major Airports across India. Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam 781010
Tamresari Temple, Dibrugarh, Assam Official Address
Sivasagar Sivadol, Sibsagar,Assam Sivasagar Sivadol is located at 26°59’18″N and 94°37’59″E, in the heart of the Sivasagar city, which was known earlier as Sibsagar in the Sibsagar district of Upper Assam in Northeast India. The city is easily accessible by road, rail and air services. Guwahati, the capital of Assam, is 370 kilometres (230 mi) away to its northwest and regular deluxe buses operate from here. Sivasagar has a railway station. The nearest airport is at Jorhat, which is 55 kilometres (34 mi) away. Official Address
Rangnath Dol, Assam Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra Singha dug the Joysagar tank, the world’s largest man-made tank covering an area of 318 acres (1.29 km2) including its four banks in memory of his mother Sati Joymati. On its bank in 1703 he built the Rangnath Dol, a (Shiva) temple near the Borduar or main gateway on way from the Joysagar tank to the Talatal Ghar to offer prayer to Lord Shiva. Large numbers of devotees continue to visit and offer puja in this temple. Official Address
Negheriting Shiva Doul, Golaghat, Assam Official Address
Mahamaya Dham, Assam Mahamaya Dham or Mahamaya (supreme illusion) Temple of Bogribari, about 30 km east from Dhubri town and 10 km west from Bilasipara town, is regarded as a greatest Shakti Peethas for Hindu pilgrims in Lower Assam, India. In terms of attractions, this temple is the second to Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati to the pilgrims and tourists. It is believed that the famous goddess Mahamaya was traditionally worshipped by the local people of Parvatjowar like Kacharies, Koches and Naths. It was also the presiding deity of the Zamindar (landlord) of Parvatjowar. Latter the goddess received wide acceptance and these days, all Hindus of Lower Assam worship mother Mahamaya. This temple has a 400-year-old tradition of animal sacrifice especially at the time of Durga Puja. Usually hundreds of animals or birds, like buffaloes, goats, pigeons and ducks are slaughtered. It is always rumoured that animals are sacrificed when new large scale construction especially bridge is undertaken. These days animal lovers are voicing against this ghastly tradition.Entrance to Temple complex, Mahamaya, Dhubri Another place of worship connected to Mahamaya goddess is the Mahamaya Snaanghat Temple, which is situated few kilometers away from the main Mahamaya temple. In the ancient time, as the local people belief, it is the place where the goddess Mahamaya used to take bath. From that time, the place came to be known as Mahamaya Snaanghat. Every year in the month of January around, a Shakti Yagya is performed here by the temple priests. Mahamaya (supreme illusion) Temple of Bogribari, about 30 km east from Dhubri town and 10 km west from Bilasipara town Official Address
Mahabhairav Temple,Sonitpur, Assam Archaeologist believe that the temple was built during 8th to 10th century A.D. by the kings of the Salasthamba dynasty ,which is evident by the presence of huge stone pillars scattered all around the temple.The original temple was destroyed during the Islamic invasions of the Middle Ages.It was again rebuilt by the successive kings and rulers, until it was heavily damaged by the catastrophic earthquake of 1897.The present structure of the temple was built sometime in the early part of the present century by a devotee and ascetic Sri Swayambar Bharati, popularly known as Naga Baba.After a few years, another Sri Mahadeo Bharati built the “Nat Mandir” close to the temple. After a few years another devotee built the cement-concrete idols of Ganesh and Hanuman as “Dwarpaals” in front of the temple Official Address
Ketakeshwar Dewal, Tezpur, Assam Ketakeshwar Dewal (shrine) is a holy site in the Ketakibari area of Tezpur in Assam. It is reputed to have one of the largest Shivalingas in the world. The actual site has two parts – one part where the actual linga is located and another part a few metres away where the original base of the linga is located. Legend has it that during a severe earthquake in the past the linga was uprooted from its base and deposited where it currently stands.This shrine is open to visitors and there is a local committee which oversees the development of the area around the site. Originally it was in the middle of bamboo groves with a small pathway for people to approach on foot. Recently there is a full shelter that has been built on the site for the protection of the holy area from the natural elements as well as for the devotees to assemble and offer their prayers. Official Address
Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Kamrup, Assam Official Address
Hatimura Temple, Nagaon, Assam Official Address
Doul Govinda Temple, Assam Official Address
Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, Jorhat, Assam Dhekiakhowa Bornaamghar is a naamghar in Jorhat district, Assam, India that was established by saint-reformer Madhavdeva . He kindled an earthen lamp there, which has been continuously burning since then being religiously refuelled with mustard oil by the priests till date. It is located at Dhekiakhowa village of Jorhat district, 15 km towards the east of Jorhat city 3.5 km away from National Highway 37.It is called a Bornaamghar because of its historical association and large campus. The naamghar is situated in a complex of facilities spread over 13 bighas of land. The naamghar and other facilities are maintained by a managing committee with donations from devotees. Besides the maintenance of the complex, the managing committee sponsors various social and cultural programs.There is an anecdote after the name of Dhekiakhowa Naamghar. Guru Madhavdeva after taking up the duty of reforming people and spreading the Ekasarana Nam Dharma came to stay in this small and very poor village. He took shelter for the night at the hut of an old woman, who served him rice with Dhekia Saak (a very common wild vegetable ,but very popular and with an excellent taste ). The old woman was very embarrassed to have served the Saint guru like this but he was immensely pleased by the dinner. So he started a namghar there and given the responsibility of kindling the earthen lamp to the old woman. That is why the naamghar was later khown as Dhekiakhowa Naamghar.The place is inevitably named after the Naamghar itself.A lot of visitors and devotees gather in the naamghar everyday, especially during the sacred month of Bhado (August–September), for this month being the Death Anniversaries of both the gurus Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva Official Address
Dah Parvatiya, Tezpur, Assam Official Address
Bhairabi Temple, Assam Official Address
Bagheswari Temple, Bongaigaon, Assam Official Address
Bihar, located in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The state is home to several famous temples that attract visitors from across the country and around the world. These temples not only hold religious significance but also showcase the unique architectural style and cultural traditions of Bihar. One of the most famous temples is the Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Another significant temple is the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is believed to be built on the site where Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint. The Patna Sahib Gurudwara, located in Patna, is another significant religious site in Bihar. It is one of the most important gurudwaras in India and is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru. Apart from these, Bihar also has several other temples that are worth visiting, such as the Rajgir Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, and the Pawapuri Jain Temple. Visiting these temples not only provides a spiritual experience but also gives visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. With their stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and religious significance, these temples are a must-visit for anyone visiting Bihar. Browse Temples in Patna, Gaya, Siwan
The Mata Temple in the Muzaffarpur district in Bihar is another temple where men are not allowed entry during certain days in the year. It is the time when the Mata has her periods. Only women are allowed inside with the Temple out-of-bounds, even for male priests during this time. A Shakti Sthal, much like the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, prohibits men from entering the temple premises during the time when the Goddess is believed to be menstruating. Mata Temple in Muzaffarpur, Bihar only permits women during the time of “periods”. During this time, the temple management also allows only women to enter the premises. The rules are so strictly followed that during this auspicious time even a male priest is not allowed to enter the temple premises, and it becomes ‘women only’. In the temple, Shodashi Maheshwari is the perfect deity of Shakti. It is the fourth place among the ten Mahavidyas mentioned in the Agam Shastra. This goddess with the mantra of sixteen letters has sixteen arms and two eyes. The goddess is sitting on the lotus seat emerging from the navel of Mahadev lying in a calm posture. Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and Ishvara are situated at the bottom in order from north to south and Mahadev is lying above them, from whose navel a lotus flower has emerged as a welcome, on which Goddess Bhagwati is seated. The temple was established by the local religious leader Umashankar Prasad alias Bachcha Babu. Before the construction of the temple, they had only five daughters, they were not having a son. Then he was told that Mata fulfils the wishes of the devotees, due to which he got the inspiration to build the temple of Mata. For this, he contacted Pandit Nirsan Mishra. According to his instructions, the Goddess temple was established on 28 June 1941, Ashadh Shukla Paksha Tritiya Tithi. After a few months, Bacha Babu got the son Ratna. Since then, people’s faith in the temple has increased further. The head of the temple, Dr Dharmendra Tiwari, told that this temple is the personal property of Amitabh Mehrotra, son of Bachcha Babu. There is a story about this form of mother that once Parvati ji asked Shiva the way to get rid of sorrows, then Shiva told Bhagwati about Shodasi Shree Vidya Sadhana. It is said that Maharishi Durvasha also worshipped Shri Shodashi Mata. The wishes of the devotees are also fulfilled in the Devi temple of the city. Thousands of devotees throng in Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri. Popular Festivals celebrated in this temple: Temple Timings: Morning: From 6 am to 11 amEvening – 4:30 pm to 10 pmAarti: 6:30 AM, and 9:00 PM From Muzaffarpur Railway Station: Approx 2 Kms (Can be reached by rickshaw, auto or own car) From Ramdayalu Bus Stand: Approx 3 Kms (Can be reached by rickshaw, auto or own car) From Bhagwanpur Bus Stand: Approx 4 Kms (Can be reached by rickshaw, auto or own car) Maa Raj Rajeshwari Devi TempleUma Shankar Prasad LaneRamna, District – MuzaffarpurBihar, Pin Code – 842001 Tel: 9304320970
This Mandir is situated in Fakharpur Panchayat of Arwal district.
Mahendra Nath Temple is Situated in Mehdar village under Siswan block, about 32 km south from the district headquarters, Mahendra Nath temple of Lord Shiva attracts visitors, including foreigners, from far-flung areas. – – patna is the nearest airport to Mahendranath temple. The Siwan railway station is well connected to various cities of the country. Mahendranath temple is located 32 km away from the district headquarters of Siwan. After landing at the Siwan railway station, you can visit the Mahendranath temple by road. In addition to this, one can go to Mahendranath temple by road from Ekama Railway station in Chhapra district. Mahendranath Halt is near the Mahendranath temple where the passenger train stops. Mahendranath temple is located 32 km away from the district headquarters of Siwan. By way of Chainpur via Siwan, the Hasanpura Sisvan route can be reached by road. – –
Baba Bhawaneshwar Nath Temple is the oldest center of the people’s faith in the district. This temple has religious and historical significance. It is said that this temple was constructed during Dwapar period. This temple was constructed by carving the same stone.The British Gazette, published in 1956, was said to be of this temple between Pashupatinath of Nepal and Harihar region of India. In a decision of the Calcutta High Court, this temple has been described as very ancient. According to the villagers, the mention of this temple was also mentioned on the proclamation receipt of East India Company. There is a pond in the western part of the temple. The excavation was carried out in 1962 by Saint Prem Bhikshu, resident of Chhatouni village. Saint Prem Bhikshu was considered to be the conscious incarnation of Bihar. In this excavation there were many rare metal sculptures of Dwapar period. Which has been established near the very ancient mool tree. If villagers believe, granite stones are obtained after digging around 12 feet below it. A prayer letter was sent to the Bihar Government and the Government of India to link the temple with the religious trust board. Referring to its historical context, an attempt was made to link it to Janaki Circuit and Chitrakoot Circuit. But the Mahants confused the matter by calling it a person’s property. However there is no obstacle in worshiping the temple. It is said that Sri Yantra is located above the temple, whatever vow is considered after Shiva Linga after Jalabhishek. All the wishes are fulfilled. By air one can reach Nearby Airport Patna,Bihar,India. By Rail one can reach Nearby Railway Station Muzafferpur,Sitamarhi. By Road one can reach by BUS services directly to Dekuli Dhaam.
The SUN Temple at Kandaha village is an important religious and historical place which has been duly recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India like Surya Mandir in Dev of Aurangabad district. Kandaha Surya Mandir is situated in Pastwar Panchayat of Mahishi Block. It is at nearly 16kms west from Saharsa district headquarter. On the way to Tarasthan, Mahishi, it is located at nearly 3kms north from Gorho Ghat Chowk. Here in Kandaha, the magnificent idol of Surya Bhagwan riding on seven horsed chariot, has been carved on a single granite slab. At the door of the sanctum sanctorum(garbh grih), there are inscriptions which a deciphered by historians, confirm that this sun temple was built during the period of king Narsimha Deo of Karnata dynasty who ruled over Mithila in the 14th century. It is said that a brutal Mughal emperor named Kalapahad had damaged the temple which was however renovated by the famous saint poet Laxminath Gosai . Saharsa does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Patna Airport, which is 201km away. You can easily get regular trains to Saharsa from other major cities of the country. Railway Station(s): Saharsa Junction (SHC) There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Saharsa Bus Stand. Kandaha is nearly 16 km west from Saharsa bus stand. Sun Temple Rd, Kandaha, Bihar 852216 072504 17145
Situated on the bank of Kosi River, there is a temple of Saint Karu Khirhari who is said to have attained divinity by virtue of his Shiv-Bhakti a dedication to Cows. People from all walks of life come to offer milk to Karu Baba. Although this temple near Mahpura village-2Km away from Mahishi block office, is situated in the riverside of the eastern Koshi Embankment. It has survived on the slaught of the turbulent river. Recently the Bihar Government has announced to develop Karu Khirhari temple as a major tourist spot. Saharsa does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Patna Airport, which is 201km away. You can easily get regular trains to Saharsa from other major cities of the country. Railway Station(s): Saharsa Junction (SHC) There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Saharsa Bus Stand. Sant Karu Khirhari Temple is nearly 20 km west from Saharsa bus stand.
Ashokdham Mandir also known as Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir is located in Lakhisarai district, Bihar. On 7 April 1977, a boy named Ashok discovered the Giant Shivlingam beneath the ground while playing tradition Gilli-danda game. On 11th Feb 1993, the Shankaracharya of Jagannathpuri inaugurated the restructure of the temple complex. The Nearest Airport is Patna. The Nearest Railway Station is Lakhisarai. It is well connected with Main Road of Lakhisarai town. Ashok dham, Bihar 811311
Katyayani Asthan is situated at distance of approximately 12 kms. From the District headquaters, on the bank of river Koshi, between the stations Badlaghat and Dhamaraghat , which are stations on Mansi-Saharsa rail line. Temples of Ma Katyayani , as well as of Ram, Lakshman and Ma Janaki is situated at this place. Every Monday and Friday , large number of devotees come to this place for offering puja. As per the local folk traditions, Ma Katyayani is worshiped in two forms in this area. Some devotees worship Ma Katyayani as Sidh Peeth, while a large number of devotees worshiped as Lok Devi- Devi of Milk Cattles. That is why devotees offer raw milk to the deity. It is said that Rishi Katyayan was performing Tapasya on the bank of river Kaushiki(now Koshi) when Ma Durga- the deity of Shakti took ‘avtar’ in child form and was accepted by Rishi as his daughter. Hence she is called Katyayani. Another story says that around 300 years ago, this place used to be dense forest. One day a devotee Shripat Maharaj saw Ma Katyayani in dream and as per her directions constructed an earthen Temple at that place and started worshiping her. In the year 1951, the temple was reconstructed. Lack of proper communication and the inaccessibility of the place by road has hampered the development of this area. Katyayani Mandir. Katyayani Asthan is situated at distance of approximately 12 kms. From the Districtheadquaters, on the bank of river Koshi, between the stations Badlaghat and Dhamaraghat , which are stations on Mansi-Saharsa rail line.
In Thawe block there is an old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga popularly known as “Thawe wali Mata”. It is believed that “Thawe wali Mata” fulfill the wishes of her devotees. This temple is also famous for a peculiar tree, the botanical family of which has not yet been identified. The tree has grown up like the cross. Various legends are prevalent in connection with the idol and the tree. A big fair is annually held here in the month of Chaitra (March -April). Sabeya is the nearest airport. After landing here anyone can visit here by road. Thawe is a junction station of Siwan-Gorakhpur loop line which is nearby the temple. From District HQ there is a direct road from Arar More. Can be reached here from Siwan district too Thawe, Bihar 841440 095250 48250
A Typical Night View of Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya. Mahabodhi Mahavihara is the most sacred place of Buddhist Pilgrimage in the world.The gold painted statue of Buddha in the sanctum shrine of the Temple is made of Black stone built by the Pala kings of Bengal. The Buddha is seen seated in the Bhumisparsa Mudra or the Earth touching posture.The Mahabodhi Mahavihara has now been declared a World Heritage Property by the UNESCO on the 27th June 2002. Nearest Airport is Gaya International Airport and Mahabodhi Temple is 10.6 Kilometers away from the Airport. It takes 10 min (10.6 km) via NH22 and Domuhan-Bodhgaya Rd Gaya Junnction on Grand Chord Section of East Central Railway is the nearest railway station. It takes 20 Kilometers in 20 minutes to travel from Gaya Junction Railway Station to Maha Bodhi Temple. Gaya Bus Stand, Shastri Nagar Jail Press Road No-03 East, Gaya, Bihar 823001 is the nearest Bus Stand. It takes 31 min via NH22 and Gaya – Bodhgaya Road kilometers to cover a distance of 15.8 Kilometers Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231
Bihariji Temple is one of the most revered places in Buxar that is frequented by pilgrims, locals and tourists alike. It is situated approx. 15km away from Buxar. The temple was constructed in 1825 on orders of the then Maharaja of the erstwhile Dumraon, Jaiprakash Singh. The temple gained popularity in the world of art and culture Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan along with his father used to play Shehnai here. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and devotees from different parts of Bihar come here to offer their holy prayers.
Naulakha Temple is located in Bishanpur of Begusarai district. It was built by saint Mahavir Das in 1953. The Nearest Airport is Patna There are many trains for Begusarai from most of the regions of India It is well connected through the roads. Naulakha Path, Bishanpur, Begusarai, Bihar 851129
Sundarnath’ is a temple of Lord Shiva located in Kursakanta Araria of the Indian state of Bihar near the border of Nepal, at Sundari Math (Sundarnath Dham). People from South Nepal and North Bihar worship the Hindu god Shiva.
The Nair temple is a ruined pillared temple at the location of Nair, on the road between Patna and Gaya, west of Dharawat. It is about 20 miles from Gaya. The temple consists of three rows of monolithic pillars, ten pillars in each row. In the front of the temple there is a further row of four pillars. According to Thomas Fraser Peppé, who photographed it in 1870: “The temple behind consists of brick and mud cement, but very little of it is now standing; the superstructure is entirely gone, and none of the temples of this form are sufficiently complete to allow a conjecture as to their original form. The roof of the portico and the shrine is composed of large granite slabs, a linga now occupies the shrine, and there is a mutilated figure of Ganesh lying outside. Judging by the size of the mound, and the part of the shrine remaining, the temple must have been a lofty one.. Mahavir Mandir, Patna Jct, Fraser Road Area, Patna, Bihar 800001
The Mundeshwari Devi Temple (also spelled as Mundesvari) is located at Kaura in Kaimur district in the state of Bihar, India on the Mundeshwari Hills. It is an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Shakti and is considered one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. It is also considered as the oldest functional Hindu temple of India.The information plaque erected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the site indicates the dating of the temple to 625 CE. Hindu inscriptions dated 635 CE were found in the temple.The temple is a protected monument under ASI since 1915. The temple, built of stone, is on an octagonal plan which is rare. It is the earliest specimen of the Nagara style of temple architecture in Bihar. There are doors or windows on four sides and small niches for the reception of statues in the remaining four walls. The temple shikhara or tower has been destroyed. However, a roof has been built, as part of renovation work. The interior walls have niches and bold mouldings which are carved with vase and foliage designs It can be reached by road via Patna, Gaya, or Varanasi. The nearest railway station is at Mohania – Bhabua Road railway station from where the temple is 22 km by road. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 102 km from the Temple. Indian carriers including Air India, Spicejet, and international carriers like Air India, Thai Airways International, Korean Air and Naaz Airlines operate from here. Daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are available from here. Mundeshwari Dham Road, Bhabua, Bihar 821103
Burhanath temple situated on the bank of river Ganges, has statues dating 1937. It located at India Burhanath Rd, Jogsar, Adampur, Bhagalpur, Bihar 812001
Chaumukhi Mahadev, or Chaturmukhi Mahadev, is a historic Hindu temple located approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) east of Vaishali Gadh, Bihar, India. The temple has Shivling with four god faces, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and Surya. While the construction time is unknown, it is believed to have been built during the fifth century. Vaishali, Bihar 844128
Budhi Mai is a village in the Vaishali district, Bihar, India. It is a tourist destination with a rich a cultural and of historical heritage, and is a place of worship The Budhi Mai Temple is situated in Vaishali, Haruli, Ismailpur, near the State Bank of India, Lalganj Road, Vaishali. Budhi Mai Fair/Mela ) is held in the month of July and August on Budhi Mai Campus,attracting visitors from all over Bihar
Baba Garib Asthan Mandir is one of the oldest temple of lord Shiva situated in Muzaffarpur in the Indian state of Bihar
Ashokdham Mandir also known as Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir is located in Lakhisarai district, Bihar. It is a temple complex having Indradamneshwar Mahadev Mandir in the center dedicated to the primary deity lord Shiva surrounded by three more temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati, mount of the Shiva Nandi and Goddess Durga. Ashok dham, Bihar 811311
Khudneshwar Asthan Morwa, Bihar Khudneshwar Asthan is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva located 17 kilometers southwest of the Samastipur district headquarters. The name of the temple was inherited from a Muslim woman named Khudni who found the Lingam at this location and became a devotee of Lord Shiva. Her mortal remains were buried one yard south beside the Lingam under the same temple roof.During the British Empire, Narhan estate built this temple in 1858 and appointed a priest as a caretaker. Devotees flock there yearround, but especially during its annual festival of Maha Shivratri and in the month of Shravan, crowds emerge for darshana and worship. In 2008 Bihar Religious Trust Board Chairman Kishore Kunal provided financial assistance from the board and announced it to be developed for tourists to demonstrate Hindu-Muslim unity. Official Address
This temple is among the 18 Maha Shakti Peeths. Here the breast of Sati Devi fell. Any devotee who comes to Mangala Gowri with their wishes and prayers returns successfully with all of them fulfilled. Special occasion: During Navaratra (Dashara) huge number of devotees visit every day. Navaratra is celebrated there in huge way. Also every Tuesday there will be huge crowed of devotees. The Mangla Gauri temple in India has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and Shri Devi Bhagwat Puraan and Markandey Puraan in other scriptures and tantric works. This temple is among the eighteen maha shaktipeeth. The present temple dates back to the 15th century. The shrine is dedicated to Sati or the Mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre of Gaya. Mangalagauri is worshipped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes an Upa-Shakti Peeth — where it is believed that a part of the body of Sati fell according to mythology. Here Sati is worshipped in the form of a breast, a symbol of nourishment. It is believed that whoever comes to Maa Durga with his wishes and prayers, returns successfully with all of prayers and wishes come true. The temple is facing east and is built on top of the Mangalagauri hill. A flight of steps and a motorable road lead to it. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard houses a fire pit for the home.There are two minor shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura Mardini, Durga and Dakshina Kali.The temple complex encompasses of temples of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. Indian Rail: The nearest railway station is Gaya Jn which is 4 km from the temple. This railway station is on the root between Kolkatta to Delhi and lots of trains are available from different Indian cities. Regular autos and taxis are available at the railway station. Buses: The nearest bus station is in Gaya which is 6 km from the temple. Regular buses are available from different cities like Patna, Ranchi, Varanashi, Kolkatta etc. One can also choose tour package from Patna, Ranchi, Varanashi and other different cities Airport: The nearest airport is Gaya International airport which is 10 km from the temple. The airport is well connected with different cities in India. Private Taxis: Availability of private taxi, Autos are very good. Accommodation: There are lots of hotels and lodges available around the temple for different price range. One can stay in Bodh Gaya as well. Food & Restaurant: As this is very famous tourist place in Bihar, lots of Indian and continental restaurants are available around the temple. Both South Indian, North Indian and continental foods are available. Official Address
Lal Keshwar Shiv Temple, Bihar Official Address
Mahavir Mandir, Bihar Mahavir Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located in Patna, Bihar, India. Millions of pilgrims visit the temple every year.. Acharya Kishore Kunal is the secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Temple Trust, Patna. The Mahavir Mandir Trusts have the second highest budget in North India after the famous Maa Vaishno Devi shrine.The earning of Mahavir Mandir has gone now up to an average of ₹1 lakh per day.As per the Patna High Court judgment in 1948 the temple exists since time immemorial. But from the scrutiny of historical facts and traditions it appears that this temple was originally established by Swami Balanand, an ascetic of Ramanandi sect in around 1730 A.D. This temple gained popularity in 1947 with large number of Hindu refugees coming to Patna after the partition of India. Subsequently, temple was rebuilt as a concrete house at same time. Even this was broken down in 1987 to make a huge marble temple. The idol of Sankat-Mochan stands in it Official Address
Kapileshwar Temple, Bihar Official Address
ISKCON Temple Patna, Bihar Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihari Ji Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Patna Temple, is the upcoming temple on Buddha Marg in Patna, India. The construction of the temple was started in 2007 and is expected to be completed by 2017 with an estimated budget of ₹51 crores (US$7.1 million). When completed, it will be the largest building in Patna and also the largest Radha Krishna temple in the entire Bihar and Jharkhand region. Spread over an area of over 2 acres, the temple will have 84 pillars. It will contain the altars of three deities, namely, Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihari Ji and Sri Sri Ram Durbar. Official Address
Chandika Sthan,Bihar Official Address
Maa Tara Chandi Temple, Bihar The Kaimur Hills provide an access to many other attractions of Sasaram like Gupta Mahadev Temple, Parvati Temple, ancient caves, Manjhar Kund and Dhua Kund are two waterfalls of this town that have the capacity of generating large amounts of electricity. There is a temple of Goddess Tarachandi, about 5 km from Sasaram two miles to the south, and an inscription of Pratap Dhawal on the rock close to the temple of Chandi Devi. Hindus in large number assemble to worship the goddess. Dhuwan Kund, located about 36 km south-west of this town, is a nearby tourist attraction. Official Address
Pataleshwar Mandir, Bihar Official Address
Patan Devi, patna, Bihar Patan Devi, also called Maa Patneshwari, is the oldest and one of the most sacred temples of Patna. It is regarded as one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. According to Puranic legends, the ‘right thigh’ of the corpse of Devi Sati had fallen here when it was chopped off by Lord Vishnu with his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’. The ancient temple, originally called Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari, is believed to be the abode of the goddess Durga. The name of the city Patna is widely believed to have been derived from the name of the Bari Patan Devi Temple. Some, however, doubt whether the name of Patna is derived from this temple. According to them, the name is derived from patan, which means a town and Patna was a big place of export and import. Official Address
Ramchaura Mandir, Hajipur, Bihar Official Address
Shitla Mata Temple, Patna, Bihar Official Address
Shri Adinath Akhara, Bihar Shri Adinath Akhara, is an ashram dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated 1.5 km from the Buxar railway station at the confluence of the Ganga and Sone canals. Siddhashrm is a very ancient name of Charitravan. It is mentioned as a pilgrimage in ancient Hindu scriptures including Shrimad Valmiki Ramayana, Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana, Narada Purana and Agni Purana. Chaurasi (Eighty-four) Navnath Siddhas spent a term of penance there, as authenticated by disc-bearing statues excavated there. Its re-emergence was initiated by Shri Adinath Peethadheeshwar and Shri Trilokinathjee Maharaj (Shri Nath Baba jee) in 1964. A temple was constructed and in 1967 idols were installed and Yajna was conducted. Shri Adinath Akhara was formally inaugurated in Prayag Kumbh in 1977 by performing Maharudra Yajna. Official Address
Sita Kund, Bihar The Punaura Dham, janki mandir is a Hindu pilgrimage site in Sitamarhi district, in the Indian state of Bihar, which has an ancient Hindu temple. It is situated 5 km west of Sitamarhi town and a popular visitor’s attraction. Punaura Dham Janki Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Sita, located in Sitamarhi, Bihar, India. Million of pilgrims visit the temple every year and most visited religious shrine in North India. I Punaura Dham is about 5 km west of Sitamarhi. Saint Pundrik’s Ashram was situated here. Sita-Kund place is the honour of being the birthplace of Hindu Goddess, Sita. Official Address
Ugna Mahadev, Bhawanipur, Bihar The temple is located 14 km from Madhubani and 180 km away from Patna. Official Address
Viraat Ramayan Mandir, Bihar It is located at a distance of 60 km from Vaishali and at a distance of 120 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar and 90 km from Raxaul.Its exact location is at Janaki Nagar near Kesaria in North Bihar. It will be spread over an area of 200 acres at Bahuara-Kathwalia villages on Kesariya-Chakia road in East Champaran district. It will be 2800 ft in length, 1400 ft in width and 405 ft in height Official Address
Vishnudham Mandir, Bihar Official Address
Vishnupad Mandir, Bihar Vishnupada Mandir is an ancient temple in Gaya, India. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.This temple is located along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. The Bhumihar Brahmans were the traditional priest of the temple in the ancient time. Now the Brahamkalpit Brahman who are known as Gayawal Tirth Purohit or Panda are the priests. Several legendary saintas Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Ramakrishna have visited this shrine. The construction date of temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama along with Sita had visited this place.The present day structure was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787, on the banks of the Falgu river. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the Brahmajuni hill, 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad mandir. Visitors prefer to go to the top of Brahmajuni hill see the view of temple from top.There are many small temples near this temple Official Address
Bari Sangat, Bihar The Bari Sangat – Helabazar is a Hindu Sangat in the city of Hajipur, Bihar, India. It is said to have been built during the reign of the Ancient Indian civilization.This sanctimonious place – “Bari Sangat” were visited by many saints in ancient period to offer prayers. Till this date this place has pious meaning to Hindu and Saints. Official Address
Baithakji Hajipur, Bihar Official Address
Aami Mandir, saran, Bihar Aami temple, also known as Maa Ambika Sthan is a temple, where the presiding deity is Maa Ambika Bhawani, also known as Parvati, Gauri, Durga, is a Hindu Goddess. She is the mild aspect of Mahadevi, who in Hindu mythology known as the great Goddess. The deity is considered to be the whole personification of Adi Parashakti, with all other deities being her manifestations or incarnations.This holy place is situated in Bihar’s Chapra District in the city Aami village. The name of the town is originated from the temple. In the Ami village, there is an ancient place of worship, which is called ‘Amba Asthan’. Close to the shrine there is a garden along with a deep & wide well that remains filled with water throughout the year. The well never dries up according to people. The worshippers from far flung areas pay a visit to the Yagna Kunda over this place. The devotees come here to pay their reverence to Goddess in Navaratra of April & October. Water offered by numeral devotees in the Kunda gets disappeared. There is a belief associated with the temple is that one who worships over here, his/her wishes get fulfilled by the Goddess. Hence in Dussehra, worshippers from different places gather here to obtain the divine blessing.There is also a small town around 3 km from Ambika Asthan, ‘Dighwara’. Previously it was supposed to be known as ‘Dirgh-dwara’, the main gate, which was the chief gate of King Daksh’s yagna area. Official Address
Aami Mandir considered as shakti peeth is a very ancient temple of Goddess Sati situated in Dighwara, India. The temple is in the structure of a fort that is surrounded from all sides, on the bank of the River Ganga. Navratri: As the temple is devoted to Goddess Ambika, Navratri is celebrated and there is one small village fair also organised by the local people of Aami village. Shivratri: Shivratri is organised with quite a lot of excitement among the local people, as this was the place where the marriage ceremony of Shiv and Sati took place. Shiv-Vivah: This festival is of high importance being organised in the manner of the marriage of Shiv and Sati. From one side the bride prepares and from one side comes the groom; according to this a fairy marriage ceremony is organised in a holy Hindu way. The nearest airport is Jayprakash Narayan Airport patna at a distance of about 57 km from the temple. The Aami Village lies on the roadside of NH 19. It connects with the major cities of Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Aami is itself a railway station.
Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is not just famous for its modern architecture and urban planning, but also for its rich spiritual heritage. The city is home to several ancient and modern temples that attract devotees and tourists from all over the world. One of the most popular temples in Chandigarh is the ISKCON temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This stunning temple complex is designed in a modern architectural style and features beautifully landscaped gardens, a meditation hall, and a vegetarian restaurant. Another significant temple in Chandigarh is the Mansa Devi Temple, which is located on top of a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city. This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi and is believed to grant wishes to its devotees. The Chandi Devi Temple, located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, is another famous temple in Chandigarh. This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi, who is believed to protect the city from evil forces. Apart from these famous temples, there are several other small and big temples in Chandigarh, each with its unique history and significance. Visiting these temples is not just a religious experience, but also a way to explore the city’s cultural heritage. In conclusion, Chandigarh’s temples are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage. With their stunning architecture, serene surroundings, and fascinating history, these temples offer a glimpse into the divine side of the city.
Sri Karthikeya Swamy Temple is one of the most revered temples in the city. Built by Tamils, this beautifully carved Dravidian-style temple features a gopuram that is a mix of Chola and Pallava architecture. In the 1980s, when Punjab was facing militancy issues, Tamils felt that only Lord Murugan – the evil-fighting warrior God – could protect them from any adversity. They installed a small vel (spear) here on a pedestal and started worshipping it. Soon, their prayers were answered and the entire region was free of militants by 1990. Thereafter, a full-fledged shrine with beautiful idols of Lord Karthikeya and other deities was built on the site, and a grand consecration ceremony was performed in 1992. Sector 31D, Chandigarh
Temples in Chhattisgarh: Exploring the Spiritual and Architectural Wonders of Central India Chhattisgarh, a state located in central India, is known for its rich history, unique culture, and vibrant traditions. The state is home to several ancient temples that showcase the region’s architectural and spiritual heritage. These temples, dating back several centuries, are not only religious sites but also serve as cultural landmarks, offering a glimpse into Chhattisgarh’s rich history and traditions. One of the most famous temples in Chhattisgarh is the Bhoramdeo Temple, located in the Kawardha district. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its exquisite carvings and intricate architecture. Another popular temple in the state is the Rajivalochana Temple in Rajim, which is famous for its beautiful sculptures and elaborate architecture. Apart from these two famous temples, Chhattisgarh is home to several other temples that are equally impressive. The Chandi Mandir in Raipur, the Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, and the Mahamaya Temple in Bilaspur are some of the other popular temples in the state. Visiting the temples in Chhattisgarh is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. These ancient temples offer a glimpse into the state’s unique culture and traditions and are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the region’s rich history. Chhattisgarh takes its name from 36 (Chhattis is thirty-six and Garh is Fort in English) princely states that constitute this region. Browse Temples in following districts of Chhattisgarh: Balod, Balodabazar, Balrampur, Bastar, Bemetara, Bijapur, Bilaspur, Dhamtari, Dantewada, Durg, Gariaband, Janjgir-Champa, Jashpur, Kabirdham, Kanker, Kondagaon, Korba, Korea, Mahasamund, Mungeli, Narayanpur, Raigarh, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Sukma, Surajpur, Surguja
The history of the historic Gadiya mountain associated with the city of Kanker is 700 years old. There are many religious places on the mountain. Kankeshwari Temple: The Kankerwasis formed the Shree Yogmaya Kankeshwari Devi Trust to build the temple on the hill and on 2 July 2002 duly worshiped the idol of Maa Yogamaya Durga was consecrated in the presence of the dignitaries of the city. Being the Aradhya Devi of the Kanker people, it was named Mother Yogamaya Kankeshwari Devi. Which means Yogmaya, the mother goddess of the Kankerites. Sheetla Temple: On the banks of the pond, King Dharamdev built the temple of Sheetla Devi in ancient times. The goddess in that temple was in the form of a body that is no longer visible. About 8-9 years ago, the priest of this temple placed the idol of Durga there.
Battisa in hindi literally means 32 pillared temple. Once the Capital of Nagavansh Raja Banasur, Barsur is a fond destination for one who love history and ancient sculptures. This tiny town is filled with archaeological treasures. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv. As per the inscriptions available in the temple, this temple was constructed in 1209 AD (Shaka Samvat 1130) by the Ganga Mahadevi, Queen of Nagavanshi ruler Someshwara Deva. In the two pavilions here, the king and the queen worshipped Lord Shiva separately. There are two sacred Shivling of lord Shiva established in two pre-arranged temples of this predominantly temple and a statue of Nandi is established in the pavilion in front of them. This temple is highly regarded as a holy pilgrimage site in Chhattisgarh. Famous for its appearance and its ancient sculpture. Battisa Temple is one of the rarest Hindu temples with two garbhagrihas. This temple is located 33 kilometers from Dantewada. It is located at Barsur, which is approx 100 km from Jagdalpur. You can take a cab to reach here. Raipur and Vishakapattanam are the nearest major Airports, both these spots are equidistant to the district HQ Dantewada by road at around 400 KMs. Jagdalpur is the nearest mini airport which have flight connectivity with both Raipur and Vishakapattanam Vishakapattanam is well connected with train to Dantewada the district HQs. Two daily trains are available between Vishakapattanam and Dantewada Regular bus services are available between Raipur and Dantewada on a very good conditioned road (400 Kms) Dantewada is also well connected with Hyderabad and Vishakapattanam through regular Bus services – This temple is located 33 kilometers from Dantewada. It is located at Barsur, which is approx 100 km from Jagdalpur. Samlur is located around 9 KMs from District HQ Dantewada, here lies an ancient Shiva Temple almost intact and is being regularly worshiped by the disciples. Architecture Legend / Local stories Photo Gallery How to Reach: By Air Raipur and Vishakapattanam are the nearest major Airports, both these spots are equidistant to the district HQ… Danteshwari Temple is located in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. The carving of the temple is famous all over India Danteshwari Mata Temple is in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state Some call Goddess Danteshwari as adorable goddess of tribals, some say that the tooth of Goddess Sati fell here, hence the name of this place is… Danteshwari Temple, Danteshwari, Chhattisgarh Date built:14th centuryDeity:-Architectural style:-Major festivals-Locale:DantewadaDistrict::BastarAddress:Pacheda, Chhattisgarh 491228Phone- Danteshwari Temple is temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, and is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, shrines of Shakti, the divine feminine, spread across India. The temple built in the 14th century, is situated in Dantewada, a town situated 80 km from Jagdalpur Tehsil, Chhattisgarh. Dantewada is named after the Goddess Danteshwari,…
Shree Hanuman Mandir Gudiyari There is also a Hanuman temple in the capital, which symbolizes the religious richness of Raipur in history. Even today, every Tuesday, people from far-flung villages arrive here for worship. It is believed that Hanuman’s self-proclaimed statue of Hanuman was seen 400 years ago here. Since then worship has been done here. Learn about the ancient Hanuman temple- According to historians Raipur was earlier known for cotton market. People from far and wide used to come here to buy cotton. Gudihari was also one of the major mandis. The self-proclaimed statue of Lord Hanuman spread far and wide. Traders coming from outside states also had such faith in this statue that they would first stop and worship God, and only then they shop.In this way, Lord Hanuman is being worshiped here for a long time. Special rituals are also performed here on special occasions. This temple is also a center of attraction due to its historical and religious importance.
Surajpur Hanuman temple, it is located near Aggarwal Dharamshala, here are the property held in the grounds of the city’s public program. Raipur Airport is the nearest airport. Surajpur railway station is nearest from tourist place Surajpur bus-stop is nearest from tourist place
Mahamaya Mandir is situated at Devipur 4KM away from Surajpur. Mahamaya Temple is one of the famous and Oldest temple. People from different Places visit Mahamaya Mandir toworship and now it has become a major Tourist Attraction Place in Chhattisgarh. The people of Surajpur District has a great faith on Mahamaya devi and during Navratri this place becomes a major attraction and navratri mela is being organised by the people. The daily free bus service is being provided by the Bhakt mandaly of Surajpur for the pilgrimage and devoties to reach Devipur from Surajpur. A Huge arrangement is being made by the Local People and public Authorities as well. Raipur Airport is the nearest airport. Surajpur railway station is nearest from tourist place Surajpur bus-stop is nearest from tourist place
District of the state of Chhattisgarh in India. It is 25 km from district headquarters of Surajpur connected by an all weather road. The best time to visit is during Chaitra Navaratra (in the month of April). Raipur Airport is the nearest airport. Surajpur railway station is nearest from tourist place Surajpur bus-stop is nearest from tourist place
Shivpur Shiva Temple: Pratappur is 45 KMs away from Ambikapur, village Shivpur is 4 kms from Pratappur. At this temple, big ceremonies are organized on the occasion of Shivaratri and Vasant Panchami Raipur Airport is the nearest airport. Surajpur railway station is nearest from tourist place Surajpur bus-stop is nearest from tourist place
Dongargarh is a city and municipality in Rajnandgaon District in the state of Chhattisgarh, India and the site of the Bambleshwari Temple. A prominent pilgrim destination in Rajnandgaon District, the city lies about 35 kilometres west from Rajnandgaon, 67 kilometres west from Durg and 132 kilometres east from Bhandara which are situated on National Highway 6. Featuring majestic mountains and ponds, Dongargarh is derived from the words: Dongarh meaning ‘mountains’ and garh meaning ‘fort’. The Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple, situated on a 1,600 feet high hilltop, is a popular landmark. It is of great spiritual importance and several legends are associated with this shrine too. Another prominent shrine in the vicinity is Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple. Devotees flock these temples during Navratri. Shivji Temple and temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman are also located here. The ropeway is an added attraction and is the only passenger ropeway in Chhattisgarh. A severe accident occurred in 2016 when the ropeway broke and fell down killing several people. The town is known for religious Harmony and has considerable population of Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians and Jains apart from Hindus The nearest Airport is Just 72 kms away from the city is Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. There are regular trains from other major cities (like New Delhi,Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Banglore, Ahmedabad, Raipur etc) of the country to Rajnandgaon. Railway Station name is – Raj Nandgaon(RJN) . Rajanandgaon city is connected to the National Highway. This city is located on NH 6. It is 72 kms away from Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur and is 212 kms away from Nagpur(Maharashtra). Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh 491445
Barfani dham is a temple in the town of Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. A large Shiva Linga can be seen at the top of the temple while a large Nandi statue stands in front of it.The temple is constructed in three levels. The bottom layer is the shrine of Patal bhairavi, the second is the Navadurga or Tripura Sundari shrine and the upper level is of Shiva. The nearest Airport is Just 72 kms away from the city is Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. There are regular trains from other major cities (like New Delhi,Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Banglore, Ahmedabad, Raipur etc) of the country to Rajnandgaon. Railway Station name is – Raj Nandgaon(RJN) . Rajanandgaon city is connected to the National Highway. This city is located on NH 6. It is 72 kms away from Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur and is 212 kms away from Nagpur(Maharashtra).
Hathnikala Devi site is on continuous progress in the form of tourism, religious belief and reverence centers. The tree plant and the front pond surrounded the beauty of this Goddess and is setting four moons. The idol of Goddess Durga, built inside the temple, appears to be lively. This temple has been constructed by village King, Rohan Singh Rajput, with the help of Jana Jogog. Built in 1972, this temple is open to all religious people. In addition to religious purpose, people visit here year after year to see the unique example of tourism. The number of devotees coming here during the Navaratri is enlarged. This unmatched temple is located in the south-east direction of Dharampura, located 8 km from the district headquarters Mungeli. Located at a distance of 55 km from Bilaspur railway station, block Patharia is connected to the road. This is located 12 kilometers away from district headquarter Mungeli in the Pathriya block in the southeast
In Chhattisgarh, there are temples of Gods of all the sects of Hinduism, but there is a temple in Mungali which is unique in itself. According to the experts, this is the second temple of Satya Narayan God in the entire country. This temple situated in Malhapara of Mungeli city is similar to ordinary temples, but the statue set in this temple is different from other temples in many ways. According to the scholars, worshiping Lord Satyanarayan’s worship is fulfilling the desire. Although no one knows the exact time of construction of the temple, but according to locals estimates it is 200 years old temple. It is said that the temple of Lord Satyanarayan is in Pushkar of Rajasthan except for Mungeli. Lord Satyanarayan Temple is located in Malhapara (Rajendra Ward), which is called the heart of the district headquarters Mungeli. Located 56 kilometers from Bilaspur railway station, it is connected to the road from Mungeli block. This district headquarter is located near Malhapara in Mungeli
Mungeli is the proven temple of Mahadev on the banks of Kharaghat Aagar river. Here in the year 1890, the proven Mahatma Shivakoswar of the Shaiva sect came and in the land here, they experienced peace. Shri Khraghagata Mahadev keeps fame as Ganeshwar Mahadev. In those times, there has been a long history of the sad saints. The Kharaghat system was famous for siddhi. Even today, philosophy of disciples of Gorakhnath is considered mandatory here. On the other side, Paramahansa cottage exists in the shrine site of Shri Hans Baba of Naga sect. On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, on the occasion of other special festivals, a papaya aroma is spread in this place. The name of one coast of Kharaghat is Baba Budan, which still remains a mystery. At present, the district administration has decided to decorate this place as a tourist destination. This district headquarter is located near the village Ramgarh, 2 km southeast of Mungeli. Located 56 kilometers from Bilaspur railway station, it is connected to the road from Mungeli Block. located in Ramgarh, south east direction 02 km away from district headquarter Mungali.
Khallarimata temple is on the hilltop forest of Khallari village situated about 25 km South side of Mahasamund. Every year during Navratri the devotees throng to visit the Goddess and to participate in the annual fair(mela) scheduled on the Full Moon day of Chaitra month every year. It is believed that during the MAHABHARAT ERA the PANDAV visited this hilltop, and the reason for this belief is the footprint of BHIM visible on this hill. The nearest airport is at Raipur. The nearest railhead is at Mahasamund. The nearest bus stand is at Mahasamund.
About 10 km. East side of Mahasamund there is a place called Daldali there is an old Shiva temple & ghaudhara.The water flows constantly from the ghaudhara. The village Daldali’s northeast side is covered by beautiful forest. During the months of Sravan and Poush devotees in great numbers offer prayers here. During FULLMOON of Poush Mela is celebrated here. Tourists also visit this place. The nearest airport is at Raipur. The nearest railhead is at Mahasamund. The nearest bus stand is at Mahasamund.
The Chandi temple is in village Birkoni on N.H.6 & about 10 km. north of Mahasamund. The construction of the temple is in progress. During Navarathri of Chaitr & Kuwar the devotees offer the light igniting. The nearest airport is at Raipur. The nearest railhead is at Mahasamund. The nearest bus stand is at Mahasamund. Birkoni Mahasamund 493445, Bhawanipatna – Raipur Hwy, Chhattisgarh 493445
It is located in Gram panchayat of Pondi under Khadgava Janpad Panchayat . This temple belongs to Utkal society and a form of the Puri Jagannath temple of Odisha, where the festival is organized every year on Maha Shivndapa. Nearest Airport is Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur Chhattisgarh. which is around 315 km away from Baikunthpur it is situated at a distance of 29 kms from Baikunthpur railway station and 4 kms from Nagpur railway station. it is located on the road of Chirmiri on National Highway- 43, 4 km from Nagpur Gram Panchayat, and 39 kms away from Baikunthpur. Pondi, Chirimiri, Chhattisgarh 497773
Sarvamangala is one of the famous temples in the Korba district. The Goddess of this temple is Durga. This temple was built by the ancestors of Rajeshwar Dayal one of the Zamindar in Korba. The temple is surrounded by Trilokinath Mandir, Kali Mandir, and Jyoti Kalash Bhavan. There is also a cave, which goes under the river and comes out on the other side. Rani Dhanraj Kunwar Devi was used to this cave for her daily visit to the temple. — – Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur is the nearest airport. (200 KM) Korba Railway station, 5 KM. Bus stand Korba, 5 KM. Power House Road, Sarwamangala Para, Korba, Chhattisgarh 495677
Madwarani Mandir is situated on the Korba-Champa Road at a distance 22 KM from district headquarter.There is a temple of Godess Madwarani at the top of the hill. The legend behind this temple is that at the season of Nawaratri, jowar was growing under Kalmi trees near the temple. During the Nawratri season(September. October) of each year there is fair celebrated by the local people. Swami Vivekanand Airport is the nearest airport. (200 KM) Korba Railway station, 30KM. And Champa Railway station 35 KM. Korba Bus station, 30KM. And Champa Bus station 35 KM. Korba – Champa Rd, Madwarani, Chhattisgarh 495674 073543 10314
Chaithurgarh (Lafagarh) is situated around 70 kms away from Korba town. it is 25 KM north of Pali and situated at a height of 3060 height on the hill top. It was constructed by Raja Pratwidev First. Archeologists consider it as one of the strongest natural fort. Since it is protected by strong natural walls, only at some places walls have been built. The fort has three main entrances which are named as Menaka, Humkara, and Simhadwar. On the hilltop there is a plain area having an area of 5sqkm. where there are five ponds. Out of which three are Perennially full of water. The famous Mahishasur Mardini temple is situated here. The idol of Mahishasur Mardini having 12 hands is installed in the sanctum sanctorum. Shankar cave is situated 3 kms away from the temple. The cave which is like a tunnel is 25 ft. long. One can go inside the cave only by creeping since it is very short in diameter. The hillocks of chaithurgarh is famous for its natural beauty and the adventures experiences it offers. Many types of wild animals and birds are found here. The SECL constructed a rest house for visitors here. The temple trust also made some rooms for the tourists. Special Pujas are held during the Navaratri. It is said that Goddess Durga killed Demon Mahisa-asur here. The Shanker cave, down below about 3 kms is known for burning Bhasma-asura to death. There are two caves inside main cae. It is said that the right side cave is where Lord Shiva attempted to hide himself from the eyes of Bhasmaasura and the left side of cave is where Lord Vishnu took Mohini Roop to allure Bhasmaasura and tempted him to dance. Which finally resulted into demon placing his own hand on his head and he turned into ashes. – . It comes under Bagdara Panchayath. It is located 39 KM towards the west of District headquarters Korba. 170 KM from State capital Raipur. Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur is the nearest airport. (200 KM) Korba Railway station, 50KM. And Bilaspur Junction 55KM. The visitors can reach there by road from Pali which is situated 50 kms away from Korba, 55 kms away from Bilaspur. Chaiturgarh Temple Pin code is 495449 and postal head office is Pali (Korba).
At the heart of Korba lies a hidden gem, the Tuman Temple. This ancient temple has a rich history dating back centuries and is steeped in cultural significance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu deities. The temple attracts devotees and tourists alike, all drawn to its magnificent architecture and cultural heritage. Tuman Temple is located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh state. Tuman is a small village situated 10 km away from Katghora, which is 30 km away from the district headquarters in the northwest direction. Ancient history states that Tuman was the capital of kings in the Haihaya dynasty. One ancient Shiv Mandir is found here. It is believed that the mandir was built during the reign of Kalchuri (Near 11 A.D) by king Ratnadev First. Besides this Shiv Mandir, some other remnants are also found there. Tuman Local Language is Chhattisgarhi. कटघोरा से 10 किमी की दूरी पर स्थित एक छोटे गांव है। जो जिला मुख्यालय से 30 किमी दूर उत्तर-पश्चिम दिशा में है। पृथ्वीदेव जब पेंड्रा जीत कर तुमान की ओर आए तब इन गढ़ों में दामा व दुरहा भाईयों का राज था, जिन्हें हराकर उन्होंने गढ़ पर कब्जा किया, तुमान छत्तीसगढ़ में कलचूरियों की प्रथम राजधानी बनी। यहां एक प्राचीन शिव मंदिर है। जिसका निर्माण कलचुरि शासक रत्नराज / रत्नदेव प्रथम (1045 ई. – 1065 ई. ) के शासनकाल में हुआ था। यहाँ शिव मंदिर के अलावा, अन्य अवशेष भी वहाँ पाए जाते हैं। Tuman Temple dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been built by the Chandelas, who were known for their love of art and architecture. The temple was originally built as a shrine to Lord Shiva, one of the three primary Hindu gods, known as the Trimurti. Lord Shiva is regarded as the god of destruction and is also considered to be the god of yogis. According to legend, the temple is said to be located on the spot where Lord Shiva emerged from the earth in the form of a lingam, a sacred symbol in Hinduism representing the god’s masculine energy. This lingam is worshipped in the temple’s inner sanctum, which is considered to be one of the most sacred spaces in the temple. The temple has been a pilgrimage site for Hindus for centuries, and many believe that visiting the temple and worshipping Lord Shiva here can bring them good fortune and blessings. The Tuman Temple is a magnificent example of Nagara-style architecture, which is characterized by its lofty towers and intricate carvings. The temple is made of sandstone and features five beautifully carved towers, each representing one of the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space. The temple’s main tower, or shikhara, rises to a height of over 30 meters, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, the demon king. The carvings also depict other deities such as Lord Vishnu, the preserver god, and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the lingam, which is carved from a single piece of stone and is considered to be one of the most beautiful lingams in India. The sanctum is also adorned with beautiful carvings depicting scenes from Lord Shiva’s life. इस मंदिर के आसपास कई और मंदिर पाये गये थे जिनकी संख्या संख्या लगभग 20 हैं, लेकिन सभी मंदिर ध्वस्त हो चुके है पुरातत्व हैं केवल एक ही मंदिर बचा हुआ हैं, इन सभी मंदिरो का संरक्षण भारतीय पुरातत्व सर्वेक्षण द्वारा किया जाता है, और सभी मंदिरो को संरक्षित स्मारक का दर्जा भी प्राप्त हैं। प्राचीन इतिहास में कहा जाता है, कि तुमान हैहै वंश के राजाओं की राजधानी हुआ करती थी, जिस समय यहां एक शिव मंदिर मिला जो माना जाता है कि इस प्राचीन शिव मंदिर का निर्माण कल्चुरीयों के राजा रत्नदेव प्रथम द्वारा 11 A.D. आसपास करवाई गयी थी। Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur is the nearest airport. (200 KM) By Train Korba Railway station, 35 KM. Bus stand Korba, 35 KM. Tuman Pin code is 495674 and postal head office is Bhaisma . Visiting Tuman Temple is a truly unforgettable experience. As you approach the temple, you will be greeted by the sight of its magnificent towers rising up against the sky. As you enter the temple complex, you will be struck by the intricate carvings that adorn its walls. The temple’s inner sanctum is a place of deep spiritual significance, and you will be awed by the beauty of the lingam and the carvings that surround it. The temple also has a large courtyard where visitors can relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
This religious place famous in the name of Kankeshwar or Chakreshwar Mahadev temple. It is believed that the temple at Kanki was built near AD 1857 by the Zamindars of Korba. The temple is adorned with number of beautiful images made in stones. There is number of idols of God Shiva Parvati etc. Besides this, there is another ancient temple of goddess Durga. This village is surrounded by dense forest and number of ponds can be found there. The area is visited by migratory birds who vist here during their breeding time. Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur is the nearest airport. (200 KM) Korba Railway station, 20KM. Bus stand Korba, 20 KM.
Kudurmal is a small village sitauted around 15 KM away from Korba district headquarter. The historical importance is that there is a Samadhi of one of the disciple of Saint Kabir’s, which is about 500 years old. Besides this, there is a temple named Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir, which was built by Mahatma Kevlal Patel, who was a prominent Saint.an idol of Hanuman has been installed in the centre of the temple. the sorroundings of the temple has small other temples of Kali, Durga, Ram, Sita, Kabir etc. There is a fair on Magh Purnima in every year (January and February). Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur is the nearest airport. (200 KM) Korba Railway station, 15KM. Bus stand Korba, 15 KM.
The Vishnu Mandir were built by kings of Hayhay Vansh, near Bhima Talab of purani basti of Janjgir in 12 Century. It was being constructed in two parts to make a full temple, but both the parts were not assembled in time and as a result of it, both the parts of the temple are laying on the ground separately and still the temple is uncompleted. Due to this, the temple is also called as Nakata Mandir by local people. On the walls of the temple the statue of God and Goddess, Gandharava and Kinners are making it worth watching for the tourists. Raipur Chhattisgarh is the nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila is the nearest Railway station SITUATED AT DISTRICT HEADQUARTER Janjgir-Champa Basti, Janjgir, Chhattisgarh 495668 091658 04907
Bhoramdeo a thousand-year-old temple situated in Chouragaon is 18 km from Kawardha in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh and 125 Km from Raipur. this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is artificially situated between the mountain ranges, it was built during the period from 7th to 11th century. There is a glimpse of the Khajuraho temple in the temple here, hence this temple is also called “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”. The temple’s face is east. The temple is a beautiful example of the civilian style. The temple can be entered from three sides. The temple is built on a five feet high dive. From the three entrances can be entered directly in the temple pavilion. The length of the pavilion is 60 feet and the width is 40 feet. There are 4 pillars in the middle of the pavilion and there are 12 pillars on the side, which have kept the terrace of the pavilion. All pillars are very beautiful and artistic. On each pillar there is a keecha, which is handled by the roof. The nearest airport is at State Capital Raipur. Mana Airport is approx. 130 Km. from Kawardha By Train Nearest Railway Station is at State Capital Raipur. it about 120 Km. from Kawardha. By Road Kawardha is well Connected to Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg city via road. Chhattisgarh 491995 080859 89809
Lord Shiva temple is situated here by the name of Turridham. On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, a 3 days mela is being organized here every year. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Sakti is nearest Railway station 13K.M. FROM SAKTI.
The Laxminarayan Temple was built by the kings of Hayhay Vansh during the age of 11th century on the bank of Mahanadi at Shivarinarayan Nagar. According Hindu mythology from the age of Ramayana shabri aasharma is situated here. The temple of Shivarinarayan is a great piece work Vaishanav Shaili by the Vaishnav community. During Magh purnima a grand fate is being organized here. It is a place of worth watching for the tourists. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila and Champa is nearest Railway station 50 K.M. FROM DISTRICT HEAD QUARTER TOWARDS SOUTH
According Hindu mythology and as per the local story a Shiv Temple was built here by younger brother of Bhagwan Ram, Laxman. That is why the temple is known as Laxmneshwar Temple. It is also a great place for Hindu pilgrims. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila is nearest Railway station. 20 K.M. FROM TAHSIL HEAD QUARTER PAMGARH TOWARDS SOUTH.
Here Chandrahasini Devi temple is situated on the bank of Mahanadi. A very big fate is being organized here every year on the eve of Navratri.It is also famous as a tourist place. People from other state like Orissa are also visiting this place. Day by day it is becoming a big place for holy as well as tourist place. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila and Champa is nearest Railway station 22 K.M. FROM TAHSIL HEAD QUARTER DABHARA TWORDS EAST. NH216, Chandrapur, Chhattisgarh 495692
This temple is also situated on the bank of Hasdeo river. It is famous for Devi Mandir. The festival of Navratri is being celebrated here with full devotion and faith. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila and Champa is nearest Railway station 10 km from Janjgir in North-East direction
The Lord Shiva Mandir is situated on the bank of river Hasdeo which is also known as Kaleshwarnath Mandir. A 10 days fate and fair is being organized here during the festival of Maha Shivaratri and Rang Panchami. Every year on RangPanchami the marriage procession Lord Shiva is being organized in which a group Naga Saints also takes part. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila is nearest Railway station 10 K.M. TOWARDS EAST from Janjgir
It is a temple of Tripur Singhar Devi surrounded by forests and mountains which making it quite beautiful to watch. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila is nearest Railway station 25 km from Janjgir in North direction
The Nahariya Baba is Lord Hanuman Temple. Raipur Chhattisgarh is nearest Airport Janjgir-Naila is nearest Railway station situated at District Head quarter Janjgir. Naila, Chhattisgarh 495668
Situated on the bank of river Sheonath, amidst entrancing natural scenery, this shrine of the 23rd Teerthankar Lord Shri Parshwanath commemorates his holy visit to this region about 3000 years ago as a Shraman (A wandering mendicant dedicated to self-realization through self sacrifice). Scattered Jain Sculpture, large number of devotees and dilapidated ancient shrine along with Lord’s Foot – prints historically, proves the Lord’s journey to this area. The mysterious manner of locating, finding, procuring and then installing this ancient idol also proves categorically, his divine grace. This shrine is virtually an epic of Jain-devotional philosophy engraved on stones. A pilgrimage to this shrine inspires noble conduct, self -discipline, penance and equanimity. This is a Jain shrine in Nagpura established in 1995. The campus houses temples, guest houses, a garden and Naturopathy and Yoga Centre. The entrance to the resplendent marble temple of Shri Parshwanath is through a 30 feet gate that has the idol of Parshwanath, supported by four pillars (representing the four essentials of spiritual atonement, i.e., wisdom, introspection, good conduct, penance), being worshipped by two elephants. Sacred water, amiya , oozes from the idol here. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this shrine on full-moon. Raipur (54 KM) is the nearest Airport connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata, Bhubneshwar, Chennai, Ranchi & Vishakapatnam. Durg lies on the Mumbai-Howrah main line. Durg railway station is at a distance of 1101 Km from Mumbai, 867 Km from Howrah, 1354 Km from New Delhi and 275 Km from Nagpur. Nagpura is around 15 KM from District Headquarter. PARAS NAGAR, DIST, Nagpura, Chhattisgarh 491001 0788 262 1201
Samlur is located around 9 KMs from District HQ Dantewada, here lies an ancient Shiva Temple almost intact and is being regularly worshiped by the disciples. Raipur and Vishakapattanam are the nearest major Airports, both these spots are equidistant to the district HQ Dantewada by road at around 400 KMs. Jagdalpur is the nearest mini airport which have flight connectivity with both Raipur and Vishakapattanam Vishakapattanam is well connected with train to Dantewada the district HQs. Two daily trains are available between Vishakapattanam and Dantewada Regular bus services are available between Raipur and Dantewada on a very good conditioned road (400 Kms) Dantewada is also well connected with Hyderabad and Vishakapattanam through regular Bus services
The temple is one of the important ones in the Bijapur district and requires a lot of investigation to be done to fully discover it. The temple is located in Bhairamgarh in Bijapur and a rock cut Ardhanariswar carved on large boulders. The image belongs to 13-14th century AD. It is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, believed Lord of Maa Danteswari. Within 500 meters to the temple, several sculptures related to Nag Kings are found which are of historical importance. Rare image of Lord Brahma in the area proves its architectural value. Hence, this excavation proves how old the monument is and requires an urgent attention to improve the condition. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (430 km) Dantewada Junction Railway Station (40 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (430 km)
The Sakalnarayan hills are around 50kms from Bijapur. After crossing the 1km terrain and forest, a cave can be found. It is opened to the public on Gudi Parva/Ugadi. When one enters the main door of the cave, many other tunnels are opened up where one can notice the statues of Lord Krishna and Sesh Nag. Usur cave and Usur waterfall along with Shankanpalli caves of Bijapur are very less explored, however, the places are great to visit and require immediate attention Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (540 km) Dantewada Junction Railway Station (140 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (540 km)
The temple in the Bhadrakali village is 20kms from Bhopalpatnam. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Locals believe that the Kakatiya ruler who was a believer of Goddess Kali installed the picture here first. The place where the temple is located was a cave earlier situated within the dense forests. A large fair is held on the Vasant Panchami day and devotees from far off places of Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Maharashtra visit here. Agni kund is held here where people walk through a bed of red hot coal. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (580 km) Dantewada Junction Railway Station (190 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (580 km)
Jai Maa Bhadrakali temple is located in Bemetra , This Temple is of great religious importance for the people of Chhattisgarh, It is one of the famous places of worship which is located in Bemetra, Chhattisgarh. 81 KM from Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur Tilda Railway Station (35 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (70 km) Bemetara, Chhattisgarh 491335
Narayanpal temple is well-known for its cultural, historical and spiritual value in the heritage of Bastar. North-western side to Jagdalpur, connected to Chitrakote waterfalls, a village named Narayanpal, is situated on the other bank of river Indravati. This village has an ancient magnificent Vishnu temple that was constructed 1000 years ago and is a beautiful archetype of architecture. The Vishnu Temple is established near the confluence of rivers Indravati and Narangi and it dates back to 11th century. Nearby Vishnu temple, a small village got named as Narayanpur after the establishment of temple, meanwhile, it came to be known as Narayanpal. Contemporary to the Khajuraho Temple of India, Narayanpal temple is the only temple in the whole Bastar district where the idol of Lord Vishnu is ingrained. Built by Mumundadevi, the queen of Chindak dynasty, Narayanpal temple has the influence of Chalukya style of architecture. Bastar has its own Airport which is operated by State Government under UDAN Scheme . At present the AIRODISHA has operating flights from Jagdalpur to Raipur and Jagdalpur to Vishakapatnam. The nearest airport accessible is in Raipur, approximately 300 km away from Bastar. Many Airplane operators operate regular flights from here connecting it to all the major cities. Prepaid taxis are easily available from the Raipur Airport to Jagdalpur. Jagdalpur a district headquarter of Bastar district is well connected to the Vishakapatnam and Raipur by railways. Jagdalpur railway station is operated by East Coast Railway. This Railway line is the primary source of iron ore transport from NMDC bacheli to Vishapakatnam. At present Vishakapatnam -Kirandul Passenger (58501), Durg -Jagdalpur Express (18211), Hawrah-Koraput Express (18005), Hirakhand Express (18448) and Vishakapatnam-Jagdalpur(Night Express) are operational from Jagdalpur. Regular bus services, whether express or sleeper based, ply to and fro the city of Jagdalpur (Bastar). They operate on a daily basis, through a well-connected network of national highways such as NH 30 . The other state bus transporters also operates such as TSRTC (Jagdalpur-Hyderabad), APRTC(Jagdalpur -Vishakapatnam,Vijayawada,Rajmundry),OSRTC etc. Narayanpal, Chhattisgarh 494223
The temple built by the erstwhile Maharaja of Balrampur in the 19th century. The location of the temple came to the Maharaja in his dream and is linked to the story that a devotee of Patan Devi used to walk the distance from Bijlipur to Patan Devi every day of his life to pray to the Devi. When he grew old, his physical condition deteriorated untill one day he pleaded to the Devi that he was now unable to come for her darshan due to his old age this was the last visit. Soon thereafter, the Maharaja of Balrampur was passing by this area which was heavily forested and he took a break for the night in the vicinity. That night there was a storm accompanied by thunder and lightening. The Devi appeared in the Maharaja’s dream and directed him to build a temple at the spot she would indicate. Next morning he received news that a large peepul tree had been struck by lightening and had burnt down. In its place there was a deep hole made in the ground. The Maharaja then went on to build this temple. It was made of red stone with exquisite carvings for which stone masons were employed from Rajasthan. There is no idol in the main temple. There is a deep hole in the ground which is covered with cloth and prayers to the Devi are performed over it. First to Reach Lucknow UP from any where in India by Air. . There is a deep hole in the ground which is covered with cloth and prayers to the Devi are performed over it.From Lucknow – Gonda – Balrampur From Lucknow to Balrampur two ways : 1. Via Barabanki – Bahraich – Balrampur 2. Via – Barabanki – Gonda – Balrampur MDR10E, Balrampur Rural, Uttar Pradesh 271201
Devi Patan is a very famous temple situated in Tulsipur, which is around 25 Kms from the district headquarters of Balrampur. It is the temple of Ma Pateshwari and goes by the name Devi Patan. The temple is one of the famous 51 Shakti Peethas of Ma Durga. It is said that the right shoulder (called as Pat in hindi), of Mata Sati had fallen here and hence it is also one of the Shakti Peetha and is called as Devi Patan. It is a place of great religious importance and one of the prominent temple of terai region. Temple is of great religious importance and there is lot of rush during Navratra period. People also come here for head shaving ceremony of their Kids (also called as Mundan) or to donate hair in case Mundan is done some where else. Its considered sacred to donate hair here. The temple is situated on the west of city of Tulsipur. Tulsipur is conected to district headquarters of Balrampur via bus and is 25 Kms from Balrampur. Best way to reach is to take a train to Gonda Jn and then go to Tulsipur by Bus. Gonda is very well connected to all major cities of India by rail.If you are travelling by air, state capital Lucknow is the nearest airport. First to Reach Lucknow UP from any where in India by Air. From Lucknow – Gonda – Balrampur From Lucknow to Balrampur two ways : 1. Via Barabanki – Bahraich – Balrampur 2. Via – Barabanki – Gonda – Balrampur
Situated by the confluence of the Mahanadi and Jonk rivers, 40 KM from Balodabazar and 80 km from Bilaspur, the Giroudpuri Dham is one of Chhattisgarh’s most revered pilgrimage points. This tiny village, which has deep associations of spirituality and historical interest, is the birthplace of the founder of Chhattisgarh’s Satnami Panth, Guru Ghasidas. Born into a farmer family of the region, one day he rose up to become Guru Ghasidas, a much revered figure in Chhattisgarh. Pilgrims arrive here to venerate him at his ‘seat’, which is located next to the Jait Khamba. He is said to have done tapasya for a long time under the Auradhara tree which is still there. This sacred place is also known as tapobhumi. The Charan Kund is a sacred pond and the site of the annual Giroudpuri Mela. Another kilometre from here is located the ancient Amrit Kund, whose waters are believed to be sweet. The nearest airport to Giraudpuri Dham is the Raipur Airport. After reaching here, by road anybody can reach to Giroudpuri Dham There are Bhatapara, Raipur, Bilaspur and Mahasamund railway stations to come to Giroudpuri Dham. After reaching here, by road anybody can reach to Giroudpuri Dham. Giroudpuri Dham can be reached from the city through road from Raipur, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Bhatapara, Kasdol, Shibri Narayan, Bilaspur, Sarangarh, Basna etc. Giraudpuri, Chhattisgarh 493335
Siddheshwar Temple, this Shiva temple is located on the embankment of Balasamund pond in Palari village, 25 km away from Balodabazar to Raipur Road in Balodabazar district of Chhattisgarh State. This temple was built in about 7-8th century AD. Made of brick, this temple is west-facing. On the entrance of the temple, river Goddess Ganga and Yamuna have been displayed in Tribhangaamudra. The Trinity is marking on the head of the door. The view of Shiva wedding is beautifully engraved on the Sidhn situated at the entrance and marking of the Asht Dikpal on the gate branch. Shivalinga named Siddheshwar is installed in the sanctum sanctorum. The shikhar part of this temple is embellished with the picturesque, gajmukh and vaalyan shapes which are built within the Chaitya Gaavaksh. This is a great specimen of existing Chhattisgarh brick-built temples. This monument is protected by the State of Chhattisgarh. The nearest airport is in Raipur. There are Bhatapara, Raipur and Bhatapara railway stations near this place. Palari city is connected by road to other cities such as Balodabazar, Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhatapara, Kasdol, Mahasamund etc.
Singarpur is a village in the tehsil of Bhatapara in Balodabazar district of Chhattisgarh. Singarpur is 11.8 km from its Tehsil main city Bhatapara, district headquarter is 34.8 km from Balodabazar and its capital is 75 km away from Raipur. In Singarpur, the goddess Mauli is a famous temple of Mata. It is believed that Mauli Mata appeared here with the wish of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The statue of Mata Mauli was established in ancient times. Raipur Airport is the nearest airport. Bhatapara and Bilaspur are the nearest railway stations. Mawali Mata Temple can be reached by road via Bhatapara and Nipniya. Singarpur, Chhattisgarh 493118
Located in right bank of the Mahanadi river on the north-east of Gariaband, where it joins its tributaries called “Parry” and “Sodhur”. It is connected by road from the district headquarters and regular runs buses on the road. It is 45km far from Raipur district headquarter in the south-east. A small rail line “Raipur-Dhamtari” emanating from the Abhanapur and combines Navapara located on the other side of Rajim. Due to high bridge on the river near Rajim, road contacts has been established for twelve-months. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (42.5km) Raipur Junction Railway Station (50km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (47km) Rajim, Chhattisgarh 493885 098268 89714
It is a big waterfall located 25km from Jatmai Temple. In Gatarani Temple Navratri festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. Here we sees a decoration especially on festive occasions like Navratri. After the monsoon it is the best time for visit. Beautiful waterfall flows near the temple, which makes this place more attractive The waterfall in full flow to make the destination as a favorite picnic spot for the whole family.Waterfall is the best place to take a dip before entering the temple. The more adventurous can take a hike in the woods. Easily vehicles are available from Raipur to Ghatarani Temple. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (77.6 km) Raipur Junction Railway Station (90.4 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (90.4 km)
Marauda village situated at nestled among thick forests 3km away from Gariaband. The world’s largest Shivalinga given by the nature sparkling in the region surrounded by picturesque forests and hills. The news comes where the size of Mahakal and other Shivlings decreses while there’s a Shivling whose size does not shrink but increases every year. This Shivling is produced naturally.Every year on Mahashivratri and Monday of Sawan people (Kawariya) arrives here. This Shivling located in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh is called here “Bhooteshwarnath”, which also called “Bhakurra”. In Chhattisgarh like “Dwadas Jyotirling” it is recognised as “Ardhnarishwar Shivling”. The most surprising fact is that the size of the Shivling is continuously increasing every year. Probably because the number of devotees who come here is rising every year. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (89.1km) Raipur Junction Railway Station (103 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (103 km)
Sikaser Dam is located at the distance of 50km from the district headquarter. It is accessible in all seasons. Sikaser Dam was built in year 1977. The length of Sikaser Dam is 1540 meter and maximum height is 9.32 meter. In the Sikaser dam capacity of the 2X35 MW Water Hydropower Plant is installed which is producing electricity as well as irrigation. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (133 km) Raipur Junction Railway Station (147 km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (147 km)
Located in Gariaband, 85 km from Raipur. “Jatmayi Temple” is dedicated to the “Mata Jatmayi” located between the beautiful sights of a small forest. Temple is beautifully carved out of granite with a huge tower and many small peak/ towers. On top of the main entrance, can see one murals depicting mythological characters. The holy temple is located amidst a forest. The architecture of the temple is astounding with one massive tower and many smaller ones featuring as its Shikhara. The temple is carved in granite, giving it an elegant and impressive appearance. Many beautiful mythological murals can be spotted in the entrance of the temple. Led by a flight of stairs, the idol of Mata Jatmai is located in a sanctum within the temple premises. Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (76.7km) Raipur Junction Railway Station (85km) Pandri Bus Stop, Raipur (85km)
Danteshwari Temple is located in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. The carving of the temple is famous all over India Danteshwari Mata Temple is in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state Some call Goddess Danteshwari as adorable goddess of tribals, some say that the tooth of Goddess Sati fell here, hence the name of this place is Dantewada Devi Purana it Shakti Peeth does not believe, but according to experts, it is called 52nd Shakti Peetha in Tantra Chudamani According to some people, King Annam of Warangal had brought the goddess but The goddess placed a condition that she would follow the king until the king looked back but upon reaching the confluence of the Shankini and Dhakini river, the king looked back and the goddess settled down here since the goddess Due to the distance from his clothes, this area was named Bastar This temple is very famous in Chhattisgarh But people from abroad as well as from Chhattisgarh come to visit here.
Beautiful structure of the temple and the garden area. There is also a shelter home for the animals. Bhajan sabha, facility for shoe rack, water facility, and many more. It is a beautiful place for every age people. VIP Road Ram Mandir, 492001 Raipur
Patai Mata Temple Village – Patai (Patewa) is just 30 kilometers from Mahasamund district Mukhlaay, just 4 kilometers away from Patewa Road National Highway. This temple is a step up to the top of the mountain. The grand appearance of Mother is amazing. Due to which people are drawn to the mother’s door. Patai Mata Temple Village – Patai (Patewa) is just 30 kilometers from Mahasamund district Mukhlaay, just 4 kilometers away from Patewa Road National Highway. Pataimata, Chhattisgarh 493445 095759 05743
Adi Shakti Mahamaya Kaumari as Shaktipeeth sits in the legendary city of Ratanpur in Chhattisgarh, the same is the temple at the entrance of her protector Bhairav Nath. This temple is famous from the Siddha Tantra Peeth Sri Kal Bhairav Temple. It is on the right hand side in Bilaspur Ratanpur road. Thousands of devotees come to see Bhairav and fulfill the desired wish. The divine and magnificent temple of Mahamaya Devi, about 1000 years old, is worth visiting. It was built by King Ratnadeva I in the 11th century.
Manav Seva Parisar Road, Sector 9, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh 490009
Dudhadhari temple is a Hindu temple, located at Raipur Mathpara in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The current Head Priest (Mahant) of the temple is Rajeshri Dr. Mahant Ramsundar Das Ji Maharaj. Sree Dudhdhari Math was founded by Sree Swami Balabhadradas Ji Maharaj, a monk belonging to 16th Century. As per legends Sree Swami Balabhadradas Ji Maharaj used to survive only on milk and hence came to be popularly known as Dudh Ahari Maharaj (one who consumes only milk). With the passage of time, for the sake of ease of pronunciation, the term evolved as Dudhdhari. The Math thus takes the name Dudhdhari Math. The Math came under royal patronage of the-then Maratha ruler of Nagpur Maharaja Raghuraoji Bhonsle. The Maharaja brought out a royal charter as per which the head of Sree Dudhdhari Math would be conferred upon the title ‘Rajeshri’ and since then all the Heads/Mahant of the order were given the title of ‘Rajeshri’. Hence the first as well as founder Mahant of the institution was Rajeshri Mahant Balbhadradas Ji Maharaj, and as part of the same tradition the current Head of the Order is Rajeshri Dr. Mahant Ram Sundar Das Ji Maharaj, popularly known amongst the mass as Mahant Maharaj. Some of the nearest railway stations are Raipur junior railway station only 2 km, Saraswati Nagar railway station around 3 km and WRS colony railway station about 4 km distance from Dudhadhari Math or temple.
The Mahadev Temple in Deobaloda is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This temple belongs to the Kalchuri Period. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Temple witnesses high footfall during Mahashivratri when the devotees form nearby villages gather here for Lord Shiva’s blessing. The event is also accompanied by small fair The temple is east facing, built of sand stone. It has a Garbhagriha and a pillared Navaranga Mandapa(hall). The shikhara which is supposed to have been built in Nagara style is missing. The Garbhagriha houses a Shiva Linga of about 1.5 feet in height which is approached through a highly ornate door entrance guarded by Shaiva Dwarpalas.Inside the garbhgriha one can find idols of Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Hanuman among others. It is believed that that the sculptor who was building the temple got so much engrossed in his work that he didn’t care about his clothes. He became naked while continuing to work day and night to complete the temple. His wife used to bring food for him, but one day his sister came. The Mahadev Temple is built in the small town of Deobaloda in Bhilai Charoda It is well connected by train and road. By road: The temple is well connected by the National Highway by road, located 20 km from the capital Raipur city and about 15 km from Bhilai nagar. By train: Deobloda Charoda Railway station is located just near the temple, which serves as a stop for Local and Passenger trains. By airport: The nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur. Bhilai Marshalling Yard, Durg, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh 490025
Sarvamangla, Korba Official Address
Mahamaya Temple, Bilaspur The Mahamaya temple is built in Nagara style of architecture facing north beside a huge water tank.One can see the scores of ancillary temples, domes, palaces and forts now, which once housed the temple and the royal house of Ratanpur Kingdom. Within the complex, there is also temple of Kantideval, which is oldest of the cluster and is said to have been built by a build ascetic named Santosh Giri in 1039, later expanded by Kalchuri King Prithivideva II in the 15th century. It is having four gates and beautiful carvings. It has also been restored by Archaeological Survey of India. The sanctum and the mandapa are fortified with a fascinated courtyard, which was built in Maratha period in the late 18th century. A few kilometers away there are ruins of ancient 11th century old Kadeideol Shiva temple located on a hill top of ruined fort, built by Kalchuri ruers, who were followers of Shiva & Shakti. This temple is also being planned for restoration by the archaeological department. People throng the temple during Navaratri festival, when Jyotikalash is lit to appease the mother goddess.The guardian of the temple is considered to be Kalbhairva, whose temple is located on the approach road to the temple on the highway. It is a popular belief that pilgrims who visit Mahamaya temple also need to visit the temple of Kalabhairava to complete their pilgrimage. Mahamaya temple is situated at Ratanpur, 25 km from district headquarters Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Official Address
Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple, Durg Official Address
{Temple Name} – Ganga Maiya is a holy place situated in Jhalmala, a place near Balod in Durg District. During the Hindu festival of Navratri, this place is very crowded. Many worshipers of Maa Durga come here to every year to celebrate the Navratri. Navratri is celebrated twice a year i.e. in the Hindu month of Chaitra and Kunwar. During these nine days devotes keep fasting and thousands of people visit this place barefoot and they come by walking from long distance. Official Address
Kudargarh, Surajpur Kudargarh is a famous Hindu pilgrim centre situated in Surajpur District of the state of Chhattisgarh in India. It is 40 km from district headquarters ofSurajpur connected by an all-weather road. The best time to visit is during Chaitra Navaratra (in the month of April). It is located on a hillock with approximately 800 steps. A very panoramic view from top on addition to the DARSHAN of deity.The Maa Bagheshwari Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Kudargarhi is perched on top of a hill and is the major attraction in Kudargarh.The history of the temple is obscure. According to Dalton, the temple was built by Baland Kings. Balands were the original rulers of Korea state in the 17th century. The Devotees throng this temple to appease the goddess for the fulfillment of their desires. On fulfillment of their wish, the Goddess is offered with the blood of a goat which is poured into a small hole (kund) of 6 inch in diameter. It is said that the kund would not get filled up even if thousands of goat’s blood is poured into it, in which blood goat in honour of devi is given, a fact is that it never overflows. Official Address: KUDARGARH,BHAIYATHAN, Surajpur Official Phone: 9691018112
Danteshwari Temple, Danteshwari, Chhattisgarh Danteshwari Temple is temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, and is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, shrines of Shakti, the divine feminine, spread across India. The temple built in the 14th century, is situated in Dantewada, a town situated 80 km from Jagdalpur Tehsil, Chhattisgarh. Dantewada is named after the Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of the earlier Kakatiya rulers. Traditionally she is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of Bastar state,The temple is as according legends, the spot where the Daanth or Tooth of Sati fell, during the episode when all the Shakti shrines were created in the Satya Yuga. Every year during Dusshera thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather here to pay homage to the goddess, when her idol was taken out of that ancient Danteshwari temple and then taken around the city in an elaborate procession, now a popular tourist attraction part of the ‘Bastar Dussehra’ festival.There also a is tradition of lighting Jyoti Kalashas during Navaratris here. he Danteshwari temple was built in the 14th Century. The idol of Danteshwari Mai is chiseled out of black stone. The temple is divided into four parts such as Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap. Garbha Griha and Maha Mandap were constructed with stone pieces. There is a Garuda Pillar in front of the entrance of the temple. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls. The shikhara is adorned with sculptural finery. Official Address Battisa in hindi literally means 32 pillared temple. Once the Capital of Nagavansh Raja Banasur, Barsur is a fond destination for one who love history and ancient sculptures. This tiny town is filled with archaeological treasures. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv. As per the inscriptions available in the temple, this temple was constructed… Samlur is located around 9 KMs from District HQ Dantewada, here lies an ancient Shiva Temple almost intact and is being regularly worshiped by the disciples. Architecture Legend / Local stories Photo Gallery How to Reach: By Air Raipur and Vishakapattanam are the nearest major Airports, both these spots are equidistant to the district HQ… Danteshwari Temple is located in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. The carving of the temple is famous all over India Danteshwari Mata Temple is in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state Some call Goddess Danteshwari as adorable goddess of tribals, some say that the tooth of Goddess Sati fell here, hence the name of this place is…
Bhoramdeo Temple, Kabirdham ,Chhattisgarh Bhoramdeo Temple is a complex of Hindu temples dedicated to the god Shiva in Bhoramdeo, in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It comprises a group of four temples of which the earliest is a brick-temple. The main temple is the Bhoramdeo temple built in stone. The architectural features with erotic sculptures has given a distinct style akin to the Khajuraho temple and the Konarak Sun Temple in Odisha, and hence the Bhoramdeo complex is known by the sobriquet the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”. Another temple within a distance of about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from Bhoramdeo, which is mentioned along with the Bhoramdeo complex is the Madwa Mahal, meaning marriage hall in local dialect, also known as Dullhadeo. It was built in 1349 during the reign of Ramchandra Deo of the Nagavanshi dynasty and has a unique Shiva Linga erected over 16 pillars. The temple complex, rich in history and archeological details, is dated to the Kalachuri period (10th-12th centuries, one ruling over areas in Central India in west Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and were called Chedi or Haihaya (Heyheya) (northern branch)) with close identity with the sculptures found in nearby archeological sites such as Janjgir, Kalachuri, Narayanpur and Ratanpur sites. The brick temples were built during the rule of Pandus and are similar to those built in Kharod, Palari, Rajim and Sirpur in the state. The temple complex, highlighted as a “scintillating poetry in stone”, is credited to Nagwanshi Kings who practiced tantrism and who ruled in the then Southern Koshal region, which is now the state of Chhattisgarh. Its construction is dated between the 7th and 12th centuries.As the Gond Tribals of the area worshiped Lord Shiva whom they called Bhoramdeo, the temple was also named Bhoramdeo with the Shiva Linga deified in it. horamdeo temple, built of stone, and dated to the 11th century, which is older than the Khajuraho Group of temples is considered an “outstanding structure”. It has profusion of carved images on its exterior walls. Its architectural style is known as the Gurur type, unlike the north Indian Nagara style of architecture. Its structural uniqueness lies in the receding rows or tiers placed successively upwards in the top part of the temple tower. The first stage of the temple is a large platform or plinth that is built to height of 5 feet (1.5 m). The platform itself, on its exterior faces, has many sculptures of Hindu deities carved on it. The temple built over this platform which measures 60 feet (18 m) x 40 feet (12 m) has the conventional Hindu temple composition of a mandapa (hall), followed by an antral or passage leading to the Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, the main enclosure in the temple where the chief deity, Shiva in form of a Shiva Linga, is deified.The mandapa is square on plan and is supported on four main central pillars, apart from the peripheral pillars. The sanctum sanctorum measures 9 feet (2.7 m)x9 feet (2.7 m). All the three enclosures are linked by passageways. The temple is built facing the eastern direction, where there is an entry door; in addition, there are two more doors which open to the south and north but there is no door in the westerly direction. The three doors have open “half shelters”. Right at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, there are very finely sculpted images of the ten avatars of the god Vishnu, apart from images of Shiva and Ganesha. The towering roof of this garbhagriha is topped by Kalasha, which is circular in shape.The garbhagriha has striking right angled offsets in the north east and southern part which add to the elegance of the temple.There are many small towers which surround the main tower. The front entrance door of the temple has sculpted images of Ganga and Yamuna on its doorpost.Also sculpted on the exterior and interior walls of the temple are the bass reliefs in the entablature part, of elephants, mythical figures and sensuous sculptures; the sensuous figures on the exterior walls represent the Kama Sutra, the erotic postures which reflects the then prevailing social, cultural, architectural and religious ethos in the region. These sculptures are crafted in three tiers on the exterior face of the temple up to the pinnacle, and are housed in niches. The sculpted images arranged in rows on the outer faces of the main tower vary in size from 1 foot to 1.5 ft to 2 ft in descending order from the top of the tower to its lower end. The main tower expands lower down into four other subsidiary structures to provide stability to the main tower. The lowest tier of the exterior walls is embellished with sculptures of lions and elephants. The material used for the sculptures are of black and ochre stones (black stone is used to carve pantheon gods while Ochre stone is used for other sculptures). Also sculptured on the exterior face of the temple are divine images of Vishnu and his incarnations. In addition, the entrance doors are flanked by images of mythological figures, which are of 1 or 2 ft in height.On the southern face of the shikara or tower there is well crafted image of Ganesha with six arms and well turned out trunk.Some of the other images of interest are: A stone slab of Vishnu and Lakshmî mounted on Garuda with a king offering prayers, a gana adorning the top part of the pillars; inside the sanctum sanctorum, next to the main deity of Shiva Linga, is serpent with raised hood, and also images of Ganesha and Shiva, and that of a king and queen. Typical architectural feature which represents the Khajuraho style of architecture is the tower of the temple which is a synthesis of a view of the receding Maikal Hill range. The sharp curved forms, typical of temples of Orissa. are also a built-in feature of this temple. The Bhoramdeao temple complex is built at the foot of the thickly forested scenic backdrop of the Maikal range of hills, in the Daksina Kosala region, which is in the present day Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is situated 18 km to the North-West of the tehsil town of Kawardha in Kabirdham district. The nearest airport to the Bhoramdeo complex is 134 km away near Raipur, which is the capital of Chhattisgarh and Raipur is well connected with the many major cities of the country. Raipur is also the nearest railhead Bombay-Howarah main line. Road communications from Kawardha, the nearest tehsil town to the temple complex, exists to Raipur (116 km), Rajnandgaon(133 km) and Jabalpur(220 km). There is also a bypass road from Raipur to Madhya Pradesh Highway which skirts the Kanha National Park Official Address
Barfani dham, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh Barfani dham is a temple in the town of Rajnandgaon in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.. It is 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Durg towards Nagpur. A large Shiva Linga can be seen at the top of the temple while a large Nandi statue stands in front of it The temple is constructed in three levels. The bottom layer is the shrine of Pathal bhairavi, the second is the Navadurga or Tripura Sundari shrine and the upper level is of Shiv. It is 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Durg towards Nagpur Official Address
Bambleshwari Temple,Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh Dongargarh is 107 kilometers from Raipur, via Bhilai, Durg and Rajnandgaon. Dongargarh does not exactly fall on the massive Mumbai highway, a diversion some 25 km before, from the Calcutta-Mumbai National Highway (NH #6) leads the vehicle through lush green vegetation and mild forests on a narrow winding single road. Dongargarh is 40 km from district headquarters Rajnandgaon and is well connected with buses from Rajnandgaon. Dongargarh is also well connected with trains. It is on the Mumbai – Howrah main line at a distance of 200 km from Nagpur and 100 km from Raipur . The nearest airport is at Raipur Airport. The rope-way in the hill on which the temple is located, is another attraction to the tourists in the city. It is very popular with the tourists as it is the only rope-way that has been set up in Chhattisgarh state. Official Address
It is believed that in the place where the Banjari Mata Mandir is located today there appeared a stone in the shape of Banjari Mata’s idol. Slowly people started worshipping the idol leading to a temple being constructed around it. At every Navratri here is arranged a fair for everyone and there is a school names Maa banjari mata Gurukul
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, a union territory located in western India, is home to several sacred temples that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and offer visitors a chance to explore their spirituality. From the famous Bindrabin Temple to the serene Balaji Temple, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with their spiritual side. The Bindrabin Temple, located in Bindrabin village, is one of the most famous temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning architecture. The temple’s location in the midst of lush greenery adds to its tranquil ambiance. Another notable temple in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is the Balaji Temple, located in Silvassa, the capital city of the union territory. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Lord Balaji, and is considered one of the most important temples in the region. The temple’s intricate carvings and stunning architecture make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. The Vanganga Lake and Garden, located in Silvassa, is also home to several temples, including the Swaminarayan Temple and the Sai Baba Temple. These temples provide visitors with a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with their spiritual side. Dadra and Nagar Haveli is also home to several other significant temples, including the Church of Our Lady of Piety and the Shree Swaminarayan Temple. Each temple offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. In conclusion, the temples of Dadra and Nagar Haveli provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli’s sacred temples are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Bavisa Faliya, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli 396230 095588 23928
Situated at Kudacha-village, Silvassa, Dadra &Nagar Haveli, Om Nikhileshwar Mahadev Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of ‘OM’ shaped temple started on 21st April 2004 by Shree Nikhil Trimurti Pranav Charitable Trust. Other than Lord Shiva, the temple houses a total of 126 deities. The area of Om Nikhileshwar Mahadev Mandir is 40,000sq.ft. The construction of the temple started on 21st April,2004. The temple has about 400 pillars. No steel has been used in the construction of the temple as it being a Mahadev Temple. The temple houses a total of 126 deities. According to the legends, Om Nikhileshwar Mahadev Mandir is built inspired by Siddhashram, a very ancient and holy Ashram situated in North of Kailash & Mansarover. BY FLIGHT: Silvassa does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Surat Airport. Silvassa 101 km away Surat airport (STV), Surat, Gujarat Silvassa 132 km away Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM), Mumbai, Maharashtra BY TRAIN: Instead of Silvassa you can a get a train to Karambeli on regular basis. Silvassa 12 km away Karambeli (KEB), Karambeli, Gujarat Silvassa 12 km away Bhilad (BLD), Bhilad, Gujarat BY BUS: There are no bus routes from other major cities to Silvassa. Nearest bus stand is Bhilad. Silvassa 12 km away Bhilad, Gujarat Silvassa 21 km away Vapi, Gujarat Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Dadra and Nagar Haveli 096245 86599
Daman and Diu, located on India’s western coast, is a union territory that boasts of a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. The region’s temples reflect this cultural richness and offer visitors a chance to explore their spirituality while experiencing the local traditions. One of the most significant temples in Daman and Diu is the Somnath Temple, located in the district of Somnath. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (shrines of Lord Shiva) in India. The temple’s stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. Another significant temple in Daman and Diu is the Gangeshwar Temple, located near the village of Fudam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique rock-cut architecture. It is believed that the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata visited this temple during their exile. Apart from these, there are several other significant temples in Daman and Diu, including the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and St. Paul’s Church, a beautiful example of Portuguese colonial architecture. In conclusion, Daman and Diu’s temples offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking to experience the vibrant traditions of India’s western coast, Daman and Diu’s temples are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Jain temple in Daman is located towards the north of the famous Nani Daman fort. The intricately designed and decorated inner walls of the temple are worth exploring. The walls of the Jain temple have elegant glass covers which are further adorned with 18th century murals representing the life of Mahavira Swami, who is regarded as the founder of Jainism.
Nagoa Beach in Diu hosts a cave temple which is dedicated to a Hindu goddess. It is a small shrine which is frequented by a number of devotees. Various decorative pots can be found inside the shrine, which are offerings to the deity by the devotees. Naida Caves are pretty close to the Diu Town and there are autos that ply to this place. It is only 3 kilometres from the Diu Fort. Visitors can reach easily by road after getting down at the Delwada Railway station. The place is well-connected by roads. Diu, Daman and Diu 362520
Gangeshwar temple stands in the Fundam village, at a distance of 3 kilometres from Diu near the sea shore. Amidst the rocks on the sea shore, there are five Shiv lingams which are frequently washed away by the tidal waves of the sea. According to the Indian mythology, the Pandavas during their exile used to worship Lord Shiva in this temple. The cave temple of Gangeshwar has a mystic aura where the gentle sea waves offer their obeisance to the Shivalingams. This temple is located in Fundam Village, about 3 km from Diu. You can hire a taxi, scooter or motorbike to reach here. There is no other way to reach the village. Diu, Daman and Diu 362520
Somnath Mahadev temple is an important place of worship in Daman. It is a famed Hindu shrine situated in Dabhel village, dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a popular belief on this temple as this shivalinga was miraculously originated at its present place. This happened on the request of a monk belonging to the 19th century who was a true devotee of Shiva. In the following years the temple was renovated and decorated with exquisite glasswork. The temple is known for hosting an annual fair called Gangaji Fair.
Delhi is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and this is reflected in the numerous temples that are scattered across the city. These temples are not only significant from a religious perspective, but they also hold great historical and architectural value. The most famous among the temples in Delhi is the Akshardham Temple, which is a stunning example of modern architecture and craftsmanship. The temple complex is a blend of traditional Indian and contemporary styles and boasts of intricate carvings, beautiful gardens, and a stunning water show. Apart from Akshardham, Delhi is home to several other prominent temples like the Lotus Temple, which is famous for its unique lotus-shaped architecture and serene ambiance. The Birla Mandir, also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, is another popular temple in Delhi that is dedicated to the Hindu deities Laxmi and Narayan. The Kalkaji Temple, the ISKCON Temple, and the Chhatarpur Temple are some of the other famous temples in Delhi that attract a large number of devotees and tourists. These temples offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and provide a glimpse into the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India. In conclusion, the temples in Delhi are not just places of worship, but also a testament to the rich cultural and historical legacy of the region. A visit to these temples is a spiritual journey that offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural fabric of India.
This is the only temple of Yogmaya in Delhi and it is situated in Mehrauli. It is believed that Yogmaya was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and she is worshipped as the Mother of all beings. It is also believed that this temple has been standing in Mehrauli for over 5000 years despite many attempts of sabotage it. During the month of October, when the famous Phoolon ki Sair festival takes place in Delhi, this temple comes to life. Many devotees and visitors walk from the dargah of Qutbuddin Bhaktiar Khaki in Mehrauli till the Yogmaya mandir where the floral fans and canopies are offered to the goddess Yogmaya.
The Ladakh Buddhist Vihara is situated in Civil Lines, Delhi. This Tibetan Buddhist place of worship is a little difficult to find as the entrance to the place is through a market that is always crowded. A left turn from market end takes one to Buddha Vihara, where the monastery is situated. The entrance of the shrine is marked by fluttering colourful Tibetan prayer flags, a statue of Jawaharlal Nehru and Kushok Gyalsras Bakula, who is an important religious as well as political figure for the community. The interior of the monastery reflects the artistic skills of the Tibetans. A large statue of Lord Buddha at the centre is kept and the walls are adorned with large paintings that depict various stories and myths related to the life and times of Lord Buddha. Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, Civil Lines, New Delhi – 54. Twenty rupees. That’ll take you from the Kashmiri gate metro station to Little Tibet. This place is also very close to the ISBT bus stand, making it high accessible for the common man.
Situated in Gurgaoun Sector 45, Pracheen Shani Mandir is a popular place of worship for those who have faith in the power of Shanidev. The temple consists of deities of Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman and Mother Sita, Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva(Shiva Linga), Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Sai Baba and Goddess Durga. It also houses an ancient peepal tree that is believed to hold significance in Hindu mythology. Next to the Shani Mandir is the temple of Dakshinmukhi Kali, whose main peeth is in Kathmandu; devotees who come to Pracheen Shani Mandir also offer prayer at the Dakshinmukhi as well.
Reckoned to be the oldest Jain temple in Delhi, Svetambara Jain Temple is situated near the Kinari Bazaar in Chandni Chowk. It is a two-story marble stone structure with the main deity carved in black stone (called Kasauti stone), which is a sculpture of Lord Parshavnath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple also has sculptures of other prominent Jain Tirthankaras such as Lord Sumatinath (the 5th Tirthankara), Lord Adinath and Lord Ajinath. Since it is the oldest Jain temple in the city, a large number of devotees and tourists visit here.
he temple of the newest religion in the world called Bahai, the Lotus Temple in Kalkaji is the reminder of freedom from the bondage of chains. The lotus-shape of the temple is what attracts the visitors and no doubt that this has made it one of the major tourist attractions in Delhi. The shrine is maintained pretty well and has high security as well. There are many entrances to the main building, which opens to a large prayer hall. People are often seen here offering prayers in total silence; there is nothing inside…noaltar or idol, symbols or any religious artifacts to indicate that it is a house of worship. The peace here is impeccable, and a person can spend hours here meditating and contemplating this unique place. The Lotus Temple is strategically located between Kalkaji Mandir metro station and Nehru Place. So,Lotus Temple nearest metro station is definitely KalkajiMandir metro station. You have to interchange at the station between Violet Line and Magenta Line. Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
The tall Shiva statue is the identifier of this one of its kind temple in Rangpuri. The shrine is amongst the well-maintained ones in Delhi; neat and clean premises and only one single stall to buy incense and other offerings. The garden on the left of the temple has tall statues of Ram and Sita, in silver and bronze, respectively; while opposite them are statues of Radha and Krishna. The temple has a Shiva Linga that is usually seen encircled by bees and there are idols of Lord Shiva, his consort Parvati and their sons Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. The temple even has the effigy of a mouse, which is reckoned as the Vahana of Lord Ganesha. 43, Shivaji Marg, Avenue Bouganvillea, Rangpuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110038
Founded and established by Swami Dayanand, Arya Samaj Mandir in Delhi is situated on Hanuman Road in Janakpuri. Unlike other Hindu temples, this shrine is a simple structure with plain walls with few posters of Swamiji pasted here and there. The temple was established only to provide a common roof to those who want to learn about the Vedas. There are no idols in the shrine and all one can hear is the melodious chanting of the mantras. The immense peace and the opportunity to learn about the ancient text make this place ever so special.
Dedicated to Goddess Kali/Shakti, Kalkaji Temple was built around 1764AD. The temple is reckoned to be the replica of Vaishno Devi and is often thronged by a sizable population of devotees all through the year. It is believed that people who believe in the Goddess attain everything they want in life and then they come here to pay their gratitude. Kalkaji is amongst the most popular Hindu temples in Delhi and is often crowded during the weekends and during Navratri. It is located between Nehru Place and Govind Puri stations of the Violet Line, and between Nehru Enclave and Okhla NSIC stations of the Magenta Line. It providesaccess to tourist sites such as Kalkaji Mandir, Lotus Temple, Prachin BhairavMandir and ISKCON Temple which are situated very near to the station. Metro Station, Near, Ma Anandmayee Marg, NSIC Estate, Block 9, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
This colossal complex in Chhatarpur is worth seeing in Delhi. Dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, this temple is one of the most popular places in Delhi to see. Sprawling across 70 acres of area, the Chhatarpur Mandir has a blend of both South and North Indian architectural styles and thus offers a unique picture to the visitors. There are about 20 major and minor temples in the complex and it houses different statue of Hindu Gods like Rama Darbar, Lord Shiva, Laxmi and Radha Krishna. The 100ft tall Hanuman statue is one of the major attractions here. During Navratra, around 1 lakh devotees visit this temple. Lakshmi Narayan Temple/ Birla temple is situated near Gole Market, CP and the nearest Delhi Metro Station Near Birla Mandir is RK Ashram Marg Metro Station on Blue Line. The temple is situated atMandir Marg approx. 1 KM from Metro Station. You can take a auto / cycle rickshaw to the temple from the metro station.
This 17th century temple is probably the one thing other than the Red Fort that you cannot ignore in Old Delhi. A red-stone structure, it is situated opposite the Lal Qila (if you are on Netaji Subhash Marg, going to Kashmiri Gate from Daryaganj) and is amongst the biggest Jain temples in the city. It is a two-storied building with an inquiry office and a shoe house located in the lower floor and the main deity presides on the floor above it. The second floor opens to a balcony that overlooks Chandni Chowk. There are three main chambers inside where statues of various Tirthankars are placed. The most famous ones are that of Lord Mahavira & Lord Adinath. Netaji Subhash Marg, Opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Located on Lodhi Road, it is one of the oldest Sai Baba temple in Delhi. The temple is simple yet majestic and if people are to be believed then many testimonies regarding feeling the divine presence of Baba have been recorded since the time the temple was built. The temple has a big idol of Sai Baba that sits in the main hall, where devotees offer chadar and flowers. A sizable population throngs the shrine on Thursdays each week here. These train(s) is/are Klk Snsi Sf Exp (22456) etc. The minimum time a train takes toreach Shirdi from New Delhi is 22h 05m. The cheapest way to reach Shirdi from New Delhi takes you 19h 27m, which is to take train with train number 02634 from New Delhi to Kopargaon then take a taxi from Kopargaon to Shirdi. 17, Lodhi Rd, Gokalpuri, Institutional Area, Lodi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is built after Badri Bhagat (one of the great devotees of Mother Goddess) who saw an idol hidden underneath the ground at the place where the temple stands in one of his dreams. Today, the exact location of the temple is the Jhandewalan Road on the way to Karol Bagh. The temple got its name from the act of people offering flags in the temple in order to get their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that the original idol of the Goddess is established safely on the ground level of the temple. On the occasion of Durga Puja and Navratra a large number of Hindu devotees throng this temple. DB Gupta Road, Block E, Jhandewalan Extension, Paharganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110055
It is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Delhi. The shrine is marked by the colossal 108ft statue of Lord Hanuman and can be seen from the both Jhandewalan and Karol Bagh metro station. Tuesdays are quite crowded here, despite the fact that the temple stays open every day. Other than the massive effigy of Lord Hanuman, which fairly does its job of attracting devotees and tourists, the entrance of the temple is also an attraction. The entrance door has been carved in a shape of the mouth of the deity and one can reach the main hall of the shrine through a passageway. Karol Bagh West Extension Area, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005
It is an ancient temple that is located near the Digambar Jain Temple on the main Chandni Chowk Road. According to legends this temple was built by a war soldier who had vowed to construct the temple if he managed to come through the injury he suffered in the battle. It is reckoned that the Shiva Linga or the Phallus presiding in the shrine is 800 years old. Other than the idols of Shiva, his consort Parvati and their two sons Ganesha and Kartik, the silver paintings hanging on the walls and depicting scenes from the life of Lord Shiva are the major attractions. On Mondays the temple is thronged by devotees. 2573, Chandni Chowk Rd, Katra Lehswan, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Sri Kilkari Bhairav Temple or Bhairo Temple is situated in the backyard of the Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Pragati Maidan. It is believed that this shrine was built by the Pandavas. Bhairo Temple is one of its kinds as the temple allows devotees to offer alcohol to the deity. There are two wings of the temple – the Doodhiya Bhairav Temple, where milk is offered to the idol, and the Kilkari Bhairav Temple, where the devotees offer alcohol to the presiding deity. It is also believed that Bheem (One of the Pandavas), worshipped in this temple and attained Siddhis as well. The temple of Bhairon can be reached by taking theDelhi Metro Rail Service to Pragati Maidan Metro Station. Alternately, tourists can get on board a HOHO sightseeing bus and get down at the Delhi Zoo. Ramnagar, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Yogmaya Temple, New Delhi Yogmaya Temple, also Jogmaya temple, is a Hindu temple shakti peetha dedicated to the sister of Krishna, and situated in Mehrauli, New Delhi, close to the Qutb complex. According to local priests this is one of those 27 temples destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni and later by Mamluks and it is the only surviving temple belonging to pre-sultanate period which is still in use. Hindu king Samrat Vikramaditya Hemu reconstructed the temple and brought back the temple from ruins. During Aurangzeb’s reign a rectangular hall was added to the temple which is a witness of a failed attempt by Mughals to convert this ancient temple into a mosque which was later turned into a store room for Devi’s vastra. Though its original (300-200 BC) architecture could never be restored after its deconstruction by Muslims, but its reconstruction had been carried out repetitively by the locals. Yogmaya or Jogmaya is considered, an aspect of Maya, the illusionary power of God.The temple is also venue of a large congregation of devotees during the Navratri celebrations.The present temple was built in early 19th century and may be the descendant of a much older Devi shrine. Adjacent to the temple lies, a water body, johad, known as Anangtal Baoli, after King Anangpal Tomar, and covered by trees from all sidesThe temple is also an integral part of an important inter-faith festival of Delhi, the annual Phool Walon Ki Sair. In 12th-century Jain scriptures, Mehrauli place is also mentioned as Yoginipura, after the temple. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas, at the end of Mahabharata war. Mehrauli is one of the seven ancient cities that make up the present state of Delhi. The temple was first renovated during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar II (1806–37) by Lala Sethmal. The temple lies 260 yards from the Iron Pillar in the Qutb complex,and within the Lal Kot walls, the first fortress citadel of Delhi, constructed by the Tomar/Tanwar Rajput King Anangpal I around AD 731 and expanded by King AnangPal II in the 11th century who also constructed Lal Kot The temple rebuilt in 1827 is a simple but contemporary structure with an entrance hall and a sanctum sanctorum that houses the main Idol of Yogmaya made of black stone placed in a marble well of 2 ft (0.6 m) width and 1 ft (0.3 m) depth. The sanctum is 17 ft (5.2 m) square with a flat roof over which a truncated shikara (tower) is built. Apart from this tower, a dome is the other feature seen in the temple (pictured). The idol is covered in sequins and cloth. Two small pankhas (fans) of the same materials are seen suspended over the Idol from the roof. The walled enclosure around the temple is 400 ft (121.9 m) square, with towers at the four corners. Twenty two towers were built within the precincts of the temple at the orders of the Sood Mal, the builder. The floor of the temple was originally made of red stone but since then has been replaced by marble. The main tower above the sanctum is 42 ft (12.8 m) high and has copper plated shikara or pinnacle. The flowers and sweet meats offered by the Devotees to the goddess are placed over a marble table of 18 inches square and 9 inches height set in front of the idol in the sanctum floor. Bells, otherwise a part of Hindu temples, are not tolled during the worship of the goddess. Wine and meat are forbidden to be offered at the temple and goddess Yoga Maya is stated to be austere and exacting. An interesting display at the temple premises in the past (but now in an open wall panel) was an iron cage of 8 ft (2.4 m) square and10 ft (3.0 m) in height in which two stone tigers are exhibited. A passage, between the temple and the wall panel has flat roof which is covered with the planks overlaid by bricks and mortar and fixed with bells.[ It is believed that the main idol in the temple was that of Yogamaya, an incarnation of Durga, born as the sister of [Krishna]]. Kansa, cousin of Devaki (mother of Krishna) and uncle of Yogamaya and Kansa attempted to kill Yogamaya on Krishna Janmastami day when Krishna was born. But Yogamaya, who was cleverly substituted for Krishna, vanished after predicting Kansa’s death at the hands of her brother Krishna. Another folk legend is that of Mughal Emperor Akbar II’s (r. 1806-1837) association with the temple. His wife was distraught at the incarceration and exile of her son Mirza Jehangir who had fired from a Red Fort window at the then British Resident that had resulted in the killing of the bodyguard. Yogamaya had appeared in her dream and the Queen praying for her son’s safe return had vowed to place Punkah made of flowers at the Yogmaya temple and in the nearby Muslim shrine of Qutbuddin Bhaktiar Khaki. This practice set since then is continued to this day in the name of Phool Walon Ki Sair, a festival held for three days during October every year. Another important fact about this ancient temple is that for more than 5000 years {i.e. the times when the said temple was built}, the people who live around this ancient temple have been taking care of the yogamaya temple. It is said and believed that all these people who are now more than 200 in number had one common ancestor at point in time who, hundreds of years ago started the practice of taking care of the temple by offering prayers to the goddess which includes doing the shringar of the goddess yogamaya twice a day, cleaning the temple, making and distributing prasad to the devotees visiting the temple and other related things. These 200 odd people who now take care of the temple carrying forward the customs and traditions of their forefathers do it voluntarily and amicably. Official Address
Uttara Swami Malai Temple, New Delhi The temple complex reverentially named as “Malai Mandir” is a harmoniously blended Tamil Word “Malai” {Mountain/Hill) with the Hindi word “Mandir” {Temple}by the people of Delhi, with Sree Swaminatha Swami as the Presiding Deity, and has been attracting an increasing number of people of all classes of people from India and abroad year after year, and has become an important landmark of Delhi. This temple reflects the glory and grandeur of South Indian Temple Architecture at its best. . The temple complex of the Presiding Deity was consecrated and the Maha Kumbhabhishekam was performed on the 7th of June, 1973. The temple of Sree Karpaga Vinayakar, Sree Sundareswarar and Devi Meenakshi were consecrated and the Maha Kumbhabhishekam performed on the 13th June 1990. The Navagraha Sannidhi along with a Sannidhi of Idumban was consecrated on the 7th of July, 1995. Sree Adi Sankara Hall was inaugurated on the 9th of November, 1997. The third Punarudharana,Ashtabhandhana,Swarna Rajathabhandana Mahakumbhabhishekam of the temple was performed on the 27th of June, 2001. The year 2007 was unique in the annals of the Temple. An Eka Koti Archana was performed with all solemnity and intense devotion. One crore recitals of the sacred Namavalis of Lord Swaminatha Swami uttered in the sonorous and harmonious unison by twelve learned Sivacharyas continuously for 120 days, for the benefit of not only the participating devotees, but also to the people at large, the country and above all humanity as a whole. It is the earnest belief of the devotees that with the successful completion of the Eka Koti Archanas, the sanctity and dignity of the temple has increased manifold. With the infinite Grace of Lord Swaminatha Swami, one is inclined to view the future progress of the Samaj in its services to the devotees with great expectations. It has embarked on the comprehensive Building Project trying to improve (a) a wide range of infrastructural facilities in the temple complex for the benefit of the devotees viz. a well equipped modern office, wider auditorium for the assembly of devotees, an additional kitchen and (b) extension of social welfare benefits to the employees, including provision of more number of residences and renovation with increase of living space of their existing residences. Provision has also been made for a library and a Veda Patasala for which attempts are being initiated to secure some additional allotment of land. This composite Building renovation and extension Project is expected to take about three years for its execution. The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminatha. It is situated atop a small hillock in Sector-7 R.K. Puram and overlooking Vasant Vihar in South West Delhi. This is in keeping with the tradition of locating Murugan temples on hills. The sign outside the main temple is written in Tamil, proclaiming Lord Swaminatha’s motto, “Yaamirukka Bayamain” meaning “Why fear when I am there?”. The temple is built entirely of granite, and is reminiscent of the Chola style Tamil Architecture. Besides the main Swaminatha Swami Temple, the complex contains temples dedicated to Sree Karpaga Vinayagar (elder brother of Lord Swaminatha), Sree Sundareswarar (father of Lord Swaminatha) and Devi Meenakshi (mother of Lord Swaminatha). These subsidiary temples draw inspiration from the Pandya style of Tamil Architecture, as can be seen at the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. In the Hindu religion, the peacock is considered Lord Swaminatha’s mount or vahana. Accordingly, the temple has adopted a peacock as its pet. This peacock can be seen and heard among the trees and foliage within the temple compound.People from various backgrounds visit the temple . One can easily reach this temple by metro, nearest metro station is Vasant Vihar which is around 2 km away from there. Official Address
Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple, New Delhi Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Mayur Vihar-I in Delhi. The temple is dedicated to Shri Krishna, who is worshiped as Guruvayurappan. The Temple was founded on 17 May 1983. This temple is most revered by the Malayali and Tamilcommunities in Delhi.The Balalaya was consecrated on 8th April, 1983 by Prof. Vezhaparambu Parameshwaran Namboodiripad, with the Divya Vigraham (idol) of Lord Guruvayurappan, which was brought from Kerala. Prof. Vezhaparambu Parameshwaran Namboodiripad, an eminent Temple Architect, designed the present temple. Under his able guidance, Brahmamangalam Subramanian supervised the construction of the temple. The foundation stone for the Garbha Griham (Sanctum Sanctorum) was laid by Kanchi Kamakoti Peedatheeswar His Holiness Jagadguru Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamigal on 2nd October, 1986. The Divya Vigraham of Lord Guruvayurappan was consecrated in the new temple on 17th May, 1989 with Kumbhabhishekam. The Thantric rights of this temple are vested with the Puliyannur Illam, in Trippunithara, Ernakulam. The principal deity of this Temple is Sree Guruvayurappan (Lord Vishnu), who bestows his immeasurable blessings on the devotees who visit the Temple in large numbers to offer their prayers. Chottanikkara Bhagawathy (Devi), Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Naga Devata are the other deities whose presence enhance the divine aura of this temple. The year 2014 was the Silver Jubilee Year of the temple. The yearlong celebrations were inaugurated by Poojya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on 31st August, 2014. To commemorate the Silver Jubilee Year, an ambitious project for gold covering the Dhwaja Sthambham (Kodimaram), in order to enhance the Deva Chaithanyam (Divine Aura) was executed. With the enormous support of Lord’s devotees, the gold covered Kodimaram was dedicated to the Lord as a unique offering of the devotees. The consecration of the gold covered Kodimaram was performed with elaborate thantric rites and rituals under the auspices of Thantri Brahmasri Puliyannur Sasi Namboodiripad on 30th May, 2014. The Temple is managed by Arsha Dharma Parishad (Regd), an organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The temple complex was built on Kerala style of Architecture with two main gopurams at eastern and western sides. The sanctum sanctorum is separated into two chambers and houses the idols of Krishna and Bhagavati. Besides the main Krishna Temple, the complex contains small temples dedicated to Ganapati, Shiva and Ayyappa and a replica of Sarpa Kavu dedicated to Naga Devatas Official Address
Shani Dham Temple, New Delhi Shani Dham Temple is located in the Indian capital of Delhi, and contains the world’s tallest statue of Shani.In the last few years i.e. on May 31, 2003 the largest Shani Idol was unveiled by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj. Since then, it has become an attraction for the devotees of Lord Shani. Before unveiling the idol of Shani, Shree Shani Dham Peethadeshwar Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi ‘Datti’ Madan Maharaj Rajasthani ji performed the enchanting of One Hundred Crores, and Thirty Two Lakhs Shani Mantras on the sacred grove. he temple is situated on Chhatarpur Road, near Asola, and is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Chhatarpur Temple, about 8–9 kilometres (5.0–5.6 mi) away from Mehrauli, and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Qutub Minar. It is equipped with the natural rock Idol of Lord Shani, as a chief deity. Official Address
Nili Chhatri, New Delhi The tomb is called Nili Chhatri due to the colour of its dome which was originally ornamented with blue caustic tiles. The tomb stands almost midway between Purana Qila and the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya. It is built in an enclosure of several acres. Though the walls of the tomb are not extant in its entirety, some portions of it can still be seen in the surrounding area. But the gateway is relatively in good shape. At the entrance of the tomb is written the inscription, the letters of the inscription are of black marble inlaid on sandstone. The eyes of Time did not see in this world Such a beautiful and lofty building, Of knowledge, the date of its completion, I asked, (it) replied, (it has) attained completion. Behind the gateway is a small building with three doors. On the back of this building is a high octagonal terrace about 6 feet (1.8 m) from the ground and 79 feet (24 m) in diameter. In the middle of the southern wall of the terrace there are two flights of steps, on opposite sides, which lead to a landing on a level with the top of the terrace. On the north-eastern and north-western corners of the terrace there are two graves of masonry and stone. On each of the four corners of the terrace are the ruins of a tower. In the center of the ‘chabutrah’ is the mausoleum of Naubat Khan. It is octagonal in shape having 51 feet (16 m) as its diameter and about 34 feet (10 m) high. The whole of the tomb is built of stone and masonry and ornamented with encaustic tiles of four colours i.e. green, blue, yellow, and orange. The verses from Quran can be seen in the tomb. The tomb has eight arched entrances which are about 5 feet (1.5 m) wide and 7 feet (2.1 m) high. Above these doorways are open arched niches. The walls of the tomb have steps. The first set of steps takes the visitor to the level of the open niches over the doorways. The second set of steps which are twelve in number leads to the top of the building. The roof of the tomb is flat, but on its center there is an octagonal ‘chabutrah’ about 5 feet (1.5 m) high and 30 feet (9.1 m) in diameter which supports another octagonal ‘chabutrah’ 23 feet (7.0 m) in diameter and about 2 feet (0.61 m) high. This second ‘chabutrah’ bears marks of eight pillars. It was on these pillars that the blue enameled dome was raised which also began to be called as Nili Chhatri. Official Address
Kali Bari, New Delhi The Durga puja celebrated at the Kalibari, is one of the oldest Durga Pujas in the city. It first started in 1925. The original temple of Kali Bari was situated on Baird Road (today’s Bangla Sahib Road), where the local Bengali community gathered for the annual Durga Puja. After the present temple came up after 1931, it shifted here. Till today, it continues to be the nodal point for the hundreds of puja committees in Delhi, and is widely revered among Delhi Bengalis. Only older pujas in Delhi are at Kashmere Gate, organized by Delhi Durga Puja Samiti, which started in 1910, and the Timarpur puja organised by the Timarpur and Civil Lines puja samiti, estd. 1914 . The puja celebration at Kali Bari continued to follow the traditional style, with traditional ekchalar thakur (single frame for idols) and sholar kaaj. Even puja rituals have remained unchanged since 1936 and traditional competitions in Rabindra sangeet and recitation are still organised. Mr Swapan Kumar Chakraborty is the current President of Delhi Kalibari. Artisans are brought in from Kolkata to build the puja pandal. The temple is located on the Mandir Marg, situated west of Connaught Place in New Delhi. The temple is easily accessible from the city by local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. Nearest Delhi Metro station is R.K.Ashram Marg, located about 2 km away. Official Address
Laxminarayan Temple, New Delhi The Laxminarayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple up to large extent dedicated to Laxminarayan in Delhi, India. Laxminarayan usually refers to Vishnu, Preserver in the Trimurti, also known as Narayan, when he is with his consort Lakshmi. The temple, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, was built by Jugal Kishore Birla[1] from 1933 and 1939. The side temples are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha. It was the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi. The temple is spread over 7.5 acres, adorned with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden with Hindu and Nationalistic sculptures, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discourses. The temple is one of the major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali. The construction of temple dedicated to Laxmi Narayana started in 1933, built by industrialist and philanthropist, Baldeo Das Birlaand his son Jugal Kishore Birla of Birla family, thus, the temple is also known as Birla Temple. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh. The temple was built under guidance of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri. The concluding ceremony and Yagna was performed by Swami Keshwa Nandji. The famous temple is accredited to have been inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939. At that time, Mahatma Gandhi kept a condition that the temple would not be restricted to the upper-caste Hindus and people from every caste would be allowed inside. This is the first of a series of temples built by the Birlas in many cities of India, which are also often called Birla Temple. Its architect was Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a leading proponent of the “Modern Indian Architecture Movement.” The architecture was influenced heavily by the principles of the Swadeshi movement of the early twentieth century and the canonical texts used. The movement did not reject the incorporation of new construction ideas and technologies. Chatterjee extensively used modern materials in his buildings. The three-storied temple is built in the northern or Nagara style of temple architecture. The entire temple is adorned with carvings depicting the scenes from golden yuga of the present universe cycle. More than hundred skilled artisans from Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the icons of the temple. The highest shikhara of the temple above the sanctum sanctorum is about 160 feet high. The temple faces the east and is situated on a high plinth. The shrine is adorned with fresco paintings depicting his life and work. The icons of the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana, Agra, Kota, and Jaisalmer was used in the construction of the temple premises. The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Artificial landscape and cascading waterfalls add to the beauty of the temple. The temple is located on the Mandir Marg, situated west of the Connaught Place in New Delhi. The temple is easily accessible from the city by local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. Nearest Delhi Metro station is R. K. Ashram Marg metro station, located about 2 km away. Also on the same road lies the New Delhi Kalibar Official Address
Kalka Mandir, South The temple complex, as it stands today, is constructed of brick masonry, finished with plaster and marble and is surrounded by a pyramidal tower. The central chamber which is 12-sided in plan, 24 feet across, with a doorway in each side, is paved with marble and is surrounded by a verandah 8’9″ wide and contains 36 arched openings or exterior doorways. This verandah encloses the central chamber from all sides. At the middle of this arcade, opposite the eastern doorway, are two red sandstone tigers sitting on a marble pedestal. Both the pedestal, as well as the marble railings, contain Nastaʿlīq inscriptions of recent origin. Between the tigers there is stone image of Kali Devi with her name engraved on in Hindi, and a trident of stone standing before it. The temple complex is situated on the Delhi Metro between the Nehru Place bus terminus and business centre and Okhla railway station and industrial area, and next to the Bahá’í Lotus Temple. Close to the temple, on a hill in the east of Kailash Colony and near the ISKCON temple, lies an edict of Ashoka, dating from the 3rd century BC. Millions of years ago, the gods who dwelt in the neighbourhood of the present temple were troubled by two giants and were compelled to prefer their complaint to Lord Brahma, ‘the god of all’. But Lord Brahma declined to interfere, and referred them to the Goddess Parvati. Out of the mouth of Maa Parvati sprung Kaushki Devi, who attacked the two giants and slaughtered them, but it so happened, that as their blood fell on the dry earth thousands of giants came into life, and the battle was maintained by Kaushki Devi against great odds. Maa Parvati took compassion on her offspring and out of the eyebrows of Kaushki Devi came maa Kali Devi, ‘whose lower lip rested on the hills below and the upper lip touched the sky above. She drank the blood of the slaughtered giants as it poured out of their wounds; and the goddess obtained a complete victory over their enemies. Maa Kali Devi then fixed her abode here, and she was worshipped as the chief divinity of the place. It is believed that the Goddess Kalkaji, pleased with the prayers offered and rituals performed by the gods on the advice of Lord Brahma, appeared at the site of temple and blessed them, and settled at the site. During the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and the Pandavas are said to have worshipped Kali at this temple during the reign of Yudhisthir. The temple itself is believed to have been constructed by Thok Brahmins and Thok Jogians at the request of Kali. It is also called Jayanti Peetha or Manokamna Siddha Peetha. “Manokamna” literally means desire, “Siddha” means fulfilment, and “peetha” means shrine. So, it is believed to be the holy shrine where one gets the blessings of Maa Kalika Devi Official Address
Jhandewalan Temple, North Jhandewalan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Maa Aadi Shakti (avatar of goddess Durga). The temple is located on Jhandewalan Road on the way to Karol Bagh, Delhi, India. The temple is another famous and respected shrine of the goddess. The temple receives a large number of devotees throughout the year. The name Jhandewalan was given during Shah Jahan’s reign, due to the prayer flags or ‘jhandas’ being offered. It is said that Jhandewalan was once located in a mountain region. When this place was excavated then sanctum of goddess was descended and on this place the temple was established. It is believed that Badri Bhagat, one of the great devotee of Matarani, dreamed of her and she told him about this idol. Thereafter the temple was constructed at the same place. The original idol of Jhandewali Mata Ji is present at ground level. The temple is one of the famous religious site for Hindu’s. Here everyone can come and worship irrespective of the caste and status. The temple is echoed with day and night chanting of the goddess mantras. The devotees are blessed with happiness, peace and good health. Many festivals are celebrated in Jhandewalan Temple. On the occasion of Durga Puja and Navratra, a special Puja is organized. The temple is decorated with flowers and light. The temple’s spiritual environment give peace of mind and heart to the devotees. Official Address
Jagannath Temple, New Delhi The Jagannath Temple in New Delhi, India is a modern temple built by the Oriya community of Delhi dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath. The temple located in Hauz Khas is famous for its annual Rathyatra festival attended by thousands of devotees . Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi. This is centrally located in front of Thyagraj Nagar indoor stadium just one K.M, away from INA Metro Station, adjacent to Safdarjung Bus Terminal and Lodi Colony Ring Railway station. You are a devotee of Lord Jagannath, you love Him and seek His blessings. You have no spare time to visit Puri for His Darshan, You may belong to any caste, creed, sex, community, religion- wheresoever may be your place of birth, whatsoever be your language and whatsoever be your nationality. Does not matter, This is enough that you are a devotee of Lord Jagannath. You want to be associated with promotion of on rich cultural heritage Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak etc. and rich Tradition folk dances of Odisha. You want to be associated with philanthntric activities serving others, mostly under-privileged sections of people. You are interested in research on Jagannath Culture, you are not getting opportunity. You want to avail the services offered by the Mandir society celebrating for Social and family functions. You are an aspiring artist in classical form of Dance, but you are not getting right platform. You are guru on any classical form of dance, music and are interested to impart your teaching to interested pupils. The Mandir has been built as per Odisha style of temple structure in the same design as of Shri Mandir in Puri. There is Simhadwar at the front of the temple with 22 number of steps called “Baishi pahacha” leading to Mukhashala. Chuturdha Deities (Shri Jagannath, Shri Balabhadra, Maa Subhadara and Shri Sudarshan) are installed inside Garbhagriha of the Mandir. In the same floor of the Mandir, other Deities, namely, Lord Shiva, Navagraha, at the East, Lord Hanuman at South West, Maa Bimala at North West and Maa Laxmi at North East are installed inside Their respective small temples separately built for the Deities around the main Mandir of Lord Jagannath, In front of Mukha shala, there is a pillar called “Aruna stambha”built in marble stone facing the Chaturdha Deities. It is tradition that before entering the main temple each devotee touches/embraces Aruna stambha. The Deities of many other gods and goddesses like Shri Baraha, Shri Narasimha and Shri Bamana etc. have been engraved outside the structure of the main temple, making the structure to look beautiful and majestic Official Address
ISKCON Temple Delhi, New Delhi Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple, is a well known Vaishnav temple of Lord Krishnaand Radharani in the form of Radha Parthasarathi. Opened in 1998, it is located at Hare Krishna Hills (near Nehru Place), in the East of Kailash area of New Delhi, India. ISKCON Temple, designed and built by Achyut Kanvinde who in 1993 agreed to accept a pro-bono commission to build this temple complex for the followers of Srila Prabhupada,is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It comprises numerous rooms for priests and for service renders. It has many halls that are used for its administration purposes and various seminars. It is divided into four broad sections. Official Address
Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, New Delhi Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is an ancient (pracheen in Sanskrit) Hindu temple and is claimed to be one of the five temples of Mahabharata days in Delhi. The idol in the temple, devotionally worshipped as “Sri Hanuman Ji Maharaj” (Great Lord Hanuman), is that of Bala Hanuman namely, Hanuman as a child. The temple, which has a self manifest idol of Hanuman, has an unusual feature fixed in the spire (Viman) in the form of a crescent moon (an Islamic symbol) instead of the Hindu symbol of Aum or Sun that is commonly seen in most Hindu temples. This became particularly important during the Mughal period corroborating this extraordinary depiction. Tthe main foyer of the temple through massive silver plated doors, which are engraved with scenes of the epic Ramayana story. The foyer is ventilated with clerestory windows that are adorned with paintings of Hanuman in the cardinal directions depicting his four aspects. Below each Hanuman painting, the full text of Tulsidas’s Sundar Kand is inscribed on the marble tablets affixed on the walls. The Sanctum Sanctorum, which houses the Hanuman idol, is on the north wall on the right side of the entry foyer (pictured), with the idol facing the southern direction in a small bass Relief carving (pictured). Images of Radha and Krishna, a central triumvirate of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are also installed to the right of the Hanuman idol on the same wall. As the idol of Hanuman faces the southern direction, devotees can discern only one eye of the idol. The idol depicts a Gada (mace or club) in the left hand with the right hand crossed across the chest showing veneration to the adjacent idol of lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. A tapering crown adorns the idol, which has a sacred thread on the right shoulder and is clad in a fashioned dhoti.The height of the temple is reported to be 108 ft (32.9 m). The ceiling of the main mandap (hall or pavilion) depicts the epic story of Ramayana artistically painted. The last named deity has created a cult culture among women with Friday worship that was propagated by the religious feature film Jai Santoshi Ma, since 1975. Historically, Delhi located on the banks of the Yamuna River has been stated to be the Indraprastha city built by Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic period. In the Mahabharata days, Pandavas ruled from Indraprastha and Kauravas from Hastinapur (two collateral families) as per a brokered partition of the Kuru empire. But, in a dice game, Pandavas lost their Kingdom and were exiled for a 12 year term and in the 13th year must remain in hiding (with a rider that if they were detected during this period they would undergo the exile denovo). Mythological legend states that during the Pandavas’ exile (imposed by their cousin Duryodhana of the Kaurava dynasty), in order to subdue Bhima’s (second of the five Pandava brothers) arrogance, Hanuman considered to be the brother of Bhima (both Vayu’s children, appeared in the forest disguised as a weak and aged monkey. Bhima, while in search of a fragrant flower sought by Draupadi in the forest, found Hanuman lying with his tail blocking his way and, unaware of Hanuman’s identity, scornfully asked him to remove his tail. But Hanuman told Bhima to lift the tail since being old he was unable to do it on his own. Bhima tried hard several times but failed to lift it, in spite of being a man of great strength. Bhima then realized that the monkey was none other his own brother, apologizes for his arrogant behavior and requests Hanuman to show him his true form. Hanuman was then said to have enlarged himself and showed Bhima the size in which he had crossed the sea to go to Lanka, looking for Sita during the Ramayana epic period. After the Pandavas won the Kurukshetra war against the Kauravas and re–established themselves in Indraprastha, the Pandava clan is stated to have built five temples of Hanuman and other deities. It is believed that Tulsidas (1532–1623), who wrote Ramacharitamanas (popularly known as Tulsi Ramayan and penned the famous Hanuman Chalisa hymns in praise of Hanuman, visited this temple in Delhi. During his visit to Delhi, Tulsidas was summoned by the Mughal Emperor and asked to perform a miracle, which he did with the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The Emperor was pleased with Tulsidas and presented the Hanuman temple with an Islamic crescent Moon finial which adorns the temple spire. It is also claimed that because of the crescent moon symbol on the spire, the temple was not destroyed by the Muslim rulers who invaded India at various times. Reportedly, it was built originally by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber (1540–1614) during Emperor Akbar’s (1542-1605) reign. It was reconstructed by Maharaja Jai Singh (1688-1743) in 1724, around the same time as the Jantar Mantar. After that the temple has undergone many improvements making it a notable religious centre in the heart of Central Delhi. An important feature of the worship at this temple is the 24–hour chanting of the mantra (hymn) “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”, since August 1, 1964. It is claimed that this continuous chanting has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. The temple is situated on the Baba Kharak Singh Road (old Irwin Road) about 250 m (820.2 ft) southwest of Connaught place in Central Delhi, which is the commercial hub of Delhi. Tuesday and Saturday are special days of worship when devotees congregate at the temple in large numbers. Hanuman Jayanti (birthday celebrations of lord Hanuman) is held every year with great fanfare on the full moon (Purnima) day in the month of Chaitra (March – April) as per established lunar Hindu Panchangam or Hindu calendar. Colourful processions with festoons and with devotees wearing Hanuman masks and tails and carrying large idols of Hanuman fill the streets.Commercial establishments within the temple complex sell religious offerings and bangles made of lac and plastic. It is also a popular place for women for Mehndi (temporary henna tattoos). Official Address
Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir, New Delhi Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir (Chittaranjan Park Kali Bari) is a temple complex and Bengali community cultural center in Chittaranjan Park in New Delhi, India. Built on a small hill, it started as a Shiv temple in 1973, which still stands within the complex, the larger shrines dedicated to goddess Kali, Shiva, and Radhakrishna were added in 1984. Over the years it has remained an important centre of convergence of local Bengali community during annual Durga Puja festivities. The temple also hosted its first Durga Puja in 1977, a tradition that continues to date. It was founded in 1973, on land designated by the nascent EPDP colony, and a small temple to Shiva was consecrated on small hill at the edge of the colony. The tradition of Durga Puja started in 1977. Expansion of the devotee base enabled the construction of an imposing Kali temple in February 1984 in Bengal terracotta temple architecture. This was followed by two temples, one for Shiva and the other for Radha-Krishna. The temples was overlaid with elaborate terracotta designs around 2006-09. The Kali Mandir is a hub of Bengali activity owing to the high density of Bengalis residing in Chittaranjan Park. Managed by the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society, it organizes a number of cultural and religious events throughout the year. Official Address
Chhatarpur Temple, Mehrauli, New Delhi Chhatarpur Temple (Officially: Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham) is located in a down town area in south of Delhi – Chhatarpur. This temple is dedicated to Goddess, Katyayani. It is located at Chhatarpur,on the southwestern outskirts of the city of Delhi and is just 4 km (2.5 mi) from Qutub Minar, off Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. The temple was established in 1974, by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who died in 1998. His samadhi shrine lies in the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir within the temple complex. This temple was considered as the biggest temple in India and second largest in the world, before the Akshardham Temple was created in 2005 in Delhi. This temple is totally constructed from marble and on all the facets there is jaali (perforated stone or latticed screen) work. It can be classified a vesara style of architecture he entire temple complex spread over 60 acres (24.3 ha), has over 20 small and large temples divided in three different complexes. The main deity in the temple is Goddess Katyayani, a part of Navadurga, the nine forms of Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti, worshipped during the Navratri celebrations. A side shrine within the main temple houses a shrine of Goddess Katyayani (Durga), which opens only during the bi-annual Navratri season, when thousands of people throng the premises for darshan. One nearby room has been made as living room with tables and chairs made in silver, and another regarded as the Shayan Kaksha (Bed Room), where a bed, dressing table and table are carved in silver. This shrine opens on a large satsang or prayer hall, where religious discourses and bhajans, (religious songs) are held. Just at the entrance to the main temple, stand an old tree, where devotees tie holy threads for wish fulfillment. Another shrine of Goddess Durga is open to devotees morning to evening, it lies above the shrines dedicated to Radha Krishna, and Lord Ganesh. Official Address
Akshardham, New Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu temple, and a spiritual-cultural campus in Delhi, India.Also referred to as Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. Inspired by Yogiji Maharaj and created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, it was constructed by BAPS.[3] The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened on 6 November 2005 by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.The temple, at the centre of the complex, was built according to the Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra. In Akshardham Delhi, similar to its predecessor Akshardham Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the main shrine is the focal point and maintains the central position of the entire complex. There are various exhibition halls which provide information about the life and work of Swaminarayan. The designers of the complex have adopted contemporary modes of communication and technology to create the various exhibition halls. The complex features an Abhisheka Mandap, Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden and three exhibitions namely Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (an IMAX film on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Neelkanth), and Sanskruti Darshan (cultural boat ride). According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the abode of almighty Lord Swaminarayan and believed by followers as a temporal home of God on earth. The main attraction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham Mandir. It rises 141-foot (43 m) high, spans 316-foot (96 m) wide, and extends 356-foot (109 m) long. It is intricately carved with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities. Designed in accordance with the standards of Maharishi Vastu Architecture, it features a blend of architectural styles across India.It is entirely constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa shastras) on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete. The mandir also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis of sadhus, devotees, and acharyas.The mandir also features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the elephant for its importance in Hindu culture and India’s history. It contains 148 life sized elephants in total weighing a total of 3000 tons. Under the temple’s central dome lies the 11-foot (3.4m) high murti of Swaminarayan seated in abhayamudra to whom the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith’s lineage of Gurus depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service.Each murti is made of paanch dhaatu or five metals in accordance to Hindu tradition. The temple also houses the murtis of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan. Official Address
Goa, located on the west coast of India, is a beautiful and vibrant state with a rich cultural heritage. While it is often associated with its beautiful beaches, Goa is also home to numerous temples that reflect its diverse religious traditions. These temples are an important part of Goa’s cultural identity and attract visitors from around the world. One of the most popular temples in Goa is the Shree Mangeshi Temple, located in Ponda. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a fine example of Goan temple architecture and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful paintings. The temple also hosts a number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the popular Shivaratri festival. Another important temple in Goa is the Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, located in Bandora. Dedicated to the goddess Mahalaxmi, the temple is one of the oldest in Goa and is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful carvings. The temple is also home to a number of sacred trees and shrines, and is a popular destination for pilgrims. Other important temples in Goa include the Shree Shantadurga Temple in Ponda, the Shree Ramnath Temple in Ramnathi, and the Shree Kamakshi Temple in Shiroda. Each of these temples has its own unique history and significance, and is well worth a visit for those interested in Goa’s religious and cultural heritage. If you’re planning a trip to Goa, make sure to include some of these temples in your itinerary. With their beautiful architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance, they offer a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the state’s cultural identity.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mallikarjun temple is located in the Sristhal village which is 7km northeast from Chaudi a taluk in South Goa. The place is believed to be constructed in the middle of the 16th century which makes this temple as one of the oldest shrine in Goa. The temple is boasted with around 60 idols of Hindu Devis and Devatas. Canacona, Goa 403702
This temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji and is located in Cuncoleim Village in Ponda. The temple has been made a part of the Kanchikamakoti Peetam and has been blessed by his Holiness Swami Jagadguru Sankaracharya. The idols of Lord Balaji and Padmavathi were given by the TTD trust of Tirupati. Balaji temple in Goa is one of the most serene and beautiful places to visit. It is visited by devotees for peace and tranquility.
Shri Betal temple is located in Amona village in Bicholim Taluka area. The temple is dedicated to Shree Betal worshipped in the form of Worrier Shiva who is also the presiding deity. The temple also houses Shiva Pindi and its foot soldiers. The deity of the temple is considered to be the patron deity of Goud Saraswat Brahmin community which is spread all over India.
The temple of Lord Parshurama is located at Painguinim in the area of Canacona, Goa. It is dedicated to Lord Parshurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located around the serene surroundings of forest grove. In the courtyard of the temple, there’s also a representation of ‘Kshetrapala’. The temple has traditional carved wooden pillars and traditional pyramid shaped Shikara. Talem, Poinguinim, Goa 403702
There are many Bhagavathi temples located in the state of Goa, namely in the places such as Pernem, Khandola, Marcela and Parse. The presiding deity of the temple is worshipped here in the form of Mahishasur Mardini, a form of Shakti, by Goud Saraswat Brahmin, Daivadnya Brahmin and Bhandari communities. In most of the Goan temples, Bhagavathi is worshipped as one of the Panchayatana deity.
Like many of Goa. s temples, the Devaki-Krishna Temple at Marchel was moved here from two previous locations, to be safe from oppression. The beautiful and unusual image in black stone is of the baby Krishna on his mother, Devaki. s hip. Could the Baby Jesus and his Mother, Mary, represented in so many of the neighbouring churches here have given this temple its inspiration, or is it simply an astonishing coincidence of the overlapping of Western and Eastern traditions?
The Saraswats also established the Sri Nagesh Maharudra deity at Bhandiwade. Unlike the other deities, this one found a safe abode right from the start and did not have to be shifted from place to place. The temple, which faces west, has a beautiful tank in front, with a Nandi bull in black granite standing at its entrance. At some distance are also visible the smaller temples of Poorvachari, Betal and Raval Nath. The Palace of the Sunda King stands in the neighborhood. A peculiar feature of the Saraswat temples of Goa is the priority given there to the local Christian devotees who are said to flock to these temples. Irrespective of having embraced Christianity, many of the present-day Christians still hold on to their pre-conversion surnames and still sponsor and support the deities of their Hindu brethren. It is a measure of how deep their roots run, despite all the Portuguese influence that had been thrust upon them. Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401
Atrunja taluka in Goa is now called Ponda. It is a land of valleys and mountains. An ideal abode for the gods amidst coconut and areca nut groves, Ponda has many Hindu temples, the Sri Ganapati Temple at Khandole village being one of the most prominent and oldest. As in the case of all Ganapati temples, legends and lore are aplenty here. The idol of Ganapati, who rides on a mouse, was shifted during the inquisition from Elle to Naveli in Dewadi island; then to Khandepar in Ponda; from Ponda to Narve in Dichole; and finally to Khandole village near Mashel town in Ponda taluka. Ponda – Panaji Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403404
The premises of the temple also acts like a Dharamshala which provides facilities like pure vegetarian food and cozy accommodation options. The deity in the sanctum of the temple is made up of white marble which appears to resonate peaceful vibes all around. The only Jain temple in Goa, 1008 Adinath Digambar Jain Mandir is an ideal place for all Jain vacationers. Each temple has its own local stories that have been passed orally through generations. These stories helps in understanding the importance of temple for the locals. Mugalli, Near Rosery Chapel, Davorlim Road, Margao, Goa 403601 098224 85525
Last but not the least temple in the list of temples in Goa, Shri Rudreshwar Temple has a delightful ambiance. Otherwise called the sanctuary of Lord Shiva, the temple is situated along the Harvalem waterfalls. Pilgrims attend ceremonies at the temple to attain salvation and also to seek the fulfillment of wealth and relief from diseases. The magnificent image of Rudreshwar confronts the waterfall amidst the wonderful shiny showers. Rudreshwar is one of the most beautiful temples in Goa. Do not miss a chance to witness the spellbinding beauty of Gods on your spiritual Goa tour. Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, Goa 403505
Historically Ramnath is considered to be one of the forms of Lord Shiva to whom Lord Ram paid tributes and prayed before crossing the waters to enter Sri Lanka. Therefore, Shri Ramnath Temple holds a huge amount of importance in the Hindu culture and this is one of the famous Hindu temples in Goa. What you just cannot miss while in this temple is the deepstambh and the idols of other Gods besides Lord Ramnath. It’s located in Ramnathim, Bandivede at some 30 kms from Panjim. You need to take NH 17B and turn left at Borim to reach here. It’ll take you around 45 minutes to reach here from Panjim.
As the list is growing, it seems like Goa is everything but temples. Laxmi Narasimha temple stands in contrast to other temples in Goa with its old charm. Temple tour in India will never face recession because there is a temple in every corner and a higher population of devotees. Known the for the freshwater spring that fills the temple tank and amazingly detailed carvings, Laxmi Narasimha Temples is also among the old temples of Goa. By Bus. It is 23 km from the Kadamba Bus Terminus. … By Train. The nearest railway station to Laxmi Narasimha temple is Madgaon Railway Station which is 18 km away from Laxmi Narasimha Temple. Veling, Mardol, Goa 403404 0832 234 3428
Another spectacular creation, the temple of Shri Kamakshi stands in amazing surroundings which adds to its beauty and charm. A divine ambiance is all what a pilgrim needs when he comes this far. Unlike other famous temples in Goa, Kamakshi Temple is the one which abodes a water tank in its sanctum. The splendid beauty and the divinity of the place attracts tourists from all over Goa. Shiroda, Goa 403103 0832 230 6225
Another important and significant temple among the temples in Goa is the Nagesh Temple. Naguesh Temple is famous for its strong & stable background. It is the only temple in Goa that was not rebuilt ever and was just renovated. You would not want to miss on the chance to see the beautiful reflections of the images that are created in the pool of the temple. This is what carries numerous tourists to the Naguesh Temple from all over the Goa. Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401 0832 233 5039
Situated on the banks of the Kushawati River, Shri Damodar Temple is the home to the deity of Lord Shiva’s incarnation as Lord Damodar. A large number of devotees believe that Kushavati River can heal the body ills with its healing power. According to the temple rituals, there is a Palanquin carried out where the ideal of the Lord Damodar is held around the temple premises. During the procession, it takes around fourteen halts to just stand for a while and sing bhajans. Do your next trip to goa some justice and visit this one of the famous temples in Goa to witness the colours and songs of peace. Located near Zambaulim village, 22 km south of Margao. From Quepem take the right turn, 5 km ahead, to Tilamol-Rivona-Curtorim road, leading to Zambaulim. Fatorda, Margao, Goa 403602
Declared as a protected monument, Mahadeva Temple is historic enough to fall in the category of the old temples in Goa. Dedicated to Lord Shiva is a unique self on the architectural basis. A pillared entrance hall, made up of the finest basalt stones and also bears a three-stepped entrance to worship the linga. The Mahadev Temple in Goa attracts devotees and nature lovers as well throughout the year. Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406
The list of famous temples in Goa include Maruti Temple as well. A visit to Maruti Temple is a must on your trip to Goa. Maruti Temple is a perfect place for the history buffs due to a long yet an interesting story behind the building of this temple. Lord Hanuman or the Monkey God is worshipped here. Do visit Maruti Temple when in Goa to explore the intriguing history behind its construction. At a distance of 3.3 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 28 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17 km from Mapusa, Shri Maruti Temple is situated in North Goa. TheMaruti Temple is situated on top of the Altinho hill overlooking the Fontainhas district in Panaji. Nanu Tarkar Pednekar Rd, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
One of the many important Hindu temples in Goa, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple stands with the architectural beauty of the Mughals, the mandap or the temple hall with designs from the Europeans and a tall lamp tower. Devotees from all over the country visit the holy place to attend an important annual temple festival called Gokulashtami. So, do not miss out on this magically beautiful place on your next trip to Goa. At a distance of 25 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 50 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 20 km from Mapusa, Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple is situated in North Goa. TheSaptakoteshwar temple at Narve is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area. Temple Road, Narve, Maem, Goa 403403 0832 238 7013
The small village of Savoi-Verem in Ponda taluka is the site of the only temple dedicated to Lord Anant in the state of Goa. The temple is about 45 kilometers away from the capital city of Panaji. This temple unlike other temples in Goa has only a tiled pyramid as roof and surprisingly no domes. The walls too, are only plain with plastering. But the insides are in stark contrast to the outside. There is a presence of all the seven colors of the rainbow in all the intricate wooden carvings. The Anant temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, appearing here in his incarnation as Ananta, the serpent. Although no definite date is available for its original construction, the temple appears to be quite ancient. The current building is circa 1923 and has pillars with intricate wooden carvings and plated with silver. The idol of the deity is carved in black stone and Lord Vishnu is shown here in his Anantashayya (a sleeping position where the Lord rests on the multi-headed snake king Seshnaga, whose heads shelter the head of the Lord like an umbrella). This is the only temple in Goa showing Lord Vishnu in this special posture. At a distance of 27 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 44 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 30 km from Margao Railway Station, Shri Anant Templeis situated in North Goa. Shri Anant Temple also known as Madanant Temple is located at Savoi-Verem of Ponda Taluka. Savoi Verem, Ponda – Apewal – Querim – Savoi – Verem – Betqui – Marcela, Khandepar, Goa 403115
The small town of Marcel is the location of the temples of more than 15 deities of the Hindu pantheon. Marcel lies 17 km from Panaji in Ponda taluka about 3 kilometers away from Banastari Bridge on the Panaji-Ponda road. The unique feature of this temple is that this is the only temple in India where Lord Krishna is worshipped alongside mother Devaki as Devakikrishna. The main Deities Devakikrishna and affiliate deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar were originally located at Choodamani island (known as Chorao island today). To avoid persecution during the Portuguese Inquisition they were taken to Mayem in Bicholim and from there shifted to the present location at Marcel. The Garbha Griha (inner sanctum) of the temple has the beautiful idol of Devaki and Lord Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in standing posture with a child Krishna, between her legs.
The temple of Mahalsa Narayani is located at the small village of Mardol, just about a km from the famous Mangueshi temple and about 22 kilometers from Panaji, the capital city. Originally, the deity was housed in a temple at an ancient shrine in village of Verna which is now the site of an industrial estate. Along with other Goan temples, this beautiful temple at Verna was also marked for destruction by the Portuguese around 1543. The more famous legend has it that, in ancient times, a beautiful goddess appeared on the Sonsada plateau at Verna. She was first seen by a shepherd named Sahastrapal, who was taking his master’s cattle for grazing to a nearby spring. The goddess asked the shepherd to bring his master to the location. When the shepherd appeared reluctant saying that the cattle were thirsty, the goddess created a spring by hitting the ground with her nupur (musical ornament worn on the ankle). The small Nupur Lake which was thus created can still be seen today. At a distance of 22 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 41 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 26 km from Margao Railway Station, ShriMahalasa Temple is situated in North Goa. TheMahalasa Temple located at Mardol in Ponda is one of the most famous temples in Goa. Mardol, Ponda, Goa 403404
Mahalaxmi Temple, North Goa: One of the capital city’s most discerning assets is the Mahalaxmi Temple. Located on the Dada Vaidya road (Rua de Saudade during the Portuguese times), the Mahalaxmi deity is the chief object of veneration for all Panjimites, irrespective of caste, class, sex or creed. The city, blessed by three historic ecclesiastical monuments – the Jamma Masjid, the Church of Immaculate Conception, and the Mahalaxmi temple – surprisingly standing on the same road pose a perfect symmetry of communal harmony and camaraderie. This 182-year-old temple has a fascinating history. In the 16th century, the Havig Brahmins from Karwar-Kumtha areas who lived on alms and charity of others worshipped the Mahalaxmi deity and wherever they went in search of alms they carried this deity along. In the 16th century, they moved to Goa along with this diety and reached Taleigo village of which Panjim was then a mere ward, along the river Gomati (Mandovi). – NA – – NA – Situated in Bandora Village, this temple lies 4 km to the east of Ponda. It’s at a distance of some 45 km from Naguesh Temple, and a drive down from there will take you around an hour to reach here. Mahalaxmi Residency, Ponda – Margao Highway, Tiska, Yashwant Nagar, Bandoda, Goa 403401 0832 233 5355
The ancient temple of Shri Mallikarjun is located near the small village of Sristhal, in the southern most taluka of Canacona. Sristhal is about 5 km drive away from the taluka headquarters of Chaudi which is about 75 kilometers from Panaji. The temple lies in an enchanting location in a valley, completely surrounded by blue mountains and greenery. The temple is at least 200 years old, as per the writing on a plaque near the temple dome. The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Middle of the 16th century by ancestors of the Kshatriya Samaj. It was renovated in the year 1778. There are some extremely beautiful carved wooden pillars inside the temple building the likes of which are not found in any other temple in Goa. The carving has been done by skilled craftsmen who were brought here from the southern Indian states. The six pillars in the mandap (hall) have scenes from the Puranas and Mahabharat carved on them. There are beautifully carved profiles of dwarpal (doorkeeper) on either side of the door leading to the inner sanctum. The Veeramel festival coincides with the traditional Shigmo festival held in April. The Mallikarjun Templeis located 5 km from Chaudi, the headquarters of Canacona taluka. You can hire taxis or autos to reachthe temple. Canacona, Goa 403702
The Mangueshi temple or the Manguesh Devasthan is perhaps the most famous of all Goan temples. It is located at Priol in Ponda taluka, about 21 kilometers from the capital city of Panaji. The surrounding area is known as Mangueshi. In ancient times the temple was located at Kushasthali (presently known as Cortalim). During the Portuguese Inquisition, a number of Hindu temples were destroyed in Goa To avoid a similar fate, the devotees of God Manguesh removed the linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) from the original temple and transferred it in the middle of the night to the present location at Priol which was under the control of Adil Shah. The shifting of the deity took place in the year 1560. The area surrounding the temple was given to the temple by Ramchandra Sukhtankar an important officer in the Court of the Peshwas after obtaining it from the Raja of Soundem. Mangeshi Temple in Priol is located about 22 kilometres east of Panaji or Panjim, the capital of Goa. It takes about 50 minutes to travel the distance between Panaji and Mangeshi Temple via car. The temple is located about 2 km in Priol off road from Panaji-Ponda highway. Dinanath Mangeshkar Rd, Mangeshi Village, Mardol, Goa 403401
Around 25 kilometers from Panaji, in the village of Bandode, lies the temple of Lord Naguesh. The area surrounding the temple is known as Nagueshi and lies just 800 meters from Farmagudi on the way to Ponda. There is a stone plaque near the temple, dating back to 1413, which describes the donation of surrounding lands to the temple by a local family. This was in the reign of Veer Pratap Devraya of the Vijayanagar kingdom. There are stone idols of Shiv-Paravati and Ganesh inside the temple which actually date back to the seventh and eight century which has led to the conjecture of the temple being in existence since that time. Naguesh Temple. Around 25 kilometers from Panaji, in the village of Bandode, lies the temple of LordNaguesh. The area surrounding the temple is known as Nagueshi and lies just 800 meters from Farmagudi on the way to Ponda. Bandiwade, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401
The second temple in the small village of Bandode or Bandivade as it is also known is that of Lord Ramnath. Located about 22 kilometers from the capital city of Panaji, the temple is just a few minutes away from Farmagudi, off the main road to Ponda. Legend has it that the name of Lord Ramnath comes from the place Rameshwar. It is said that Lord Rama, after slaying Ravana in the battle was filled with remorse at the killing. In order to seek redemption for his act, he installed a Shivalinga (symbol of Lord Shiva), on the shores and hence came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath. The idol of Lord Ramnath was initially housed in a temple at a settlement called Lotli (present-day Loutolim) which was set up by Gaud Saraswat Brahmins who had migrated from Rameshwar on the southern shores of India. Lord Ramnath, like many other deities in Goa, was removed from the original temple at Loutolim and smuggled away to its present day abode of Bandivade, to avoid persecution by the Portuguese regime. Bandivade was under the control of Bijapur at the time.
The Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area. The village of Narve is located about 35 kilometers from Panaji and can be reached via an interesting route which requires a a ferryboat from the island of Divar. This is also an ancient temple, Saptakoteshwar having been the deity of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century. Coins found from this era mention the name of the deity along with that of the King Jayakeshi. In 1352, when the Kadamba kingdom was conquered by the Bahamani Sultan Allauddin Hasan Gangu and Goa was under the rule of the Sultan for about fourteen years. A number of temples were destroyed during this period and the Linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) at the Saptakoteshwar temple was also dug up by the troops. In 1367, the army of Vijayanagar King Hariharraya defeated the Bahamani Sultan’s troops in Goa and managed to restore most of the temples to their former glory including that of Saptakoteshwar.
28 kms from Panaji in Pernem Taluka, the temple is said to be more than 500 years old. Made of black stone, two life size images of elephants in a standing position at the entrance welcomes visitors. Dussehra is celebrated with gaiety when over 25 thousand devotees assemble at the temple. At a distance of 27 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 54 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 15 km from Mapusa, Shri Bhagwati Temple is situated inNorth Goa.
The temple is situated at Sangolda, in Bardez Taluka about 7 kms. from Panaji and 5 Kms. from Mapusa. The temple deity here is Shantadurga, one of the forms of goddess Durga. The deity is originally from Sangolda and was moved to Bicholim to avoid the Portuguese destruction in the early days of its rule. The present temple at Sangolda was constructed in the year 2000 and original idol was installed in the temple on 07.02.2000. The annual Jatra is celebrated here is in the month of November / December every year. Other festivals celebrated in the temple are Navratra, Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Jayanti, besides monthly Palakhi.
The temple is located at Ambirna ward of Socorro village 1½ Km. from the N.H.17 and 7 Kms. from Mapusa and Panaji city. This is a unique temple in whole of Goa. The temple house two deities. One idol of Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati, popularly known as Tembe Swami, which is only temple in Goa. The chief deity of the temple is Lord Dattatreya along with Panchayatan on the 1st floor of the temple and on the ground floor there is a temple of Godess Bhuvaneshwari. There is special Maha Aarati on every Thursday at 7.30 p.m.
7 kms from Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim, this shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India. Brahma Temple, North Goa
The most ancient temple in the whole of Goa is located at a place called Tambi Surla which is approximately 65 kms from the capital city of Panaji and 12 kilometers from the border crossing post of Mollem. Tambdi Surla itself is in the midst of a forested area accessible via a 22 kilometers route from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluka. The temple itself is built in Jain style in the twelfth century. There are some interesting details about the construction itself which has led to debates about the actual origins of the temple. The temple is built in a place which is quite inaccessible and away from the main settlements of the time. The size of the temple is quite small as compared to the size of the average Goan temple. And finally the top part of the temple has never been completed. The temple is located at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406
Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla The Mahadev temple of Tambdi Surla is the oldest temple of Goa, that survived from the Portuguese as it was set next to a stream in the middle of the small clearing, hidden in the dense jungle. The Tambdi Surla temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has a pillared porch and three stepped entrances. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style from the finest weather-resistant grey-black basalt. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadavaarchitecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The temple has been declared as a protected historical monument by the Archaeological Survey of Idia There is a linga symbol of Lord Shiva mounted on a pedestal inside the inner sanctum and local legend has it that a huge King Cobra is in permanent residence in the dimly lit interior. In February/ March on the festival of Mahashivratri hundreds of devotees assemble here. The area around the temple has soft green grass that dries up in summer but is rejuvenated every monsoon. The temple was built by Hemadri, the minister of the Yadava King Ramachandra. The Jain style construction has led to debates about the origins of the temple, since the Kadamba Dynasty ruled Goa between the tenth and fourteenth centuries. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style from basalt, carried across the mountains from the Deccan plateau and carved craftsmen. It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. The temple survived invasions and the Goa Inquisition due to its remote location in a clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats which surround the site. The temple is at 15°26′20″N 74°15′8″E near a small village called Tambdi Surla located 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) east of Bolcornem village, in the north east region of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Mahadev Temple is approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the capital city of Panaji. It is accessible from the north via minor roads 22 kilometres (14 mi) south from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluka. The temple is at the foot of the Anmod Ghat, which connects Goa to the state of Karnataka. Official Address
Mandodari Temple, Betki The Shri Mandodari temple is in the village of Betaki, about 5 km from Marcel, Ponda, India. The temple is located at 15d 30’20, 82d N and 73d59’23d E at 81 ft elevation.Mandodari temple Betki is mainly defined as the gramdevta temple or village deity of Goddess Betki. Some confuse this temple as the one, noted for Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, but this point is not true. The term mandodari is mainly procured from two terms, and those are mand, which means water and udar, which is the major term for stomach. It means, people are worshipping The water goddess, someone, who is born in the water. Religious belief of this temple mainly lies with the children, who were sacrificed for the betterment of village and free flowing stream of water.This temple is mainly dedicated to the gramdevta, who is also defined as the village deity of Betki, where the temple is currently located. Moreover, this temple also marks tribute to Goddess of water, whose goodwill provides the people with continuous water flow, so that they never get out of it. If you want to pay some tribute, it is important to take a look at Mandodari temple Goa, and offer your devotional means to the clients. Official Address
Shanta Durga Temple, North Goa Shri Shantadurga Temple is a Private temple complex belonging to Goud Saraswat Brahmin community(Saraswat Temple). 30 km (19 mi) from Panaji at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa, India. H.H.Shrimad Swamiji of ShriKavale Math is Spiritual head Of Shree Shantadurga Saunsthan,Kavale.Shree Shantadurga is the Kuldevi (family deity) of many Goud Saraswat Brahmin families.This current temple structure of Shree Shantadurga Devasthan was built during the period from 1713 AD to 1738 AD by Naroram Rege Mantri.On 4 December 2016, the temple completed its 450th year of existence. Its pyramidical shape ‘shikaras’ rising on the roofs of the facade (entrance hall) and the ‘Sabhamandap’ (the main hall), its roman-arched windows, some of which have the stained-glass window panes of deep red, yellow, blue, green colours, its chandeliers, its gate posts, balustraded flat dome, the maroon-peach-white colour paint of the temple gives the temple a serene beautiful look. The highlight of the temple is its golden palanquin (palkhi) in which the deity is carried on festive occasions(only 5 Mahapanchmi). The original temple at Quelossim (Keloshi) in mormugao was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1566. The goddess was shifted to Kavalem and worship was continued there. The site on which the original Temple of Shantadurga stood at Quelossim (Keloshi) is known as “Deoolbhata” and it is in the possession of the Shree Shantadurga Saunsthan Committee,Kavale. The current temple was constructed during the reign of Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara in about 1738 A.D. Naroram Rege Mantri originally from Kochara village in the Vengurla Taluka,(Konkan) was a Mantri (Minister) in Chattrapati Shahu’s Court at Satara (Grandson of Shivaji Maharaj)around 1723. He obtained finances to construct the new temple for the goddess from Chh.Shahu Maharaj of Satara. The temple construction started around 1730 . Due to his efforts, the village of Kavalem was bequeathed to the Temple by Shrimant Bajirao-1 Peshwa in 1738.[ The temple complex is on the slope of the foothills of a mountain chain, surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a main temple and three smaller temples of other deities which have been built on three sides of the temple. The temple consists of a collection of pyramidal roofs with a dome. The pillars and floors are made of Kashmir stone. The temple has a huge tank, a Deepastambha and agrashalas (guest houses). Many renovations have been completed over the years to the main temple and the temples of the other deities as well as to the agrashala. The temple has recently banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason. Official Address
Temples in Gujarat: A Journey Through the Spiritual Heart of India Gujarat, located in the western part of India, is home to several ancient temples that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Gujarat is known for its diverse cultural traditions and is famous for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic art and architecture. One of the most famous temples is the Somnath Temple, which is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Another significant temple in Gujarat is the Dwarkadhish Temple, located in the ancient city of Dwarka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Apart from these temples, Gujarat is also home to several other significant temples such as the Ambaji Temple, the Akshardham Temple, and the Swaminarayan Temple. The Ambaji Temple is located on the Arasur Hills and is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of India. The Akshardham Temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture, while the Swaminarayan Temple is famous for its spiritual and cultural significance. In addition to these temples, Gujarat is also known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks such as the Sabarmati Ashram, the Rani ki Vav, and the Sun Temple in Modhera. Visitors can also explore the vibrant markets and sample the delicious cuisine that is famous for.
The sacred temple of Balram Mahadev is situated about 12 kms from the district head quater palanpur. The palaces of the Nawab and Hindu Temples are also worth seeing.
Ambaji, a famous pilgrimage place of Gujarat in India is situated on the border of States of Gujarat and Rajasthan near Abu Road, in the Danta Taluka of Banaskantha District, near the origin of the famous Vedic virgin river SARASWATI, on the hills of Arasur Parvat in Ambica forest , towards south-west side to old hills of Arvalli, at the altitude of about 480 meters, at about 1600 feet high from sea level, having at 8.33 sq km (5 sq. miles area ) area as a whole , is in fact one of the Fifty One (51) ancient Shakti Piths, the main Centre of Cosmic Power in India
The Lakulish Temple, the oldest known on the south side in the middle of Lake Chhasia on the Pavagadh hill, witnesses the sculpture of the eleventh Saika. Also known as Mahakali Mataji President Bhairav. Elegant sculptures have been engraved on the walls of this Lakulish temple. The Shiva temple is in ruins. Gujarat 389360 079 2657 8044
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Gadhada, Gujarat Swaminarayan had installed the idols in this temple on 9 October 1828. Gopinath and Harikrishna in the middle shrine, Dharma and Bhakti and Vasudeva on the western shrine and Revti-Baldevji, Shri Krishna and Suryanarayan in the eastern shrine. The idol of harikrushna has physique as same as lord Swaminarayan. The land for constructing this temple in Gadhada, was donated by the court of Dada Khachar in Gadhada. Shri Dada Khachar and his family were devotees of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan. The temple was made in the courtyard of his own residence. The temple work was planned and executed directly under the consultation and guidance of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan. Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan overviwed the construction and also helped with the manual service in the construction of the temple, by lifting stones and mortar. This shrine has two stories and three domes. It is adorned with carvings Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan had installed the idols in this temple on the October 9, 1828, Gopinathji Maharaj and Harikrishna Maharaj in the middle, Dharmdev and Bhaktimata and Vasudevanarayan on the western side and Revti-Baldevji, Shri Krishna and Suryanarayan in the eastern temple. Besides the idols installed by Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan himself, the temple is a place of many memories of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan. On the path of the worship circuit of the inner temple, there is the idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj facing northward. This prasadi temple has prasadi items of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan displayed in a museum at the temple. On the southern side of the temple, there is a big margosa tree (neem tree) and the chamber of Lord Vasudevanarayan. Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan gave several discourses at that place. The court of Dada Khachar has been preserved in its original form. On the backside, there is the Akshar Oradi temple and Gangajalio well. Lakshmiwadi (place of cremation of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan) is situated a little away from the town. At Lakshmiwadi, a single dome temple has been constructed at the place of the funeral rituals of Shri Hari’s mortal remains. Slightly away, there is one canopy where Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan used to sit and deliver the discourses, and just a little ahead, there is the room of Nishkulanand Swami, where he placed the palanquin prepared by him for Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan’s last journey. A neem tree faces this place, and on its western side, there is one more canopy where Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan celebrated ‘Sharadotsava.’ Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan and his saints used to take a bath in the River Ghelo. This river flows in the south side of the temple. There are prasadi river-beds – Narayan Dharo and Sahasra Dharo which Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan visited frequently. There are small temples of Neelkanth Mahadev and Lord Hanuman on the bank of the river. Both these places are prasadi places of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan. Official Address
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj, Gujarat An earthquake on 26 January 2001 shattered most parts of the city of Bhuj, including the original Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhujbuilt by Swaminarayan in 1824. To replace this, the new temple is built of only marble and gold. The throne for the idol of Swaminarayan, the temple domes and doors are make of gold while the pillars and ceilings are made of marble.The original central deity images of Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna were moved from the old temple to the new one along with those of Radha Krishna, Swaminarayan in the form of Ghanshyam and Sukh Shaiya and others. The new temple was built at a cost of 1 billion Indian rupees (100 crore) on 5 acres (20,000 m2) of land. Made in marble, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple built in the Indian state of Gujarat recently. A large number of people attended the opening ceremony of the temple including those from overseas, including from United Kingdom and various parts of Africa. According to an estimate by a member of the Bhuj Hoteliers’ Association, as of October 2009, 75% of the hotel rooms in Bhuj had been booked for the period during which the opening ceremony is scheduled to take place.To manage influx of vehicles, Jubilee ground and Khasda ground, the two biggest grounds in Bhuj will be used for parking arrangements.Temple authorities are expecting around 500,000 visitors during this period. A 3-D film, the first of its kind on the life and teachings of Swaminarayan titled ‘Sahajanand’ was screened as a part of the opening celebrations of the temple. Shot by S3D cameras, it is claimed to be the first of its kind in India. Official Address
Shakatambika, Paswadal, Gujarat Shri Shaktambika Mataji temple is situated at Paswadal near Sidhpur in the Indian state of Gujarat. She is Kuldevi or “Family Goddess” of Sage Gautama’s descendent’s, who are from the “Gautam Gotra” or Clan of Sage Gautam. Virtually all of them are Brahmins. To visit this temple by train, either you need to get down at Siddhpur or Chhapi. Shri Shaktambika Mataji temple is situated at Paswadal near Sidhpur in the Indian state of Gujarat. She is Kuldevi or “Family Goddess” of Sage Gautama’s descendent’s, who are from the “Gautam Gotra” or Clan of Sage Gautam. Virtually all of them are Brahmins. To visit this temple by train, either you need to get down at Siddhpur or Chhapi. Before 1100 years ago, King Mulraj Solanki ruled over North Gujarat. He had established Siddhpur-Patan as his capital. He had done much unjust to the people and killed Gautra’s. To repent upon his deeds, he decided to build a ‘Rudra Mahalaya’ in Siddhpur. Siddhpur – as described in the third chapter of ‘Bhagat’ – a place where many saints had done penance, birthplace of god Kapil, where Goddess Saraswati resides, which is equivalent to heaven. To build this Rudra Mahalaya, the king invited 1037 holy Brahmins who were scholars too. Among those Brahmins were Gautam gautri Brahmins too. They were carrying their Goddess in a caravan to Siddhpur.. This city was palatial as it had many Temples of God’s and Goddesses along with Jain temples. The step-wells and ponds were also established there. The caravan suddenly stopped in this city named Pushpawati which was located nearby Siddhpur and with the permission of Mataji, Gautami Brahmins established her in this city and then Mataji became well known by the name of Shaktambika. By establishment of the Brahmins in this city, the king donated the whole city to the Gautami Brahmins. These Brahmins were later known as ‘Pushpadaliya’. In the time being, due to the curse of some saint, this city was demolished and people evacuated the whole city. After many years, due to evidence of the temple of ‘Ambaji Mataji’, the Rabari community people re-established in this village after 800 years. After that many people of different community established here and the village was known by the name ‘Paswadal’ and it flourished there on. The vital fame of Shaktambika Mataji returned with the rehabilitation which was done before 86 years on Friday 7th of Maha sud 1971. After that, since 30 years, there has been constant increase in Brahmins coming here for worship. By the mixed effort of villagers, People serving here and the donations given by the Gautri Brahmins, a land had been purchased on which Halls, Rooms and Kitchen has been Before 1100 years ago, King Mulraj Solanki ruled over North Gujarat. He had established Siddhpur-Patan as his capital. He had done much unjust to the people and killed Gautra’s. To repent upon his deeds, he decided to build a ‘Rudra Mahalaya’ in Siddhpur. Siddhpur – as described in the third chapter of ‘Bhagat’ – a place where many saints had done penance, birthplace of god Kapil, where Goddess Saraswati resides, which is equivalent to heaven. To build this Rudra Mahalaya, the king invited 1037 holy Brahmins who were scholars too. Among those Brahmins were Gautam gautri Brahmins too. They were carrying their Goddess in a caravan to Siddhpur.. This city was palatial as it had many Temples of God’s and Goddesses along with Jain temples. The step-wells and ponds were also established there. The caravan suddenly stopped in this city named Pushpawati which was located nearby Siddhpur and with the permission of Mataji, Gautami Brahmins established her in this city and then Mataji became well known by the name of Shaktambika. By establishment of the Brahmins in this city, the king donated the whole city to the Gautami Brahmins. These Brahmins were later known as ‘Pushpadaliya’. In the time being, due to the curse of some saint, this city was demolished and people evacuated the whole city. After many years, due to evidence of the temple of ‘Ambaji Mataji’, the Rabari community people re-established in this village after 800 years. After that many people of different community established here and the village was known by the name ‘Paswadal’ and it flourished there on. The vital fame of Shaktambika Mataji returned with the rehabilitation which was done before 86 years on Friday 7th of Maha sud 1971. After that, since 30 years, there has been constant increase in Brahmins coming here for worship. By the mixed effort of villagers, People serving here and the donations given by the Gautri Brahmins, a land had been purchased on which Halls, Rooms and Kitchen has been constructed. Official Address
Shri Keshavraiji Temple, Bet Dwarka, Gujarat Lord Shri Keshavraiji is Ishtdev of Samasth Pushkarna Gyati. This ancient temple is located in Bet-Dwarka, near Mahaprabhuji Bethak, which is 30 km away from Dwarka, on the seashore. Pushkarna Brahmin along with Bhatia devotees, mostly from Sindh, Rajasthan, Kutch, Gujarat and Punjab, visit Bet Dwarka to worship Lord Keshavraiji most often. Registers witness the forename and family name of all pushkarna devotees, hand-written as long ago as 250 years. To reach Bet-Dwarka one has to travel to Okha, and then proceed by motorboat to Bet Dwarka. Okha is connected by rail and is the last railway station. There is a direct train to Okha from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Eranakulam Junction, Rameshwaram, Puri, Dehradun, Varanasi Junction. Official Address
Shiva temple, Kera, Bhuj, Gujarat The Shiva temple, Kera, also known as Lakheshwara temple of Kerakot, is located in Kera village near Bhuj of Kutch district in Gujarat. The temple was built during the reign of the Chaulukya dynasty (Solankis) in the later part of the 10th Century (9th to 11th century) and is dedicated to Shiva. The temple has been subjected to severe earthquake damages during the earthquake of 1819and the Bhuj earthquake of 2001. But the temple’s spire, inner sanctum and the sculptures are still in an attractive condition. The interior part of the temple is square in shape, each side 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 m). The walls of the shrine are 2 ft 7 in thick (0.79 m). The shrine has a circumlocutory passageway or pradakshina which is of 2-foot-6-inch width. This passage gets natural lighting from two open cut-stone perforated windows. Of the original hall or mandapa of the temple, which had a width of 18 ft 9 in (5.72 m), only the northern wall has survived. There are a few well-carved sculptures on the wall. The spire of the temple is well-executed with ornamentation of eight triangle-shaped sculptures in the form of chaitya windows on each face of the spire. Hemmed between the windows are well-crafted sculptures of human figures. These sculptural formations are repeated one above the other in gradually reducing size, as the height of the spire increases. At the corners of the shrine, there are miniature spires, and the same type are built above them in an interior set-in feature which lies at the main large central spire. The external faces of the spires are well-ornamented with elegantly carved sculptures. There are many stone sculptures of Yakshasaround the temple premises. An annual fair is held here which is attended by a large number of devotees. The Shiva temple of Kera is dated to the later part of the 10th Century (9th to 11th century is also mentioned[1]), built during the reign of the Chaulukya dynasty (Solankis).[4][5] Close to this temple, there is the Fort of Kapilkot, which is also in a dilapidated condition. The temple is ascribed to Ra Lakha Phulani who was ruling his capital at Kapilkot.[6] In the 1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake, the temple was substantially damaged, leaving only the main spire and inner sanctum in a good condition. It was again damaged to some extent during the Bhuj earthquake. The Shiva temple is located in Kera village in Bhuj of Kutch district in Gujarat. Bhuj is the nearest rail head with two express trains, the Bhuj Express and the Kutch Express operating between Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Bhuj is also the airport which connects to Mumbai. It is well connected by road through various cities in the state and is at a distance of about 22 kilometres (14 mi) to the south of Bhuj Official Address
Shamalaji, Aravalli, Gujarat Shamlaji no medo, also spelled Shamalaji, (Gujarati: શામળાજી and Hindi: शामलाजी) is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre in Aravalli district of Gujarat state of India. The Shamlaji temple is dedicated to Vishnu or Krishna. Several other Hindu temples are located nearby. There is a small shrine on the way from the Shamlaji Temple to the Meshwo river, where an image of a standing Ganesha idol from the late-Gupta period is still worshiped. The temple at Harishchandra ni chori probably dates to the 10th century A.D. It has a rectangular sanctum with a large pavilion in front. The whole structure is enclosed within the courtyard. The walls of this courtyard have fallen down but the ornamental gateway (torana) still stands. Numerous temples in ruins, ancient brick-work and scattered idols found at Shamlaji show that since ancient times it has been a popular and important center of pilgrimage on the highway between Gujarat and Rajasthan. Devni Mori, a place about two kms from Shamlaji, is having remains of a Buddhist monastery from around 3rd-4th century AD. The stupa which is considered as a sharir stupa, has proved the presence of Buddhists in Vadnagar. Excavating of the stupa brought to light an inscribed casket which contained relics of Buddha. It is quite clear that the bodily relics of Buddha in the casket.Being a place of pilgrimage established at a picturesque spot, there are several other ancient shrines scattered all over this place. Amongst them is the small temple of Trilokeshwer just opposite Shamlaji has a beautiful and unusual idol of Shiva with the trident. The Kashi-Vishwanath Mahadev is a simple but ancient temple, which is about seven feet below the ground level. The temple of Ranchhodji, is on the opposite bank. There is also the tomb of Navgaja Pir, a maulvi (muslim cleric) close by visited by many Adivasis. Shamlaji temple is located on the banks of the Meshvo river in the valley surrounded by well wooded hills.It is also referred to as Dholi Dhajawala due to white silk flag fluttering on top of the temple. Built of white sandstone and brick it is surrounded by a wall with a gateway. It is of two stories, supported on pillars, and a canopy with arches on each side. The lower courses of richly carved stone are of great age. Above them runs a frieze with an unintelligible pattern, and, above this, running right round the building, a fringe of elephants’ heads and forequarters carved in stone. Above this is a very ranch worn frieze full of figures in bass-relief, men on horseback with bows, and animals. The elephant is a very frequent emblem. Besides the fringe frieze above mentioned, there are, on the outer wall, between every two angles, larger figures of semi-rampant elephants standing out in relief, and, in front of the entrance, stands on either side of the doorway a gigantic cement elephant. Above the shrine, a pyramid-based tower rises into a spire like a high-shouldered cone with flattened sides. The forepart of the roof consists of a number of small domes springing from a flat roof, or rather of a flat trabeate roof, with domes here and there, the largest being in the centre. Outside at all the angles of the roof are figures of animals and the gargoyles.On walls, there are some scenes from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Of the two inscriptions, one is to the left in the upper story and bears date 94 AD and 102 AD. This writing, cut in stone, is not very archaic and could not be of the date it professes to record. It may be a transcript of an older inscription or the record of an old tradition. The other, on copper at the entrance of the temple, records repairs executed in 1762 AD by the then Thakor of Tintoi. From these two inscriptions, name of the deity seems to be Gadadharji, the holder of the club, a well known title of Vishnu, Krishna, or Shamlaji.The cow idols are also worshiped depictiong childhood of Krishna as cowherd. It is one of the 154 important pilgrimage sites of Vaishnavism. A microlith site known as Dhek-Vadlo locally was found near Shamlaji. A Buddhist stupa known as Devni Mori is located near it which dates to Mauryan period. Several ruins of temples, scattered idols and old brick-works surrounding the place establishes antiquity of the place. The present temple dedicated to Shamlaji, a form of Vishnu or a name of Krishna, is built probably in 11th century in Chaulukya style and renovated at least 500 years ago. The temple was claimed by Jains in the past.Years ago the Idar State rulers gave the fiefdom of Shamlaji temple to the Modhari Rao Saheb with other villages like Revdar, Devdar, Napada, Khalsa, Sunsar, Modhari, etc. The Rao of Modhari still holds trusteeship of Shamlaji Temple Official Address
Santram Mandir, Nadiad, Gujarat Santram Mandir is a famous temple situated in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. It is home to Santram Maharaj who is a holy figure in Gujarat. It is very famous for spiritual as well as social activities for the needy too. The Santram mandir runs trusts for humanitarian activities like Eye Hospital, Physiotherapy Center, Dispensary, Radiology Center, Pathology & Laboratory as well as various other services which is countless. It also carries out various cultural as well as social activities. There are other “santram mandir”s located in Vadodara, Karamsad, Padra, Koyli, Umreth, Radhu, Kalser, Pachegaam, Chaklasi, Sojitra & Varad. And several other places has its Paaduka like Raniya, Narsanda, Sarsavni, Salun, Piplag, Alindra and many more places. Many people offer fast on Thursdays, Purnima & Ekadashi in reverence to Santram Maharaj. The original Santram Maharaj was a Saint of the Avadhoot category. He came to Nadiad from Girnar, so he was also called Girnari Bava, Videhi Bava, or Sukha-Sagarji. He came here in Samvat 1872, lived for the spiritual good of People for the 15 years, and took Jivat-Samadhi on the full-moon-day of the month Magha of Samvat 1887. The present Mahant of the Nadiad temple, Shree Ramdasji is the ninth Mahant on the Gadi of the temple. The details are as follows: Shree Jankidas Maharaj occupied the Gadi for 53 years and he was very practical. He could see through a man as soon as he came near him. The temple’s expansion became very big during his period. It became known throughout India. He did many things for the good for the temple: Official Address
Sadhimataji’s temple, Mehsana, Gujarat Sadhimataji’s temple is a Hindu temple in Kherva, a village in Mehsana District. Sadhimata’s temple is 2.5 km south of Kherva village on Mehsana Kalol highway. It is a very old temple. The set-up of temple is under a hugeNeem tree. A rectangular dome is built on inside part of temple. The temple is covered by terrace of cement. A vast front yard with full facility is built in front of temple. Behind temple a vast space is available which is basically used in fair and other traditions. One inn structure is available behind the temple. A room is provided for Pujari (worshiper of temple). A highway passes in front of temple and it experiences the coolness of temple. Sadhimata is kuldevi (main goddess) of Raval Yogi Community. A temple is built by former pujari Shree Khodabhai Raval. His heredity worships the goddess generation to generation. Now a day Manoj Raval is appointed as main pujari of temple. Sadhimata’s temple is very famous not only in Kherva but also in surrounding area.People go on barefoot to fulfill their wishes. Most of the people go on Sunday and Tuesday. On New Year of Hinduism, Villager must go at the temple. “Dharo Atham No Melo” is main fair of temple which started by Raval yogi community, comes at Bhadrva Sud Aatham in Hindu Panchang The temple is 2 km from Kherva, 11 km from Mehsana and 21 km from Gozaria. Nearest railway stations are Mehsana and Jagudan. Official Address
Rukmini Devi Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat At one time Lord Krishna wished to invite the sage Durvasa for dinner and accordingly he set out with Rukmini to the ashram of Durvasa who agreed on the condition that they pull the chariot in which he would travel. They agreed but, on the way, Rukmini became thirsty and asked Lord Krishna for water. He struck the earth with his foot and Ganga gushed forth. Rukmini quenched her thirst. Durvasa was watching and flew into a rage because he was not offered water first. Durvasa, it must be. known as a sage who easily lost his temper and cursed anyone and everyone left and right without much thought. In his rage, he cursed Rukmini that the couple would always live apart. No one knows why he did not curse Lord Krishna but as a result of the curse, they had to live apart. Was the curse revoked? No one knows. Some say that it was actually Lord Krishna who indirectly incited Durvasa to curse her unwittingly because Krishna did not like her arrogance. Anyway, this is the reason why the Rukmini Devi temple is not adjacent to Dwarkadheesh temple but it is at a distance. It is also noteworthy that the temple stands on barren land amid rocks bereft of water. Rukmini had fallen in love with Lord Krishna and he too was smitten with her and decided to abduct her. She would always go to Avantika temple and pray to Amba Mata to grant her wish that she become the wife of Lord Krishna. She was the daughter of Bhishmaka, King of Vidarbha and her brother was against the match and did not approve but wanted to marry her off to the evil Shishupal. She sent a message to Lord Krishna to save her and therefore, both decided to elope. One day she went to worship at the temple (which is currently in Bulandshahr, UP) and that day, Lord Krishna carried her away and married her in Madhavpur Ghed in Gujarat and both lived in bliss until the Durvasa incident. Madhavpur too has a temple of Rukmini and Krishna to commemorate this event. It is believed Amba Mata grants the wishes of maidens who pray to her at this temple. Some believe that Radha and Rukmini are one and the same, the incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi because there are similarities in age and the devotion they have towards the Lord. When Krishna is with Rukmini, Radha does not appear and when he is with Radha, Rukmini is absent. Rukmini is Lakshmi incarnate, a symbol of love and devotion to Krishna, a symbol of purity and humility as well. The temple is about 2 km from the historic temple of Dwarka on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, Western India. It can be reached by hiring a rickshaw or just taking a walk from the main temple. In order to reach Dwarka, you can take a train from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar and travel by road. You can just as well fly into Jamnagar airport. Official Address
Somnath temple, Gir Somnath, Gujarat The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat. Reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and Portuguese, the present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951. The reconstruction was completed by Vallabhbhai Patel. The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a Triveni sangam (the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati). Soma, the Moon god, is believed to have lost his lustre due to a curse, and he bathed in the Sarasvati River at this site to regain it. The result is the waxing and waning of the moon, no doubt an allusion to the waxing and waning of the tides at this sea shore location. The name of the town Prabhas, meaning lustre, as well as the alternative names Someshvar and Somnath According to popular tradition documented by J. Gordon Melton, the first Shiva temple at Somnath is believed to have been built at some unknown time in the past. The second temple is said to have been built at the same site by the “Yadava kings” of Vallabhi around 649 CE. In 725 CE, Al-Junayd, the Arab governor of Sindh is said to have destroyed the second temple as part of his invasions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Gurjara-Pratihara king Nagabhata II is said to have constructed the third temple in 815 CE, a large structure of red sandstone. However, there is no historical record of an attack on Somnath by Al-Junayd. Nagabhata II is known to have visited tirthas in Saurashtra, including Someshvara (the Lord of the Moon), which may or may not be a reference to a Siva temple because the town itself was known by that name.The Chaulukya (Solanki) king Mularaja possibly built the first temple at the site sometime before 997 CE, even though some historians believe that he may have renovated a smaller earlier temple. Ruined Somnath temple, 1869 In 1024, during the reign of Bhima I, the prominent Turkic ruler Mahmud of Ghazni raided Gujarat, plundering the Somnath temple and breaking its jyotirlinga despite pleas by Brahmins not to break it. He took away a booty of 20 million dinars. Historians expect the damage to the temple by Mahmud to have been minimal because there are records of pilgrimages to the temple in 1038, which make no mention of any damage to the temple. However, powerful legends with intricate detail developed in the Turko-Persian literature regarding Mahmud’s raid,which “electrified” the Muslim world according to scholar Meenakshi Jain.They later boasted that Mahmud had killed 50,000 devotees. The devotees had tried to defend the temple from being vandalised and looted. The temple at the time of Mahmud’s attack appears to have been a wooden structure, which is said to have decayed in time (kalajirnam). Kumarapala (r. 1143–72) rebuilt it in “excellent stone and studded it with jewels,” according to an inscription in 1169.During its 1299 invasion of Gujarat, Alauddin Khalji’s army, led by Ulugh Khan, defeated the Vaghela king Karna, and sacked the Somnath temple.Legends in the later texts Kanhadade Prabandha (15th century) and Khyat (17th century) state that the Jalore ruler Kanhadadeva later recovered the Somnath idol and freed the Hindu prisoners, after an attack on the Delhi army near Jalore.However, other sources state that the idol was taken to Delhi, where it was thrown to be trampled under the feet of Muslims.These sources include the contemporary and near-contemporary texts including Amir Khusrau’s Khazainul-Futuh, Ziauddin Barani’s Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi and Jinaprabha Suri’s Vividha-tirtha-kalpa. It is possible that the story of Kanhadadeva’s rescue of the Somnath idol is a fabrication by the later writers. Alternatively, it is possible that the Khalji army was taking multiple idols to Delhi, and Kanhadadeva’s army retrieved one of them. The temple was rebuilt by Mahipala I, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra in 1308 and the lingam was installed by his son Khengara sometime between 1331 and 1351. As late as the 14th century, Gujarati Muslim pilgrims were noted by Amir Khusrow to stop at that temple to pay their respects before departing for the Hajj pilgrimage. In 1395, the temple was destroyed for the third time by Zafar Khan, the last governor of Gujarat under the Delhi Sultanate and later founder of Gujarat Sultanate. In 1451, it was desecrated by Mahmud Begada, the Sultan of Gujarat. In 1546, the Portuguese, based in Goa, attacked ports and towns in Gujarat including Somnath and destroyed several temples and mosques. By 1665, the temple, one of many, was ordered to be destroyed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In 1702, he ordered that if Hindus revived worship there, it should be demolished completely.[38] In 1782-83, Maratha king Mahadaji Shinde, victoriously brought back three silver gates from Lahore after defeating Mahmud Shah Abdati, to Somnath. After refusal from priests of Gujarat and the then ruler Gaekwad to put them back on Somnath temple, these silver gates were placed in the temples of Ujjain. Today they can be seen in two temples of India, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Gopal Mandir of Ujjain. In 1842, Edward Law, 1st Earl of Ellenborough issued his Proclamation of the Gates, in which he ordered the British army in Afghanistan to return via Ghazni and bring back to India the sandalwood gates from the tomb of Mahmud of Ghazni in Ghazni, Afghanistan. These were believed to have been taken by Mahmud from Somnath. Under Ellenborough’s instruction, General William Nott looted the gates in September 1842. A whole sepoy regiment, the 6th Jat Light Infantry, was detailed to carry the gates back to India in triumph. However, on arrival, they were found not to be of Gujarati or Indian design, and not of Sandalwood, but of Deodar wood (native to Ghazni) and therefore not authentic to Somnath.They were placed in the arsenal store-room of the Agra Fort where they still lie to the present day.oused in Britain by the gates Official Address
Surya Mandir is one of the ancient places to see in Modhera. The temple is over 5000 years old and is located in the northern part of Triveni Ghat. Sun God is the main deity at the temple and just above the entrance doorway lies the image of Surya with his two wives riding on 7 horses. The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach bottom and numerous small shrines. The temple complex is built in Maru-Gurjara style (Chaulukya style). The temple complex has three axially aligned components; the shrine proper (garbhagriha) in a hall (gudhamandapa), the outer or assembly hall (sabhamandapa or rangamandapa) and a sacred reservoir (kunda). The sabhamandapa is not in continuation with gudhamandapa but is placed little away as a separate structure. Both are built on paved platform.Their roofs have collapsed long ago leaving behind few lower-most courses. Both roofs are 15′ 9″ in diameter but are constructed differently.The platform or plinth is inverted lotus shaped. The Gudhamandapa measures 51 feet 9 inches by 25 feet 8 inches. It is almost equally divided into Gudhamandapa, the hall and garbhgriha, the shrine proper. Both are rectangular in plan with one projection on each of the smaller sides and two projections on each of the longer sides. This projections on the smaller sides form the entrance and the back of shrine. The three projections of outer wall of Gudhamandapa had windows on each side and the east projection had the doorway. These windows had perforated stone screens; the northern is in ruins and the southern is missing. Pradakshinamarga is formed by the passage between the walls of garbhgriha and the outer walls of gudhamandapa. The roof of passage has stones slabs carved with rosettes. The Shikhara of the it no longer exists. The Garbhagriha, the shrine proper or sanctum sanctorum is square measuring 11 feet from inside.The shrine had two cells; a cell below the level of upper cell. The floor of upper cell is now fallen which once housed the image of deity. The seat of image is now in pit. The lower cell was probably used for storage.The walls inside shrine is plain and outer wall is decorated. The doorway has carved figures of seated Surya in panels surrounded by dancers and amorous couples. All figures are mutilated and the images on the door-lintel is completely destroyed.The sanctum sanctorum is designed in a way that the first rays of rising sun lit up the image of Surya during solar equinox daysand on summer solstice day, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon casting no shadow. Gudhamandapa with annotation of exterior mouldings (click to enlarge) Base mouldings The outer walls of shrine is highly decorated. The base and walls of the shrine and hall are divided into several stretches with unique carvings. the pitha or adhisthana, base has the two square members called bhat followed by a cymarecta carving (lower part convex and upper part concave). It is followed by padma or padmaka, the moulding in form of inverted lotus. The next is antarita, a fillet or an astragal with a sharp edge between two recesses. Above this is patta having thin moulding called chhaja at its lower edge. The next is another chhaja separated by neck, alinga. The next broad band, patti, is gajathara carved with elephants. The following band narathara has figures of men in different attitudes.Mandovara or wall mouldings Mandovara, the wall mouldings starts with kumbha, a pitcher. It has a broad undecorated band at lower part while middle part is decorated with oval discs. It is followed by kalasha, a pitcher. The next is broad band with chaitya-windows called kevala followed by similar called manchi. These two bands are separated by a deep band. There is a thin fillet above which the major paneled face of wall called janghaexist. This panels are decorated with figures of gods but the figures of Surya are placed prominently than others as the temple is dedicated to him. Other panels are decorated with dancers and other figures. The figures of Surya are prominently carved on three niches of shrine proper as well as on the each side of three windows in the outer wall of Gudhamandapa. The figures of Surya is in standing position with two arms holding lotuses and driven by seven horses.It has some Persian influences. The walls have 12 niches showing the different aspects of Surya in each month. Other figures include eight Dikpals, Vishwakarma, Varuna, Agni, Ganesha, Saraswati.[citation needed] Every figure in panel has a small cornice over it surmounted with triangular pediment consisting of chaitya-window which is called udgam. The next projecting band with chaitya-window and kirtimukha is called malakval. The top most is the major cornice called chhajli. This is followed by shikhara which no longer exist. The Vimana had horizontal geometrical and figurative bands which rising to create the Mount Meru-like shikhara. The central spire had Urushringa, the miniature shrines. It is judged by the shrines on the steps of Kunda.Mandapa The Mandapa, a hall was roofed by a dome which probably rose in concentric manner. It is supported by eight principal pillars below arranged in an octagon, four pillars in front of shrine proper and two each in the recesses of windows and door.[1] Sabhamandapa or Rangamandapa, the assembly hall or dancing hall is parallelogram in plan with rows of pillars opening entrance on each side diagonally. The extensively carved exterior has series of recessed corners giving impression of the star like plan of it. There are 52 intricately carved pillars. Madhusudan Dhaky has suggested that the sabhamandapa may has been later addition based on style and construction. The pitha is almost similar to the Gudhamandapa but smaller as two courses of fillets are omitted. The padma is carved richly here with floral ornamentation. Above the Narathara, there is a band with figures of dancers and gods known as rajasena. The next is vedi which correspond to jangha of mandovara decorated with large panels of gods, goddesses and floral designs. The next is cornice called asinot. It followed by kakshasana which slopes outwards and forms the back-rests of the bench, asana which runs round the hall. There are erotic figures on it interrupted by rail-patterns. Ceiling and torana The roof was in shape of stepped pyramid but it no longer exists. Inside, the walnut-shaped ceiling rises in tiers which has numerous floral girdles. It is 23 feet high.[3] It is supported by pillars arranged in an octagon. These pillars have stilts which supports the lintels. Torana or the decorated cusped arches arise from the lower brackets of the pillars and touch the lintels in middle. There are two types; semicircular and triangular. The semicircular arches has cusped arches with tips while triangular arches has round apex and wavy sides. Both types has broad band decorated with figures and tips which are now defaced and damaged. The lower brackets has makara which gives the name of makara-torana while decoration gives name of chitra-torana. Long and short pillars, semicircular and triangular archesPillars of Kirti-torana and steps leading to kundaThe pillars of Sabhamandapa and Gudhamandapa are of two types; short and tall. The short pillars rests on walls and supports the roof. The tall pillars rise from the floor. The shaft is square in shape till half of its height followed by vase and then followed by octagonal shaft. It is surmounted by a capital and a bracket. The square part has floral design in circle on each side of faces. The vase is decorated similarly on its corners. The octagonal part have four bands; the top most has kirtimukha. The capital has three annulets. Tall pillars They arise from square or octagonal base, kumbhi, with triangular ornamentation on each face. Above it is kalasha. It is followed by a deep band and the next is kevala decorated with chaitya-windows. the next is kirtimukha. The next is triangular pediment with chaitya-windows. The next is beginning of shaft. It is first decorated with standing figures, mostly dancers, on all eight faces enclosed in ringed pilasters. The next band with scenes of men and beasts is separated from it by round pillow-like band. It is followed by still smaller band with sixteen standing human figures separated by small annultet below. The next is band of leaves. Then the shaft becomes circular and had three or four bands having row of male warriors, lozenges, circles and kirtimukha at last. The kirtimukhas are separated by chain and bell ornamentation. It follows capital similar to small pillars crowned with makara brackets if eight stilted pillar and dwarfs in the rests. the eight stilted pillars have one more shaft and similar type of capital which is crowned with brackets of volutes and pendant leaves.[1] The panels on the Gudhamandapa is decorated with Surya centrally which indicates that the temple is dedicated to Surya. These images wears peculiar West Asian (Persian) boots and belt.[10][3] The other corners and niches are decorated with figures of Shiva and Vishnu in various forms, Brahma, Nāga and goddesses. The depicted scenes on small flat ceilings and lintels of sabhamandapa are from epics like Ramayana. There was a kirti-torana, the triumphant arch, in front of sabhamandapa. The pediment and torana no longer exists but two pillars remains. The moulding and decoration is similar to that of walls of sabhamandapa and pillars.There were two more kirti-torana on each side of the kunda of which only one exists without upper part. Kunda, a tank or reservoir is known as Ramakunda or Suryakunda. The flight of steps through kirti-torana leads to the reservoir. It is rectangular. It measures 176 feet from north to south and 120 feet from east to west. It is paved with stones all around. There are four terraces and recessed steps to descend to reach the bottom of the tank. The main entrance lies on west. There are steps to reach from one terrace to another on right angle to terrace. These steps are rectangular or square except the first step of each flight of steps which is semicircular. The stepwell on the west of Kunda has one entrance and two pavilion-towers. It is moderately ornamented. The door-frame has lotus and leaves and the ruchaka type pilasters indicate it belongs to 11th century. The small mandapa above the ground level and located on the second kuta of stepwell may belong to 10th century. The shrine proper of the Sun Temple was built during the reign of Bhima I of Chaulukya dynasty.[A][1][2][3][4] Earlier, during 1024-25, Mahmud of Ghazni had invaded Bhima’s kingdom, and a force of around 20,000 soldiers had unsuccessfully tried to check his advance at Modhera. Historian A. K. Majumdar theorizes that the Sun Temple might have been built to commemorate this defence.[5]On a block in western wall of cella, there is an inscription “Vikram Samvat 1083” upside down carelessly incised in Devnagari scriptwhich correspond to 1026-1027 CE. No other date is found. As the inscription is upside down, it evidences the destruction and reconstruction of the cella. Due to position of the inscription, it is not firmly considered as the date of construction. On the stylistic ground, it is known that the kunda with its corner shrines was built earlier in the beginning of the 11th century. The inscription is rather considered as the date of destruction by Ghazni instead of the construction. Soon after Bhima had returned to the power. So the temple proper, the miniature and the niche shrines in the tank was built shortly after 1026 CE. The dancing hall was added much later in the third quarter of the 12th century along with the gateways, the porch of the temple proper and the doorframes of the temple and the cella during the reign of the Karna. The temple is built on 23.6° latitude (approximately near Tropic of Cancer). The place was later known as Sita ni Chauriand Ramkund locally.[C][12] No worship is offered here now.[3] The temple is Monument of National Importance and is maintained by Archeological Survey of India. It is located in Modhera village which is 25 km from Mehsana and 106 km from Ahmedabad in Gujarat India. Official Address
Umiya Temple, Unjha, Mehsana, Gujarat According to the old mythological stories, Maa Umiya Temple was established by Lord Shankar himself at Unjha. In the year 156 BC Vikram Samvat- 212, King Vrajpal Sinhji constructed the temple. King Avnipat had done a very big yagna with the one lakh twenty five thousand coconuts and a well full of ghee. In the Vikram Samvat 1122/24, Vegda Gami constructed the temple which was demolished by Alluddin Khilji’s commander Ulugh Khan. That temple was where currently the Mollot wing houses the Sheshshayi. The statue of the Mataji is carefully preserved at Mollot’s big Madh and today there is a Gokh there. It is the true foundation of the Umiya Mata temple. Maa Umiya Temple was established by Lord Shankar himself at Unjha, in Mehsana district of Gujarat. Unjha is located at approximately 100 kilometres distance from Ahmadabad city in Gujarat. When you want to visit Umiya Mata Temple, you need to reach Ahmadabad first from New Delhi or Mumbai by taking a flight, train or by car, then reach up to Mehsana by bus or train, then from Mehsana you can reach Unjha again by taking a bus, train or taxi. To reach Unjha via Mehsana district from Ahmadabad, you need to take the State Highway no. 41. Official Address
Rudra Mahalaya Temple, Patan, Gujarat The original temple, completed in 1140 to lavish proportions with extensive ornamentation, consisted of a roof measuring 32 feet (9.8 m), much larger than the Abu temple. Its overall dimensions were 300 by 230 feet (91 m × 70 m) with the central building 150 feet (46 m) in length.It was a triple storied temple with 1,600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, and 11 shrines of Rudra positioned around it. The sanctum was located on the west and there was also a mandapa or hall which had porches on the eastern, northern, and southern wings. Today only a few remnants of this complex are seen, such as two “toranas” (porches) and four pillars. One “torana” is elaborately ornamented; the eastern gate which leads to the Saraswati river still stands; the remaining pillars have highly ornamented carvings. Kirti Torana of North has survived. The western part of complex converted into the congregation mosque is also there Siddhpur, historically known as Sristhal. Sidhpur, under the rulers of Chaulukya dynasty, was a prominent town in the 10th century. In the tenth century (943 AD) Mularaja, the founder of the Chaulukya dynasty of Gujarat, started the erection of the Rudra Mahalay temple. In his youth, Muladev had slain his maternal uncle, usurped his throne, and murdered the whole of his mother’s kindred; and in old age his crimes hung heavily on his mind. He made pilgrimages and courted the favour of Brahmins from far and near. To a band of them he gave Sristhal, and committing the kingdom to his son Chamundaraja, he retired there to end his days in their company (996 AD). But the Rudra Mahalay was still incomplete, nor was it finished till 1140 AD.An inscription and ballad regarding its construction says, It was during the 12th century, in 1140 AD, that Jayasimha Siddharaja (1094–1144) consecrated the temple complex and it became the principal temple complex of Siddhpur.[1] According to another legend, two Parmars from Malwa, named Govinddas and Madhavdas, took up their haunt among the rush grass that covered the neighbourhood of the Rudra Mahalaya, and lived by plunder. There they found the foundations of a temple and Shiva linga, and said that in the night they had seen heavenly beings. This was told to Siddharaj and led to the erection or completion of the temple.[1] In Mirat-i-Ahmadi, Ali Muhammad Khan writes, “The king on signifying his intention of building the temple, requested the astrologers, it is said, to appoint a fortunate hour; and they at this time predicted the destruction of the building.” Then Siddha Raja caused images of “horse lords” and other great kings to be placed in the temple, and “near them a representation of himself in the attitude of supplication, with an inscription praying that, even if the land was laid waste, this temple might not be destroyed.” Alauddin Khalji sent an army under Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan, who dismantled the temple complex in 1296 AD (Samvat 1353).The temple was further destroyed and the western part of it was converted into congregational mosque (Jami Mosque) by Muslim ruler Ahmed Shah I (1410–44) of Muzaffarid dynasty in 1414 or 1415. Official Address
Pimpleshwar Mahadev (Saldi), Mehsana, Gujarat The temple has not been renovated for at least 100 years, and therefore portrays an antique look. The surrounding landscape is filled with Pimpal trees, Bili Trees and Vakhada trees. Pimpleshwar Mahadev in Saldi does not have the usual Shiv linga. Instead it has a Jaladhari – a continuous flow of water from an aquifer below the ground. The temple has images of Ganesha, Parvati and Hanuman carved in stone and has smaller shrines of Amba,Laks Salvabhai Patel, son of Teja Patel, migrated from Champaner, Gujarat and raised his family in the area which ultimately came to be known as Saldi. Approximately 200 years or seven generations following the founding of Saldi village, one of the cows of a herder named Petha Patel was found to be regularly releasing her milk over one location under a Pimpal tree, where the Jaladhari water source was ultimately found. In the Hindu tradition, worshipers of Shiva pay homage to the Shiv linga by pouring milk over it. Thus, the cow’s offering of her milk at this site without any assistance, led to the people of Saldi to attribute this phenomenon to the presence of Lord Shiva. Since then, the current site of Pimpleshwar Mahadev is considered to be very sacred by the pilgrims and villagers alike, and it has become famous throughout the state of Gujarat over the years. The first temple or shrine was put in place by Petha Patel of Saldi at this site, dating back to the Hindu year Vikram Samvat 1143 (1086 AD). The current building was constructed and renovated by Sayajirao Gaekwad, the ruler of the state Baroda in 1895 during the British colonial era in India. Saldi is located about 60 km northwest of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. By rail – Saldi and Mehsana are the nearest railway stations. Ahmedabad, a major rail head, well connected to other parts of the country is located at a distance of 50kms from the shrine. By road – Saldi and Mehsana are well connected by road to other parts of the state. By air– Ahmedabad has an international airport which is well connected to all the major cities of India. Taxis and buses are available from Ahmedabad to Saldi. Official Address
Navlakha Temple, Ghumli, Dwarka, Gujarat Navlakha Temple at Ghumli was built by Jethwa rulers in 11th century dedicated to Sun god, Surya and is oldest sun temple of Gujarat.[1]It has the largest base (Uagati) of the temples in Gujarat, measuring 45.72 x 30.48 m. Facing East, it had a beautiful entrance arch or Kirti Toran, that is now lost. The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), covered pradakshina path, large gathering hall and its three shringar chokis are eye catching. On the surrounding walking path we find three directions with balconies. The mandapa has eight-sided pillars for support. In the small niches we find sculptures. The entrances are two storied. At the back wall of the temple we find two huge elephants fighting with their trunks. In Bhadra gavaksha there is the image of Brahma-Savitri, in the west is the Shiva-Parvati, to the north is Lakshmi Narayan. The Navlakha Temple built at a cost of Nine Lacs hence the name Navlakha. It rivals the Somnath Temple and Modhera Sun Temple in its architect and interiors.The temple is built in Solanki style of architecture and Maru-Gurjara style of architecture[8] have the three entwining tusks of elephants as its trademark and is considered to be high noon of Solanki style of architect. Outside main temple there is a temple dedicated to Ganesha, popularly known as Ghumali Ganesha Temple. This temple is said to be built in 10th century AD. The temple was destroyed when Ghumli was sacked by Jadeja Jam Barmaniyaji attacked Ghumli in 1313 to take revenge of defeat of his father Jadeja Jam Unaji, who had come from Sindh and but was defeated in 1309 by Jethwa ruler Rana Bhanji This Hindu temple has a beautiful entrance arch which faces east. The sanctum sanctorum , covered pradakshina path and large assembly hall with its three shringar chokis are eye catching.On the surrounding walking path, there are balconies in three directions. The mandapa has eight sided pillars for support. In the small niches we find sculptures. The entrances of this Indian temple are two storied. On the back wall of the temple we find sculptures of two huge elephants fighting with their trunks. In Bhadra Gavaksha there is the image of Brahma-Savitri, in the west there is Shiva-Parvati, to the north is Lakshmi Narayan. The Navlakha temple was built at a cost of nine lakhs. Hence the name Navlakha. It rivals the Somnath Temple and the Modhera Sun Temple in its architecture and interiors.This Hindu temple is built according to the Solanki style of architecture and Maru-Gurjara style of architecture which have the three entwining tusks of elephants as its trademark and is considered to be the high noon of the Solanki style of architecture. There is a temple dedicated to Ganesha outside the main temple,which is popularly known as Ghumali Ganesha Temple. 9The Navlakha temple in Ghumli is located about 45 km from Porbandar. I settled a return trip on rickshaw for Rs.500 (I am not sure if that is a fair price). This is a 12th century temple located in a very wooded area surrounded by hills Official Address
Nageshvara Jyotirlinga, Dwarka, Gujarat The Shiva Purana says Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is in ‘the Darukavana’, which is an ancient name of a forest in India. ‘Darukavana’ finds mention in Indian epics, such as Kamyakavana, Dvaitavana, Dandakavana. A narrative in the Shiva Purana about the Nageshvara Jyotirlinga tells of a demon named Daaruka, who attacked a Shiva devotee named Supriya and imprisoned him along with many others in his city of Darukavana, a city under the sea inhabited by seasnakes and demons. At the urgent exhortations of Supriya, the prisoners started to chant the holy mantra of Shiva and immediately thereafter the Lord Shiva appeared and the demon was vanquished, later residing there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The demon had a wife, a demoness named Daaruki who worshipped Mata Parvati. As a result of her penance and devotion, Mata Parvati enabled her to master the forest where she performed her devotions, and renamed the forest ‘Darukavana’ in her honour. Wherever Daaruki went the forest followed her. In order to save the demons of Darukavana from the punishment of the gods, Daaruka summoned up the power Parvati had given her. She then moved the entire forest into the sea where they continued their campaign against the hermits, kidnapping people and keeping them confined in their new lair under the sea, which was how that great Shiva devotee, Supriya, had wound up there. The arrival of Supriya caused a revolution. He set up a lingam and made the prisoners recite the mantra Om Namaha Shivay in honour of Shiva while he prayed to the lingam. The demons’ response to the chanting was to attempt to kill Supriya, though they were thwarted when Shiva appeared and handed him a divine weapon that saved his life. Daaruki and the demons were defeated and Parvati saved the remaining demons. The lingam that Supriya had set up was called Nagesha; it is the tenth lingam.[9] Shiva once again assumed the form of a Jyotirlinga with the name Nageshwar, while the Goddess Parvati was known as Nageshwari. The Lord Shiva then announced that he would show the correct path to those who would worship him. Official Address
Lakkadiya Hanuman Temple, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Official Address
Kayavarohan, Vadodara, Gujarat Kayavarohan or Karvan is a village in the Vadodara district of the state of Gujarat, India. Kayavarohan is popularly known as Karvan and is situated on the National Highway 8 at a distance of 30 km from Vadodara. Kayavarohan is considered as the birthplace of Lakulisha, the 2nd Century C.E. Shaivite revivalist, reformer and propounder of the pashupata doctrine. It is an important religious place on account of its Lakulisha temple. Kayavarohan (Karvan) is an ancient town believed to have existed through each of the Four Ages. As per Shaivite mythology, Lord Shiva in the Lakulish manifestation appeared at this place. According to mythology and puranas, from here Lord Shivatransmigrated into the form of a Brahmin child. Thus the place came to be known as Kayavarohan [Kaya (Body) + Avarohan (Descent) = Where the body of the Lord has descended]. It is an ancient town believed to have existed through each of the Four Ages according to the Hindus. According to a popularly held belief, it was from here that Lord Shiva in the guise of a child transmigrated after death and his body disappeared. Thus the place came to be known as Kayavarohan. A number of copper coins and a stone quern have been found from here. A beautiful head of Tapas, the image of Kartikeya and an idol of Uma Maheshwara are some of the archaeological specimen discovered from here. Kayavarohan is also famous for its healthy environment Official Address
Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur (Gujarati: શ્રી સ્વામિનારાયણ મંદિર, અમદાવાદ, Devnagari: श्री स्वामिरायण मन्दिर, अहमदाबाद) is the first temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a Hindu sect. It is located in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, India. It was built on the instructions of Swaminarayan Bhagwan, the founder of the sect. As per the will of Swaminarayan, the administration of the Swaminarayan Sampraday is divided into two Gadis (seats) – NarNarayan Dev Gadi and LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi. This temple is the headquarters of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi. Green and yellow sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, their bodies fitted in opulent dress, cover the structure of this nineteenth-century temple. With its architecture based on Burma teak wood, every coloured arch and bracket is a bright different shade, something that stands out in most Swaminarayan temples. According to Anjali Desai, author of India Guide Gujarat, the temple resembles a fairytale with all its colours and opulent carvings that profusely embellish every wooden bracket, column and arch. The temple attracts a million people on the day after Diwali. The temple has a multi-story guesthouse that is air conditioned and has a fully equipped medical clinic within its compound. The central gateway of the temple is artistic. It blends local, regional and British styles of architecture and sculpture. Marathi and Rajasthani folk cultures and costumes are evident on the gateway sculptors. The columns are engraved with vertical lining in Corinthian order. The top of the projected pavilions are ruminants of Mughal architecture. Statues of the women wearing frilled blouses and petticoats, carrying their kids on their waist depict the Gujarati women.This central gate is made without taking any kind of measurements. This is the heart of the temple complex. The temple was constructed as per scriptural norms with intricate carving in pure Burma-teak and constructed with sculptural art by depicting deities’ episodes, auspicious symbols and religious icons representing axiomatic religion and Indian culture. The temple is believed to be a valuable cultural heritage in the socio-religious history of Gujarat and India. The images in this temple are of Narnarayan Dev in the centre, Radhakrishna Dev on the right, Dharmadev, BhaktiMata and Harikrishna on the left of the central hall. The images were made in Dungarpur and stone came from quarries in Himmatnagar and Dhrangadhra. The temple is also known for the attractive dresses that drape the deities. Dresses for the central Narnarayan as well as RadhaKrishna images are changed seven times a day and are never repeated. Inside the temple Besides the gods in the main temple, an idol in the form of a child, Ghanshyam Maharaj in white marble has been installed on the ground floor. Personal items of Swaminarayan have been displayed for viewing by the visitors on the ground as well as first floor. The southern side of this building is known as Shree Tejendra Bhuvan and houses visiting pilgrims. An idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj has been installed in a place called the Rang Mahol in the temple where Swaminarayan stayed during his visits to Ahmedabad. A wood carved life-size idol of Swaminarayan in standing sambhang position, was installed here fifty years after the construction of the temple. It is one of the finest specimens of wooden art sculpting in Gujarat. The Haveli (Mansion) to the west of the temple used to be the official residence of Acharya of the Narnarayan Dev Gadi. Now, the ground floor of the front side, houses the offices and the inner portion accommodates the residency of the Samkhya Yogi women (ladies who have taken celibacy vows and devoted their life to the temple). In the inner temple, the Gadiwalla (the Acharya Maharajshri’s wife & spiritual leader of the women in the Swaminarayan Sampraday) holds religious assemblies solely for the benefit of the women. An idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj has been installed in this temple and is served by the Sankhya Yogi women devotees. This mansion is decorated with chandeliers, suspended lamps and large mirrors as it was supposed to be the residence of the Acharya. The brackets of the pillars in the portico as well as arches have been adorned with carvings in geometrical designs and a variety of flower and creeper motifs. The wood sculptured haveli This three-storey mansion was constructed by Acharya Maharjshree Keshavprasadji Maharaj in 1871. The mansion itself rests on octagonal and square wooden pillars on which Ardh-murt relief sculpture of flowers and creepers is engraved. Angles of wooden pillars, carved in free hand design and the shapely Bharnai, which balconies rest on. The Sabha mandap, an extensive Central Hall, has been constructed on sixty pillars. There are giant size madal-shilp sculptures on twelve high pillars in the front row on which rest the portico of the first floor, capture our attention with its great artistic appeal. These sculptors include a flying Hanuman lifting the Devgiri mountain in his palm; a pot bellied Ghanesha wearing a scarlet turban in the South Indian style, miniature sculptures of several soldiers armed and dressed in Marathi turbans and costumes and herds of monkeys have been created on the religious tradition in the wooden sculptors. Some sculptors depict the 1857 uprising, with the Rani of Jhansi and other heroes narrated in carvings of these pillars. There are a total of 12 such pillars, which depict scenes such as a Maratha warrior fighting under the Rani of Jhansi in guise of Durga the Hindu goddess, Indian leader Tatya Tope in the guise of Narsimha, the lion headed form of Vishnu and that of parrots which tell the mood of the times. Sculptures of lions and elephants, birds like peacocks and parrots and perfectly engraved leaves and flowers decorate the panels. The beams, ceilings, and lower sections are adorned with engravings, artistic sculptures and free-hand designs. In this mansion, Acharya sits on the wooden seat once used by Swaminarayan in the Congregation Hall. A new residence of the saints, Vrajendraprasad Mahal and a dining hall for the devotees are also situated in this mansion. This mansion is two storeyed. Sculptures of animal heads, flowers and creepers are carved on the wooden pillars of the portico on the ground floor. Items relating to NarNarayan Dev on the ground floor. The first and second floors house a Sanskrit and music school as well as residence for saints. The backyard hosts the residence for brahmchari(celibate) students. A well where Swaminarayan used to bathe under a dome is also part of the backyard. The land for construction of this first shrine of Swaminarayan Sampraday, was given by the British Imperial Government in India to Swaminarayan. The task of constructing this temple was entrusted personally by Swaminarayan to Ananandanand Swami (a paramhansa of the sect).The installation ceremony of the murti(images) in the temple was celebrated in the presence about 50,000 of pilgrims representing many parts of India. A British officer, Sir Dunlop was so impressed with activities of Swaminarayan and his followers, that on behalf of the government he gave 5,000 acres (20 km2) of land in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad to build this temple. When the temple was completed, the officer was so impressed by the temple that he commanded a 101 gun salute to the temple. When the British government wanted to build a railway station in Kalupur, the temple returned part of the land, where Kalupur Railway Station stands today. The government compensated the temple by granting it 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land in the Narayannagar village. Although the temple had very good relations with the British government, part of the wooden carvings in the temple depict the 1857 uprising, which is often referred to as India’s first war of Independence. Official Address
Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh, panchmahal, Gujarat The small and plain temple is set amidst fortifications with an open yard in the front, and is open for long hours to cater to the rush of pilgrims. There are two altars in front of the temple for offering sacrifices to the Kalika Mata, as well as a row of lights that are lit on festive occasions. The Kali yantra is worshipped at the temple. The complex is divided into two parts, the ground floor containing Hindu shrines, while the temple spire is domed with a Muslim shrine.The chief shrine on the ground floor contains three divine images: in the centre Kalika Mata in the centre (depicted in the form of a head, known as mukhwato and red in colour , while Mahakali is situated to her right and Bahuchara Mata to her left. The restored marble floor dates to about 1859 and was presented by the minister of Limbdi in Kathiawar.The domed temple spire contains a Muslim shrine and mausoleum to Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint. Dating from the 10th-11th centuries, Kalika Mata is the oldest temple in the area. According to R. K. Trivedi in Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat (1961), the goddess Kalika Mata was initially worshipped by the local [Lewa Patidar and king / sardar is Sadashiv Patel] , until she was later invoked and installed by Vishvamitra on Pavagadh Hill summit, where she is worshipped as a form of Durga or Chandi.The story is for Mata Temple celebration a Garbha organised by people,Mata feeling very happy and assumed the form of a woman and danced in a Garba, King watched her with dirty look. Mata tried to explain who she was but king not agree so The deity became angry at King and cursed him that the town will fall, and same time Khandesh(Jalgaon) king in Maharashtra gave promise that you all come at khandesh and stay there. Pavagadh’s Kalika Mata is also worshipped by the Adivasi.The temple was described in Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam, a 15th-century drama. Named in honor of the Goddess Kali, the temple is believed to be the Kali Mata’s residence, and is one of the Shakti Peethas, as the symbolic toe of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen here. Official Address
Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad, Gujarat The annual Rath Yatra coincides with the Rath Yatra in Puri. As per tradition elephants have the first glimpse of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra and lead the procession.The Chief Minister of Gujarat performs the ‘Pahind Vidhi’ or the symbolic cleaning of the path for chariot of Jagannath for the rath yatra, after which the procession begins. The rath yatra entourage passes through different parts of the city of Ahmedabad covering a distance of about 14-km. The yatra halts at Saraspur, where the locals offer ‘Maha Bhoj’ to the entire entourage of devotees of Lord Jagannath. It is celebrated as ‘Lokotsav’ or public festival of the state of Gujarat. The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is known to be the third largest Rath Yatra festival after the Rath Yatra festivals in Kolkata and Puri, and are celebrated on the same day. Official Address
Hanuman temple, Sarangpur, Botad Shri Hanuman Mandir, Sarangpur is a Hindu temple located in Sarangpur, Gujarat and comes under the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It is the only Swaminarayan Temple which does not have the Murtis of either Swaminarayan or Krishnaas the Primary deity of worship. It is dedicated to Hanuman in the form of Kastbhanjan (Crusher of sorrows). For other temples and places of interest is the town and nearby, please refer to Sarangapur Gopalanand Swami. According to author Raymond Williams, it is reported that when Sadguru Gopalanand Swami installed the idol of Hanuman, he touched it with a rod and the idol came alive and moved. This story has become a charter for the healing ritual performed at this temple.The idol of Hanuman here is a stout figure with a handlebar moustache, crushing a female demon under his foot and baring his teeth, standing among sculpted foliage full of fruit bearing monkey attendants.In 1899, Kothari Gordhandas of Vadtal appointed Shastri Yagnapurushdas to manage the affairs of the mandir; during his tenure, Shastri Yagnapurushdas renovated the site, built the adjacent bungalow, and acquired more land for the complex to bring it to its current state. Official Address
Gorthiya Mahadev Temple, Sabarkantha, Gujarat Official Address
Girnar, Junagadh, Gujarat nar, also known as Girinagar (‘city-on-the-hill’) or RevatakParvata, is a group of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India. The Girnar mountain ranges are considered to be sacred. It is an important pilgrimage site for both Jains and Hindus, who gather here during the Girnar Parikrama festival. Girnar is one of the five major ‘tirthas’ attributed to the ‘panchkalyanakas’ of various ‘Jain tirthankaras’. Mount Girnar is a major igneous plutonic complex which intruded into the basalts towards the close of the Deccan Trap period. The rock types identified in this complex are gabbros (tholeiitic and alkalic), diorites, lamprophyres, alkali-syenites and rhyolites. The parent gabbroic magma is shown to have given rise in sequence to diorites, lamprophyres and alkali-syenites. The rhyolite, though earlier considered a product of differentiation, is now believed to be an independent magma without any genetic link with the gabbro and its variants. On entering the gate, the large enclosure of the temples is on the left, while to the right is the old granite temple of Man Singh, Bhoja Raja of Kutch, and farther on the much larger one of Vastupala. Built into the wall on the left of the entrance is an inscription in Sanskrit. Some 16 Jain temples here form a sort of fort on the ledge at the top of the great cliff, but still 600 feet below the summit. The largest temple is the Neminath temple, standing in a quadrangular court 195 x 130 feet. It was built from 1128 to 1159. It consists of two halls (with two porches, called by the Hindus mandapams), and a shrine, which contains a large black image of Neminath, the 22d Tirthankar. Around the shrine is a passage with many images in white marble. Between the outer and inner halls are two shrines. The outer hall has two small raised platforms paved with slabs of yellow stone, covered with representations of feet in pairs called padukas, which represent the 2452 feet of the Gandharas, first disciples of Tirthankaras. On the west of this is a porch overhanging the perpendicular scarp. On two of the pillars of the mandapam are inscriptions dated 1275, 1281, and 1278—dates of restoration. The enclosure is nearly surrounded inside by 70 cells, each enshrining a marble image, with a covered passage in front of them lighted by a perforated stone screen. The principal entrance was originally on the east side of the court, but it is now closed, and the entrance from the court in Khengar’s Palace is that now used. There is a passage leading into a low dark temple, with granite pillars in lines. Opposite the entrance is a recess containing two large black images; in the back of the recess is a lion rampant, and over it a crocodile in bas-relief. Behind these figures is a room from which is a descent into a cave, with a large white marble image which is mostly concealed by priests. It has a slight hollow in the shoulder, said to be caused by water dropping from the ear, whence it was called Amijhara, “nectar drop.” Neminath is said to have attained Moksha from Girnar so this place is frequently noted in Jain literature. In the North porch are inscriptions which state that in Samwat 1215 certain Thakurs completed the shrine, and built the Temple of Ambika. After leaving this there are three temples to the left that on the south side contain a colossal image of Rishabha Deva, the first Tirthankar, exactly like that at Palitana temples, called Bhim-Padam. On the throne of this image is a slab of yellow stone carved in 1442, with figures of the 24 Tirthankars. Opposite this temple is a modern one to Panchabai. West of it is a large temple called Malakavisi or Meravasi, sacred to Parshwanath, built in the 15th century.North of this is another temple of Parshwanath, which contains a large white marble image canopied by a cobra, whence it is called Sheshphani, an arrangement frequently found in the South India but uncommon in North India. It bears a date of 1803. The last temple to the north is Kumarpal’s temple, built by Chaulukya king Kumarapala, which has a long open portico on the west. It appears to have been destroyed by the Muslims, and restored in 1824 by Hansraja Jetha. These temples are along the west face of the hill, and are all enclosed.[4] Outside to the north is the Bhima Kunda, a tank 70 feet by 50 feet, in which Hindus bathe. Immediately behind the temple of Neminath is the triple one temple, Vastupala-Tejpala temple, erected by the brothers Tejapala and Vastupala (built in 1177), who also built the Dilwara Temples on Mount Abu. The plan is that of three temples joined together. The shrine has a blue black image of Mallinath, the 19th Tirthankar. Farther north is the temple of Samprati Raja, This temple is probably one of the oldest on the hill, dating to 1158. Samprati is said to have ruled at Ujjain in the end of the third century BCE, and to have been the son of Kunala, Ashoka’s third son. Fourteen of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts, dating to circa 250 BCE, are inscribed on a large boulder that is housed in a small building located outside the town of Junagadh on Saurashtra peninsula in the state of Gujarat, India. It is located on Girnar Taleti road, at about 2 km (1.2 mi) far from Uperkot Fort easterly, some 2 km before Girnar Taleti. An uneven rock, with a circumference of seven meters and a height of ten meters, bears inscriptions etched with an iron pen in Brahmi script in a language similar to Pali and date back to 250 BCE, thus marking the beginning of written history of Junagadh. On the same rock there are inscriptions in Sanskrit added around 150 CE by Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I, the Saka (Scythian) ruler of Malwa, a member of the Western Satraps dynasty (see Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman).The edict also narrates the story of Sudarshan Lake which was built or renovated by Rudradaman I, and the heavy rain and storm due to which it had broken. Another inscription dates from about 450 CE and refers to Skandagupta, the last Gupta Empire. The protective building around the edicts was built in 1900 by Nawab Rasool Khan of Junagadh State at a cost of Rs 8,662. It was repaired and restored in 1939 and 1941 by the rulers of Junagadh. The wall of the structure had collapsed in 2014. A much smaller replica of these Girnar edicts has been positioned outside the entrance of the National Museum in Delhi. Mount Girnar is a major igneous plutonic complex which intruded into the basalts towards the close of the Deccan Trap period. The rock types identified in this complex are gabbros (tholeiitic and alkalic), diorites, lamprophyres, alkali-syenites and rhyolites. The parent gabbroic magma is shown to have given rise in sequence to diorites, lamprophyres and alkali-syenites. The rhyolite, though earlier considered a product of differentiation, is now believed to be an independent magma without any genetic link with the gabbro and its variants. Official Address
EME Temple, Vadodara, Gujarat EME temple is positioned in Vadodara, in the Gujarat State of India. Vadodara is 112 kilometers away from Ahmedabad and the distance from Mumbai to Vadodara is 420 kilometers. EME temple is located on National Highway 8. You can find different types of buses plying from different states to reach this city. The buses include state transport buses, private luxury coaches etc. plying from all over Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan. You can also avail intercity buses like Ahmedabad – Vadodara … they take 2 hours to reach and play every 15 minutes. Different private buses can also be opted for from the station. Different buses have different ticket charges of which the minimum rate is of 100/-. Rent a car facility is also available all over the city and its surroundings. You can also come to Vadodara through trains as Vadodara is a Junction and is well connected to other major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. In case you want to travel by air then you can come down to Vadodara airport. Visiting this temple can happen through two routes. One is via Fatehgunj and other from Sama that is Methodist church or Navrachana School. Official Address
Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh (Gujarati: દ્વારકાધીશ મન્દિર; Sanskrit and Hindi: द्वारकाधीश मन्दिर), is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or ‘King of Dwarka’. The temple is located at Dwarka, Gujarat, India. The main shrine of the 5-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir, archaeological findings suggest it to be 2,200 – 2,000 years old. Temple was enlarged in the 15th- 16th century.The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Pushtimarg temple, hence it follows the guidelines and rituals created by Vallabhacharya and Vitheleshnath. According to tradition, the original temple was believed to have been built by Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, over the hari-griha (Lord Krishna’s residential place). The temple became part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered sacred by Hindus in India, after Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher, visited the shrine. The other three being comprising Rameswaram, Badrinath and Puri. Even today a memorial within the temple is dedicated to his visit. Dwarakadheesh is the 98th Divya Desam of Vishnu on the subcontinent, glorified in the Divya Prabandha sacred texts. The town of Dwarka in Gujarat has a history that dates back centuries, and mentioned in the Mahabharat epic as the Dwaraka Kingdom. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, the town is described in legend as the capital of Lord Krishna. Evidence such as a stone block with script, the way the stones were dressed showing that dowels had been used, and an examination of anchors found on the site suggest that the harbour site dates only to historical times, with some of the underwater structure being late Medieval. Coastal erosion was probably the cause of the destruction of what was an ancient port. Hindus believe that the original temple was constructed by Vajranabh, the great grand son of Krishna, over the residential palace of Krishna. The current temple in Chaulukya style is constructed in 15-16th century. The temple covers area of 27 metre by 21 metre with east-west length of 29 metre and north-south width of 23 metres. The tallest peak of the temple is 51.8 m high. As per Hindu legend, Dwarka was built on a piece of land by Krishna that was reclaimed from the sea. Sage Durvasa once visited Krishna and his wife Rukmini. The sage wished that the pair took him to their palace. The pair readily agreed and started walking with the sage to their palace. After some distance, Rukmini got tired and she requested some water from Krishna. Krishna dug a mythical hole that brought in river Ganga to the place. Sage Durvasa was furious and cursed Rukmini to remain in the place. The temple where Rukmini’s shrine is found, is believed to the place where she stood Official Address
Chotila, Surendranagar Chotila is a Hindu temple town and Taluka headquarters of Chotila Taluka, Surendranagar district, located near Rajkot, Gujarat, India. The Chamund or Chotila hill which is surmounted by the temple of Chamunda and is 1173 feet in height. The temple is reached by climbing 620 steps. The temple is open for devotees from 5 am to 7.30 pm. Chotila was called Chotgadh in ancient times. It was originally a holding of the Sodha Parmars but was conquered from Jagsio Parmar by the Khachar Kathis who made it one of their principal seats. Most of the Khachar Kathis trace their origin to the Chotila house. Chotila was acquired by the Kathis in 1566 AD. It is the head quarters of an Agency thana during British period. Official Address
Camp Hanuman Temple, Ahmedabad The Shree Camp Hanuman Temple (Hindi: कामप हनुमान् मन्दीर) is one of the biggest Hanuman temples of India. It is situated in Ahmedabad Cantonment area in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This temple was established by Pandit Gajanan Prasad around 100 years ago. Pandit Dwarka Prasad was the Chief Mahant of this temple. The Pandit family acts as the managing trustee for this temple. Noted visitors have included former Prime Ministers of India Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Smt. Indira Gandhi. Endowed with godly powers, Shree Hanuman was a military leader of the monkey army from Kiskinda, who aided Lord Rama in his quest to retrieve his kidnapped wife Sita from the demon king Ravanna in the Hindu epic tale Ramayana, written by the Hindu sage Valmiki. The noble monkey warrior is much loved for his humility and wisdom, along with his unlimited strength and power. He is seen as the epitome of selfless devotion as he never took a wife for no other could replace his love for Rama and Sita. When asked to accompany the divine couple to the next world he refused to go as he wished to live in this one for as long as Rama-Sita’s names were praised here by man. Official Address
Dudheshwar Mahadev, Kangra A very ancient historical temple of Bhadreshwar Mahadev is situated on the bank of Sabarmati River in the east side of village. In every Krishna Janmashtami villagers used to go to temple of Bhadreshwar Mahadev. But after the flood in Sabarmati River it was not possible to go to temple every year villagers constructed new temple in the Bhat village. And because the Bhadreshwar Mahadev Shiva lingam was appeared from the cow milk the name of the new temple is given as Dudheshwar Mahadev. Every years for the beneficiary of the village a Yajna is performed. Official Address
Bhavnath Temple, Mau, Aravalli Juna Bhavnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva in Mau village of Bhiloda Taluka of Aravalli district, Gujarat, India. It is situated 6km away from Bhiloda and is about 1300 years old acknowledged from an inscription. There is a reservoir, kund, named Bhrigukund which believed to cure leprosyif bathed in its water. There is a temple dedicated to Shiva and temple dedicated to the son of Bhrigu, Avan Rishi. The place is situated on the banks of Hathmati river dam. The fair is organised on the last Monday of Shraavana month of Hindu calendar and on Mahashivratri which is visited by large number of people. Official Address
Bhalka, Gir Somnath As per the writing in Ramayana, Rama, i.e. Krishna in his earlier Rama Avatar (Avatars) is supposed to have given a boon to a monkey king Vali (Hindu mythology) whom he killed indirectly in hiding and not directly fighting with him in front. The above action of the hunter in Krishna avatar (Avatars) is supposed to be in compliance to the boon of Rama i.e. Krishna in his earlier Avatar. It is believed that Krishna left his footprints. It is a common site of pilgrimage for people who visit Somnath Bhalka Teerth is situated almost 4 kilometers away from the Somnath temple. Presently the government has planned to develop this temple also into a major tourist attraction. Somnath/Veraval/Bhalka is very well connected via road and rail network. Nearest railway station is Veraval and the nearest airports are Diu & Rajkot. Bus services are available from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Dwarka Official Address
Becharaji, Mehsana The centre temple was built by Maratha Fadanvesh. It has been renovated. Learned Saint Kapildev built the varakahdi temple and was then renovated by Kalari king Tejpal. That temple too has been again renovated. On night of every Punam (15 th day of the month as per Vikram Samvat calendar) and on 8th day of Aso sud and Chaitri sud police with arms pay Guard of Honour to Mataji’s procession. It is also considered as important place for the ‘Hijras (Eunuchs)’. The origin of Bahuchra Mata is situated at Varakhdiwala temple in Bechraji. Bhakta Vallabha Dhola wrote in his Aanand no Garbo mentioned that the original place of Bahuchra Mata is situated at between Sankhalpur and Dedana village. Toda Mata (Bahuchara Mata) is located in Sankhalpur. Shri Toda Bahuchar Maa (Bahuchar Mataji Pragatya Sthal) is located in Sankhalpur about 2km far, northerly to the town. The temple is equally big and nice. Becharaji town is small in area. Earlier, it was divided in two parts, namely, Upali Bajaar (Upper Market) and Nichali Bajaar (Lower Market). However, now it is developing at rapid pace and many new complexes are being developed, like ‘Dayanand Complex’. There are many dharamshalas in the town. Apart from this, many shops of different commodities are found there. “Becharaji APMC” and “Becharaji Taluka Kharid-Vechan Sangh or Becharaji Taluka Purchase-sales Union” are situated in the town. [State Bank Of India] and “Mehsana District Cooperative Bank” are having their branches in the town. Most of the hotels and restaurants are situated on the highway. Official Address
Bahuchara Mata, Mehsana There are three shrines of the Goddess within the temple complex. The oldest part of the shrine complex termed ‘Adyasthan’ (the original site) is a small temple enclosing a sprawling, small-leafed varakhadi tree, believed to be the site where the goddess first appeared. Adjoining this is another small temple, the madhya sthan (second or intermediate place), which houses an incised plaque representing the goddess and has a locked silver door at its entrance. This part of the temple is believed to have been built by a Maratha named Fadnavis (or an official with that title) in the eighteenth century. In 1779 {{smallcaps|ce}), Manajirao Gaekwad, the younger brother of the Maratha ruler of Baroda, built a third structure close to the original shrine after the goddess cured him of a tumour. The third is the main temple today and contains the Bala Yantra of quartz crystal representing the Goddess. Saint Kapildev and Kalari king Tejpal have also contributed to the construction and renovation of the temple. The temple complex is beautifully decorated with stone carvings and wall paintings. Though less well-known outside of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the temple is considered a minor Shakti Peetha and every year about 1.5 million pilgrims visit this temple Bahuchara Mata was a warrior’s daughter of the Charan caste. It is believed that Bahuchara Mata was travelling in a caravan when a marauder named Bapiya tried to molest her. Bahuchara Mata announced ‘tragu’, a form of self-immolation, and cut off her breasts, thus shedding her femininity. The marauder Bapiya was thereafter cursed with impotence. To attain penance Bapiya worshipped Bahuchara Mata by dressing and behaving as a woman, thus ultimately shedding his masculinity. Official Address
Atmajyoti Ashram, Vadodara Atmajyoti Ashram is a Hindu temple in Vadodara in Gujarat, India.Atma Jyoti Ashram is situated in Param Bungalows, on Atma Jyoti Ashram Road, in the sub-town named Subhanpura, in the district of Baroda, in the state of Gujarat, in Western India. This ashram can be reached easily from Vadodara Railway Station which is an important part and parcel of the rail network within the state. This station is well-connected with frequent rail services from different cities and town in the country. On the other hand, Vadodara Airport is connected reasonably to the rest of the country. Param Bungalows is the place that accommodates the inmates, students, participants, visitors and guests who drop into the ashram for different needs and requirements. Atma Jyoti Ashram largely preaches and strictly practices the dharama of Santana which is popularly known as Santana Dharma, Brahamacharya and Vegetarianism. These are the primary concepts of the life of the spiritual nature being perfectly led in this ashram. This holy spot is solely and wholly dedicated and devoted plus committed to the immense practice and meaningful teaching of Santana Dharma. Official Address
Ambaji, Banas Kantha Ambaji is an important temple town with millions of devotees visiting the Ambaji temple every year. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Ambaji mata temple is a major Shakti Peethof India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 65 kilometres from Palanpur, 45 kilometres from Mount Abu, and 20 kilometres from Abu Road, and 185 kilometres from Ahmedabad, 50 kilometers from Kadiyadra near the Gujarat and Rajasthan border. In the holy temple of “Arasuri Ambaji”, there is no image or statue of goddess the holy “Shree Visa Yantra” is worshiped as the main deity. No one can see the Yantra with naked eye. The photography of the Yantra is prohibited. The original seat of Ambaji mata is on Gabbar hilltop in the town. A large number of devotees visit the temple every year specially on Purnima days. A large mela on Bhadarvi poornima (full moon day) is held. Every Year from all over the country people come here walking all over from their native place just to worship MAA AMBE in September. The whole Ambaji town is lit up as the nation celebrates the festive time of Diwali. The temple is open from 6.00 am to 11.30 am, 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The climate of the town is quite friendly and normal but sometimes during summer the temperatures goes very high. The normal temperature during the summers is 26-46°C and during winters it is 10-36°C. The best time period during which the weather remains calm and mild is from months of October to April. It is located at an altitude of 480 meters from the sea level. The town is famous for its mines that produce good quality marble and granite. Some of its major attractions are Kamakshi Mandir, Kailash Hill Sunset, Mansarovar, Koteshwar and Kumbhariya Jain Temple and many more. Visitor or devotees who want to visit these attractive places of Ambaji can easily reach to Ambaji town as it is well equipped with modern transportation facilities. The nearest railway station from Ambaji is Abu Road railway station that is just 20 km away. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad is the nearest airport that is 180 km from Ambaji. Passengers can have taxis or state running buses to reach Ambaji from the airport and railway station at reasonable rates. For booking of flight tickets, passengers are advised to go to MakeMytrip.com as this site provides a lot of discounts and offers over every ticket booking. Official Address
Akshardham, Gandhinagar The focal point of the complex is the Akshardham Mandir, which measures 108 feet high, 131 feet wide and 240 feet long and features 97 carved pillars, 17 domes, 8 balconies, 220 stone beams and 264 sculpted figures. In accordance with Vedic architectural principles, no steel or iron has been used anywhere in the mandir. 20 foot-long stone beams, each weighing five tons, have been used as load-bearing support throughout the mandir.The mandir’s central chamber houses a seven-foot-tall, gold-leafed murti, or sacred image, of Swaminarayan, who is worshipped by followers as God. The murti rests upon a three-foot pedestal and weighs 1.2 tons. It is flanked by the murtis of the ideal devotee, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Goplanand Swami, both in postures of loving devotion toward Swaminarayan. In each of the four corners of the mandir sits a life-sized marble murti of the lineages of gurus or successors of Swaminarayan revered by BAPS. The first floor of the mandir is known as the Vibhuti Mandapam and features lotus-shaped displays describing the spiritual character of Swaminarayan, while the basement of the mandir, called the Prasadi Mandapam, houses a historical display of various sacred relics from Swaminarayan’s life Official Address
The Somnath Temple is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Reconstructed in 1951. It is believed that Somnath Temple was first built Thousands of year back. But Muslim invaders attacked it & destroyed it 17 time & Hindus reconstructed. Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirling dedicated to Lord Shiv. The temple is situated in western Coast of Gujarat. Current temple envisioned by Saradar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The Somnath Temple in the western coast of Gujarat is considered to be one of the most visited pilgrimage place in the entire country. This temple stands as the witness to the merging of three holy rivers namely, Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati. It is often referred to as the “Triveni Sangam” on grounds of the convergent site of these three rivers. This massive and alluring Hindu temple has been built in the Chalukya style. It is also claimed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. All year round you can see tourists crowding in this sacred place. Another interesting fact about the Somnath Temple is the Sanskrit carvings on its pillars. Such inscriptions state that there is no landmass in a straight line from the Somnath seashore up till the continent of Antarctica. If you are in Gujarat, a visit to this historic temple is a must.
Temples in Haryana: Discovering the Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Northern India Haryana, a state located in Northern India, is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The state is home to several ancient temples that showcase the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage. These temples, dating back several centuries, are not only religious sites but also serve as cultural landmarks, offering a glimpse into Haryana’s rich history and traditions. One of the most famous temples in Haryana is the Mansa Devi Temple, located in Panchkula. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees who visit the temple. Another popular temple in the state is the Sheetla Mata Temple, located in Gurgaon. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sheetla Mata and is believed to have healing powers. Apart from these two famous temples, Haryana is home to several other temples that are equally impressive. The Bhuteshwara Temple in Jhajjar, the Dharohar Haveli Temple in Bahadurgarh, and the Kalesar Temple in Yamunanagar are some of the other popular temples in the state. Visiting the temples in Haryana is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. These ancient temples offer a glimpse into the state’s unique culture and traditions and are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the region’s rich history.
Devi temple is located at Panipat city, Haryana, India. Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is very prominent in Panipat city and attracts a large number of tourists. The temple is located on the banks of a drought pond and the drought pond was converted to a park where children and senior citizen come for morning and evening walk. For the last 100 years, Ramlila is also organized in the park every year during the Navratri festival. All Hindu Gods and Goddess idols are placed here along with a Yaga Shala in the temple. The temple has been beautifully re-built with good architecture which shows the beautiful image of Indian architecture. Devotees from India come here to have the blessings of the Goddess. It’s believed that the temple was built in 18th century and the temple history is about 250 year old. During the 18th Century Maratha were ruling in the area. the Maratha warrior Sadashivrao Bhau came here with his army for war. Sadashivrao Bhau stayed here almost two month for war which was against Ahmad Shah Abdali, who was very invader and came from Afghanistan. It’s believed that Sadashivrao had found the Goddess idol on the bank of the pond and then he decided to build a temple. Mansa Devi Complex, MDC Sector 4, Panchkula, Haryana 134114
Kali Mata Mandir at Panchkula is also called as Kalka Mandir which is a gateway to the eastern side of Himachal Pradesh. Actually Kalka is a town which is named because of Kali Mata Temple. This temple is one of the old shrines from Panchkula Temples. Chandigarh International Airport and distance from Airport to Kali Mata Mandir is 42 KM by road Kalka Railway Station and distance from Station to Kali Mata Mandir is 1 KM by road Kalka Bus Stand and distance from Bus Stand to Kali Mata Mandir is 2 KM by road
In Hodal city, there is a temple and a pond named Sati. Every year in the month of January, there is a Mela organised and womenfolk pray Devi Sati and men take part in wrestling and other rural sports. The nearest airport is at IGI Airport Delhi, 90 kms. from Hodal. The nearest railway station is Hodal on Delhi-Agra rail network. Hodal is on national highway no. 2, just 90km from Delhi.
Ranila is a village in the Charkhi Dadri district of the Indian state of Haryana.Bhagwan Adinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra is located at Adinath Puram, Ranilla. The magnificent temple is considered very miraculous. The Moolnayak is an orange color idol with Adinath carved in the center and the rest 23 Tirthankars on 3 sides. It is believed that these idols are 1400–1500 years old. The nearest airport to Ranila Jain Mandir is Indira Gandhi International Airport,New Delhi which is 97 kilometres away from Ranila Jain Mandir The nearest railway station to Ranila Jain Mandir is Charkhi Dadri railway station which is 21 kilometres away from Ranila Jain Mandir The nearest bus stop to Ranila Jain Mandir is Bond kalan bus stop which is 11 kilometres away from Ranila Jain Mandir Ranila (Adinathpuram) Village -Ranila, District -Bhiwani, Haryana 127110, Haryana 124412 098123 42903
Khakhi Baba Mandir is dedicated to Saint Khakhi Baba, a renowned sage of Bhiwani and passionate devotee of Lord Rama. He built temple of Lord at this place and devoted many years of his life in this temple. Hence the name of this temple is given after him Khakhi Baba Mandir. There are also showcased, the idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva in the vicinity of Lord Rama idol. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International airport is at a and distance of 124 kms. For more information, please contact the airlines Bhiwani junction is connected by a good railway network. Kissan Express, Garib Rath Express are some of the trains that stop at this junction. For Railway Enquiry dial 139. Bhiwani is on the National Highway No. 18 and has excellent bus connections to all the cities and towns of the neighbouring states. Haryana Roadways buses pass through Bhiwani. For Haryana Bus Enquiry : Dial 0180-2646544.
Jogiwala Mandir is one of the prime. locations of Bhiwani Tourism This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is situated in the centralized location of Bhiwani city. Many devotees visit this temple throughout the year especially during Mahashivratri. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International airport is at a and distance of 124 kms. Bhiwani junction is connected by a good railway network. Kissan Express, Garib Rath Express are some of the trains that stop at this junction. For Railway Enquiry dial 139. Bhiwani junction is connected by a good railway network. Kissan Express, Garib Rath Express are some of the trains that stop at this junction. For Railway Enquiry dial 139. SH 17, Shiv Nagar Colony, Krishna Colony, Bhiwani, Haryana 127021 089305 34076
It is not only the oldest shrines but also the origin of the place. The name of Ambala is on the name of this goddess Amba. Dedicated to Goddess Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika, this ancient Hindu shrine was constructed before the British era. One of the attractions of the temple is paintings on the upper walls and ceilings, which have faded over the years. It is situated close to the old civil hospital, which can be approached by road from any part of the city. Nearest Airport is Chandigarh International Airport.Which is 46 Kms away from Ambala City. Nearest railway stations are Ambala city(3 Kms) and Ambala Cantt (8 Kms). Ambala is on Chandigarh to Delhi Highway which is NH1. There is a regular bus service from Ambala to Chandigarh and vice versa. The visitors can take auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach this palace Kumhar Mohalla Rd, Old Town, Ambala, Haryana 134003
It is believed that the name of city Ambala has been derived from the name of Goddess Amba, whose temple is situated in the city. It is a temple of the ancient period and has been there since a very long time. The Bhawani Amba Temple in Ambala has derived its name from the presiding Goddess of the temple. The deity is known as Amba Devi or Bhawani Devi.
Shri Sthaneshwara temple or Shri Sthanu temple is located in Thanesar, District Kurukshetra, Haryana. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is among the famous and holy temples of Kurukshetra. The temple is one of the oldest temples of Kurukshetra. There is a small pond in front of the temple. It is said that the water of this pond is so pure that the leprosy of King Bana was cured with just a few drops of this water. It is also believed that the Lord Shiva was firstly worshiped here in the form of Shiva-linga. The pilgrimage is believed to be incomplete until one visits this temple. The pilgrims visit this place before returning to make their pilgrimage success and to get the blessings. Stahnu means the place where Lord Shiva resides.The city was the capital of King Harshavardhana. The roof of this temple is in the form of a dome. The area in front of this roof is in the form of a “amla”. There are ancient paintings carved on the inside of the roof. The Shiva-linga in this temple is an ancient Shiva-linga. The temple is divided into two parts. The left side is dedicated to LakshmiNarayan and the right side to Lord Shiva. The idols of Bhairava, Hanumana, Lord Rama and Goddess Durga are also established in this temple. According to legend, the Pandavas and Lord Krishna worshiped Lord Shiva here before the start of the war of Mahabharata and sought His blessings to win the war. All the festivals are celebrated in this temple. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated at grand scale. The atmosphere of the temple provides peace to mind and heart of the devotees Kuber Colony, Thanesar, Haryana 136118, India
The ancient Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is also known as Shiva Kund. Shiva Kund is situated on the Sohna, outside the city Gurugram or Gurgaon. The main reason for this temple being known is that it gets naturally hot water in this temple which is assembled in a trough. This water gets sulfur naturally in hot water. It is believed that after bathing in the pool of this temple the skin gets cured. It is also recommended by many doctors, who have skin diseases. It is believed that this temple is 500 years old. This temple was rebuilt many times. This ancient Shiva temple is named as known Shiva Kund due to the Kund situated in the temple. This hot water emits from the depth of 55 feet in the earth, which is collected in the kund. This natural tank is covered from the top. This main tank is called Sakhaam Baba. This main kund was covered by the Maharaja of Gwalior. The water of the main kund of this temple is distributed to small kunds. There are separate kund for bathing women and men. There are two types of arrangements for bathing in the kund: first, which no buck is taken. Second, you can also book for private bathing. In this temple Lord Shivalinga looks like a child in the morning. It looks like a young man in the afternoon and in the evening it seems like the old man is sitting in “Dhyan Mudra”. According to the perception of people, if you pray to Lord Shiva here, all the best wishes come true. The reason for this place being famous is that this place was also described in the book ‘An-a-Akbari’. This book was written in the time of the famous Mughal emperor Akbar. This book has got mention of the religious significance of this place. All the festivals are celebrated at Shiva temple, especially in the festival of Shivratri, special pooja is organized. On this day, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple provides peace to the heart and mind of the devotees. During the months of Somvati Amavasya, Phagun and Sawan month, a large number of people come to the bath in the kund of the temple Tauru Rd, Thakur Wara, Sohna, Haryana 122103
Baba Thakur Temple is a Hindu temple which is a dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. This temple is situated in the Indian state of Haryana, district Rewari, Karoli village. The Karoli belongs to the Gurgaon division. Name of this temple is named after Lord Sri Krishna on the other name ‘Thakur’. It is believed that this temple was founded 150 years ago by the people of the Kakash Gotra. But there is no complete information about the establishment of this temple. This temple was an old building, but in 1997 people of the village started the renovation of this temple. It took almost 2 years to rebuild the temple. In 1999, the present form of Baba Thakur Temple was completed. All the festivals are celebrated in the Baba Thakur temple. Special puja is organized on the festival of Lord Krishna and Holi. On this day, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple provides peace to the heart and mind of the devotees. Temple Rd, Karoli, Haryana 123303
Sheetla Mata Mandir is a major Hindu pilgrimage. SheetlaMata temple is devoted to goddess Sitala Devi. The temple is located on Sheetlamata Road in Gurugram (Gurgaon) city in the state of Haryana, India. It is believed that the temple in Gurgaon is associated with the story of the Mahabharata. Recognize that the Kauravas and the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, Guru Dronacharya armor lore was made known. Rishi Sharadwan’s daughter and sister of Krupacharya name “Krupi” was married to Guru Dronacharya. In Mahabharata, whenGuru Dronacharya was shot dead by Dhrishtdyum, the son of Dhrupad, were received with his wife Krupiadorn with sixteen makeup went down into his funeral pyre. People tried to stop her, but to be faithful to her husband’s funeral pyre Krupi’s firm decision did not allow her to obey.He then blessed the people that anyone will reach the Shrine, faithful at the site of her desire, whatever, must be fulfilled his vow. In the year 1650, a king named Bharatpurbuilt a very beautiful temple in Gurgaon where Mata Krupigot sati and established a quarter kilo gold statue of Mother Krupiin the temple itself. The establishment of this temple has many folk myths. It is believed that if this deity is invoked with faith, she dispels the disease especially small pox. A section of the visitors come for the mundan ceremony (the first hair cutting ceremony) of their children and offer the crop of hair at the altar of goddess. Mata Krupi another name of Sheetla Mata temple is famous for the fulfillment of the wishes of the people. Twice a year ChaitraNavratri and AshwinNavratriSheetlaMata is wonderful views of the temple. Large number of devotees at the time of Navratri came here to visit the temple. The celebrations of SheetalaAshtami are very famous in the north Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh and devotees from there came as well. This 500-year-old renowned ancient temple is the center of faith of devotees around the world. Sheetla Mata Road, Sector 6, Gurugram, Haryana 122001,
Mata Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in the Panchkula district, state of Haryana, Inida. This temple is completely dedicated to Mata Mansa Devi. The temple complex is spread over nearly 100 acres of Shivalik foothills in Bilaspur village. This temple is situated at a distance of 10 km from Chandi Mandir. This is one of the main ‘Sakti’ temples of North India. Thousands of devotees come to the temple from different states of the country, and especially during the Navaratri fair, this number increases to millions every day for nine auspicious days. Mata Mansa Devi temple was constructed during the period of 1811-1815 during the period of Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra. Patiala Temple is 200 meters away from the main temple, which was built in 1840 by Karam Singh, a Sikh from then Maharaja Patiala. This temple was preserved in the state of Manimajra state. After the merger of Princely states in the state government’s Patronage PEPSU, the temple was not taken into consideration (neglected). The King of Manimajra appointed a priest to serve this temple, whose duty was to serve the temple and to worship the Goddess. After the merger of Princely states in PEPSU, the condition of this temple was worsening day by day. The priests of the temple were unable to arrange the temple and provide the necessary facilities. Later, the Haryana Government took over the temple and set up Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board Panchkula Trust to manage the temple. The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Navratri, when it is decorated with a brilliantly decorated and filled with devotional activities. The temple is open all year and welcomes visitors of all castes and creed.
Kajla Dham is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This place is a religious and holy place for Hanuman devotees. Kajla Dham Temple is located in the district of Hisar in the Indian state of Haryana. It is situated on the west side of the district headquarters of Hisar, 16 kilometers away; it is located in Kajla district of Hisar. Kajla Dham attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. Kajla Dham is enter inside the temple by stairs. In the beginning of the temple there is a temple of Lord Hanuman which is the main temple of this complex. After this, enter of the premises by stairs which is later built inside the temple complex, the beautiful statue of Lord Shri Ram’s family is established. A small parikrama has been constructed behind the temple, where the devotees revolve around yagna place. arlier it was Kajla village then there was a small temple of Lord Hanuman Ji later the temple complex was made big after which the Kajala village was converted into Kajala Dham. Lord Hanuman’s silver is a very big Gada in the Kajala Dham temple. Lord Hanuman Darbar has been covered by the silver, which is very beautiful. Religious, cultural, educational and social rituals are also organized in Kajla Dham. All the festivals are celebrated in the Kajla Dham, especially in the festival of Hauman Jayanti, special pooja is organized. On this day, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple provides peace to the heart and mind of the devotees. Shri Ram Bhakt Hanuman Mandir,Shri Kajla Dham, Hisar, Haryana 125052
Devi temple is located at Panipat city, Haryana, India. Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is very prominent in Panipat city and attracts a large number of tourists. The temple is located on the banks of a drought pond and the drought pond was converted to a park where children and senior citizen come for morning and evening walk. For the last 100 years, Ramlila is also organized in the park every year during the Navratri festival. All Hindu Gods and Goddess idols are placed here along with a Yaga Shala in the temple. The temple has been beautifully re-built with good architecture which shows the beautiful image of Indian architecture. Devotees from India come here to have the blessings of the Goddess. It’s believed that the temple was built in 18th century and the temple history is about 250 year old. During the 18th Century Maratha were ruling in the area. the Maratha warrior Sadashivrao Bhau came here with his army for war. Sadashivrao Bhau stayed here almost two month for war which was against Ahmad Shah Abdali, who was very invader and came from Afghanistan. It’s believed that Sadashivrao had found the Goddess idol on the bank of the pond and then he decided to build a temple. It’s believed that when the temple was being built, Goddess idol was placed from one place to another in the night but on the next morning Goddess idol was found at the old place from where it was shifted. Then they decided to build the temple at the same place where the idol was found. All Hindu festivals are celebrated in the Devi temple, on the occasion of Durga Pooja and Navrati, a special puja is organized in the temple. The temple is decorated with light and flowers during the Durga puja and Navrati festival. The temple’s spiritual environment gives peace of mind and heart to the devotees. Nearest Railway station: Panipat station.
Bhuteshwar Temple is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva of this temple is called Bhootnath. This temple comes under the circular of the 48 kos of Kurukshetra. The temple is located in the Jind area of ??Haryana. Bhuteshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Raghubir Singh, ruler of Jind district. Which became known as the Bhuteshwar Temple. The ponds around the Bhuteshwar temple are made, which is why these ponds are also called ‘Rani Talab’. There is a legend behind the ‘Rani Talab’ that Maharaja Ranbir Singh made this pond to take bath for his queen. The King also constructed a tunnel that connects the pond to the palace. The main reason for the construction of this tunnel was that nobody could see the queen after the bathing and enter the palace directly. This tunnel can still be seen today. The Queen used to take bath in this pond after crossing the ‘tunnel’ every night. This is why it is called as Queen Pond. It is present on Gohana Road, also known as the lifeline of this ancient city. It is also said that the history of the Bhuteshwar temple dates from Mahabharata period. A fair is organized here in the month of shivratri and in the month of Phagun Mahashivaratri. Every full moon is organized in the bhandara
Bhima Devi temple is a Hindu temple. The temple is located in the Pinjar city of Panchkula district of Haryana state of India. This temple is an ancient Hindu temple built between the 8th and the 11th centuries and the temple complex contains the ruins of the temple. Which was declared as a protected monument in 1974 under ‘Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act-1964′. Bhima Devi temple was made sculptures during the reign of Gurjar Pratihar. Most of the including idols and architecture, which were detoryed during the Mughal period under Aurangzeb, are in the time of Gurjar Pratihar. Bhima Devi Temple has been given the nickname of Khajurahas of North India. This temple was discovered in 1974 by excavation by the Department of Archeology, after which this temple was included in the protected monument. About 100 ancient statues were discovered in this temple and the temple layout plan indicating a five temples complex, including the main central temple. Temple represents the Panchayatana architectural style. The architectural style of this temple is similar to the style shown in contemporary Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar temples. Like the Khajuraho temples, erotic images of the Bhima Devi temple have earned it a nickname of Khajuraho of northern India. During the excavation of the Bhima Devi Temple, statues of all deities were found like Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh and Kartikeya etc. Most of these idols are kept in the museum. Archaeological department has speculated that the main deity in the temple can be from Lord Shiva. Archaeologists have classified sculptures under four categories: Pinjore Garden, which is also known as Mughal Gardens built by the foster brother of Aurangzeb, used to use many ruins of Hindu temples destroyed by Muslim invaders from the 13th century to the 17th century. Pinjore town where the temple complex is situated, there is a mythological connection to Pandavas, who were the heroes of Mahabharata epics. It is believed that Pandavas stay here in their 13 years of exile. It is also said that Pandav worshiped Goddess Mahakali and and perform Yajna here. In the Goddess Mahatmya, it has been said that Bhima Devi had appeared in Bhimarupa (in the form of Bhima) in the western Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh and provided protection to the rishis. Pinjore, Haryana 134102, India
Bhadrakali temple is located on Jhansa road, Thanesar, District Kurukshetra, Haryana. Bhadrakali temple is also known as Shri Devikoop temple. The temple is dedicated to Devi Kali which is one of the nine forms of Devi. The temple is among 51 Shakti-peethas. Bhadrakali shakti peetha is also known as Savitri peetha. A big idol of Devi Kali is established in the temple. One can see a big lotus as one enters into the temple which has the impression of left leg of Devi Sati. This is built of white marble. As per mythology, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organised by her father King Daksheshwara. When Lord Shiva was running around the earth carrying her body then Lord Vishnu divided the body in 51 parts using his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, the right ankle of the Sati fell here inside a well, so this temple is known as Devikoop. It is said that the Pandavas of Mahabharat worshipped Devi Durga here along with Shri Krishna and sought blessings for the victory in the war against Kauravas. After winning the war, they donated horses in this temple and since then the tradition is prevalent here. It is also said that Lord Krishna and Balrama had their mundan( bald head) ceremony here so devotees come here for the same for their children. All the festivals are celebrated in this temple. The main attraction is Durga puja and Navratra celebrations here. Devotees gather in large number during these days and the temple is decorated with lights and flowers. The atmosphere of the temple gives peace to the mind of people coming here. Jhansa road, Thanesar, District Kurukshetra, Haryana
Kartikeya Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana The Skanda Purana narrates that Shiva first wed Sati, the granddaughter of Brahma, and the daughter of Daksha. Daksha never liked Shiva, who symbolizing destruction and detachment, begs for food, dances in a graveyard smeared with ashes, and has no possessions, not even good clothes for himself. Daksha publicly insulted Shiva in a Yagna ceremony, and Sati immolated Herself in anger over this treatment of Her husband. The Yagna was destroyed by the ganas of Shiva led by Virabhadra. Shiva was an ascetic and his earlier marriage was conducted with great difficulty; his remarriage was out of the question. Hence Taraka believed that his boon of being killed by Shiva’s son alone would give him invincibility. The Devas manage to get Shiva remarried to Parvati by having Kama, the God of love awaken him from his penance, incurring his wrath in the process. Shiva hands over his effulgence of the third eye used to destroy Kama to Agni, as he alone is capable of handling it until it becomes the desired offspring. But even Agni, tortured by its heat, hands it over to Ganga who in turn deposits it in a lake in a forest of reeds (shara). The child is finally born in this forest (vana) with six faces – eesanam, sathpurusham, vamadevam, agoram, sathyojatham and adhomugam. He is first spotted and cared for by six women representing the Pleiades – Kritika in Sanskrit. He thus gets named Karttikeya. As a young lad, he destroyed Taraka. He is also known as Kumara This famous temple is situated in the center of Pehowa in Kurukshetra district of Haryana. Pehowa is at a distance of 200 kilometers from Delhi and 60 kilometers from Karnal. It is also very close to the state of Punjab as it lies on the border of the two states, Haryanaand Punjab. Official Address
Pindara Temple, Jind, Haryana The temple attracts thousands of devotees during the annual fair organized on Somavati Amavas. The fair is held on Amavasya falling on Mondays. On Somvati Amavasya, devotees from nearby places visit the temple and take a dip on the holy water or Som Tirth and offer Pind for their forefathers. Pindara is at the distance of 6.5 kms. from Jind, located on Jind-Gohana road. The famous legend says that at this place the Pandavas offered ‘pinds‘ to their nearest relatives, who were killed during Mahabharata war, hence came the name Pindara. Every Somvati Amavas, a fair is organised here. Official Address
Bhuteshwar Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana Bhuteshwar Temple is a Hindu temple, in the series of 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra, dedicated to Bhuteshwar, a manifestation of Shiva. Situated in Jind, Haryana, the city noted for its countless temples that are devoted to Lord Shiva. The ruler of the district, Raghbir Singh, constructed a temple, which came to be known as the Bhuteshvara temple.This temple is dedicated to Shiva. It has a large water tank all-around it and this is the reason that the Bhuteshvara temple is also recognized as Rani Talab. The word ‘ta-lab’ is a Hindi word, which means pond. The tourists almost all round the year visit this well-known temple. There are a lot more to see in Jind, like the Hari Kailash temples, Jawala Maleshvara tirath, Dhamtan Sahib Gurudwara and the Surya Kund tanks. One very famous temple, which holds much significance regarding the history of the district, is the Jayanti Devi Temple. The other places of worship are the temples of Hari Kailash, tanks of Surya Kund, Jawala Malesh-vara tirath. A sacred gurdwara is also present in the town, which is built in memory of Guru Teg Bahadur There is mythology behind the name Rani Talab that the Rani of Maharaja Ranbir singh take bath in this pond every night after crossing a “surang” remnants of which are still present. that’s why this is called as Rani Talab. This is present on the Gohana road which is also called as the life line of this ancient city. All the important destinations lies on this road like govt. hospital, city Jail, S.P residence, Police line, Defence colony, University etc. Official Address
Agroha Dham, Hisar, Haryana Agroha Dham is a religious place of Hindus situated in the Agroha of Haryana State of Haryana. The construction of this complex began in 1976 and was completed in 1984. This temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Mahalakshmi and Agrasen Maharaj. Agroha Dham Complex architecture is very beautiful to see this complexion looks like a palace. At the entrance of the premises, elephant statue has been installed on both sides of the gate. Agroha Dham Complex is divided into three main parts. In the center of the premises is the temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi ji. In the western part of the premises is the temple of goddess Saraswati ji and in the eastern part of the premises is the temple of Maharaja Agrasen Ji. Three temples are visited by different stairs to go. Which makes the premises feel like a palace. The decision to build Agroha Dham was done in the conference of All India Agarwal representatives in 1976. Trust was established for this purpose under Shrikrishna Modi and Rameshwar Das Gupta. This land was donated to the Trust by Laxmi Narayan Gupta and construction work was started in the care of Tilak Raj Agarwal. The construction of the main temple was completed in 1984, while in 1985, construction of other facilities started under Subhash Goyal. The work of maintenance of this complex is done by Agroha Vikas Trust. This trust was established in 1976. There is a large tank behind the Shakti Sarovar temple complex. It was filled with water from 41 rivers of India in 1988. The scene of sea churning is depicted in the end of the compound north-west. A natural medical center is located near the Shakti Sarovar. Where treatment is done through yoga. An amusement park with a boating site has been built near the complex. All the festivals are celebrated in Agroha Dham. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple provides peace to the heart and mind of the devotees. Agroha Maha Aquarius Festival is held every year on Sharad Purnima. he decision to construct the temple was made at the convention of All India Aggarwal Representatives in 1976. The trust was established for this purpose under Shri Krishna Modi and Rameshwar Das Gupta. The land was donated to the trust by Laxmi Narain Gupta and construction was started under the supervision of Tilak Raj Aggarwal. The construction of the main temple was completed in 1984 while construction of other features started in 1985 under Subhash Goel Official Address
Sannihit Sarovar, Kurukshetra, Haryana Sannihit Sarovar is a sacred water reservoir in Thanesar in Kurukshetra district. It is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Sarasvatis.The sarovar, according to popular belief, contains sacred water. Bathing in the waters of the tank on the day of Amavasya (night of complete darkness) or on the day of an eclipse bestows blessings equivalent to performing the ashvamedh yajna. Bathing in this sarovar is believed to offer peace to wandering and unhappy souls. Prayers and pind daan, a memorial service for the dead, is performed here. The Hindu genealogy registers at Kurukshetra, Haryana are kept here. Alongside the sarovar are small shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Dhruv Narayan, Laxmi Narayan, Dhruv Bhagat, Sri Hanuman and Goddess Durga. The Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu. Hundreds of years ago, the holy waters of all the land felt burdened by washed off sins of man. They sought help from the court of the Lord. They thus spoke, “Man, absolves himself of all sins by taking a dip in our waters. It is we who have to bear burden of their sins. O Lord, master of all, show us a way to get rid of these sins.” At this the Lord said, “On the days of new moon, ‘Amavasya’ (night of complete darkness) or on the days of eclipse, if you all collect in the waters of Sannihit tank, your sins will be absolved”. Ever since, it is believed that bathing in the waters of this holy tank on these days brings one the advantage of performing ‘Ashvamed Yajna’. The Kumbh Mela is a major event that is related to the legend. According to local legends, Lord Krishna haloed status of the tank is also linked to the fact that Sannihit tank is considered to be the permanent abode ohad taken a dip in these waters after the battle of Mahabharata. That he met Radha here again, is another legend. But thef Lord Vishnu. The Liberation From Worldly Ties Sannihit holds special sanctity. It is the seat where the wandering souls of the unhappy dead find ‘moksha’ or release from worldly ties. Prayers and ‘pind daan’ for the unnatural deaths is recommended here. By the side of this renovated tank, lie small temples of Dhruv Narayan, Lord Vishnu, Laxmi Narayan, Dhruv Bhagat, Lord Hanuman and Mother Goddess, Durga. Official Address
Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, Haryana Jyotisar is a town situated in Kurukshetra district of Haryana. It is located 5km west on Thanesar- Kurukshetra Pehowa road. It is believed that Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at this place. There is a Banyan tree under which Krishna delivered sermon to Arjuna and as well showed him his Virat Rupa (Universal form). Jyoti means “light” and Sar means “river” signifies the meaning of Jyotisar as ‘river of light or knowledge”. The famous Kaurawa – Pandava fight in Mahabharata started there. Local traditions believe that Jyotisar is a place where Lord Krishna right before the Mahabharata delivered sermon to his wavering friend Arjuna to fight against injustice. A White marble Chariot depicting Krishna- Arjuna is also placed there. Locals also says that Adi Shankracharya thought of site of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Firstly about 150 years ago, a Shiv temple was established by King of Kashmir. Later in 1824, King of Darbhanga raised a bandstand around Akshay Vat/ Banyan tree. In 1967, with the efforts of Kamakoti Peetha Shankracharyaji, Krishna- Arjuna Chariot and the temple of Shankracharyaji have been established. Every year on the occasion of Gita Jayanti celebrated on Shukla Ekadashi, 11th day of waxing moon of Margashirsha month, is grandly celebrated on this day. Bhajans and Poojas are held on this auspicious day. Jyotisar is a town on the Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana, India. It is at this place where Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna to remove his confusion and dilemma and prepared him to face stronger and greater warriors like Bhishma and Karna in the Mahabharata War. The banyan tree under which the Bhagavad Gita was delivered still stands.The sacred Banyan tree at Jyotisar.Jyoti’ means light and ‘Sar’ means the core meaning. Hence the name of place is a reference to the ‘core meaning of light’ or ultimately of God. It is one of the most revered holy sites of the holy city of Kurukshetra. A Vat (Banyan tree) stands on a raised plinth. Local traditions say that this tree is an offshoot of the holy Banyan tree under which Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita, the doctrine of Karma and Dharma to his wavering friend Arjuna. It is here that He showed his Virat rupa (Universal form). A marble chariot depicting Krishna delivering the sermon to Arjuna marks the site of the Srimad Bhagwad Gita. In one secluded section of this center, an old Shiva temple can also be seen. Hundreds of years ago, a holy water tank was present here and it can still be seen in the rainy season. The Kurukshetra Development Board has renovated the site in recent times. A mango shaped lake has been constructed here with covered bathing ghats for ladies. Cement parapets and enclosures have been built for protection. A light and music show is organized by the tourism department at the site, on a regular basis, which recreates episodes from the epic Mahabharata. A restaurant and accommodation wing for pilgrims have been built and the entire area has been landscaped with flowering bushes and eucalyptus trees. Official Address
Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra, Haryana Brahma Sarovar is an ancient water pool sacred to Hinduism in Thanesar, in the state of Haryana in North India.Hinduism lays emphasis on taking bath for internal and external purity. Most religious sites have water pools or sarovar in or near the temple/gurdwara. The Hindu genealogy registers at Kurukshetra, Haryana are kept here. Brahma Sarovar, as its name suggests, is a water tank in Thanesar in Haryana. It is considered sacred by Hindus and is incredibly beautiful. It is said that the water inside the tank is sacred and used by people internally as well as externally to take a bath and attain salvation. It has been currently renovated and equipped with modern state-of-the-art facilities. The tank has the dimensions of 3600 (length) and 1500 (breadth) having a rectangular shape. Brahma Sarovar is the most exquisite and breathtaking site in Kurukshetra. Tourists can spend hours here watching the sunset with its reddish and golden reflection in the water. This place is colourful and remains lively throughout which attracts visitors and make them visit multiple times. There are handicraft shops and a variety of cuisines from different states to feed on making it a must-visit place. According to stories of myths, Lord Brahma created the universe from the land of Kurukshetra after a huge yajna. The Brahma Sarovar here is believed to be the cradle of civilization. The sarovar is also mentioned in the eleventh century AD memoirs of Al Beruni, called ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’. The sarovar also has a mention in Mahabharata citing its use by Duryodhana to hide himself under water on the concluding day of the war. A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva stands within the sarovar, accessible by a small bridge. According to scriptures, bathing in this sarovar increases the sanctity of performing the ‘ashvamedh yajna’. The pool offers a breath-taking sight during the Gita Jayanti celebrations held each year in the last week of November and early December when a ‘deep daan’ ceremony of floating lamps in water and [Aarti] occurs.This also happens to be the time when migratory birds from distant places arrive at the sarovar. The Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Nath’s haveli and temple are the neighbouring attractions. Official Address
Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana he ancient Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Thanesar, a holy town in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana. It was here that the Pandavas along with Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata.[1][2] The ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur stayed at a spot near the Sthaneshwar Tirtha that is marked by a gurdwara just besides this temple. Legend has it that the waters of the tank adjoining the temple are holy. A few drops of water cured the King Ban of leprosy. No pilgrimage of Kurukshetra is believed to be complete without a visit to this ancient, holy temple. The tank and temple lie a short distance from the Thanesar town, which gets its name from this temple. It is also believed that Lord Shiva was first worshipped here in the form of a lingam. The ancestor of the Mahabharata heroes, Kuru, performed penance on the banks of the Yamuna and Parshuram, the great warrior sage killed many Kshatriyas here. Official Address
Mata Mansa Devi Mandir, Panchkula, Haryana Mata Mansa Devi is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti, in the Panchkula district of Haryana state in India. The temple complex is spread of 100 acres (0.40 km2) of the Shivalik foothills in the village of Bilaspur, near Mani Majra, and Panchkula, 10 km from Chandi Mandir, another noted Devi shrine in the region, both just outside Chandigarh. It is one of the prominent Shakti temples of North India involving 7 goddesses, namely Mata Mansa Devi, Naina Devi, Jawalamukhi, Chintpurni, Brajeshwari, Chamunda Devi and Jayanti Devi. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine from various parts of the country, and especially during the Navratra mela, this number rises to lakhs everyday for the nine auspicious days. There are 3 temples in the complex and main temple is the oldest. Maharaja Gopal Das Singh of Mani Majra, who was enthroned in 1783, constructed the present main temple of Shri Mansa Devi, which is situated on the Shivalik foothills in village Bilaspur, Tehsil and District Panchkula, during the period 1811–1815. At a distance of 200 meters from the main temple is the Patiala Shivalaya templewhich was constructed by Karam Singh, a Jat Sikh, the then Maharaja of Patiala in the year 1840. This temple had the patronage of Manimajra Princely State. After the merger of Princely states into PEPSU the Patronage of State Govt. ended and the temples remained neglected. The Raja of Manimajra then appointed pujari as ‘khidmatuzar’ to serve this temple whose duty was to worship the deity of the temple. After the merger of princely State into PEPSU these pujaris became independent in the matter of controlling and managing the affairs of the temple and the land attached to the temple. They could neither maintain this temple nor provide necessary facilities to the visiting devotees and thus the condition of the temple deteriorated day by day. So much so that there were no proper arrangements for pilgrims visiting the temple during Navaratra melas. As a result, the Government of Haryana took over the temple and set up the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board (SMMDSB) Panchkula trust to manage the temple. The complex was in awfully neglected condition till the establishment of the Board. The temple complex and its environment are presently looked after by Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board (SMMDSB) Panchkula which is a trust. In view of the popularity of the temple for its mythological and historical significance and also for fulfilling the wishes of the lakhs of devotees thronging to the complex, the Government of Haryana by an enactment (Haryana Act No. 14 of 1991) christened as Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Act1991 took over the control of this temple to provide for better infrastructure development, management, administration and governance of Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine and its endowments including lands and buildings attached to the Shrine. A Shrine Board with Chief Minister of Haryana as Chairman was constituted for running of the Temple and preserving the heritage of the region. According to a story, in the Shivalik Hills, a cow used to arrive every day and offer milk at 3 adjoining stones(Pindies) places on hilltop. It was observed by local resident that’s there were 3 Holy Shilas originated and they started Worshiping & and it was found to be the forehead of Shri Sati. Accordingly a temple was constructed finallyMaharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra constructed the present main temple of Shri Mansa Devi, which is situated on the Shivalik foothills in village Bilaspur, Tehsil and District Panchkula, during the period 1811-1815. At a distance of 200 meters from the main temple, the Patiala temple which was got constructed by Sh. Karam Singh, the then Maharaja Patiala in the year 1840. This temple had the patronage of Manimajra State. After the merger of princely states into Pepsu the Patronage of State Govt. ended and the temples remained neglected. The raja of Manimajra then appointed pujari as ‘ khidmatuzar’ of this temple whose duty was to worship the deity of the temple. After the merger of princely State into Pepsu these pujaris became independent on the matter of controlling and managing the affairs of the temple and the land attached to the temple. They could neither maintain this temple nor provide necessary facilities to the visiting devotees and thus the condition of the temple deteriorated day by day. So much so that there were no proper arrangements for pilgrims. It is said that in the place where the Mata Mansa Devi temple is today, here the next part of Sati Mata’s head was dropped. The temple of Mansa Devi was first known as the temple of Mata Sati. It is believed that King Gopaldas of Manimajra built a cave from his fort to the temple, which is about 3 kilometers long. He used to go with his queen everyday to see Mother Sati from this cave everyday. By the time the king did not appear, the cupboard of the temple did not open. Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula Overview Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, the beautiful temple complex is spread over an area of 100 acres bordering the village of Bilaspur, near Mani Majra, in the Panchkula district of Haryana. The Mansa Devi Temple has maintained the sanctity of being an important shrine for worshipping Shakti (Mansa Devi), the divine feminine personification of the innate cosmic energy that is said to epitomize and rule the forces of the universe, in Hinduism and Shaktism. The entire temple complex is spread over an area of about 100 acres of the Shivalik foothills. The main attraction of the temple is formed by a tree around which devotees tie sacred threads to get their prayers answered. It is wonderfully designed with the main temple having thirty-eight panels of wall paintings, besides floral designs all over the walls and ceiling. Constructed during the early 19th century by Maharaja Gopal Singh, it is one of the most renowned Shakti temples in North India. Shaktism is one of the most followed beliefs in this part of the country, with important Mansa Devi shrines in many of the northern states. The temple is now maintained as a heritage site by the government. Drenched in legends and myths, a vibrant atmosphere is ever-present here. Official Address
Temples in Himachal Pradesh: Discovering the Spiritual Side of the Himalayas Himachal Pradesh, the land of snow-capped mountains and scenic beauty, is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its rich spiritual heritage. The state is home to several ancient temples that offer a unique blend of spirituality and architectural excellence. These temples, located amidst the majestic Himalayas, are not only religious sites but also serve as cultural landmarks, offering a glimpse into Himachal Pradesh’s rich history and traditions. One of the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh is the Hadimba Temple, located in Manali. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba and is surrounded by beautiful cedar forests. Another popular temple in the state is the Baijnath Temple, located in Kangra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 9th century. Apart from these two famous temples, Himachal Pradesh is home to several other temples that are equally impressive. The Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur, the Chamunda Devi Temple in Kangra, and the Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra are some of the other popular temples in the state. Visiting the temples in Himachal Pradesh is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. These ancient temples offer a glimpse into the state’s unique culture and traditions and are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the region’s rich history.
Sundernagar is located in Mandi District. The waters of Beas-Sutlej Project have given it a man-made lake. The temple of Mahamaya and Sukhdev Vatika on the nearby hill are other attractions. The beautiful town of Sundernagar is known for its shady walks amidst towering trees.The town is famous for its temples with the Mahamaya Temple being the prominent among them. Perched at an altitude of 1,174 meters, Sundernagar is noted for its shady walks amid towering trees. Sukhdev Vatika is a beautiful garden here. It is also home to Asia’s biggest Hydel Project – the Beas-Stulej hydro-electric project, irrigating nearly one-fourth of the northern plains of India,has brought unprecedented prosperity to Sudernagar. The Beas-Sutlej link colony is the biggest colony in Himachal Pradesh. BBMB Lake : Sunderngar owes a lot to BBMB, it was BSL Project which brought Sundernagar to its present glory. This project diverts the water of river Beas at Pandoh and brings it through a canal to Sundernagar where it is stored in a manmade lake before being used to generate power at Dehar Power House Shukdev Vatika : It is situated near to BBMB reserviour on NH 21. During Pre-Mahabharata period Rishi Shukdev meditated at this place. There is an ancient cave dating back to Puranas. This cave leads to Haridwar and it is believed that Rishi Shukdev used this cave to take bath in holy Ganga River every morning. Haateswari Temple : This temple is situated on Sundernagar Baggi Road at a distance of about 8 kms from Sundernagar. History of Pandavas can also be traced to this famous temple. Devi Haateswari, the presiding deity of the area has a huge following. The nearest airport is Bhuntar about 90-km from Sundernagar. The broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot, a distance of 210-km. From Pathankot the narrow gauge railway connects Joginder Nagar, which is 80-km from Sundernagar. 25 kms from Mandi is well connected by road to other places. The main bus stand is just above an open playing field, where the National Highway- 21 continues along the left bank of river to Pandoh.
This temple was constructed in the 10th century. It is proved by a stone inscription which was found in the temple complex in 2002 . It is described in this stone inscription that this temple was made by Dvanjra Rana which are beloved to be ancestors of present ‘ Rana Thakurs rulers of Triloknath village . They were believed of be helped by King Shell Varman of Chamba who got this temple constructed in ‘Shikher style’ as there are ‘Laxmi Narayan’ temple complex of Chamba . King Shell Varman was the founder of Chamba town . This temple was approximately constructed in the end of 9th century and in the starting of 10th century . Major role was also played by Rajgrana of Chamba Mahayogi Sidh Charpati Dar ( Charpath Nath ) . He had unlimited devotion to Bodhisattva Arya Avalokiteshwar and he had composed 25 shlokas in this glory which are called “ Avalokiteshwar strotan Chedem Nearest Airport is Bhuntar (218 Km) Nearest Railway Station is Shimla (393 Km) The Rohtang top which is the gateway to Lahaul valley officially open from April to November 15th i.e. for tourists only . Triloknath temple is about 45 KM from district Head Quarter Keylong and about 146 KM from Manali. One can reach here by road in the summer season and by helicopter in the winter . Himahcal Pradesh Road transport corporation HRTC runs its buses to & fro from Triloknath . Also large no of taxi are available in Manali & Kullu since can be hired . Lahaul And Spiti, Udaipur, Himachal Pradesh 17
By Train: The nearest broad-gauged railway station is in Pathankot Junction railway station; it is 114 kilometers away from Jwala Devi. The railway station is directly connected with Delhi. You can easily get a taxi from the station to reach Jwala Devi.
Sidh Bawa Balak Nath, Bilaspur, Himachal pradesh Sidh Bawa Balak Nath, also known as Paunahari or Dudhadhari, is a Hindu deity known as the most gracious god in Hinduism. He is known as the incarnation of Lord Shiva in Kali Yuga. Sidh Bawa Balak Nath is known as the “merciful (one who forgives all the sins)” god incarnated in Kali Yuga. He is the follower of Nath Sect. Baba Balak Nath or Sidh Baba Balak Nath——is a Hindu deity worshipped in the northern Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. His shrine is known as “Deotsidh”. It is situated 45 kms. away from “Hamirpur” near the border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Baba Balak Nath Temple is situated at the village of “Chakmoh” in the district of Hamirpur on the hilltop, in a natural cave carved in the hills, considered to be the abode of Baba. An Idol of Baba is placed in the cave. The most popular story about the birth of Baba Balak Nath as ‘sidh-purush’ is associated with the Amar Katha of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva was sharing the Amar Katha with Goddess Parvati in the cave of Amarnath, and Goddess Parvati fell asleep. A kid-parrot was there in the cave and he was listening the entire story and was making noise of ‘yes’ (“hmm..”). When the story finished, Lord Shiva found Goddess Parwati sleeping and so he understood that someone else had heard the story. He became very angry and threw his Trishul on the kid-parrot. The kid-parrot escaped from there to save his life and Trishul followed him. In the way, the wife of Rishi Vyasa was yawning. The kid-parrot entered her stomach through her mouth. The Trishul stopped, as it was unreligious to kill a lady. When Lord Shiva knew all this he also came there and narrated his problem to Rishi Vyas. Rishi Vyas told him that he should wait there and as the kid-parrot would come out, he could kill him. Lord Shiva stood there for a very long time but the kid-parrot did not come out. As Lord Shiva stood there, the whole universe got disordered. Then all the Lords met Sage Narada and requested him to request Lord Shiva to save the world. Then Narada came to Lord Shiva and prayed him to leave his anger as the child had already heard the Amar Katha.and so now he had become immortal and now nobody could kill him. Listening to this, Lord Shiva told the kid-parrot to come out and in return the kid-parrot demanded a blessing from him. Lord Shiva accepted that and the kid-parrot prayed that as he comes out as a man, any other child who gets birth at the same time would be granted all kind of knowledge and would be immortal. As Lord Shiva accepted this, a divine baby come out from the mouth of Rishi Vyas. He prayed Lord Shiva and got his blessings. This divine baby was called Sukhdev Muni later. The other babies who got birth at that time were famous as Navnatha and eighty-four siddhas (Chaurasi Sidh). One of them was Baba Balak Nath. Connection with Lord Shiva in Dwapara Yuga : It is believed about Baba Balak Nath that he takes birth in every age (yug). He appeared as “Skanda” in Satya Yuga, as “Kaul” in Treta and as “Mahakaul” in Dwapara. In Dwapar age Baba Balak Nath was in the way to Kailash Dham with a wish to meet Lord Shiva. In the way he met with an old lady. The lady asked him where he is going. Then Baba Balak Nath who was Mahakaul told her that he is praying Lord Shiva since last three births but he had not been blessed by Lord Shiva with his appearance and so he was moving towards Kailash Dham with this very wish. The old lady told Baba that it was not easy to have a live appearance of Lord Shiva. You have to do something extraordinary. When Baba asked her what he should do,she told that Baba should stand in the foothills of the Kailash near Mansarovar and pray there. Mata Parwati used to come there on some occasions for bath. When Mata Parwati comes there he should pray her to fulfill her wish. Mata Parwati will surely try to give him something else but he should insist on his wish only. Baba Balak Nath stood for twelve gharis with the old lady and moved towards the Man Sarovar. He did the same as the old lady had advised him and finally Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him to be Paramsidh in Kaliyug that he would remain as Balak (young) and age would not affect him. MahaKaul of Dwapar age got birth in Kaliyug at Kathiyawad in the house of Narayan Vishnu and Laxmi. Parent named him as “Dev”. Dev was very religious from his childhood and he used to pray all the times. His parents then tried to marry him so that he cannot leave the home. Dev was not ready for this. When he was so much under pressure for marriage he left home and moved towards Girnar Parwat in the search of Paramsiddhi. In Junagarh he met with Swami Dattatreya. Here at the ashram of Swami Dattatreya, he got divine knowledge and emerged as Sidh. As Lord Shiva had blessed him that age will not affect him he remained as a child and called “Balak Nath”. Official Address
Trilokpur, Nahan, Himachal Pradesh Trilokpur ( त्रिलोकपुर Himachal, भारत INDIA) stands on an isolated hillock about 24 km south-west of Nahan, 77-15’ north and 30’30’ east, at an elevation of about 430 m. The place is famous for its temple of renowned goddess Bala Sundri. The name Trilok Pur implies there is a triangle of three Shakti Temples in the area, each depicting different faces of Goddess Durga. The main temple situated at Trilok Pur is the Temple of Bhagwati Tripur Bala Sundry which depicts a beautiful childhood image of Goddess Durga. Another ‘Shakti Temple’ dedicated to Bhagwati Lalita Devi depicting another image of Goddess Durga, is situated on a hillock located at a distance of 3 km in front of the main temple of Bhagwati Bala Sundri. The third famous ‘Shakti temple’ of ‘Tripur Bhairavi’ is situated at a distance of 13 km north west of Bala Sundri temple. The temple was built by Raja Dip Parkash in 1573.Legend Speaks of the devi’s “pindi” (a sacred stone, regarded as a symbol of the goddess). that had appeared in a bag of salt, purchased by a local trader. As per legend, Maa Balasundari Jee had appeared in the year 1573 at Trilokpur in a bag of salt brought from Devban ( UP) by a local shopkeeper Sh Ram Dass. The said shopkeeper kept on selling salt from the bag throughout the day but the commodity did not exhaust and the bag remained filled as if nothing had been taken out there from. He was taken aback by the miracle and while asleep in the night Goddess appeared in his dream and narrated the incidence of her disappearance from Devban(UP) and directed to construct a Temple to establish her PINDI swaroop, which was already existing inside the bag of salt and also directed to worship in the name of Mahamaya Balasundari – an infant state of Goddess Veshno Devi . Lala Ram Dass was not rich enough to construct the temple, thus he decided to approach the then ruler of Sirmour state who inhesitanly agreed and got constructed a temple for the installation of the Divine PINDI of Mata Balasundari jee at Trilokpur. The king invited some artisans from Jaipur [Rajasthan] in 1570AD and a beautiful marble temple dedicated to Goddess Tripur Bala Sundri came by 1573 AD. It is pertinent to mention here that at Devband in Uttar Pradesh also there was a famous ancient temple of Bhagwati Bala Sundri. After the temple was completed the worship of Goddess Bala Sundri became the tradition in the Royal family. The temple was renovated by Maharaja Fateh Prakash in 1823 and by Maharaja Raghubir Prakash in 1851. The temple is an example of exquisite workmanship and is an amalgam of Indo-Persian styles of architecture. Every year over 32 lacs of devotees visit shrine of Bhagwati Bala Sundri. The traditional Poojari of the Bhagwati belongs to the business community and Vaish by cast, it is another unique feature of this famous Shakti Peeth of North India. Right since temple’s inception, the descendants of Lala Ram Das have been performing the main Pooja there. At present the temple is run by a Temple trust headed by Deputy Commissioner Sirmour. The Temple Trust had executed several developmental works in Trilok Pur village during the past three decades. During this, Navratra fair tight security arrangement were being made keeping in view security threat to the famous religious places. Official Address
Naina Devi, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh Shri Naina Devi Temple is located on an altitude of 1177 meters in Distt. Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Several mythological stories are associated with the establishment of the temple. According to a legend, Goddess Sati burnt herself alive in Yagna, which distressed Lord Shiva. He picked the corpse of Sati on her shoulder and started his Taandav dance. This horrified all deities in the heaven as this could lead to holocaust. This urged Lord Vishnu to unleash his Chakra that cut the Sati’s body into 51 pieces. Shri Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes of Sati fell down. Another story related to the temple is of a Gujjar Boy named Naina. Once he was grazing his cattle and observed that a white cow is showering milk from her udders on a stone. He saw the same thing for next several days. One night while sleeping, he saw Goddess in her dreams who told him that the stone is her Pindi. Naina told about the entire situation and his dream to Raja Bir Chand. When Raja saw it happening in reality, he built a temple on that spot and named the temple after Naina’s name. Shri Naina Devi Temple is also known as Mahishapeeth because of defeat of demon Mahishasur by the Goddess. According to the legends, Mahishasur was a powerful demon who was blessed by the boon of immortality by Lord Brahma, but the condition was that he could be defeated only by an unmarried woman. Due to this boon, Mahishasur started spreading terror on Earth and Gods. To cope with the demon, all Gods combined their powers and created a Devi to defeat him. The Devi was gifted different types of weapons by all Gods. When Mahishasur got mesmerized by the immense beauty of Devi and proposed her to marry him. Devi told him that she will marry him if he would overpower her. During the battle, Devi defeated the demon and took out both his eyes. This urged Gods to happily applaud “Jai Naina” and hence the name. One more story is associated with Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When he left for his military campaign against Mughals in 1756, he went Shri Naina Devi and performed a Sacrificial Yagna to seek blessings of the Goddess. After getting the blessings, he successfully defeated the Mughals. Official Address
Jawalamukhi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Jawalamukhi is a Shakti peetha town and a nagar parishad in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Hindu genealogy registers at Jawalamukhi, Himachal Pradesh are kept here.Jwala Devi is one of the major ‘Shakti Peethas’ of India. Jwala Devi Temple is located at a distance of 34 kms in south of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. Even from Dharamshala, it lies at a stretch of 56 kms and moreover, it is easily accessible by the regular buses from both the places. For a convenient journey, one can opt for private taxis that are available throughout the state. The temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi (form of goddess), who is the presiding in the form of flames. Due to this fact, the goddess is also referred as the ‘Flaming Goddess’. Positioned besides a cliff, Jwalamukhi Mandir is built on a wooden platform in the Indo-Sikh style of architecture. The structural design of the temple is simple, but the religious aura makes it undoubtedly divine. The dome and spire of this temple are covered with Gold. The main door of the shrine is plated with silver. In front of the main shrine, there is a huge brass bell that was presented by the King of Nepal. In the early times, people tried to explore the fact behind these burning flames, but nothing substantial was made out. These flames are burning due to some natural jets of combustible gas. The temple came to be known as the Jwala Devi Mandir. In this temple, there is no idol because the Goddess is considered to be residing in the form of flames. This temple has nine ceaseless flames that are named as Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi respectively. Jwalamukhi refers to the deity with flaming mouth. As per the legends, the mouth of Sati fell here at the time of self-sacrifice. Ever since, the Goddess occupied the place and she manifested in nine flames. After years, one day Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch, a resident of Kangra and a great devotee of Goddess Durga, dreamt of the holy place. He sent his men to locate the place. With the grace of the Goddess, the site was found and Raja started constructing a temple. It is believed that Pandavas also contributed in the erection of this temple. However, the construction of this temple was completed in the 19th century, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son, Kharak Singh, gave the Gold and Silver for the dome and door respectively. Legend about Akbar, the Mughal Emperor During the ruling period of Akbar, he learned about the legends of Jwalamukhi. In a fit of anger, he tried to douse the flames with a stream of water. The great power of the Goddess, still kept the flames burning. Realizing the power of Jwala Devi, Akbar came with his army to this temple. He brought a Gold umbrella (Chatra) for the Goddess, but on offering, the umbrella turned into an unknown metal suggesting that the Goddess didn’t accept his offering. Official Address
Himani Chamunda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Himani Chamunda is a Hindu temple dedicated to Chamunda, situated in the Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India, in the Himalayas.Barfani Chamunda or Aadi Himani Chamunda is a Hindu temple near the town of Chamunda (Himachal Pradesh). At 2810 metres and flanked by Dhauladhars; Aadi Himani Chamunda temple is accessible via two well-defined trek routes. The more frequented trek route connects Chamunda temple with Aadi Himani Chamunda via Jadrangal. This is a route frequented by pilgrims and it is a much straighter and paved with stone steps. The other trekking route is lesser known, but is more scenic. This route starts near Jia Village. Jia is a picturesque mountain hamlet nestled in Dhauladhar foothills. This picturesque village is 7 kilometres from Chamunda town. The village is dominated by a hydroelectric power project overlooking the village. If you are driving to Jia, plan a visit to the upper reservoir of this hydroelectric project. The drive is quite scenic and is worth a detour. The temple stands close to the ruins of the palace of Raja Chandar Bhan Chand Katoch (d. 1660), and is of least the same age, if not far older. Until 1992 the temple was also derelict but has been restored, in very large measure as a result of the dedication and hard work of one man, Mr. P. D. Saini, a retired Class 1 officer, who worked on its restoration for 20 years after his retirement, with the assistance of a group of devotees. He continues (as of 2013) to devote himself to the improvement of the temple even after its administration was taken on by the government. The temple environs are of outstanding natural beauty and for that reason a destination for trekkers. Aadi Himani Chamunda Temple (3185 meters) is located on a hilltop North East to the existing Chamunda Devi Temple in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. One can reach there after hiking about 13 Kilometers from Dharamshala Palampur state Highway (Jadrangal Village) and 8.5 Kilometers from the last motor able road at Kardiana. The trek to Aadi Himani Chamunda Devi requires about 6-7 hours and moderate expertise is required. Devotees visit the sacred shrine throughout the year except winters. As per locals goddess Chamunda killed two demons Chand and Mund from the top of the mountain by throwing huge boulders on them, one can still find one of the boulder above the Shiva Temple located near existing Chamunda Devi Temple on Dharamshala Palampur state highway. The recent temple build in past decade was destroyed by the fierce fire in 2014 and now its been again under reconstruction by the help of devotees and Temple Trust. The water is available till the half way and after that pilgrims need to carry their own. One can also find tea shops cum resting location multiple times till the hilltop temple. Official Address
Hidimba Devi Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Hidimba Devi Temple, locally known as Dhungiri Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Manāli, a hill station in the State of Himāchal Pradesh in north India. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in 1553 he Hidimba Devi Temple has intricately carved wooden doors and a 24 meters tall wooden “shikhar” or tower above the sanctuary.The tower consists of three square roofs covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. The earth goddess Durga forms the theme of the main door carvings.Also depicted are animals, foliate designs, dancers, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and Navagrahas.The temple base is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. An enormous rock occupies the inside of the temple, only a 7.5 cm (3 inch) tall brass image representing goddess Hidimba Devi. A rope hangs down in front of the rock,and according to a legend,in bygone days religious zealots would tie the hands of “sinners” by the rope and then swing them against the rock. About seventy metres away from the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimba’s son, Ghatotkacha, who was born after she married Bhima. The most surprising feature of the temple or what believers could call the most reassuring feature of the temple is the fact that inside the temple the imprint of the feet of the Goddess carved on a block of stone are worshipped. The Hadimba devi temple was built in 1553 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. The temple is built around a cave where Devi Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimbi was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshasa family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava’s exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha. Official Address
Chintpurni, Una, Himachal Pradesh When Lord Vishnu severed the burning body of Maa Sati into 51 pieces so that Lord Shiva would calm down and stop his Tandava, the pieces were scattered over various places in the Indian subcontinent. It is believed that Sati’s head fell at this place and is thus considered one of the most important of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The goddess residing in Chintpurni is also known by the name of Chhinnamastika. According to Markandeya Purana, goddess Chandi defeated the demons after a fierce battle but two of her yogini emanations (Jaya and Vijaya) were still thirsty for more blood. Goddess Chandi cut off her own head to quench Jaya and Vijaya’s thirst for more blood. She is usually shown holding her own severed head in her hand, drinking one stream of blood spurting from the arteries in her neck, while at her side are two naked yoginis, each of whom drinks another stream of blood. Chhinnamasta, the headless goddess, is the Great Cosmic Power who helps the sincere and devoted yogi to dissolve his or her mind, including all the preconceived ideas, attachments and habits into the Pure Divine Consciousness. Cutting off the head suggests the separation of the mind from the body, that is the freedom of the consciousness from the material confines of the physical body. According to Puranic traditions, Chhinnamastika Devi will be protected by Shiva – Rudra Mahadev in the four directions. There are four Shiva temples – Kaleshwar Mahadev in the east, Narayhana Mahadev in the west, Muchkund Mahadev in the north and Shiva Bari in the south – which are nearly equidistant from Chintpurni. This also confirms Chintpurni as the abode of Chhinnamastika Devi. Pandit Mai Das, a Saraswat Brahman, is generally believed to have established this shrine of Mata Chintpurni Devi in Chhaproh village about 26 generations ago. Over time this place became known as Chintpurni after the eponymous deity. His descendants still live in Chintpurni and perform prayers and puja at the Chintpurni temple. These descendants are the official priests at the Temple. Official Address
Baijnath Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Baijnath Temple (Devanagari: बैजनाथ मंदिर) is a Nagara style hindu temple situated in a small town of Baijnath located in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India, and was construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath (Devanagari: वैद्यनाथ), ‘the Lord of physicians’ According to the inscriptions on the present day Baijnath temple structure, a temple of Lord Shiva had existed before construction of present day structure. The inner sanctum houses a Shiva lingam. Further images are carved in the walls and in niches on the exterior Two long inscriptions are engraved on stone slabs in the main hall. These inscriptions are in Sanskrit written using Sharada scriptand local Pahari language in Takri script. These inscriptions provide details about the construction of the temple by the merchants Manyuka and Ahuka in Indian national calendar (Saka) year 1126 which is 1204 A.D. These inscriptions besides praising Lord Shiva, name the current ruler king Jaya Chandra, list of the names of the architects and the names of donor merchants. Another inscription names Kangra district’s old name i.e. Nagarakot, district in which the temple is built Official Address
Manimahesh Kailash Peak, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh The Manimahesh Kailash Peak, 5,653 metres (18,547 ft), also known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering high over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the (Hindu deity). It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.The peak is 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Bharmour in the Budhil valley. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites as well as a popular trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh. The Manimahesh Lake is at the base of the Kailash peak at 3,950 metres (12,960 ft) and is also held in deep veneration by people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly the Gaddi tribes of the region. In the month of Bhadon, on the eighth day of the new moon period a fair is held in the precincts of the lake that attracts thousands of pilgrims. Manimahesh Kailash has not been successfully summitted by mountaineers and is thus remains a virgin peak. An attempt to climb the peak in 1968 by an Indo–Japanese team led by Nandini Patel was aborted. This failure is attributed to the divine prowess of the peak since it is revered as the holy mountain of Chamba according to the staunch devotees of the Manimahesh Lake and the peak. The peak in the photo is as seen from near the Manimahesh Lake. There are two trekking routes to the lake. One is from Hadsar village that is mostly frequented by pilgrims and trekkers. This route is easier and have adequate arrangement for basic food and accommodation during the pilgrimage season. The other one is from village Holi, which is for the more adventurous ones. This route climbs up further and then descends to the lake, providing a beautiful view. There is no other habitation, except for a small village on this route There are several mythical legends narrated on the sanctity of this peak and the lake at its base. In one popular legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Mata Girja. There are many other legends narrated linking Lord Shiva and his show of displeasure through avalanches and blizzards that occur in the region. According to a local myth, Lord Shiva is believed to reside in Manimahesh Kailash. A rock formation in the form of a Shivling on this mountain is considered as the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snow field at the base of the mountain is called by the local people as Shiva’s Chaugan (play field). It is also believed that Manimahesh Kailash is invincible as no one has so far scaled it, in spite of claims to the contrary and the fact that much taller peaks have been scaled, including Mount Everest. According to one legend, a local tribe, a Gaddi, tried to climb along with a herd of sheep and is believed to have been turned into stone along with his sheep. The series of minor peaks around the principal peak are believed to be the remnants of the shepherd and his sheep. Another legend narrated is that a snake also attempted to climb the mountain but failed and was converted into stone. Devotees believe that they can view the peak only if the Lord wishes so. Bad weather covering the peak with clouds is also explained as a displeasure of the Lord Official Address
Jammu & Kashmir, located in the northernmost region of India, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. The state’s temples reflect this cultural richness and offer visitors a chance to explore their spirituality and connect with the region’s ancient religious practices. One of the most significant temples in Jammu & Kashmir is the Shankaracharya Temple, located atop the Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar. This ancient temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. Another significant temple in Jammu & Kashmir is the Raghunath Temple in Jammu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is believed to have been built during the 19th century. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region’s cultural heritage. Other significant temples in Jammu & Kashmir include the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, and the Kheer Bhawani Temple, which is believed to be the abode of the Hindu goddess Ragnya Devi. In conclusion, Jammu & Kashmir’s temples offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking to experience the vibrant traditions of India’s northernmost region, Jammu & Kashmir’s temples are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
The Sudh Mahadev Temple is about 2400 years old and is situated in Udhampur district and a height of 1225 meters. Like many temples located here, this one too has an interesting legend to it. It is said that once Goddess Parvati was immersed in a deep prayer when a demon called Sudheet who was actually an ardent devotee of Shiva, approached her to pay obeisance. However seeing his demonic built, Parvati got frightened and shrieked. Hearing her shriek that echoed across the valley, Lord Shiva came to her rescue and stabbed Sudheet with his Trishula. While doing so he noticed the demon chant his name. Shiva realized he had killed his devotee and trued to bring him back to life. However, the demon replied that getting killed by the holy hands of Lord Shiva would give him ‘moksh’ or salvation. Hearing this Lord Shiva was so pleased that he announced that henceforth, Sudheet’s name would be taken before his own. And as you might have guessed by now, at the place where Parvati was worshipping, a shivling came to be known as Sudhaahadev. What a legend that was. Even today, you will find this shivling and the trishula housed at the Sudh Mahandev Temple. Also , the temple has this eternal flame called ‘dhooni’ which is supposedly burning since Baba Dhoop Nath resided here. The temple is by the banks of River Devak and this adds all the more to its mystic. After taking a bath in the Dewak Nadi, the pilgrims worship Lord Shiva and Parvati in the Temple. After worshipping Gauri Kund, the pilgrims go to Gaukaran, about 0.5Kms from Sudhmahadev. Then they climb up another 2 Kms of mountaineous area to reach another sacred place ‘Nada’.
The Martand Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya and built during the 8th century CE. Martand is another Sanskrit name for the Hindu Sun-god. Now in ruins, the temple is located five miles from Anantnag in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was destroyed during the sultanate of Sikandar Butshikan. Martand Sun Temple, a spectacular shrine dedicated to Surya (the Sun), lies at a distance of over five miles from Anantnag in the heavenly state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This structure is a Kashmiri Hindu Temple and is known as one of the most elegant structures ever built in India. Even in a wrecked state, the temple shares it’s story with the ones who genuinely want to listen. The architecture is breathtaking and the vibe somewhat nostalgic but so enticing that it makes travellers want to come here. A walk across the courtyard is a must for visitors to notice the brilliantly fused designs and carvings on the structure that still stand the tests of time and weather.
The term Adhkuwari is believed to have come from Adi kumari, which means “The Eternal Virgin”. According to the legend, when Vaishnavi, in the form of a small girl, disappeared from the Bhandaara organized by Pandit Shridhar, she halted at Banganga and Charan Paduka. From there she reached Adhkuwari, where, in a small womb shaped cave she meditated and observed spiritual discipline (Tapasya) for nine long months. The exact spot where she is believed to have meditated is located at the right hand side inside the cave and is shaped like a womb. Since Vaishnavi had observed spiritual discipline in a womb shaped cave for a period of nine months, this cave has become popular by the name of Garbh Joon, which has come from the term Garbh Yoni meaning the Womb. It is generally believed that by merely passing through this cave, a devotee’s sins are cleansed and his soul becomes pious again. The cave temple falls on the route to Bhavan, approximately midway between Katra and the main shrine. You can get here on foot or helicopter. Trikuta Parvat, Reasi District, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301, India
Mangalam Devi Temple is a revered centre of Idukki district, located at a distance of 15 km from Thekkady in Kerala. It is perched on a hill, at an altitude of 1337 above the sea level. The auspicious occasion of Chitra Pournami is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the shrine. For homage at the temple, tourists need to have an approval of forest authorities. pipe line, Khar, RPF Colony, Jawahar Nagar, Khar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
Peer Badesar Temple, built in 142 AD, is located at Veer Vadweshavar village in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir. Veer Vadweshavar is about 60 km from Rajouri.The temple is believed to have been constructed by King Kanishka in memory of Veer Vadweshavar, the son of Lord Shiva. After defeating the King Dakasha, Veer Vadweshavar stayed at this village, where Kanishka afterward built this temple. As the temple is situated just on the border between Rajouri and the Pak Occupied Kashmir (POK), prior permission of the District Magistrate is required to visit this temple. Being situated at an altitude of 1524 m, the temple offers a panoramic view of the villages of Pak Occupied Kashmir. All the four sides of this temple and both the sides of the passage to the temple are covered with numerous bells. From Rajouri, it is 3 hours journey by bus to the Peer Badesar Temple.
Baba Dhansar Temple is located 15 km away from Katra on way to Salal Dam. A huge spring emerging from the rocks forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before flowing into the holy river that merges with the Chenab River. At Baba Dhansar Temple, devotees find a naturally formed Shivling, on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace throughout the year.
Jyeshtheswara Temple holds various myths and beliefs as it is considered to be built by Pandavas during 5th century. Some other researchers believe that this temple was built in 6th century by king Gopaditya and others believe that it was constructed by Jaluka, son of Emperor Ashoka. In 8th century, this temple was renovated and remodelled by King Lalitaditya Muktapida. Durgjan, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Mamaleshwar Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Pahalgam, with its history dating back to the 12th century. Built by King Jayasimha on the right bank of River Lidder, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple encompasses a pedestal and a Shiva Lingam, with a pure water spring covered by a basin. Situated 1 km downstream from Pahalgam, this temple is easily accessible from the town on foot. ahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Banganga Temple is one of the worship centres in the destination, which is about 3 km from Katra. As per myths, Goddess Durga on her way to Trikuta Hills from Bhumika Temple made a halt at the site, as Langoor Vir was thirsty. After watching his misery, Goddess shot an arrow into the stone to produce a spring, which is called as Banganga. If you are wondering how to reach banganga temple complex. The address of banganga temple complex is Teen Batti, Malabar Hill Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006, India and this page shows you how far it is from the nearest railway stations and from the nearest airports. ixigo Trip Planner shows you the location of banganga temple complex on a map of mumbai and shows you the best way to get to banganga temple complex. For less popular places, it’s easier to ask locals how to get to the nearby hotels or nearby attractions listed on this page. But the best is the print the map available on this page and carry it with you so that you know for banganga temple complex – best way to get there. Good luck finding the way Banganga Cross Lane, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
Bahu Temple is one of the ancient temples of Jammu, which is situated on a rock face on the left bank of River Tawi. The foundation stone of the temple within Bahu Fort complex is believed to have been laid over 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan. The holy shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali is popularly known as Bawey Wali Mata. The sanctum was set up in 1822 during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh. As per the folklore, Goddess Bawey Wali has mystical powers identical to Mata Vaishno Devi. Located at a distance of 5 km from Jammu city, the shrine is frequented by devotees every Tuesday and Sunday due to religious importance. Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Charan Paduka Temple is one of the religious sites, which is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Banganga. According to the mythological tales, Goddess Durga made a halt at the site when Bhairav Nath was chasing her. Positioned at an altitude of 3,380 ft, the site of holy footprints is one of the highlights of the destination Charan Paduka can be reached by 3 km trek from Badrinath. The path towards Charan Paduka is on the left side of Badrinath temple. Walk few meters and on the right side you will see stairs going upwards. Follow the stairs to reach Charan Paduka situated at Narayan Parvat.
Bhairon Temple is located at a distance of 1.42 km from the Bhawan. The temple is situated at the highest point of the adjacent hill at an altitude of 6,619 ft. This temple also involves a steep climb which can be undertaken by foot, ponies or palanquins. It is believed that the journey to Mata Vaishno Devi is not complete without the darshan in Bhairon Temple. According to the legends, Bhairon Nath was killed by Vaishno Devi and while seeking an apology, was given a boon of being the last link of the pilgrimage. Darshan inside Bhairon Temple is also in the rock form. It is believed that when Mata killed Bhairon Nath, his head fell at this place while his body remained at the entrance of the holy cave. There is also a Havan Kund at the temple, whose ashes are considered to be sacred. Magar Adi, Mohmmadwadi Road, Hadapsar Gaon, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharashtra 411028
The holy cave or Amarnath Shrine is the abode of Lord Shiva. Shri Amarnath Shrine is located at the end of valley Lidder at a distance of 46 kms from Pahalgam and 14 kms from Baltal (Sonmarg), at an elevation of 3,888 meters. Amarnathji is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams. The holy ice-lingam is formed naturally in this cave. Darshan of holy lingam can be done in Month of Savan (August)through the Amarnath yatra which is organised by Amarnath shrine board. commenly pilgrimage journey can be opted by Chandanbari route via Pahalgam which is 96 kms from srinagar and 280 kms from Jammu. The world famous shrine of Amarnathji is situated about 48 Kms. from Pahalgam and attracts devotees from all over India. It is located in the upper reaches of District Anantnag at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. from the sea level. Because of this height, the cave is covered with snow for most of the year.
The Rani Temple was once a royal temple of Dogra dynasty of erstwhile princely state Jammu and Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated on a small hillock in the heart of Gulmarg town. The most interesting fact about this temple is that it can be seen from all nooks and corners of the town. The Rani Temple, also known as Maharani temple or Mohineshwar Shivalaya was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh in 1915. When King Hari Singh was spending his time in royal palace in Gulmarg, his queen used to visit this temple to worship Lord Shiva. Now, the temple remains open every day from 6 am to 9 pm and aarti is perfomed twice a day. Nearest Railway Station:- Baramulla Railway Station Nearest Airport:- Srinagar Airport
Pandrethan is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that lies within a square shaped tank to the north of Jhelum River. It is located about four miles from Srinagar city. The temple, also once known as Meru Vardhana Swami, was built by Meru, minister to King Partha who ruled Kashmir from 921-931 AD. The roof of the temple was carved out of a single piece of rock and known for its impressive designs and illustrations. The domed roof and arches of the temple are the best examples of classic Kashmiri architecture. Pandrethan is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that lies within a square shaped tank to the north of Jhelum River. It is located about four miles from Srinagar city. The temple, also once known as Meru Vardhana Swami, was built by Meru, minister to King Partha who ruled Kashmir from 921-931 AD.
Religious texts mention of different reasons for having Lord Ganesha as the doorkeeper. One of the stories says that it was Mamleshwar Temple where Lord Ganesh stood as a doorkeeper for her mother and didn’t allow Lord Shiva to enter its premises. Consequently, Lord Shiva cuts his head off without knowing that he was his own son and following his mother’s order. Dating back to 400 AD, this impressive stone edifice is about a kilometre away from Pahalgam, resting amid mist-covered mountains. The complex is lush green and is situated across the Kolahoi stream, which is another beautiful attraction of the region. This temple is not big by any means and is barely under 8 square feet internally, has a porch supported in the 2 columns. It houses an old pedestal and a Shiva Linga. Surprisingly, a spring of remarkably pure water rises from under the temple site and is enclosed in a basin in front of the stairs. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126 Owing to such facts, Mamleshwar is also referred as Mammal temple (Mam Mal- Don’t go). The presiding deity inside the temple is a Shiva linga with a water-spring. The sacred complex also has a shrine that is entirely festooned with gold, and was put-up during the rule of a former king. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Mattan Temple is a famous Hindu religious site located very near to Pahalgam. This temple was once an important pilgrimage seat of Kashmiri Pundits. It has beautiful Shiva Lingam that is preserved within a brick structure surrounded by a crystal clear pond. Since ages, this is the place where Kashmiri pundits and priests worship Sun God together. The pond in the temple complex is abounding with large number of fishes. Srinagar international airport is the nearest international airport to Pahalgam, which is located 96 km from Srinagar airport Udhampur and Jammu are the closest rail heads to Pahalgam. While Udhampur is located at a distance of 217 km from Pahalgam, Jammu is 285 km awa Pahalgam is well-connected to Jammu and Srinagar via a good network of roads. State bus services and private buses are available from Jammu, Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis are also available to reach Pahalgam.
Located in Rambirpora kehribal, 9 km from Islamabad (Anatanag), the majestic Martand Temple is an important archeological site (historical ruins) in India. Built to dedicate Sun God, it is second to the Konark Sun Temple (Orissa). This marvel piece of art and architecture was built by King Lalitaditya in the period between 7th to 8th centuries. The style and the skill exhibited in its construction of the temple are rare in the history of the world. The patterns and architectural styles of the temple have the close resemblance with the Greek. The temple has been built with huge and strong square of limestones and still stands imposing. This ancient temple was attacked by Skinadar Butshikan. It took one year for him to fully damage and destroy this temple. However, ruins of today still evoke the architectural grandeur of this impressive structure. The temple complex is easily reachable as it is located at Kehribal, about 9 kilometres fromAnantnag. One may choose to take an hour-long taxi or a cab ride from Pahalgam to reach the enticing ruins in Kashmir.
Kheer Bhawani is a temple of goddess Ragnya Devi constructed over a sacred spring in Tula Mula village at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar. It has got the term kheer as most of the devotees offer kheer (rice pudding) to goddess, an incarnation of Durga Bhawani. This temple is one of the most revered religious sites for Kashmiri Pandits. The sacred spring is widely known for its mystical power to changes its color. While most of the colors do not have any significance, the black is considered as an inauspicious time for Kashmir. In 1912, Maharaja Pratap Singh constructed the temple and later Maharaja Hari Singh repaired it. Presently, the temple runs under the Dharmath Trust led by Dr. Karan Singh. Devotees from far and wide visit the temple to seek blessings of the mother goddess. The eight day of full moon in the month of May is considered to be sacred and also believed that on this day the sacred spring changed its color. An annual mela is also held in the premises of the temple during this period. Pilgrims in huge numbers thronged the temple to celebrate the day. One can easily reach Kheer Bhavani Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from Srinagar Duderhama Ganderbal Bridge, Tulla Mulla, 193501, Jammu and Kashmir
The Sharika Devi Temple is situated on westerns slope of the Hari Parvat in Srinagar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, an incarnation of Mata Durga/ Shakti. The idol inside the temple has 18 arms and is regarded as the presiding deity of the Srinagar by Hindu followers. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred sites by Kashmiri Pandits, this day is celebrated as Har Navum. The shrine is thronged with devotees in large number on the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati. They offer a special offering locally termed as ‘Taher Charvan’ (A dish of boiled rice with turmeric, oil and salt and another dish is of cooked liver of goat) to the goddess. There are 108 stone steps to reach the shrine ofDevi Sharika . Before entry one has to take permission from the security . The deity is also called Chakreswari. From the devi angan the view ofSrinagar city / Dal Lake is amazing.
The Shankaracharya Temple, also known by the name of Jyotishwara Temple or Pas-Pahar, is one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is situated atop of a hillock called as Takht-e-Sulaiman in the heart of the city of Srinagar. The temple dates back to 200 BC, however present structure was probably constructed in 9th Century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and highly revered by the followers of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. The temple was visited by great saint Adi Shankaracharya and has ever since been greatly associated with him. It is said that temple was originally built by Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, a follower of Buddhist religion and hence the temple is also regarded as scared by the Buddhist people and they called this temple as Pas-Pahar. The Sharika Devi Temple is situated on westerns slope of the Hari Parvat in Srinagar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, an incarnation of Mata Durga/ Shakti. The idol inside the temple has 18 arms and is regarded as the presiding deity of the Srinagar by Hindu followers. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred sites by Kashmiri Pandits, this day is celebrated as Har Navum. The shrine is thronged with devotees in large number on the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati. They offer a special offering locally termed as ‘Taher Charvan’ (A dish of boiled rice with turmeric, oil and salt and another dish is of cooked liver of goat) to the goddess. Located on the Shankaracharya hill, the temple can reached by any means of transportation till a certain point, however, to reach till the entrance of the temple you will have to make a short walk. Durgjan, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
An ancient temple of Lord Shiva, also known as Aparneswar is located near Mantalai Lake. This is the place where mother Parvati was born and got married to Lord Shiva. The main shrine is very small and having an idol of Parvati as kanya. Another set of idols of Shiva and Parvati together and Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha is also found. However, the shiva lingam is the main idol of the temple. There are two idols of Nandi, the bull god facing the shrine. One divine rock (patthar) related to the wedding of Parvati and Shiva can also be spotted in this shrine. Jammu and Kashmir 182161
Gauri Kund is a natural spring, which has background of Hindu mythology. It is located near Sudh Mahadev (3 km), Mantalai and Patnitop in Jammu. According to legend, Goddess Parvati used to take bath in this spring just before she performed worship to Lord Shiva in Sudh Mahadev. To reach Gauri Kund, one has to trek around 1.5 km on a hilly route. Above the kund, there is a cave temple with the idols of Shiv and Parvati. A naturally formed shape of Ganesh on a rock piece is also found inside the cave. It is believed also that Parvati used to meditate in this cave. To reach Gauri Kund, one has to trek around 1.5 km on a hilly route.It is located near Sudh Mahadev (3 km), Mantalai and Patnitop in Jammu. According to legend, Goddess Parvati used to take bath in this spring just before she performed worship to Lord Shiva in Sudh Mahadev. To reach Gauri Kund, one has to trek around 1.5 km on a hilly route.
The Ramkund Temple is one of the most ancient and important religious site of the Jammu region. At a distance of 62 km from Poonch Township, the temple is located at a sleepy village called Narol, which is 11 km away from Mendhar Tehsil. As per archeological survey, this beautiful and ancient temple was built by King Lalitaditya during the period of 724 to 761 AD. While local people believed that the temple was originally built by Ram himself on his way to Kashmir and later Lalitaditya renovated it. There are three beautiful spring around the temple and they are known by the name of Ram Kund, Lakshman Kund and Sita Kund. Taking holy dips in these springs are considered to be very auspicious. Devotees in a large numbers come to visit the temple in the first half of Hindu month of Chaitra and take bath in these kunds. Ramkund Mandir is located around 4 km from the villaeg of Mandhar in Poonch. There are three springs known as Ram Kund, Sita Kund and Lakshman Kund in this temple. Devotees in a large number take a dip in these waterbodies during the Hindu month of Chaitra.
Aap Shambhu Temple located on Sathrian in Roopnagar area of Jammu City, is an ancient temple having a self manifested lingam in its sanctum. According to local belief and legend, in ancient days, this place was an uninhabited jungle and cows and buffaloes shed entire milk on the lingam. This ancient temple holds an important position among the local residents and thus, huge numbers of devotees throng the place to offer homage to Lord Shiva. Roop Nagar Housing Colony Main Road, Upper Roopnagar, Chinore, Jammu, 180013 088039 07973
Dudhadhari Temple, also known by the name of Dudhadhari Barfani Ashram, is situated in Shashtri Nagar housing colony in Jammu. The temple was built in the memory of Saint Dudhadhari Baba, who is believed to have survived only on milk. This is the tallest temple in the city of Jammu. Shastri Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180004
Babore Temples are the ruins of six temples within a radius of 1 km and the complex situated in Dhar road Babore near Manwal in Udhampur district, 50 km away from Udhampur City. Imposing structure of the temple has immense archeological importance with rich religious ancestry. At present, ruins of only three temples are in the state of recognizable. Of which, 2 are still used by the local residents for worship, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Architectural structures of these temples bear striking resemblance with the temples built by King Lalitaditya in 8th century at Wangal in Kashmir. The stones, monolithic beams, pillars used for the construction are about 12 feet long, and their sculptures and carving are marvelous and imposing.
Gadadharji Temple is situated close to Mubarak Mandi (Old Secretariat) in Jammu and it commands and prominent position in the rich cultural legacy of Dogra Kingdom. Devoted to Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi, the temple was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. There are life size statues of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi in the temple.
Machail Mata, also known as Chandi Mata, is an important pilgrimage site in Paddar of Kishtwar region. Surrounded by the snow clad mountain ranges, it is located at an altitude of 9500 feet. Devotees need to cover a trek route of 30 km on foot to reach the temple from Gulabgarh, the last village connected by the motorable road. Annually, thousands of pilgrims pay visit to the shrine to seek blessings of Mata Machail wali. Infact, the number of pilgrims with each passing year has kept on increasing manifolds. As per legend, Mata Chandi appreared in the form of pindi, the same as it is in Mata Vaisho Devi. An annual Yatra of Mata Machail held in the month of August. The Yatra starts from Chinoti (Bhaderwah) and ends at Machail at the shrine. This is a two day journey from Atholi via Gulabgarh. Thousands of pilgrims from far and wide places partake in the Yatra to pay obeisance to Mata Chandi. Machail is a small village at an altitude of 2958m in the utmost scenic Padder Valley of Kishtwar district in Jammu region of J&K.Padder or Gulabgarh is 290 km from Jammu city and 66 km from Kishtwar. To reach the shrine, lot of travel agents arrange buses from Jammu, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Bhaderwah. The nearest airport is at Jammu, 245 Kms. from Kishtwar. The nearest rail head is at Udhampur (166 Kms), and another rail head is at Jammu Tawi (240 Kms) Machail is one of the far flung area of Kishtwar which is not connected to motorable road. Regular buses ply between Kishtwar to Gulabgarh only, after that you have to trek in between beautiful valley of Paddar to reach the destination. Tourists can avail other services like Sumo, Taxi, Tavera, etc also.
Gupt Ganga Temple is an important ancient religious shrine of the Bhaderwah region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that the shrine have been positioned in the same place where the Pandavas spent a few days in Bhaderwah during their exile days. Even one of the rocks at the temple has the footprint of Bhim, the 2nd Pandava brother. The temple is located on the bank of Neru River and made up of purely stone slab. Indeed, the dome of the temple is also made of stones in circular shape. According to legend, River Ganga suddenly falls on the Shiv lingam and then disappeared and this is why it is known as Gupt Ganga. Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 182222
Ancient temple complex of Krimchi village bear relics of rich historical culture and tradition of the region. The temple complex is located 20 km and 8 km away from Jammu and Udhampur respectively. The complex houses three of oldest temples that believed to have been constructed in the period of 11th to 12th centuries. The height of the main temple is 50 feet and it is decorated with abstract designs. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha and Goddess Parvati. The imposing structures of the temples indicate the Greek (Hellenic) influences. krimchi tem The main temple is around 50 feet high. On their way to these temples, pilgrims usually stop over at the sarai Krimchi. Travel to Krimchi automatically means a tour to Sudhmahadev-Mantalai Shrine. At a little distance from Krimchi lies Pancheri, which is a picturesque Hill Resort. Kiramchi Temple Road, Kiramchi, Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir 182121
Vasuki Nag Temple dedicated to snake god (Son of Kashyapa and Kadru), is located in Bhaderwah in Doda district. The temple enshrines a single black stone piece idol of Vasuki Naag and Raja Jamute Vahan. It is a marvelous piece of art and sculpture of the region. The idol is mysteriously standing of its won without any support. Annual 3-day Kailash Yatra of Bhderwah commence only after the ritual puja at this temple. Devotees from far and wide come to visit the temple and pay obeisance to Lord Vasuki.
Mahabilvakeshwar Temple is located in Mooni in Billawar of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on the bank of Bhinni, the main tributary of River Ujh. The unique spherical dome of the temple attracts the tourists from far off place. It also serves as the storehouse of art and architecture of the region. Here, one can find rare images of lingam.
The Shiva Temple of Basohli is located at the heart of the city on the bank of River Ravi and houses an ancient Shivlingam, which to have been brought by the Pandavas when they came to Basohli during their agytavaas (exile). This famous Shivlingam was originally some kind of gem and known to have some mystical power. Over the years, it has turned into black color but still looks like a diamond.
Sheshnag temple located on the eastern bank of the Mansar Lake is dedicated to Lord Serpent. It is known for its story of bringing happiness and blessings to newlyweds and that is why, newly married couple from far and wide flock to the temple to seek divine blessings. It is also believed that anyone who dips on the holy water on Mansar Lake will be rectified and brought purity upon him/her. Sheshnag is known to possess six heads and is flanked by smaller snakes that are depicted in the form of iron chains.
Chichi Mata Temple is one of the revered religious sites of the state and it is commonly considered to be the gateway to the temple of Vaishno Devi. The shrine is located in samba region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said to be the pehla darshan and integral part of the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The Yatra of Vaishno Mata remains incomplete unless one pay visit to Chichi Mata. Large numbers of devotees throng the temple during the festival of Navratra. National Highway 1A, Darui, Jammu and Kashmir 184120 097976 36233
The temple of Kolkandoli is located in Nagrota, 13 km away from Jammu. According to legend, mother goddess appeared as a small child in Nagrota and practiced spiritual austerities for 12 years. During those times, mother used to play with little children. One day, a girl child felt thirsty, the divine child gave a bowl (Kol) and when it was shaken, water gushed out. It was believed that Kolkandoli temple was built by Pandavai. This temple has been considered to be gateway to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Jagti Road, Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir 181221
Kameshwar temple in Akhnoor is believed to be an ancient temple dated back to 5000 years back during the days of Pandavas. However, edifice of the temple is not very old. The main sanctum sanctorum has three Shiva lingams in irregular shapes along with the idols of three Ganeshji. Surrounding shrines of the complex houses the shrines of Hanuman, Ram-Lakshman-Sita-Hanuman, Nataraj, Kali along with Shiva at her feet, Indra, Shiv-Parvati-Ganesh and Panchmukh Hanuman. The entrance of the temple has two big Shiv Lingams and two idols of Nandi (the bull God). Near the entrance, the idols of Chitragupta, Saneeswara and Dharmaraja are also found. Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir 181201
The famous shrine of Sukrala Mata is located in Billawar in Kathua district at a height of 3500 feet from sea level. According to local belief, the temple is abode of goddess Mal Devi, re-incarnation of Sharda Devi. It is believed to have been built by Madho Singh, exiled prince of Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of devotees throng the shrine during Navratras The most famous shrine in Billawar is Sukrala Devi Shrine at a height of 3500 ft on a hillock amidst sylvan surroundings at a distance of 10 km fromBillawar and about 75 km from Kathua. The temple has white-line-coated edifice. The pilgrims have to scale flights of many steps to reach the temple. Sukrala, Jammu and Kashmir 184204
The Bala Sundri temple is situated at Sundrikote in the Shivalik hills of Billawar tehsil of Kathua district. Located at an elevation of 1000 meters above sea level, the shrine provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The temple has Goddess Bala as presiding deity, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Numbers of devotees visit the temple during navratras to seek blessings of mother goddess. Nagri-Parole, Jammu and Kashmir 184151
Situated at a distance of less than 1 km from each other, the Sui and the Burj temple are the temple of Sri Ram and Sita known for its exquisite architecture and elaborate murals and paintings. Burj temple represents blended architectural style of Rajasthan and Gurudwara that dating back to the time of Maharaj Ranjit Singh. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Ram and Sita. It also has rich and beautiful paintings on the walls of the sanctum which depicts scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leela. In Sui village, there is a big Rahgunathji temple within wide rectangular premises. This temple was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The temple is also known by the name of Sui Simbli temple. A legend of Baba Prem Dass ji is closely associated with this temple and a Samadhi of Baba is also located within the premises. The idols of Lord Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman of the temple stated to be originally of gold were later on converted into an alloy. This temple too has mural painting from epic Ramayana.
Purmandal Temple, often referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’, is a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. At a distance of about 30 km from Jammu city, it is located on the bank of River Devak. There are multi shiv lingams at the temple and most of the lingam have originated naturally called in local dialect as ‘Aap Shambhu’. Hundreds of devotees throng the place to pay obeisance to Umapati (Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and obtain their blessThe closest airport to reach here is Jammu Airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. “Purmandal” is a holy place located in Jammu DistricThet, Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 30 km to the east of Jammu. It is also referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’.ing to lead a happy and prosperous life. In historical period, great Guru Nanak and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab have visited this temple. An annual 3 day Purmandal Mela is organized during Shivratri to celebrate the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. On Shivratri the region of Jammu wears a festive look. The closest airport to reach here is Jammu Airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. “Purmandal” is a holy place located in Jammu District,Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 30 km to the east ofJammu. It is also referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’. Purmandal Dristrict Samba Purmandal Jammu and Kashmir, 181145 094191 10220
Sarthal Mata Temple, also known as Athra Bhuja Devi temple, is a cave temple having a single piece black statue of 18- armed goddess, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This idol was brought from the valley of Kashmir in 14th century. At a distance of 18 km from Kishtwar, it is located in a lush wooded hilly trekking site. Every year an annual Yatra has been organized by the Shri Sarthal Devi Shrine Management Council during Ashar Shudi Ashtami and Navmi (June-July). Thousands of pilgrims throng the temple during the celebration to seek blessings of goddess and also to experience the sights of fire dance or walking on fire activities. _According to legend, it is believe that Goddess Athara Bhuja came from her abode Hari Parbat in Kashmir Valley through Sighpora pass and took rest in the cave where now temple is situated. Locals also said that mother Sharika relocate to Kishtwar during winter season. The sacred temple of Mata is located at Sarthalwhich is 30 km from Kishtwar town connected by a vehicular road which takes off from Hasti from the NH-1B 11 kms ahead of Kishtwar town. National Highway 1B, Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir 182204 095969 92524
Buddha Amarnath Temple, dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, is one of the oldest shrines of Jammu region. It is located in the village of Rajpura in tehsil Mandi of Poonch district. The River Pulsata flows by the temple, is considered to be sacred where pilgrims take bath before entering to the temple. A mythological legend is associated with the river and it has been named after Rishi Pulsata, grandfather of Ravana. Shivlinga of this temple is not naturally formed and made up of white stone. Buddha Amarnath shrine is older than the historical cave shrine of Amarnathji in Kashmir. This ancient temple is popularly known for Raksha Bandhan Mela and Chari Mubarak Yatra in which every year thousands of devotees from across India participate. The Swami Budha Amarnath Ji Mandir is located at a distance of 25 km to the North East of Poonch. The temple is situated in between the Pir Panchal Range on the confluence of two streams, Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. The temple of Swami Buddha Amarnath Ji is made of a big stone. Mandi, Jammu and Kashmir 185102
Lakshmi Narayan Temple of Jammu is situated in Gandhi Nagar area. It was built by Raja Jambu Lochan early centuries and thus counted as one of the ancient temples of the region. This temple is not as famous as Raghunath temple and Bawey Wali mata but is definitely worth a visit. Huge numbers of devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings of Lord Narayanan and Goddess Lakshmi.\
Temple of Sudh Mahadev is believed to be 2800 years old and this ancient temple houses a natural black marble lingam, Trishul (trident) of Lord Shiva and a mace (Gada) of Bheema, one of the five legendary Pandava brothers. This holy temple of Lord Shiva is located in Chanhani, a town near Patnitop at an altitude of 1225 meters and is about 120 kms from Jammu. The Shrine is thronged with pilgrims from across the country on the full moon night of Shravan month (July-August) of vikram calendar to worship the “Trishul” (trident) and mace. A 3-day fair is also held during this period where devotees can also enjoy cultural programs. Patnitop and end at Sudh Mahadev on the Chenani – Lati road. Sudh Mahadev is 20 kilometres from Chenani town. Chenani is a major town on the NH1A connecting Jammu to Srinagar. Hotels for every budget are available at Patnitop. Sudhmahadev, Jammu and Kashmir 182141
Shiv Khori is a famous cave shrine, situated in Reasi tehsil of Udhampur District. It is considered second only to the Vaishno Devi in religious importance. It is one of the most revered cave shrines of Lord Shiva with a naturally formed Shiva lingam. The cave is more than 150 meter long, 1 meter wide and two to three meters high with 4 feet Shiva Lingam which constantly baths in natural milky lime fluid dripping from the roof. The cave is full of natural impression and images of various gods and goddesses of Hindu religion, which are believed to be that 33 crores Hindu deities. For which, Shiv Khori is also known as ‘Home of Gods’.
Panchbakhtar Temple also known by the name of Rupai Wala Mndir, is one of the oldest Shiva Temple in the region of Jammu. The Lingam of the temple is self manifested. This temple of rare antiquity, heritage and spiritual importance, is situated in the heart of the city, in an area of more than twenty five kanals, at Panchvaktar Mahadev Road, Jammu. It has since long been known as Dashnam Akhara and very deeply connected with Amar Nath Yatra.
Ranbireshwar Temple is an important ancient temple in the city of Jammu. It is ideally located in Shalimar Road near new secretariat of Jammu and Kashmir. This magnificent temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, one of the rulers from Dogra Kingdom. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and with an 8 feet Shiva lingam in its sanctum, it is considered to be one of the larger Shiva temples of Northern India. Apart from main lingam, there are around 1.25 lakh dwarf Shiva lingams of crystal available in its gallery. Paintings of Ganesh and Kartikeya are also available in one of the galleries of the temple. Devotees visit the temple during morning and evening prayer when aartis were being performed. On special occasions like Shivratri, the temple is thronged with large number of devotees. Shalimar road in front of Jammu-Kashmir civil secretariat in Jammu city,
Peer Kho is a cave temple located on the circular road in Jammu, just 3.5 km away from city center. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has a naturally formed Shiva lingam. Commonly referred as cave temple, Peer Kho houses two natural caves. It is also called as ‘Jamvant Cave’ as it is said to believe that Ramayan character ‘Jamvant’ (the Beer God) meditated in this cave. Devotees throng the temple on Poormina, Amavasya and Ekadashi of every month. During Shivratri, Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, some important festivals held in this temple. Located near the Tawi river in Jammu one can reach the temple easily by any means of transport in the city.
The famous Bawey Wali Mata Temple is located inside the historic Bahu Fort. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the presiding deity of the city. Devotees throng the place to seek divine blessing of the goddess and also to spend some quality time amidst the beauty of River Tawi and Bagh-e Bahu. Tuesday and Sunday are considered to be especially sacred and holy to worship the deity. It is also commonly referred as the Mahamaya temple by the locals. Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Raghunath Temple is located right in the center of Jammu City on the bank of River Tawi. The most popular temple of the Jammu region is dedicated to Lord Rama. There are total seven temples in the complex of Raghumath temple, which makes it as the largest temple complex in Northern India. The main idol of deity Rama of the temple was brought from Ayodhya, the birthplace of Rama. There are good numbers of galleries that houses 12,00000 shaligrams, the emblem of Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple was built by Maharaj Gulab Singh, Dogra ruler and completed by his son Maharaj Ranbir Singh. Interior of the temple is embellished with gold plated materials, arts and paintings. Located in Katra, some 60 minutes away from Jammu city, you can reach the Raghunath temple by the regular bus services from the city or by hiring a cab. Fatthu Chaugan, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Situated at a distance of 62 km from Jammu, the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located in Trikuta Mouninta at an elevation of 1615 meters from sea level. The shrine is considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. This is the place where devotees throng to pay homage to the Mother Goddess throughout the year. To reach the cave temple, devotees need to undertake 14 km uphill trekking on foot from Katra. Nowadays, chopper services are also available from Banganga to Sanji Chatt. In the shrine, mother goddess is worshiped in the form of three rock cut pindies that represents the Goddess Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station is the nearest railway station to the pilgrimage, some 20 km. Away from the Holy Bhawan. Although there is no direct flight connectivity, the nearest airport is in Jammu Tawi, which is some 46.7 km. away from Katra, if you travel via NH 144. Regular bus services ply between the base at Katra and other cities in India, primarily from Jammu Tawi, New Delhi, Amritsar etc. to begin with. Jammu Airport, or Sarwari Airport, is the nearest airport that serves Katra. Regular air services ply for Katra through this airport. Once you have touched down, take a taxi from the airport and voila, you reach Katra in an hour. Buses are also available for this route. In Katra, however, helicopter services are available for the main Bhawan till Sanjhhi Chat, which is some 5 km. from the Holy Bhawan. Nearest Airport: Jammu – 34 kms from Vaishno Devi Regular bus services ply to and fro the base of the pilgrimage, that is Katra. Buses, at extremely affordable rates, are available from places like New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu Tawi as the list goes on. You can also take a shared taxi or cab once you’ve arrived at Jammu Tawi. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at Katra is the nearest railway station from the holy cave of Vaishno Devi. Regular train services ply from almost every major city of India, which earlier stopped at Jammu Tawi. Luxurious accommodation is also available just near the railway station. Sree Shakti train that starts from Delhi on Friday evenings and returns to Delhi on Sunday morning is the best way to reach Vaishno Devi.
The Sudh Mahadev Temple is about 2400 years old and is situated in Udhampur district and a height of 1225 meters. Like many temples located here, this one too has an interesting legend to it. It is said that once Goddess Parvati was immersed in a deep prayer when a demon called Sudheet who was actually an ardent devotee of Shiva, approached her to pay obeisance. However seeing his demonic built, Parvati got frightened and shrieked. Hearing her shriek that echoed across the valley, Lord Shiva came to her rescue and stabbed Sudheet with his Trishula. While doing so he noticed the demon chant his name. Shiva realized he had killed his devotee and trued to bring him back to life. However, the demon replied that getting killed by the holy hands of Lord Shiva would give him ‘moksh’ or salvation. Hearing this Lord Shiva was so pleased that he announced that henceforth, Sudheet’s name would be taken before his own. And as you might have guessed by now, at the place where Parvati was worshipping, a shivling came to be known as Sudhaahadev. What a legend that was. Even today, you will find this shivling and the trishula housed at the Sudh Mahandev Temple. Also , the temple has this eternal flame called ‘dhooni’ which is supposedly burning since Baba Dhoop Nath resided here. The temple is by the banks of River Devak and this adds all the more to its mystic. After taking a bath in the Dewak Nadi, the pilgrims worship Lord Shiva and Parvati in the Temple. After worshipping Gauri Kund, the pilgrims go to Gaukaran, about 0.5Kms from Sudhmahadev. Then they climb up another 2 Kms of mountaineous area to reach another sacred place ‘Nada’.
The Martand Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya and built during the 8th century CE. Martand is another Sanskrit name for the Hindu Sun-god. Now in ruins, the temple is located five miles from Anantnag in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was destroyed during the sultanate of Sikandar Butshikan. Martand Sun Temple, a spectacular shrine dedicated to Surya (the Sun), lies at a distance of over five miles from Anantnag in the heavenly state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This structure is a Kashmiri Hindu Temple and is known as one of the most elegant structures ever built in India. Even in a wrecked state, the temple shares it’s story with the ones who genuinely want to listen. The architecture is breathtaking and the vibe somewhat nostalgic but so enticing that it makes travellers want to come here. A walk across the courtyard is a must for visitors to notice the brilliantly fused designs and carvings on the structure that still stand the tests of time and weather.
The term Adhkuwari is believed to have come from Adi kumari, which means “The Eternal Virgin”. According to the legend, when Vaishnavi, in the form of a small girl, disappeared from the Bhandaara organized by Pandit Shridhar, she halted at Banganga and Charan Paduka. From there she reached Adhkuwari, where, in a small womb shaped cave she meditated and observed spiritual discipline (Tapasya) for nine long months. The exact spot where she is believed to have meditated is located at the right hand side inside the cave and is shaped like a womb. Since Vaishnavi had observed spiritual discipline in a womb shaped cave for a period of nine months, this cave has become popular by the name of Garbh Joon, which has come from the term Garbh Yoni meaning the Womb. It is generally believed that by merely passing through this cave, a devotee’s sins are cleansed and his soul becomes pious again. The cave temple falls on the route to Bhavan, approximately midway between Katra and the main shrine. You can get here on foot or helicopter. Trikuta Parvat, Reasi District, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301, India
Mangalam Devi Temple is a revered centre of Idukki district, located at a distance of 15 km from Thekkady in Kerala. It is perched on a hill, at an altitude of 1337 above the sea level. The auspicious occasion of Chitra Pournami is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the shrine. For homage at the temple, tourists need to have an approval of forest authorities. pipe line, Khar, RPF Colony, Jawahar Nagar, Khar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
Peer Badesar Temple, built in 142 AD, is located at Veer Vadweshavar village in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir. Veer Vadweshavar is about 60 km from Rajouri.The temple is believed to have been constructed by King Kanishka in memory of Veer Vadweshavar, the son of Lord Shiva. After defeating the King Dakasha, Veer Vadweshavar stayed at this village, where Kanishka afterward built this temple. As the temple is situated just on the border between Rajouri and the Pak Occupied Kashmir (POK), prior permission of the District Magistrate is required to visit this temple. Being situated at an altitude of 1524 m, the temple offers a panoramic view of the villages of Pak Occupied Kashmir. All the four sides of this temple and both the sides of the passage to the temple are covered with numerous bells. From Rajouri, it is 3 hours journey by bus to the Peer Badesar Temple.
Baba Dhansar Temple is located 15 km away from Katra on way to Salal Dam. A huge spring emerging from the rocks forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before flowing into the holy river that merges with the Chenab River. At Baba Dhansar Temple, devotees find a naturally formed Shivling, on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace throughout the year.
Jyeshtheswara Temple holds various myths and beliefs as it is considered to be built by Pandavas during 5th century. Some other researchers believe that this temple was built in 6th century by king Gopaditya and others believe that it was constructed by Jaluka, son of Emperor Ashoka. In 8th century, this temple was renovated and remodelled by King Lalitaditya Muktapida. Durgjan, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Mamaleshwar Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Pahalgam, with its history dating back to the 12th century. Built by King Jayasimha on the right bank of River Lidder, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple encompasses a pedestal and a Shiva Lingam, with a pure water spring covered by a basin. Situated 1 km downstream from Pahalgam, this temple is easily accessible from the town on foot. ahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Banganga Temple is one of the worship centres in the destination, which is about 3 km from Katra. As per myths, Goddess Durga on her way to Trikuta Hills from Bhumika Temple made a halt at the site, as Langoor Vir was thirsty. After watching his misery, Goddess shot an arrow into the stone to produce a spring, which is called as Banganga. If you are wondering how to reach banganga temple complex. The address of banganga temple complex is Teen Batti, Malabar Hill Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006, India and this page shows you how far it is from the nearest railway stations and from the nearest airports. ixigo Trip Planner shows you the location of banganga temple complex on a map of mumbai and shows you the best way to get to banganga temple complex. For less popular places, it’s easier to ask locals how to get to the nearby hotels or nearby attractions listed on this page. But the best is the print the map available on this page and carry it with you so that you know for banganga temple complex – best way to get there. Good luck finding the way Banganga Cross Lane, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
Bahu Temple is one of the ancient temples of Jammu, which is situated on a rock face on the left bank of River Tawi. The foundation stone of the temple within Bahu Fort complex is believed to have been laid over 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan. The holy shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali is popularly known as Bawey Wali Mata. The sanctum was set up in 1822 during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh. As per the folklore, Goddess Bawey Wali has mystical powers identical to Mata Vaishno Devi. Located at a distance of 5 km from Jammu city, the shrine is frequented by devotees every Tuesday and Sunday due to religious importance. Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Charan Paduka Temple is one of the religious sites, which is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Banganga. According to the mythological tales, Goddess Durga made a halt at the site when Bhairav Nath was chasing her. Positioned at an altitude of 3,380 ft, the site of holy footprints is one of the highlights of the destination Charan Paduka can be reached by 3 km trek from Badrinath. The path towards Charan Paduka is on the left side of Badrinath temple. Walk few meters and on the right side you will see stairs going upwards. Follow the stairs to reach Charan Paduka situated at Narayan Parvat.
Bhairon Temple is located at a distance of 1.42 km from the Bhawan. The temple is situated at the highest point of the adjacent hill at an altitude of 6,619 ft. This temple also involves a steep climb which can be undertaken by foot, ponies or palanquins. It is believed that the journey to Mata Vaishno Devi is not complete without the darshan in Bhairon Temple. According to the legends, Bhairon Nath was killed by Vaishno Devi and while seeking an apology, was given a boon of being the last link of the pilgrimage. Darshan inside Bhairon Temple is also in the rock form. It is believed that when Mata killed Bhairon Nath, his head fell at this place while his body remained at the entrance of the holy cave. There is also a Havan Kund at the temple, whose ashes are considered to be sacred. Magar Adi, Mohmmadwadi Road, Hadapsar Gaon, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharashtra 411028
The holy cave or Amarnath Shrine is the abode of Lord Shiva. Shri Amarnath Shrine is located at the end of valley Lidder at a distance of 46 kms from Pahalgam and 14 kms from Baltal (Sonmarg), at an elevation of 3,888 meters. Amarnathji is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams. The holy ice-lingam is formed naturally in this cave. Darshan of holy lingam can be done in Month of Savan (August)through the Amarnath yatra which is organised by Amarnath shrine board. commenly pilgrimage journey can be opted by Chandanbari route via Pahalgam which is 96 kms from srinagar and 280 kms from Jammu. The world famous shrine of Amarnathji is situated about 48 Kms. from Pahalgam and attracts devotees from all over India. It is located in the upper reaches of District Anantnag at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. from the sea level. Because of this height, the cave is covered with snow for most of the year.
The Rani Temple was once a royal temple of Dogra dynasty of erstwhile princely state Jammu and Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated on a small hillock in the heart of Gulmarg town. The most interesting fact about this temple is that it can be seen from all nooks and corners of the town. The Rani Temple, also known as Maharani temple or Mohineshwar Shivalaya was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh in 1915. When King Hari Singh was spending his time in royal palace in Gulmarg, his queen used to visit this temple to worship Lord Shiva. Now, the temple remains open every day from 6 am to 9 pm and aarti is perfomed twice a day. Nearest Railway Station:- Baramulla Railway Station Nearest Airport:- Srinagar Airport
Pandrethan is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that lies within a square shaped tank to the north of Jhelum River. It is located about four miles from Srinagar city. The temple, also once known as Meru Vardhana Swami, was built by Meru, minister to King Partha who ruled Kashmir from 921-931 AD. The roof of the temple was carved out of a single piece of rock and known for its impressive designs and illustrations. The domed roof and arches of the temple are the best examples of classic Kashmiri architecture. Pandrethan is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that lies within a square shaped tank to the north of Jhelum River. It is located about four miles from Srinagar city. The temple, also once known as Meru Vardhana Swami, was built by Meru, minister to King Partha who ruled Kashmir from 921-931 AD.
Religious texts mention of different reasons for having Lord Ganesha as the doorkeeper. One of the stories says that it was Mamleshwar Temple where Lord Ganesh stood as a doorkeeper for her mother and didn’t allow Lord Shiva to enter its premises. Consequently, Lord Shiva cuts his head off without knowing that he was his own son and following his mother’s order. Dating back to 400 AD, this impressive stone edifice is about a kilometre away from Pahalgam, resting amid mist-covered mountains. The complex is lush green and is situated across the Kolahoi stream, which is another beautiful attraction of the region. This temple is not big by any means and is barely under 8 square feet internally, has a porch supported in the 2 columns. It houses an old pedestal and a Shiva Linga. Surprisingly, a spring of remarkably pure water rises from under the temple site and is enclosed in a basin in front of the stairs. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126 Owing to such facts, Mamleshwar is also referred as Mammal temple (Mam Mal- Don’t go). The presiding deity inside the temple is a Shiva linga with a water-spring. The sacred complex also has a shrine that is entirely festooned with gold, and was put-up during the rule of a former king. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Mattan Temple is a famous Hindu religious site located very near to Pahalgam. This temple was once an important pilgrimage seat of Kashmiri Pundits. It has beautiful Shiva Lingam that is preserved within a brick structure surrounded by a crystal clear pond. Since ages, this is the place where Kashmiri pundits and priests worship Sun God together. The pond in the temple complex is abounding with large number of fishes. Srinagar international airport is the nearest international airport to Pahalgam, which is located 96 km from Srinagar airport Udhampur and Jammu are the closest rail heads to Pahalgam. While Udhampur is located at a distance of 217 km from Pahalgam, Jammu is 285 km awa Pahalgam is well-connected to Jammu and Srinagar via a good network of roads. State bus services and private buses are available from Jammu, Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis are also available to reach Pahalgam.
Located in Rambirpora kehribal, 9 km from Islamabad (Anatanag), the majestic Martand Temple is an important archeological site (historical ruins) in India. Built to dedicate Sun God, it is second to the Konark Sun Temple (Orissa). This marvel piece of art and architecture was built by King Lalitaditya in the period between 7th to 8th centuries. The style and the skill exhibited in its construction of the temple are rare in the history of the world. The patterns and architectural styles of the temple have the close resemblance with the Greek. The temple has been built with huge and strong square of limestones and still stands imposing. This ancient temple was attacked by Skinadar Butshikan. It took one year for him to fully damage and destroy this temple. However, ruins of today still evoke the architectural grandeur of this impressive structure. The temple complex is easily reachable as it is located at Kehribal, about 9 kilometres fromAnantnag. One may choose to take an hour-long taxi or a cab ride from Pahalgam to reach the enticing ruins in Kashmir.
Kheer Bhawani is a temple of goddess Ragnya Devi constructed over a sacred spring in Tula Mula village at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar. It has got the term kheer as most of the devotees offer kheer (rice pudding) to goddess, an incarnation of Durga Bhawani. This temple is one of the most revered religious sites for Kashmiri Pandits. The sacred spring is widely known for its mystical power to changes its color. While most of the colors do not have any significance, the black is considered as an inauspicious time for Kashmir. In 1912, Maharaja Pratap Singh constructed the temple and later Maharaja Hari Singh repaired it. Presently, the temple runs under the Dharmath Trust led by Dr. Karan Singh. Devotees from far and wide visit the temple to seek blessings of the mother goddess. The eight day of full moon in the month of May is considered to be sacred and also believed that on this day the sacred spring changed its color. An annual mela is also held in the premises of the temple during this period. Pilgrims in huge numbers thronged the temple to celebrate the day. One can easily reach Kheer Bhavani Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from Srinagar Duderhama Ganderbal Bridge, Tulla Mulla, 193501, Jammu and Kashmir
The Sharika Devi Temple is situated on westerns slope of the Hari Parvat in Srinagar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, an incarnation of Mata Durga/ Shakti. The idol inside the temple has 18 arms and is regarded as the presiding deity of the Srinagar by Hindu followers. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred sites by Kashmiri Pandits, this day is celebrated as Har Navum. The shrine is thronged with devotees in large number on the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati. They offer a special offering locally termed as ‘Taher Charvan’ (A dish of boiled rice with turmeric, oil and salt and another dish is of cooked liver of goat) to the goddess. There are 108 stone steps to reach the shrine ofDevi Sharika . Before entry one has to take permission from the security . The deity is also called Chakreswari. From the devi angan the view ofSrinagar city / Dal Lake is amazing.
The Shankaracharya Temple, also known by the name of Jyotishwara Temple or Pas-Pahar, is one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is situated atop of a hillock called as Takht-e-Sulaiman in the heart of the city of Srinagar. The temple dates back to 200 BC, however present structure was probably constructed in 9th Century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and highly revered by the followers of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. The temple was visited by great saint Adi Shankaracharya and has ever since been greatly associated with him. It is said that temple was originally built by Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka, a follower of Buddhist religion and hence the temple is also regarded as scared by the Buddhist people and they called this temple as Pas-Pahar. The Sharika Devi Temple is situated on westerns slope of the Hari Parvat in Srinagar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, an incarnation of Mata Durga/ Shakti. The idol inside the temple has 18 arms and is regarded as the presiding deity of the Srinagar by Hindu followers. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred sites by Kashmiri Pandits, this day is celebrated as Har Navum. The shrine is thronged with devotees in large number on the birthday of Sharika Bhagwati. They offer a special offering locally termed as ‘Taher Charvan’ (A dish of boiled rice with turmeric, oil and salt and another dish is of cooked liver of goat) to the goddess. Located on the Shankaracharya hill, the temple can reached by any means of transportation till a certain point, however, to reach till the entrance of the temple you will have to make a short walk. Durgjan, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
An ancient temple of Lord Shiva, also known as Aparneswar is located near Mantalai Lake. This is the place where mother Parvati was born and got married to Lord Shiva. The main shrine is very small and having an idol of Parvati as kanya. Another set of idols of Shiva and Parvati together and Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha is also found. However, the shiva lingam is the main idol of the temple. There are two idols of Nandi, the bull god facing the shrine. One divine rock (patthar) related to the wedding of Parvati and Shiva can also be spotted in this shrine. Jammu and Kashmir 182161
Gauri Kund is a natural spring, which has background of Hindu mythology. It is located near Sudh Mahadev (3 km), Mantalai and Patnitop in Jammu. According to legend, Goddess Parvati used to take bath in this spring just before she performed worship to Lord Shiva in Sudh Mahadev. To reach Gauri Kund, one has to trek around 1.5 km on a hilly route. Above the kund, there is a cave temple with the idols of Shiv and Parvati. A naturally formed shape of Ganesh on a rock piece is also found inside the cave. It is believed also that Parvati used to meditate in this cave. To reach Gauri Kund, one has to trek around 1.5 km on a hilly route.It is located near Sudh Mahadev (3 km), Mantalai and Patnitop in Jammu. According to legend, Goddess Parvati used to take bath in this spring just before she performed worship to Lord Shiva in Sudh Mahadev. To reach Gauri Kund, one has to trek around 1.5 km on a hilly route.
The Ramkund Temple is one of the most ancient and important religious site of the Jammu region. At a distance of 62 km from Poonch Township, the temple is located at a sleepy village called Narol, which is 11 km away from Mendhar Tehsil. As per archeological survey, this beautiful and ancient temple was built by King Lalitaditya during the period of 724 to 761 AD. While local people believed that the temple was originally built by Ram himself on his way to Kashmir and later Lalitaditya renovated it. There are three beautiful spring around the temple and they are known by the name of Ram Kund, Lakshman Kund and Sita Kund. Taking holy dips in these springs are considered to be very auspicious. Devotees in a large numbers come to visit the temple in the first half of Hindu month of Chaitra and take bath in these kunds. Ramkund Mandir is located around 4 km from the villaeg of Mandhar in Poonch. There are three springs known as Ram Kund, Sita Kund and Lakshman Kund in this temple. Devotees in a large number take a dip in these waterbodies during the Hindu month of Chaitra.
Aap Shambhu Temple located on Sathrian in Roopnagar area of Jammu City, is an ancient temple having a self manifested lingam in its sanctum. According to local belief and legend, in ancient days, this place was an uninhabited jungle and cows and buffaloes shed entire milk on the lingam. This ancient temple holds an important position among the local residents and thus, huge numbers of devotees throng the place to offer homage to Lord Shiva. Roop Nagar Housing Colony Main Road, Upper Roopnagar, Chinore, Jammu, 180013 088039 07973
Dudhadhari Temple, also known by the name of Dudhadhari Barfani Ashram, is situated in Shashtri Nagar housing colony in Jammu. The temple was built in the memory of Saint Dudhadhari Baba, who is believed to have survived only on milk. This is the tallest temple in the city of Jammu. Shastri Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180004
Babore Temples are the ruins of six temples within a radius of 1 km and the complex situated in Dhar road Babore near Manwal in Udhampur district, 50 km away from Udhampur City. Imposing structure of the temple has immense archeological importance with rich religious ancestry. At present, ruins of only three temples are in the state of recognizable. Of which, 2 are still used by the local residents for worship, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Architectural structures of these temples bear striking resemblance with the temples built by King Lalitaditya in 8th century at Wangal in Kashmir. The stones, monolithic beams, pillars used for the construction are about 12 feet long, and their sculptures and carving are marvelous and imposing.
Gadadharji Temple is situated close to Mubarak Mandi (Old Secretariat) in Jammu and it commands and prominent position in the rich cultural legacy of Dogra Kingdom. Devoted to Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi, the temple was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. There are life size statues of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi in the temple.
Machail Mata, also known as Chandi Mata, is an important pilgrimage site in Paddar of Kishtwar region. Surrounded by the snow clad mountain ranges, it is located at an altitude of 9500 feet. Devotees need to cover a trek route of 30 km on foot to reach the temple from Gulabgarh, the last village connected by the motorable road. Annually, thousands of pilgrims pay visit to the shrine to seek blessings of Mata Machail wali. Infact, the number of pilgrims with each passing year has kept on increasing manifolds. As per legend, Mata Chandi appreared in the form of pindi, the same as it is in Mata Vaisho Devi. An annual Yatra of Mata Machail held in the month of August. The Yatra starts from Chinoti (Bhaderwah) and ends at Machail at the shrine. This is a two day journey from Atholi via Gulabgarh. Thousands of pilgrims from far and wide places partake in the Yatra to pay obeisance to Mata Chandi. Machail is a small village at an altitude of 2958m in the utmost scenic Padder Valley of Kishtwar district in Jammu region of J&K.Padder or Gulabgarh is 290 km from Jammu city and 66 km from Kishtwar. To reach the shrine, lot of travel agents arrange buses from Jammu, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Bhaderwah. The nearest airport is at Jammu, 245 Kms. from Kishtwar. The nearest rail head is at Udhampur (166 Kms), and another rail head is at Jammu Tawi (240 Kms) Machail is one of the far flung area of Kishtwar which is not connected to motorable road. Regular buses ply between Kishtwar to Gulabgarh only, after that you have to trek in between beautiful valley of Paddar to reach the destination. Tourists can avail other services like Sumo, Taxi, Tavera, etc also.
Gupt Ganga Temple is an important ancient religious shrine of the Bhaderwah region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that the shrine have been positioned in the same place where the Pandavas spent a few days in Bhaderwah during their exile days. Even one of the rocks at the temple has the footprint of Bhim, the 2nd Pandava brother. The temple is located on the bank of Neru River and made up of purely stone slab. Indeed, the dome of the temple is also made of stones in circular shape. According to legend, River Ganga suddenly falls on the Shiv lingam and then disappeared and this is why it is known as Gupt Ganga. Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 182222
Ancient temple complex of Krimchi village bear relics of rich historical culture and tradition of the region. The temple complex is located 20 km and 8 km away from Jammu and Udhampur respectively. The complex houses three of oldest temples that believed to have been constructed in the period of 11th to 12th centuries. The height of the main temple is 50 feet and it is decorated with abstract designs. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha and Goddess Parvati. The imposing structures of the temples indicate the Greek (Hellenic) influences. krimchi tem The main temple is around 50 feet high. On their way to these temples, pilgrims usually stop over at the sarai Krimchi. Travel to Krimchi automatically means a tour to Sudhmahadev-Mantalai Shrine. At a little distance from Krimchi lies Pancheri, which is a picturesque Hill Resort. Kiramchi Temple Road, Kiramchi, Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir 182121
Vasuki Nag Temple dedicated to snake god (Son of Kashyapa and Kadru), is located in Bhaderwah in Doda district. The temple enshrines a single black stone piece idol of Vasuki Naag and Raja Jamute Vahan. It is a marvelous piece of art and sculpture of the region. The idol is mysteriously standing of its won without any support. Annual 3-day Kailash Yatra of Bhderwah commence only after the ritual puja at this temple. Devotees from far and wide come to visit the temple and pay obeisance to Lord Vasuki.
Mahabilvakeshwar Temple is located in Mooni in Billawar of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on the bank of Bhinni, the main tributary of River Ujh. The unique spherical dome of the temple attracts the tourists from far off place. It also serves as the storehouse of art and architecture of the region. Here, one can find rare images of lingam.
The Shiva Temple of Basohli is located at the heart of the city on the bank of River Ravi and houses an ancient Shivlingam, which to have been brought by the Pandavas when they came to Basohli during their agytavaas (exile). This famous Shivlingam was originally some kind of gem and known to have some mystical power. Over the years, it has turned into black color but still looks like a diamond.
Sheshnag temple located on the eastern bank of the Mansar Lake is dedicated to Lord Serpent. It is known for its story of bringing happiness and blessings to newlyweds and that is why, newly married couple from far and wide flock to the temple to seek divine blessings. It is also believed that anyone who dips on the holy water on Mansar Lake will be rectified and brought purity upon him/her. Sheshnag is known to possess six heads and is flanked by smaller snakes that are depicted in the form of iron chains.
Chichi Mata Temple is one of the revered religious sites of the state and it is commonly considered to be the gateway to the temple of Vaishno Devi. The shrine is located in samba region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said to be the pehla darshan and integral part of the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The Yatra of Vaishno Mata remains incomplete unless one pay visit to Chichi Mata. Large numbers of devotees throng the temple during the festival of Navratra. National Highway 1A, Darui, Jammu and Kashmir 184120 097976 36233
The temple of Kolkandoli is located in Nagrota, 13 km away from Jammu. According to legend, mother goddess appeared as a small child in Nagrota and practiced spiritual austerities for 12 years. During those times, mother used to play with little children. One day, a girl child felt thirsty, the divine child gave a bowl (Kol) and when it was shaken, water gushed out. It was believed that Kolkandoli temple was built by Pandavai. This temple has been considered to be gateway to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Jagti Road, Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir 181221
Kameshwar temple in Akhnoor is believed to be an ancient temple dated back to 5000 years back during the days of Pandavas. However, edifice of the temple is not very old. The main sanctum sanctorum has three Shiva lingams in irregular shapes along with the idols of three Ganeshji. Surrounding shrines of the complex houses the shrines of Hanuman, Ram-Lakshman-Sita-Hanuman, Nataraj, Kali along with Shiva at her feet, Indra, Shiv-Parvati-Ganesh and Panchmukh Hanuman. The entrance of the temple has two big Shiv Lingams and two idols of Nandi (the bull God). Near the entrance, the idols of Chitragupta, Saneeswara and Dharmaraja are also found. Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir 181201
The famous shrine of Sukrala Mata is located in Billawar in Kathua district at a height of 3500 feet from sea level. According to local belief, the temple is abode of goddess Mal Devi, re-incarnation of Sharda Devi. It is believed to have been built by Madho Singh, exiled prince of Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of devotees throng the shrine during Navratras The most famous shrine in Billawar is Sukrala Devi Shrine at a height of 3500 ft on a hillock amidst sylvan surroundings at a distance of 10 km fromBillawar and about 75 km from Kathua. The temple has white-line-coated edifice. The pilgrims have to scale flights of many steps to reach the temple. Sukrala, Jammu and Kashmir 184204
The Bala Sundri temple is situated at Sundrikote in the Shivalik hills of Billawar tehsil of Kathua district. Located at an elevation of 1000 meters above sea level, the shrine provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The temple has Goddess Bala as presiding deity, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Numbers of devotees visit the temple during navratras to seek blessings of mother goddess. Nagri-Parole, Jammu and Kashmir 184151
Situated at a distance of less than 1 km from each other, the Sui and the Burj temple are the temple of Sri Ram and Sita known for its exquisite architecture and elaborate murals and paintings. Burj temple represents blended architectural style of Rajasthan and Gurudwara that dating back to the time of Maharaj Ranjit Singh. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Ram and Sita. It also has rich and beautiful paintings on the walls of the sanctum which depicts scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leela. In Sui village, there is a big Rahgunathji temple within wide rectangular premises. This temple was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The temple is also known by the name of Sui Simbli temple. A legend of Baba Prem Dass ji is closely associated with this temple and a Samadhi of Baba is also located within the premises. The idols of Lord Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman of the temple stated to be originally of gold were later on converted into an alloy. This temple too has mural painting from epic Ramayana.
Purmandal Temple, often referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’, is a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. At a distance of about 30 km from Jammu city, it is located on the bank of River Devak. There are multi shiv lingams at the temple and most of the lingam have originated naturally called in local dialect as ‘Aap Shambhu’. Hundreds of devotees throng the place to pay obeisance to Umapati (Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and obtain their blessThe closest airport to reach here is Jammu Airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. “Purmandal” is a holy place located in Jammu DistricThet, Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 30 km to the east of Jammu. It is also referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’.ing to lead a happy and prosperous life. In historical period, great Guru Nanak and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab have visited this temple. An annual 3 day Purmandal Mela is organized during Shivratri to celebrate the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. On Shivratri the region of Jammu wears a festive look. The closest airport to reach here is Jammu Airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. “Purmandal” is a holy place located in Jammu District,Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 30 km to the east ofJammu. It is also referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’. Purmandal Dristrict Samba Purmandal Jammu and Kashmir, 181145 094191 10220
Sarthal Mata Temple, also known as Athra Bhuja Devi temple, is a cave temple having a single piece black statue of 18- armed goddess, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This idol was brought from the valley of Kashmir in 14th century. At a distance of 18 km from Kishtwar, it is located in a lush wooded hilly trekking site. Every year an annual Yatra has been organized by the Shri Sarthal Devi Shrine Management Council during Ashar Shudi Ashtami and Navmi (June-July). Thousands of pilgrims throng the temple during the celebration to seek blessings of goddess and also to experience the sights of fire dance or walking on fire activities. _According to legend, it is believe that Goddess Athara Bhuja came from her abode Hari Parbat in Kashmir Valley through Sighpora pass and took rest in the cave where now temple is situated. Locals also said that mother Sharika relocate to Kishtwar during winter season. The sacred temple of Mata is located at Sarthalwhich is 30 km from Kishtwar town connected by a vehicular road which takes off from Hasti from the NH-1B 11 kms ahead of Kishtwar town. National Highway 1B, Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir 182204 095969 92524
Buddha Amarnath Temple, dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, is one of the oldest shrines of Jammu region. It is located in the village of Rajpura in tehsil Mandi of Poonch district. The River Pulsata flows by the temple, is considered to be sacred where pilgrims take bath before entering to the temple. A mythological legend is associated with the river and it has been named after Rishi Pulsata, grandfather of Ravana. Shivlinga of this temple is not naturally formed and made up of white stone. Buddha Amarnath shrine is older than the historical cave shrine of Amarnathji in Kashmir. This ancient temple is popularly known for Raksha Bandhan Mela and Chari Mubarak Yatra in which every year thousands of devotees from across India participate. The Swami Budha Amarnath Ji Mandir is located at a distance of 25 km to the North East of Poonch. The temple is situated in between the Pir Panchal Range on the confluence of two streams, Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. The temple of Swami Buddha Amarnath Ji is made of a big stone. Mandi, Jammu and Kashmir 185102
Lakshmi Narayan Temple of Jammu is situated in Gandhi Nagar area. It was built by Raja Jambu Lochan early centuries and thus counted as one of the ancient temples of the region. This temple is not as famous as Raghunath temple and Bawey Wali mata but is definitely worth a visit. Huge numbers of devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings of Lord Narayanan and Goddess Lakshmi.\
Temple of Sudh Mahadev is believed to be 2800 years old and this ancient temple houses a natural black marble lingam, Trishul (trident) of Lord Shiva and a mace (Gada) of Bheema, one of the five legendary Pandava brothers. This holy temple of Lord Shiva is located in Chanhani, a town near Patnitop at an altitude of 1225 meters and is about 120 kms from Jammu. The Shrine is thronged with pilgrims from across the country on the full moon night of Shravan month (July-August) of vikram calendar to worship the “Trishul” (trident) and mace. A 3-day fair is also held during this period where devotees can also enjoy cultural programs. Patnitop and end at Sudh Mahadev on the Chenani – Lati road. Sudh Mahadev is 20 kilometres from Chenani town. Chenani is a major town on the NH1A connecting Jammu to Srinagar. Hotels for every budget are available at Patnitop. Sudhmahadev, Jammu and Kashmir 182141
Shiv Khori is a famous cave shrine, situated in Reasi tehsil of Udhampur District. It is considered second only to the Vaishno Devi in religious importance. It is one of the most revered cave shrines of Lord Shiva with a naturally formed Shiva lingam. The cave is more than 150 meter long, 1 meter wide and two to three meters high with 4 feet Shiva Lingam which constantly baths in natural milky lime fluid dripping from the roof. The cave is full of natural impression and images of various gods and goddesses of Hindu religion, which are believed to be that 33 crores Hindu deities. For which, Shiv Khori is also known as ‘Home of Gods’.
Panchbakhtar Temple also known by the name of Rupai Wala Mndir, is one of the oldest Shiva Temple in the region of Jammu. The Lingam of the temple is self manifested. This temple of rare antiquity, heritage and spiritual importance, is situated in the heart of the city, in an area of more than twenty five kanals, at Panchvaktar Mahadev Road, Jammu. It has since long been known as Dashnam Akhara and very deeply connected with Amar Nath Yatra.
Ranbireshwar Temple is an important ancient temple in the city of Jammu. It is ideally located in Shalimar Road near new secretariat of Jammu and Kashmir. This magnificent temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, one of the rulers from Dogra Kingdom. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and with an 8 feet Shiva lingam in its sanctum, it is considered to be one of the larger Shiva temples of Northern India. Apart from main lingam, there are around 1.25 lakh dwarf Shiva lingams of crystal available in its gallery. Paintings of Ganesh and Kartikeya are also available in one of the galleries of the temple. Devotees visit the temple during morning and evening prayer when aartis were being performed. On special occasions like Shivratri, the temple is thronged with large number of devotees. Shalimar road in front of Jammu-Kashmir civil secretariat in Jammu city,
Peer Kho is a cave temple located on the circular road in Jammu, just 3.5 km away from city center. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has a naturally formed Shiva lingam. Commonly referred as cave temple, Peer Kho houses two natural caves. It is also called as ‘Jamvant Cave’ as it is said to believe that Ramayan character ‘Jamvant’ (the Beer God) meditated in this cave. Devotees throng the temple on Poormina, Amavasya and Ekadashi of every month. During Shivratri, Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, some important festivals held in this temple. Located near the Tawi river in Jammu one can reach the temple easily by any means of transport in the city.
The famous Bawey Wali Mata Temple is located inside the historic Bahu Fort. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the presiding deity of the city. Devotees throng the place to seek divine blessing of the goddess and also to spend some quality time amidst the beauty of River Tawi and Bagh-e Bahu. Tuesday and Sunday are considered to be especially sacred and holy to worship the deity. It is also commonly referred as the Mahamaya temple by the locals. Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Raghunath Temple is located right in the center of Jammu City on the bank of River Tawi. The most popular temple of the Jammu region is dedicated to Lord Rama. There are total seven temples in the complex of Raghumath temple, which makes it as the largest temple complex in Northern India. The main idol of deity Rama of the temple was brought from Ayodhya, the birthplace of Rama. There are good numbers of galleries that houses 12,00000 shaligrams, the emblem of Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple was built by Maharaj Gulab Singh, Dogra ruler and completed by his son Maharaj Ranbir Singh. Interior of the temple is embellished with gold plated materials, arts and paintings. Located in Katra, some 60 minutes away from Jammu city, you can reach the Raghunath temple by the regular bus services from the city or by hiring a cab. Fatthu Chaugan, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Situated at a distance of 62 km from Jammu, the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located in Trikuta Mouninta at an elevation of 1615 meters from sea level. The shrine is considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. This is the place where devotees throng to pay homage to the Mother Goddess throughout the year. To reach the cave temple, devotees need to undertake 14 km uphill trekking on foot from Katra. Nowadays, chopper services are also available from Banganga to Sanji Chatt. In the shrine, mother goddess is worshiped in the form of three rock cut pindies that represents the Goddess Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station is the nearest railway station to the pilgrimage, some 20 km. Away from the Holy Bhawan. Although there is no direct flight connectivity, the nearest airport is in Jammu Tawi, which is some 46.7 km. away from Katra, if you travel via NH 144. Regular bus services ply between the base at Katra and other cities in India, primarily from Jammu Tawi, New Delhi, Amritsar etc. to begin with. Jammu Airport, or Sarwari Airport, is the nearest airport that serves Katra. Regular air services ply for Katra through this airport. Once you have touched down, take a taxi from the airport and voila, you reach Katra in an hour. Buses are also available for this route. In Katra, however, helicopter services are available for the main Bhawan till Sanjhhi Chat, which is some 5 km. from the Holy Bhawan. Nearest Airport: Jammu – 34 kms from Vaishno Devi Regular bus services ply to and fro the base of the pilgrimage, that is Katra. Buses, at extremely affordable rates, are available from places like New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu Tawi as the list goes on. You can also take a shared taxi or cab once you’ve arrived at Jammu Tawi. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at Katra is the nearest railway station from the holy cave of Vaishno Devi. Regular train services ply from almost every major city of India, which earlier stopped at Jammu Tawi. Luxurious accommodation is also available just near the railway station. Sree Shakti train that starts from Delhi on Friday evenings and returns to Delhi on Sunday morning is the best way to reach Vaishno Devi.
Jharkhand is a state located in eastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The state is also home to numerous ancient and revered temples that attract devotees and tourists from all over the world. These temples are not only a testament to the state’s cultural diversity and religious tolerance but also serve as an important source of spiritual and historical significance. Jharkhand boasts a vast collection of temples ranging from the prehistoric times to the modern era. The temples in the state offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. Some of the famous temples in the state include the Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, the Sun Temple in Ranchi, the Jagannath Temple in Ranchi, the Pahari Mandir in Ranchi, and the Angrabadi Temple in Khunti. The Baidyanath Temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India and is situated in the ancient city of Deoghar. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the auspicious month of Shravan, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The Sun Temple in Ranchi is another famous temple in the state and is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is a popular tourist destination. The Jagannath Temple in Ranchi is a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra and is known for its annual Rath Yatra festival. The Pahari Mandir in Ranchi is a temple located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees. The Angrabadi Temple in Khunti is a group of ancient temples that date back to the 9th century AD. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and other Hindu deities and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. In conclusion, Jharkhand’s temples are not only religious and spiritual centers but also a vital part of the state’s cultural heritage. These temples are not only places of worship but also a reflection of the rich history and traditions of India. Visiting these temples is a unique and enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of India.
An Ancient Temple of Lord Shiva, one of the pilgrimages of Jharkhand. Situated on the way to Ranchi-Tata and Shore of Swarnarekha river. A Fair is held every year on the eve of Makar Sankranti(Tusu Festival). You can reach Jayda temple from Kolkata Airport or Ranchi Airport By train. Nearest railway station is chandil. Jayda temple is 44 km from the Tata Nagar bus stand. NH-33 Ranchi-Tata Highway, Rd to joi da, Jharkhand 832404
It is famous religious center of the district known for its Shiv Temple. Every year during Sawan season local festival is celebrate for one month long.On Maha-shivratri Day, temple is visited by many disciples from different regions of Jharkhand. It is located on Khunti-Torpa road 9 kms from the district headquarter. Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is the nearest airport. It is around 30 km from Angrabari. There is no railway station in Angrabari. The nearest station to Angrabariis Hatia railway station. It is located on Khunti-Torpa road 9 kms from the district headquarter. It is around 30 km from Ranchi.
Prachin Shiv mandir, Khakparta is one of the most popular visitor spots in Lohardaga district. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This is located at atop a small hill in the Khakparta village of Lohardaga Sadar Block. It is famous for its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance. This Temple is 8 km apart distance from Lohardaga district headquarters. You can visit this famous mythological site from private vehicles via Haramu, Bhakso. The nearest airport to Lohardaga is Ranchi, which is located approximately 70 km away from here. Lohardaga railway station is connected to the Tori station of the Latehar district and state capital Ranchi The capital Ranchi, which is located approximately 70 km away from here. You can travel here from your private vehicle.
It is situated 28 km away from Ramgarh on the confluence of rivers Bhairavi and Damodar. This temple known as Chinnamastika temple finds place in our Vedas and Puranas and it has been recognized as an ancient and strong source of Shakti. It is believed that the person who devotes himself whole heartedly with pious heart to Maa Chinnamastika has all his wishes fulfilled by the Goddess. Devotees from all corners of Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal visit this holy place throughout the year. There is a large congregation of people here during the night of full Moon and New Moon. Marriages are also solemnized here on a large scale. The Art and architecture of Rajrappa temple bears resemblance to that of the famous Kamakhaya temple of Assam. Here, in addition to the temple of Maa Kali, there exists ten temples of various Gods and Goddesses like the Sun God and Lord Shiwa. The hot water spring adds beauty to this temple and during winter it turns into picnic spot. For accommodation Dhramashala, rest house and Guest house are easily available at Rajrappa. This site is also well connected to Ramgarh by road. The nearest airport is Ranchi (70 km (43 mi)) The nearest railway stations are Ramgarh Cant station (28 km (17 mi)), Get down at Ramgarh Cantonment and take a trekker or jeep to reach Rajrappa Mandir. From early morning to evening trekker or jeep are available at old bus stand. Rajrappa Road, Rajrappa, Jharkhand 829110
Situated in the Koderma-Giridih highway around 33 kms from the district headquarters. Maa chanchala devi temple is situated about 400 ft above the hilland is one of the form of goddess Durga.. Nearby hill there is a big cave having rock paintings of four forms of goddess Durga. Entering into the cave is difficult as the passage is very narrow.A large number of devotees reached here on Tuesday and Saturday in a week. Prasad used is Arwa rice and mishri.The use of sindur is prohibited. A large number of marriages, Mundan are solemnized here. Devotees has to go after taking bath. Violation of this rituals leads to punishment of insects bite. The nearest Domestic Airport is Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna, located at a distance of 165 Kms from Koderma. The second nearest Domestic Airport is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, 178 Kms from Koderma The railway station is located in Koderma and it is well connected with major cities like Patna,Ranchi, Jammu, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Old Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar etc. Chanchla dhaam is about 33 kms from the district headquarters
It is 35 kms. on the East of Chatra and 16 kms. west of Chauparan connected with G.T. Road. It is only half a km. away from Bhdrakali complex of Itkhori block headquarters; situated on the bank of river Mahanad (Mahane) surrounded by hill and forest. There is a water reservoir which has a natural beauty of its own. People flock to watch its eternal beauty on ‘ Bishua’ (Kartik Purnima- a festival after Chhath) and enjoy bath & sun bask. Nearest Airport is Ranchi Airport. Nearest Railway Station is Tori Station ( Chandwa ) 35 K.M. away at East side from Chatra District Headquarter. Bhadrakali Mandir Road, Itkori, Chatra, Jharkhand 825408 076448 59827
The Radha Krishna Mandir is a famous spot of visit in Nagar Untari, the fame is because of the golden idols which are worshiped here. It is said that this Statue is of 32 mand of Gold. This place is famous for Baba Bansidhar and Raja Pahari. This temple contains century old gold statue of Radha-Krishna and Raja Pahari(Shiva Temple) located at the Top of a Hill. The Nearest airport is Ranchi Airport (248 km) and Varanasi Airport (110 km) The Nearest Railway Station is Untari (12 km). Mehuria Railway station , which is located on the Chopan-Garhwa railway line is located 3 kilometers away from Baba Banshidhar-Shiva Pahari. Vanshidhar Temple is located 39 KM towards west from District head quarters Garhwa. Garhwa, Jharkhand 822114
It is about 39 km. From Ranchi on Tata Road near Bundu stands this temple on which desolates bush green are found. The elegant Sun temple is fashioned in the form of huge chariot with richly decorated 18 wheels and seven life like horses ready to take of. Built by Sanskrit Vihar headed by Shri Ram Maroo, the managing director of Ranchi Express, the Sun temple deserves the title “a poem in stone”.
The temple complex houses temples of Lord Ganesh, Ram-Sita, Hanuman and Shiva. The great Shankracharya Swami Swarupanand Saraswati renamed it as Amreshwar Dham because of its tranquil beauty. Angrabadi temple complex accommodates the temples of Lords Ganpati, Ram-Sita and Hanuman and Shiva. The Shankracharya Swami Swarupanand Saraswati, having been captivated by the serene, placid and celestial beauty of Angrabadi rechristened it as Amreshwar Dham. Angrabadi temple is about 56 km from Ranchi in Jharkhand. It is a temple complex in Khunti.
Maluti temples are a group of 72 extant terracotta temples (out of the original number of 108), located in the Maluti village near Shikaripara in Dumka district on the eastern part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, Indian state of Jharkhand. These temples, according to the Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development (ITRHD), were built between the 17th and 19th centuries. The kings of Baj Basanta dynasty built these temples in Maluti, their capital, inspired by goddess Mowlakshi, their family deity. Many of the temples are deified with different denominations of gods and goddesses, apart from the tutelary deity Mowlakshi, and others such as Shiva, Durga, Kali and Vishnu. The Global Heritage Fund (GHF) has proposed a conservation effort, which would increase tourism to the Maluti village. GHF has declared this site as one of the world’s 12 most endangered cultural heritage sites The extant Maluti terracotta temples are 72 which were built in four groups in Maluti near the border between Jharkhand and West Bengal. The Chila river flows through the village and meets the Dwarka river, close to Tarapith. Rampurhat, in Birbhum, West Bengal is the nearest railway station to the temple complex. Trains operate from Calcutta.Bus services operate from Rampurhat and also from Dumka. The distance from Maluti to Dumka, the district headquarters, is 55 kilometres (34 mi), and Rampurhat to Maluti is 16 kilometres (9.9 mi)
Karneshwar Dham, also known as Karneshwar Shiv Mandir, is one of the ancient temples in Karon, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in Karon in the Deoghar district of the state of Jharkhand, India. It is a temple complex consisting of the main temple of Baba Karneshwar, where the Shivalinga is installed, and 27 other temples. According to Hindu beliefs, King Karna who was the then ruler of Karon, which was a part of the kingdom of Anga, was a great devotee of Shiva and thus he installed a Shivlinga at the current site of the temple to worship Shiva, his lord. As it is believed that the temple is built by King Karna, so from this aspect the temple derives its name.
Shiv Shani Mandir, Dhori is a temple located in Bokaro District of Jharkhand. It is about 32 km from Bokaro and is located at the old B.D.O Office of Dhori, Phusro. The presiding deity of the temple, Sri Shiv, as well as Parvati, Ganesh, Hanuman, Kartikey and Shaneshwara or Lord Shani (the personification of the planet Saturn) are worshiped with utmost reverence and devotion by multitudes of people from all over the locality. Unlike other pilgrimage centers, devotees here can perform puja, abhishek, or other religious rituals themselves. One of the unique aspects of the temple is that it is the only temple in the Bermo area where Lord Shiva and Lord Shani are established together. The people here believe that it is the benediction of the god that the locality is quite peaceful. The Shri Maa Banaso Temple and the Surya Temple of Badhkaro are the nearby attractions. By road, the temple is linked with Bokaro (32 km) and Phusro (01 km). Phusro Railway Station and Amlo halt are the nearest railroads.
Sri Sri Kalika Maharani Temple in Bokaro in the state of Jharkhand, India is a Hindu temple at Chira Chas, built by Aashiyaan Estate Developers. The temple is spread over half an acre and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The mini township of Kalika Vihar is named after this temple. The construction of the temple began in July, 2010. It took less than 3 years to complete the entire structure. The temple was opened to public on July 14, 2012. The temple is situated at Kalika Vihar, Aashiyan Garden, Phase – 3, Chira Chas. Before the foundation was laid, a nine-day Ramayana recital was held, along with a religious ‘Yagna’. On map, the temple can be found at 23.65°N 86.17°E. he temple is famous in Jharkhand and its opening was covered by major newspapers. During excavation of the Foundation in the initial phase of construction, laborers found an Indian Cobra which is considered a good omen, symbolizing Lord Shiva. Legend has it, that Goddess Kali grants the wishes of those, who pray at this temple. To reach the temple, the devotees should travel towards Bokaro Hotel from Patharkata Chowk. Turn left towards Chinmaya School and turn right by Asha Lata Kendra. Devotees should continue on this road, crossing the Chira Chas bridge. One should then travel straight to Chira Chas school and then turn left. After traveling a distance of 30 feet, one should then turn right (by the board of Kalika Vihar Phase -3), and then enter the Aashiyana Garden/Kalika Vihar Phase – 3 campus where the temple is located.
Kamana Ling is located about 1 KM from the railway station Official Address
Jagannathpur Temple Ranchi The old temple of lord Jagannath ,built in 1691 in the architectural style of Puri Temple stands like a fort on the top of the in the hill. Its car/chariot festival held light part on Ashadhmas draws a big crowd comprising of tribals and non-tribals. HEC township nearby is an added attraction. About 10 km. From Ranchi G.P.O. is another sight seeing place where the tourists can rejoice and worship. Official Address
Harihar DhamTemple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The temple claims to have the biggest Shivlinga in the world with a height of 20 meters. It took around 30 years for the Shivalinga to complete. The temple compound is surrounded by river and is spread over 25 acres of land. Shiva festivals such as Nag Panchami, Shravan Poornima and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with much fanfare. There are several other temples inside the campus. The temple is located around 60 km from Giridih. It is located just 3 km from GT Road at Bagodar.
Jharkhand Dham is a temple devoted to lord Shiva. This place is also called as Jharkhandi locally. A unique feature of this place is that the buildings are roofless. As per locals, several efforts were made to make roofs but were never able to get the roof completed. Annual festivals such as Maha Shivaratri is celebrated. A fair also takes place during this time. The temple is located around 55 km from Giridih, and 10 km from Rajdhanwar. One can come here by bus, auto or own four wheelers via Rajdhanwar or via Birni.
Shikharji is called as the Parasnath Temple and is located on the Parasnath Hills, the highest mountain range of Parasnath Range. This temple is sacred for Jains. It is believed to be the place where twenty of the twenty-four Jain tirthankaras along with many other monks attained Moksha, according to Nirvana Kanda and other texts. Sanskrit inscriptions at the foot of the image date to 1678. The nearest railway station is Parasnath Railway Station, which is situated at Isri bazar, Dumri. Several long distance trains stop at this station. By Airway; Nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Durgapur (RDP ) West Bengal and 1-hour drive from the airport.
Pahari Mandir is located at 2140 feet on a tip of hill in Ranchi city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A beautiful lake makes the view from temple truly mesmerising. This is the only temple where Indian flag hoisted every year on republic day. The Ranchi lake was excavated by Colonel Onsely in 1842. The devotees climb 468 steps to reach the temple. Lare number of people come here during Shivaratri, usually in the month of February, and then in October/November during Navaratri. Locally the Lord is popularly known as Pahari Baba. During Shravan time, the devotees offer Jal (Dhara) to Lord Shiva and the Shravan season is a major draw for visitors. The hillock is called as known as Richi Buru. This hill was earlier known as Phansi Tongri as it was the place where freedom fighters were hanged to death. To remember the importance of this important hill in the freedom movement, the tricolour flag is unfurled on the Independence Days and Republic days. The temple is located just 7 km from Ranchi Railway Station. The temple has 7 other temples inside its campus. And they are Lord Shiva Temple, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Mahakal Mandir, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Kali Mandir, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Vishwanath Temple, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Hanuman Mandir, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Durga Mata Mandir, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Naag Mandir, Pahari Mandir, Ranchi Ranchi Pahari Mandir Vikas Samiti Pahari Mandir, Ratu Road, Ranchi – Jharkhand – India. Email: [email protected] Official Website: http://paharimandirranchi.com/
Ranchi city has a beautiful Jagannath Temple. The temple was built in 1691 by the king of Barkagarh Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo. As per official records, the temples was completed on 25th December 1691. It is located on top of a small hillock about 10 km from the Ranchi city (Firayalal Chowk). As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is built on the same architecture of world famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The temple also has a War Cemetery with a total of 708 burials. It represents the army of undivided India. It is located on Ranchi – Hazaribagh road. Due to old construction, the temple collapsed on 6 August 1990. Bihar government along with actively devoted patrons began the reconstruction of the temple started on 8 February 1992 and now the temple has been fully restored. Every year a Rath Yatra is held at the temple in the month of Aashaadha. The fair attracts thousands of tribal and non-tribal devotees from surroundings. The temple is located 10 km from Ranchi city. Ranchi is well connected by road, rail as well as air. By Road: This temple is located at Firayalal Chowk, 10 km from the city centre. You can hire a cab or taxi to visit this place. By Train: Ranchi railway station is well connected with Patna, Delhi, Kolkata and other metros in India. By Air: Birsa Munda is the nearest airport. It’s well-connected with all the major airports in India.
Sun Temple is located near Bundu stand on Tata-Ranchi highway. It is built around the sacred pond of the Chhathavratis (devotees taking part in Chhath) in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region. The Sung Temple is given the shape of a big chariot with eighteen wheels (nine on each side) and seven lifelike horses that seem to be ready to take off for the journey. The Sun Temples was constructed by a charitable trust named Sanskrit Vihar under the leadership of Shri Ram Maroo, who is also the managing director of Ranchi Express. The Sun Temple offers accommodation through Dharamshala that belongs to the temple trust and offers rooms and food at a very subsidised rate. Moreover, there is a small motel near the temple where they can pamper their taste buds. How to reach? The temple is located 39 km from Ranchi, and it well connected by road. Private buses and jeeps play to and fro on this route regularly.
Official Website: http://babadham.org/ Baidyanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The three important fairs held here are Shri Panchami mela held in January, Shivaratri mela held in March and the Bhadra Purnima Mela held in September. The Shivaratri festival is attended by several visitors in the course of a fortnight. In 1596, a hunter by the name of Baiju, discovered the lost lingam. Since then it came to be known as Baidyanath and people also call it Kamma Lingam – the desire fulfilling lingam. The lingam installed inside, is of a cylindrical forming about 5 inches in diameter and projects about 4 inches from the centre of a large slab of basalt. It is not possible to ascertain how much of the lingam is buried. The top is broken and has uneven surface. The top contains three ascending shaped gold vessels that are compactly set, and were donated by the Maharaja of Giddhaur. Besides these pitcher shaped vessels, there is a Punchsula (Five knives in Tridenta shape), which is rare. In the inner top there is an eight petaled lotus jewel called Chandrakanta Mani. There are different porches in the temple. One porch leads to the cell where the lingam is fixed. The second porch is in front with a row of pillars spanned by blocks of basalt and on the right side there is a sandstone image of nandi. There are bells fixed in the ceiling and pilgrims are supposed to pull the bell ropes to announce their approach to the divinity. To the east of the northern verandah of the temple there is a large masonry vat into which flows the water and milk offered to the lingam. The liquid in it is essentially a mix of milk, sandal paste and washing of flowers, which impart to it a fragrant smell and is treated as highly sacred. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiva, who gave him a Jyotirlinga to take to his land, with the promise not to place the lingam anywhere else. In case that happened, the lingam would remain fixed on that spot forever. The gods, who were unhappy at the prospect of the divine lingam being established in the enemy kingdom, which would render them powerless against their adversary, worked a trick on Ravana. Meanwhile, Vishnu disguised as an old brahmin, befriended Ravana and offered himself to hold the jyotirlinga for a minute. He mistakenly handed over the lingam to a brahmin, who grounded it at Deoghar. Ravana did his best to uproot it but beyond breaking the tip he was unsuccessful. Out of frustration, he pressed it with his thumb so it went inside and got tilted slightly. However, failing to remove the lingam, he made his obeisance to the lingam and daily he used to come from Lanka and worship the divinity. The spot where Ravana came down to the earth has been identified with Harila Jori, about four miles north of Babadham and the place where the lingam was deposited is known as Babadham. Legend 2: It is said that the lingam, after the death of Ravana, used to be worshipped by a hunter Baiju, and the lingam came to be known by Baiju’s name as Baidyanath. The story of Baiju giving rise to the name of Baidyanath is more prevalent as a Santhal tradition. Legend 3: Another legend states that in Satya Yuga, when Sati – the consort of Shiva and daughter of Daksha- committed suicide because of the discourtesy shown towards her husband Lord Shiv by her father Daksha. Lord Shiva stuck the corpse of his wife on the point of his trident and roamed about in a frenzy of fury. Lest Shiva’s anger and frantic movements should destroy the world, Vishnu cut the dead body with his discus into fifty-two parts, which fell in different parts of India and became Mahapithasthans. According to the legend, the heart of Sati fell at Babadham. Hence, the name Hridayapeeth. Legend 4: Another legend is that, in the first age of the world, Lord Shiva manifested himself as a lingam of light at twelve different places under different names, and Baidyanath was one of those twelve places. Sati worshipped the emblem in the form of a pandanus flower on the top of the lingam and dwelt for a long time in a grove close by in order to worship it. This place is called Ketakivana. The history of Babadham has been derived from various manuscripts and also the inscriptions at various places in the Temple area. Man Singh remained attached to the Gidhaur dynasty for a long time and had contacts with a number of rulers of Bihar. Man Singh’s brother, Bhan Singh was married to daughter of Puran Mal. Man Singh’s interest in Babadham seems to have been determined by his love for this holy shrine because he then got a tank excavated, which is today known as Mansarovar. Puran Mal’s inscription proves his connection with the Babadham temple. An inscription on the Baidyanath temple states that he built it at the request of the priest Raghunath Ojha. Tradition relates that the inscription was forcibly put by Puran Mal, after he had the temple repaired, to mark his ownership of the surrounding land. Raghunath Ojha was displeased with the inscription, but was unable to resist Puran Mal. Hence, after Puran Mal was gone, he had a porch created and therein set his own inscription. The legend states that the priest fasted for some days at the gate of Baidyanath who revealed to him in a dream that he should build a new porch and set up an inscription. But he claims the credit of having created the entire temple. In 1757 after the battle of Pallsy the officers of the East India Company paid their attention to this temple. An English man, Keating was sent to look at the administration of the temple. Mr. Keating, the first English collector of Birbhum, took interest in the administration of the temple. In 1788, under Mr. Keating’s order Mr. Hesilrigg, his assistant, who was probably the first English man to visit the holy city, set out to supervise personally the collection of the pilgrim offerings and dues. Later, when Mr. Keating himself visited Babadham, he was convinced and forced to abandon his policy of direct interference. He handed over the full control of the temple to the hands of the high priest. Baidyanathdham can be reached by train or road. Jaisidih station, on the Howrah-Patna rail line of Eastern Railway, is just 7 km away. Regular bus services from Ranchi and Patna are available. From Bhagalpur, this pilgrimage site is about 80 km. Timings: 4:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM The temple opens at 4:00 AM daily. The Head priest worships with Shodashopachar. The Puja rituals continue till 3.30 PM After this the temple doors are closed. The temple then opens at 6:00 PM for Shringar Puja. The temple closes at 9:00 PM The temple administration provides accommodation (Rooms & Dormitory) for the pilgrimages inside the temple complex at Uma Bhawan. For bookings, interested devotees and travel agents can contact the following numbers of the Baba Mandir office: Baba Mandir Office, Deoghar – Phone No. 06432-232295 There are affordable hotels and dharmashalas in Deoghar at Jasidih. Deputy Commissioner Deoghar and Chief Executive Officer Baba Baidyanath Temple Management Board, Government of Jharkhand, Jharkhand, INDIA Phone: (91-6432) 232680 (Office), 232720 (Residence) District Public Relation Officer-cum-Temple Magistrate Baba Baidyanath Temple Management Board, Government of Jharkhand, Jharkhand, INDIA Phone: (91-6432) 232680 (Office), 232295 (Temple) Mobile: 9431418752 Fax: (91-6432) 232967 Email: [email protected] Browse more temples in Jharkhand state
Temples in Karnataka: A Spiritual and Architectural Journey through South India Karnataka, a state located in the south-western region of India, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking architecture. The state is home to several ancient and revered temples that showcase the spiritual and architectural side of South India. These temples not only attract devotees but also provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the state. One of the most popular temples in Karnataka is the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, located in the town of Tirumala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and religious significance. The temple attracts a large number of devotees from across the country and is believed to be one of the richest Hindu temples in the world. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is another significant temple in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The temple is located in the Western Ghats and is known for its picturesque surroundings and religious significance. The temple is believed to have been built during the 16th century and attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the annual Subramanya Shasti festival. The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is another popular temple in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi and is known for its unique architecture and historical significance. The temple is believed to have been built during the 7th century AD and attracts a large number of tourists and devotees alike. Other significant temples in Karnataka include the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, the Badami Cave Temples, and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, each with its own unique history and significance. In conclusion, Karnataka’s temples offer a unique blend of spirituality, history, and architecture. These temples are not only important religious sites but also popular tourist destinations that provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Venugopalaswami Temple Surapur: Venugopalaswami Temple constructed by Raja Pitambar bahari Pidda Nayaka (1693-1726) in 1705 nearby beautiful Devara bhavi, is one of the Surapur Nayaks worthy structures. It has a beautiful and attractive stucco sculptures.The annual fair takes place on Gokulastami. People flock here to witness the spilling of Niru-Okuli from the top of a 35 feet high. Again close to Venugopalaswamy shrine is a partially built temple. As you see construction has been abandoned while walls were being built. The space between the two half built walls was meant for Garbhagriha and the circle would have been the center of Sabha Mantapa. Also there was a large collection of semi-finished beams and columns, all meant for this temple. I guess Wagangera was a feudatory of Vijayanagara empire and this temple was being constructed then. Looks like- after the fall of Vijayanagara at Talikoti battle all temple constructions were halted. 52 KM from Yadgir and is in Surapur Yadgir-Bidar Rd, Yadgir, Karnataka 585201
Siddalingeshwar Temple It is a panchakuta temple with four separate ”garbhagruha” An intricate architecture model which is arranged in four directions The ceiling of the navaranga are attractive and the pillars carry beautiful carvings. Journey towards Gurmitkal from Yadgir which is about 30km. Yadgir K Rural, Karnataka 585201
It is another treasure trove of ancient history and reminder of the glory of Krishnadevaraya and the Vijayanagar empire. This place is believed to be the maternal home of Bhooma Devi and during Ramayana times,this was Kishkinda, the kingdom of Vaali and Sugreeva The nearest airports is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (72.3Km) and Hubli Airport (123.4Km). Nearest Railway Station is Munirabad, however most of the trains do not have stop here. Hospet and Koppala are the next nearest stations. 12.2 Km from Gangavathi via SH 130 (20 min), 63.7 Km from Koppal via NH13 and SH 130(1h 14min), 71.6 Km from Bellary via SH 132 (1 h 48 min) Anegundi, Karnataka 583227
Kanakagiri is an historical place in India, situated in Karnataka State, in Gangavati taluk of Koppal district. 20 km north west to Gangavati town. Kanakagiri means a Hill of Gold The nearest airports is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (72.3Km) and Hubli Airport (153.4Km). Nearest Railway stations are Hospet, Munirabad, Koppal. 21 Km from Gangavathi via SH 29 (25 min), 83 Km from Bellary via NH 63 & SH 29 (2 h 10 min), 163 Km from Hubli via Koppal NH 63 (2 h 49 min), 145 Km from Raichur via SH 23 & SH 63 (2 h 41 min), 183 Km from Vijayapur via NH 13,SH 30 & SH 29(3 h 40 min), 135 Km from Bagalkot via NH 13,SH 30 & SH 29(2 h 30 min) by vechile
built in 1112 CE. Soapstone was found in abundance in this regions.The first temple to be built from this material was the Amrtesvara Temple in Annigeri in the Dharwad district in 1050 CE. This building was to be the prototype for later, more articulated structures such as the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi. The nearest airports is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (72.3Km) and Hubli Airport (123.4Km). Nearest Railway stations are Koppal, Banapur, Bannikoppa. Two important National Highways NH50, NH67 and Four State Highways SH36,SH130,SH59,SH63 intersect at Koppal. tagi, Karnataka 583232
The Huligemma temple is a 13th century temple devoted to Goddess Huligemma. The nearest airports is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (72.3Km) and Hubli Airport (123.4Km). Nearest Railway stations are Hospet, Munirabad, Koppal. Two important National Highways NH50, NH67 and Four State Highways SH36,SH130,SH59,SH63 intersect at Koppal. Temple Road, Munirabad Rural, Karnataka 583234 089510 61410
Kotilingeshwara Temple is a temple in the village of Kammasandra in Kolar district, Karnataka, India. The presiding deity of the temple is lord Shiva. The temple has one of the largest lingams in the world. The main attraction of the temple is a huge linga measuring 108 ft (33 m) tall and 35 ft (11 m) tall Lord Nandi idol, surrounded by lakhs of small lingas spread over an area of 15 acres (61,000 m2). The Lord Nandi idol is installed over a platform which is 60 feet (18 m) in length, 40 feet (12 m) in width and 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. There are eleven small temples constructed within the premises for various deities. A water tank is set up close to the Linga, used by the devotees to perform Abhisheka. The idols vary between 1 foot (0.30 m) and 3 feet (0.91 m) in height. Bengaluru Kempegouda International Airport is the nearest international Airport which is around 100 KM far. Koramandal is of nearest railway station from Kotilingeshwar Temple and is 8 KM far. Kammasandra Gram Panchayat is nearest bus-stop from Kotilingeshwar Temple and is around 0.5 KM far. 084313 19758
Galageshwara Temple also knowns as Galaganatha Temple and is located in a small village named Galaganath, which was earlier known as Palluni. It was constructed during the rule of Chalukyas. It is a breathtaking Shiva Temple with sculptures and intricate carvings. The nearest airport is Hubli. The nearest railway station is at Haveri which is at a distance of 30 kms from Galaganath. The NH-4 will take you to Ranebennur taluka of Haveri. Haveri lies at a distance of 350 kms from Bangalore. From here, you need to head towards Agadi road for 15 kms, and then make a detour after Guttal. The village is only 15 kms away from here.
The name of the temple is derived from the Tarakeshwara form of Lord Shiva. Even though the credit of construction of this temple goes to the Kadambas, it was the Kalyani Chalukyas that made significant changes to make it into the form we see today. The Tarakeshwara temple is a listed monument of the archeological survey of India. The nearest airport is in Hubli. The nearest railway station to the temple is the Haveri railway station which is approximately 40 kms from the temple. Once you reach the railway station, there are plenty of options for road transport to take you to Hangal. Hangal has well-connected bus network to the other districts of Karnataka. The state bus standof Hangal is very near to the Tarakeshwara temple.
The temple is located within the city limits and is walk able distance from Bus Stand. The nearest airport is Hubli. The temple is walk able distance from Haveri Railway Station The temple is walk able distance from Haveri Bus Stand Haveri Railway Station Rd, Netaji Nagar, Vidya Nagar, Haveri, Karnataka 581110
The main tower at Sri Hasanamba has been newly constructed in Dravidian style. There are three major temples on the premises of this temple dedicated to Darbar Ganapati, Hasanamba and Siddeshwara. Another prominent attraction here is the shrine dedicated to Kallappa. The three idols installed here are said to be of three thieves, who had allegedly come to steal the idol of the presiding deity, Sri Hasanamba, and earned her wrath. Earlier, Hassan was known as Sihmasanapuri and later it got the name of Hassan. It is said that during the rule of Hoysala dynasty in twelfth century A.D. an idol was found with its face wearing a pleasant smile. Hasana Mukhi or a smiling face was transformed into Hassan. The Hasanamba temple is opened in the presence of the Deputy Commission for only twelve days in a year during Deepavali celebrations. The special feature of this temple is that the lamp lit this year will be alive till the temple is reopened next year. Even the flowers retain their freshness for the entire year. Devotees from across south India and Maharashtra visit the temple. Hassan does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Bangalore from where one can take flights to other major destinations in India and abroad. Hassan is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Shimoga and Mangalore. Hassan is well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Madikeri, Chickmagalore. It is around 187 km from Bangalore and 115 km from Mysore. One can get frequent Govt. buses to Hassan from these cities/towns. Hosaline Rd, Ammeer Mohalla, Hassan, Karnataka 573201
Halebidu temple is another great example of temple architecture the twin temples of Hoysaleshwara, Kedareshwara built by Vishnuvardhana and Ballala-II at Halabidu. Sequences from Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavatha are depicted on the outer walls of these temples. The efficiency and experience of the sculpture, who had carved these stories in stone is bewitching. Hassan does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Bangalore from where one can take flights to other major destinations in India and abroad. Hassan is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Shimoga and Mangalore. Halebeed is 17 Km from Belur and 30 Km from Hassan. Regular bus services and Taxies are available both from Hassan and Belur. Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121
Belur, situated on the banks of river Yagachi, 38 km from Hassan, is a world famous tourist destination. Belur was the erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas and referred to as Velapur, Velur and Belahur at different points in history. The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship. The temple was consecrated by the famous Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana to mark his victories in 1116 AD against the Cholas and called the Vijaya Narayana. The Hoysalas used soft soapstone for their structures as they were found suitable for intricate carvings. Enclosed by a Prakara with a Gopurabuilt in the Vijayanagar style, the temple stands on a platform or Jagati and looks like a huge casket. The fine workmanship and skill visible in this masterpiece is truly breathtaking. Hassan does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Bangalore from where one can take flights to other major destinations in India and abroad. Hassan is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Shimoga and Mangalore. It is about 38 Km from Hassan. Regular Bus services and tourist taxies are available from Hassan. Temple Rd, Belur, Karnataka 573115
Kalleshvara temple is located in the town of Bagali near to Harappanahalli Taluk in Davangere district , Karnataka state, India Nearest International airport is Bangalore. Hubli is the nearest Domestic airport. Harappanahalli is the nearest Railway Station for Kalleshvara Temple, Bagali Tourist Place. There are regular buses from nearby cities.
The Harihareshwara Temple Located at Harihar taluk Davanagere District in Karnataka state, Nearest International airport is Bangalore. Hubli is the nearest Domestic airport. Harihara is the nearest Railway Station for Harihareshwara Temple. There are regular buses from nearby cities.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a hill (betta in Kannada) located in the Gundlupete Taluk, Chamarajanagar district of the state of Karnataka, at a height of 1450m India and is extensively wooded. It is also the highest peak in the Bandipura National Park. It lies in the core area of the Bandipur National Park and is frequented by wild life including elephants. Dense fog predominates and covers the hills round the year and thus gets the prefix Himavad(in the language of Karnataka) and the temple of Venugopalaswamy (Lord Krishna) gives the full name of Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. Chamarajanagar does not have an airport. Chamarajanagar is connected by rail to Mysore and Bangalore. Gopalaswamy Betta 20 km from Gundlupete And 55km from Chamarajanagar. Regular bus services and taxis are available from Chamarajanagar and Gundlupete
Papnash Temple is a Shiva Temple situated in Bidar district, Karnataka. It is believed that the idol of the temple was installed by Lord Rama on his way back to Ayodhya. The original temple was lost and a new temple was built at the ruins of the ancient temple. Rajiv Gandhi International Terminal, Begumpet, Hyderabad is Just 120 Kms away from Bidar District Head Quarters. Its just 2 and half hours drive from the airport to Bidar on NH9 till Zaheerabad and a diversion of 28 KMs after Zaheerabad. Rail facility is available from Bangalore and Hyderbad. Yeshwanthpur – Bidar Express, Depature from Yeshwanthpur at 7:00 PM. Bangalore – Nanded Link Express Via Bidar, Departure from Bangalore at 9.50 PM. Secundrabad – Manmad Express from Hyderbad Departure at 6 PM from Secundrabad Station, Hyderbad. Hyderbad – Aurangabad Express from Kachiguda weekly thrice. One can also take Udyan express or KK Express from Bangalore reach Gulbarga and take a bus from there, its 105 KMS from Gulbarga. From Bangalore many Govt Luxury Buses of KSRTC ply daily via Hyderbad, Its 16 hours journey from Bangalore via Hyderabad on NH 7 and NH 9. From Bangalore Via Gulbarga and Bellary its 20 hours journey. From Hyderbad Imaliban bus stand for every 15 minutes a Bus to Bidar is available from Plat form No 36. Shiva Nagar, Bidar, Karnataka 585402
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Bellary, Karnataka Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. The temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.[1] Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara empire, sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Virupaksha Temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi, and had been considered the most sacred sanctuary over the centuries. It is intact among the surrounding ruins and is still used in worship . The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi who is associated with the Tungabhadra River. There is also a Virupakshini Amma temple (mother goddess) in a village called Nalagamapalle, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, approximately 100 km from Tirupati. The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is dedicated to lord Shiva. The distance from Bangalore to Hampi is about 350 km. Hampi is a temple town in South India and is acknowledged as one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. This temple was constructed in Lakkana Dandesha’s assistance who was a commander under King Deva Raya II. Hampi is on the embankment of River Tungabhadra. The predominant centre of pilgrimage in Hampi is this esteemed temple. It is the holiest and sacred retreat. The Virupaksha temple has survived through the years and never ceases to prosper. It is still pristine amidst the ruins that surround it. It attracts large groups of people in the month of December. The yearly chariot festival is conducted in the month of February. At present, the main temple consists of a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and an open pillared hall.It is decorated with delicately carved pillars. A pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, smaller shrines and other structures surround the temple. The nine-tiered eastern gateway, which is the largest at 50 meters, is well-proportioned and incorporates some earlier structures. It has a brick superstructure and a stone base. It gives access to the outer court containing many sub-shrines. The smaller eastern gateway leads to the inner court with its numerous smaller shrines. Another gopuram towards north known as the Kanakagiri gopura, leads to a small enclosure with subsidiary shrines and eventually to the river Tungabhadra. A narrow channel of the Tungabhadra River flows along the temple’s terrace and then descends to the temple-kitchen and out through the outer court. One of the most striking features of this temple is the usage of mathematical concepts to build and decorate it. The temple has repeated patterns that demonstrate the concept of Fractals. The main shape of the temple is triangular. As you look up the temple top, the patterns divide and repeat themselves, just like you would see in a snowflake or some other natural wonders. Krishnadevaraya, one of the famous king of the Vijayanagara Empire was a major patron of this temple. The most ornate of all structures in the temple, the central pillared hall is believed to be his addition to this temple. So is the gateway tower giving access to the inner courtyard of the temple. Inscriptions on a stone plaque installed next to the pillared hall explain his contribution to the temple. It is recorded that Krishna Devaraya commissioned this hall in 1510 AD to mark his accession. He also built the eastern gopuram. These additions meant that the central shrine came to occupy a relatively small part of the complex.The halls in the temple were used for a variety of purposes. Some were spaces in which the images of gods were placed to witness special programmes of music, dance, drama, etc. Others were used to celebrate the marriages of deities. The temple’s history is uninterrupted from about the 7th century. The Virupaksha-Pampa sanctuary existed well before the Vijayanagara capital was located here. Inscriptions referring to Shiva date back to the 9th and 10th centuries.What started as a small shrine grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagar period. The huge temple building was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire. Under the Vijayanagara rulers, in the middle of the 14th century, there began a flowering of native art and culture. When the rulers were defeated by Muslim invaders in the 16th century, most of the wonderful decorative structures and creations were systematically destroyed. The religious sect of Virupaksha-Pampa did not end with the destruction of the city in 1565. Worship there has persisted throughout the years. At the beginning of the 19th century there were major renovations and additions, which included ceiling paintings and the towers of the north and east gopura Official Address
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, karnataka Udupi Sri Krishna Matha (Tulu:ಉಡುಪಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಮಠ) is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to god Krishna and Dvaita Matha located in the city of Udupi in Karnataka, India. The matha area resembles a living ashram, a holy place for daily devotion and living. Surrounding the Sri Krishna Matha are several temples namely the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple which is over a 1,000 years old The 9-holed window, also known as the Kanakadasa window, is attached to a wall in the Chandrasala hall. The hall lends itself a sublime ambiance in aid of the holy sound made by numerous bells hanging at its arched entrance, as well as the beautiful glow of the earthen lamps burning in the hall. Devotees either sit there in meditation saying silent prayers or try to peep through the 9-holed window to get a glimpse of the Lord. One corner of the hall holds the shrine of Lord Hanuman in a meditative pose. Overlooking the Chandrasala hall is a four-pillared raised platform with a silver roof. The platform houses the traditional deepastambam, holding the sacred oil lamp. On the right side of the main sanctum in the path of circumambulation stands the statue of the temple’s founder Shri Madhvacharya, while on the northern side of his statue stands the shrine of Lord Panduranga.The holy tank Madhwapushkarani is placed next to the southern entrance of the temple. The eastern entrance to Shri Balkrishna’s sanctum sanctorum is strikingly beautiful flanked by a panchadhatu (5 metals) figure of Lord Vishnu mounted on his Garuda holding conch and discus. The eastern entrance usually remains closed and is open only once a year on the day of Vijaya Dashami. The Krishna Matha was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Jagadguru Shri Madhwacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. It is believed that Madhwacharya found the murti of Sri Krishna in a large ball of gopichandana.As told by Sri Madhwacharya, in his Tantrasara Sangraha, the murti is placed Pashchimabhimukha(facing West). All the other murtis in other Ashta mutts face west as well. Devotees always have darshan of Lord Krishna through the inner window, known as Navagraha kindi & the outer window known as Kanakana kindi, which is decorated by an arch named after him. A statue has also been erected. A similar window covers the immediate front of the murti and is called Navagraha kindi. It is often mistaken to be Kanakana kindi. The temple opens by 5.30 in the morning. The unique feature of the temple is that the deity is worshipped through the silver-plated window with nine holes (Navagraha kindi).The temple also offers prasadam (lunch) in the noon. According to mythology, when Lord Krishna’s wife Rukmini requested her husband for the idol of Balkrishna, the child form of the Lord, Shri Krishna entrusted Vishwakarma with the task of designing the idol. Vishwakarma made a beautiful idol of Balkrishna with the holy saaligrama stone and gave it to Rukmini for worship. The idol, in the course of being worshipped by hundreds of devotees at Dwaraka with the application of sandalwood paste, got completely covered with the sandalwood paste. It is believed that this same idol is now placed at the temple. Udupi is the railway station close to the temple. You can also consider Mangalore Railway Station. Buses and taxis are also available from here. Mangalore is the nearest airport to Udupi. One may catch direct flights from Bangalore to Mangalore, from where one can hire a taxi to Udupi. The KSRTC, as well as the private buses, ply frequently between Mangalore and Udupi. You can hire private taxis or cabs to reach here. Official Address
Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru, karnataka Sringeri (ಶೃಂಗೇರಿ ) also called Sri Kshetra Shringeri is a hill town and Taluk headquarters located in Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka, It is the site of the first maṭha (Sringeri Sharada Peetham) established by Adi Shankara, Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century CE It is located on the banks of the river Tungā .The name Sringeri is derived from Rishyashringa-giri, a nearby hill that is believed to have contained the heritage of RishiVibhandaka and his son Rishyashringa. Rishyashringa appears in an episode in the Bala-Kanda of the Ramayana where a story, narrated by Vasishtha, relates how he brought rains to the drought-stricken kingdom of Romapada According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have selected the site as the place to stay and teach his disciples, because when he was walking by the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun, to a frog undergoing labour. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he stayed here for twelve years. Adi Shankaracharya also established mathas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, near Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada established the first of the four Amnaya Peethams1 at Sringeri more than twelve centuries ago to foster the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma. Hallowed for all times by Sage Rishyashringa who stayed and performed Tapas here, Sringeri attracted the great Acharya with a remarkable sight.Tradition has it that after the Acharya had dispersed all the non-Vedic creeds prevailing in the country, He was on the look-out for a convenient and holy place where he could establish an institution to spread the truths of Advaita Vedanta. When the Acharya came to Sringeri, he saw an unusual sight on the banks of the Tunga. A cobra was seen spreading out its hood over a frog in labour pains, to give it shadow from the scorching mid-day sun. Struck with the sanctity of the place, which could infuse love between natural adversaries, the Acharya chose this very location to establish His first Math. The Madhaviya Shankara Digvijayam describes that the Acharya came across many virtuous people at Sringeri and taught them the doctrine of Advaita. He then invoked the Divinity of Knowledge, Goddess Sharada and consecrated an icon of the Goddess. Thus the Peetham He founded at Sringeri in South India for fostering the Vedas and the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma came to be known as the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. The Acharya appointed his prime disciple, Sri Sureshwaracharya as the first Acharya of the Peetham. Since then, the Peetham has been blessed with an unbroken Guru Parampara, a garland of spiritual masters and Jivanmuktas representing Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The succeeding Acharyas have led a life of such austere penance that it has led disciples to adore in them the radiance of Sri Adi Shankara Himself. Besides being a centre of spiritual power, Sringeri also came to be known as a great place of traditional learning owing to the presence of Goddess Sharada and the erudition of the Acharyas of the Peetham. The Acharyas were instrumental in bringing forth commentaries on the Vedas and in further expounding the Bhashyas of Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Acharyas also wrote a number of independent works related to Advaita besides producing a number of hymns underlining their ardent devotion to the non-dual Supreme worshipped in multifarious forms. The Peetham thus came to be regarded as the Vyakhyana Simhasana, The Throne of Transcendental Wisdom. Consequently, the Birudavali hails the Acharya as the occupier of this throne. Many regard Goddess Sharada Herself to be moving in the form of the presiding Acharya of the Peetham. In the 14th century, royal patronage to the Peetham began with the founding of the famous Vijayanagar empire under the divine guidance of the 12th Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Vidyaranya. The austerity of the Acharya influenced the rulers to such an extent that they began ruling in the name of the Acharya and granted the Peetham the rights over secular administration of the land. At the rulers’ request, the Acharya began conducting a Durbar during the Navaratri festival – an occasion deemed by the rulers to honour their Guru. Subsequently, the Acharya came to be known as the Karnataka Simhasana Prathisthapanacharya and the Peetham became a mighty institution – a Samsthanam and is known to this day as the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri. Over the succeeding centuries, a number of empires and rulers including the Mysore Maharajahs Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Peshwas and the Keladi rulers and Travancore Rajas were drawn towards the Peetham and respected the Acharya as their Guru. Official Address
Shree Vishnumurthy Temple, Mangalore, karnataka Kulai Shree Vishnumurthy Temple is located in the town of Kulai near Surathkal about 15 km north of Mangalore in the state of Karnataka, India. It is an ancient Vishnu shrine which has a statue estimated to be about 600 years old. The temple’s presiding deity is Shree Vishnumurthy who is another form of Lord Vishnu. Initially no temple complex was evident but Venkatramana Hebbar, a local archeologist and historian, found a small shrine in a state of ruin in the forest around 1911. The temple has been repeatedly renovated and is in use today with an active schedule of worship and festival celebrations. Shree Vishnumurthy Temple is situated in the town of Kulai about 15 Kilomeres north of Mangalore along the West coast High way facing the eastern plain of paddy fields. It is one of the ancient Vishnu Shrines in this part of Karnataka. The Main deity of this temple is Shree Vishnumurthy who is another form of Lord Mahavishnu. Since there is no hard and fast documents available regarding history of its origin, we could not have got any kind of legendary and chronological view in connection to the temple. However, as per the opinion of Shri Gururaj Bhatt, a well-known archeologist and historian in South Kanara, the age of the statue dates back to 600 years. Initially, there was no temple complex, but Mr. Venkatramana Hebbar, found a small shrine in ruining stage midst of shrubs and forest occupant, around 1911. He then constructed the shrine with the help of local residents and villagers. His son Shri Ramakrishna Hebbar also contributed to this holy task. Since then its renovation work was taken up step-by-step and still it is going on. Since the temple is near to National High way No.17, any bus from Mangalore to Udupi will take halt in Kulai and it is just 10 minutes walk able distance from Kulai bus stop to the temple. Official Address
Dharmasthala Temple, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka harmasthala Temple (Kannada/Tulu:ಶ್ರೀ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ) (Sanskrit: क्षेत्र धर्मस्थल Kṣētra Dharmasthala) is an 800-year-old religious institution in the temple town of Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. The deities of the temple are Shiva, who is referred to as Mañjunatha, Ammanavaru, the tirthankara Chandraprabha and the protective gods of Jainism, Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumarasvami and Kanyakumari. The temple is considered unique since it belongs to the Shaiva sect of Hinduism. The priests are Shivalli Brahmins, who are Vaishnava, and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family called the Pergades. 800 years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Belthangady. Here lived the Jain Bunt chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. According to the legend, the guardian angels of Dharma assumed human forms and arrived at Pergade’s abode in search of a place where Dharma was being practised and could be continued and propagated. As was their habit, the couple hosted these illustrious visitors with all their wherewithal and great respect. Pleased by their sincerity and generosity, that night the Dharma Daivas appeared in the dreams of Pergade. They explained the purpose of their visit to him and instructed him to vacate his house for the worship of the Daivas and dedicate his life to the propagation of Dharma. Asking no questions, the Pergade built himself another house and began worshiping the Daivas at Nelliadi Beedu. This worship of daivas continues. The Dharma Daivas again appeared before Pergade to build separate shrines to consecrate the four Daivas — Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari. Also, Pergade was instructed to choose two persons of noble birth to act as the Daivas’ oracles and four worthy persons to assist Pergade in his duties as the executive head of the shrines. In return, the Daivas promised Pergade protection for his family, abundance of charity and renowned for the ‘Kshetra’. Pergade, as desired, built the shrines and invited Brahmin priests to perform the rituals. These priests requested Pergade to install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. The Daivas then sent their vassal Annappa Swamy to procure the linga of Shiva from Kadri Manjunath Temple, near Mangalore. Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the linga. Official Address
Padutirupathi, Udupi, Karnataka Karkala is a town located in Udupi district. Karkala is also the taluk headquarters. Karkala is important seats for famous Jain Basadis (Jain Temples). The idol of Gomateshwara can also be found in Karkala. Apart form the Jain temples; Karkala is also famous for Padutirupathi Sree Venkataramana Temple. This temple is one of the oldest temples of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins after Sri MadhaAnantheshwar Temple Manjeshwar. Padu Tirupathi Sree Venkataramana shrine lies to the west of Tirupathi while original shrine is in the east. The name itself indicates its meaning. Padu means ‘West’ in Kannada and Tirupathi means Tirumala temple. Padutirupathi Venkataramana Temple, Karkala stands one among the various ancient temples that belong to the community of Gowda Saraswath Brahmin who have their own history of about 550 years. This shrine has been constructed in an ancient style that attracts thousands of visitors round the year. It is situated at a distance of about fifty kilometer from the city of Mangalore. Popularly, this temple is known as ‘Padutirupati’. The term ‘Padu’ refers to west in native language of Karnataka. The rituals and rites performed in this temple are almost similar to that of Tirumala. It is difficult to explain the divine glory and blessedness of Lord Venkataramana and Lord Srinivasa of this place. There is a common belief that any prayer that was offered with a resilient and strong belief is definitely fulfilled by this god. This temple is quite popular for its strong encouragement for all types of religious, cultural, social and academic activities that benefits people of both Karkala and outside this place. As an act of vision, the trustees of this temple inaugurated women’s education in the name of almighty, about ten decades back in Karkala. Towards its social and academic causes, this temple has rendered helping hand to Vatsalya Seva Trust (a registered old age home), a super specialty hospital, Shree Venkataramana Goshala Trust (R), and Sri Bhuvanendra College by providing them with acres of precious temple land on lease. The last ten years, there has been remarkable changes in that took place in this temple that displays volumes of glory and eminence of this Kshetra and its God. his temple has historical background and it dates back to 14th century when the Jain Bhairarasa Odeyars ruled Karkala and neighboring places. The Gaud Saraswat Brahmins came to Karnataka in search of place food and shelter. The Jain Odeyars donated land to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins to lead a happy life. They also donated lands for agriculture as these Brahmin people had it as an occupation. The priests of this community namely Joishys, Puraniks and Tantris are the main people who had an existence from 14th century. There are no records or written documents about the exact date of installation of this temple. The Gaud Saraswat Brahmins brought with them all their articles and household items which also included idol of Lord Venkataramana. One day all these Gaud Saraswat Brahmins met Jain King Immadi Bhairava and requested to grant a land to build a temple for Lord Sree Venkataramana. The Jain king happily granted them the Land for the very same purpose with some black stones which were common all over the area. This indicates that the Jains were patronized to other religions also. The land which they gave to these Gaud Saraswat Brahmins was occupied by a lady of some Mutt (religious institution for learning Vedas and Puranas). The lady heeded to the people and Jains only one condition that, “There are four powerful Ganas (Lord Shiva`s Servants) who should be worshipped and given sacrifices of coconuts, green pumpkins, Turmeric and so on; unless they would get angry. Also a yearly sacrifice should be performed as no unholy things may happen in and around here”. The Gaud Saraswat Brahmins and Jain King agreed to lady and then temple was constructed. Initially a huge platform was built and four pillars were made to stand in the four corners. Entangled coconut leaves were made as a roof for it. The idol was installed inside the temple and prayers were offered for goodness of people. The compound wall was in its progress for building up the blocks. One day Soma Sharma returned to Karkala from Tirupathi with another idol of Lord Sree Venkataramana which was given to him by the priests at Tirumala and this was at the end of 14th century. He installed this idol with the previously installed idol of Lord Venkataramana in the newly built stone platform. In 1500 AD, a group of dacoits attacked the temple the priests saved the main idols and valuables items by throwing them down a well in Mulki. As days progressed, they could retrieve the belongings of the temple except for the main deity. However, a person in Mulki found the statue in the well and thought that the Lord wanted to stay in this place and built the temple in Mulki. When people of Karkala came to know about this they rushed to Mulki and requested to return the idol; but by that time Mulki people had already installed the idol in Sree Veer Vittal Temlpe. People of Karkala stayed there and slept the whole night. It is said that the Lord appeared in people’s dreams and asked them to leave his statue with residents of Mulki. He seemed to have reassured them that a hermit would present them his statue in which he resides. The people of Karkala returned back and as told by the Lord himself, a hermit of Tirumala, who was a loyal devotee of Lord Venkatramana from Tirupati, came to Karkala and presented the Lord’s statue with the condition that the proceeds of the temple be given to Tirupathi. Heeding to the condition, people of Karkala undertake a pilgrimage to Tirupati each year to present the temple’s proceeds. The installation of new idol of Lord Venkataramana was done in 1537 and the renovation of the temple took place in the year 1700. Udipi is the major railway station situated close to Padutirupathi Venkataramana temple. Karkala has got good connectivity by road from both Mangalore and Bangalore. Most of the cities in Karnataka are well connected with Karkala. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport which is at the distance of about 70 km. Official Address
Nellitheertha Cave Temple, Dakshina Kannada, karnataka Nellitheertha Cave Temple (Tulu: ನೆಲ್ಲಿ ತೀರ್ಥ ಗುಹಾಲಯ) in Nellitheertha, Karnataka, India is dedicated to the Indian deity Sri Somanatheshwara, or Shiva. The temple dates back to at least 1487 CE.To the right of the temple is a natural cave, about 200 metres (660 ft) long. Access is restricted, forcing visitors to crawl in on their knees. Inside, there is a lake and a Shiva Lingam. There was an Asura named Arunasura who managed to get the blessing of Sage Jabali and got from him the sacred Gayathri Mantra. He started misusing the power of this Mantra and began to harass the world. Maharishi Jabali was not aware of this as he was performing meditation all the while. Learning from Narada Maharishi of Arunasura’s atrocities, Jabali decided that he had to set right a situation that he in a way helped create. He performed a penance to Devi Durga and the Goddess, pleased with him, assured him that she will help him. She confronted Arunasura and killed him in a place called Kateel. Kateel is a temple town near Nellitheertha. Devi Durga also granted another wish of Jabali – she, Lord Shiva and Maha Vishnu decided to reside in the region. Shiva took up residence in Nellitheertha itself. Devi Durga took her lace in a temple in Muchur and Maha Vishnu resided in a temple in Kompavadu. Both regions are located near Nellitheertha. The cave temple of Nellitheertha dates back to year 1487. The cave of Nellitheertha is even believed to be used by the Sage Jabali to perform penance to appease Lord Durga Parameshwari. He wants that the Lord Durga should kill the demon Arunsura. On his sacrifices Lord Durga killed Arunsura at Kateel, which is the famous temple town near Nellitheertha cave. One of the highly revered Shiva temples in the region, Nellitheertha Cave Temple, otherwise known as Sri Somanatheshwara Cave Temple, is an ancient temple which is believed to have been established in the late 15th century. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and hence it is an important shrine amongst Shaivites. Being a cave temple, one need to scrawl on their knees to reach its sanctum sanctorum where a Shivalinga is worshipped. As per Hindu mythology, the cave was used by sage Jabali for meditation and penance. Today, the temple is a popular destination amongst nature lovers as well as Hindus. Surrounded by the lush greenery, it is located on the outskirts of Mangalore and maintains a peaceful and divine aura. By Air: The nearest airport to Nellitheertha is located in Mangalore at a distance of about 15 km. Once you have reached the airport, you can hire a direct cab to the temple. It will take an approximate time of 40 min to reach your destination from the airport. By Rail: Mangalore is well connected to all other major cities and towns of the country by rail. Therefore, you can take a direct train to Mangalore railway station and then from there, you can hire a taxi to reach Nellitheertha. By Road: Nellitheertha is easily accessible by road. You can either hire a cab or use the public transport to reach the Temple. Official Address
Dodda Basavana Gudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka Dodda Basavana Gudi (the Nandhi Temple) is situated in Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, area of South Bengaluru, part of the largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. The Hindu temple is inside a park called Bugle Rock. The bull referred to is a sacred Hindu demi-god, known as Nandi; Nandi is a close devotee and attendant of Shiva. Dodda Basavana Gudi is said to be the biggest temple to Nandi in the world. The stone monolith idol of Nandi is continually covered with new layers of butter, benne in the local language of Kannada. There is an idol of the elephant-headed Hindu deity Ganesha close by. Every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of the Hindu month of Karthika Maasa a groundnut fair is held in the temple premises and groundnut is offered to the deity. This fair is known as ‘Kadalekaayi Parishe’ in local tongue. Groundnut sellers and devotees throng the place during Kadalekaayi Parishe. Basavana Gudi is a regular place of visit for tourists and is covered by most of the tour operators including the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. Nandi Temple is exclusively for the worship of the sacred bull (Basava in Kannada) in Hinduism, known as Nandi, Lord Shiva’s vahana. The word “nandi” means “joyful” in Sanskrit. The temple was built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda under the Vijayanagara empire in the Vijayanagara architectural style, he also founded the city of Bengaluru.The temple is named after the large granite Nandi monolith placed on a plinth in the temple shrine (garbhagriha) which has become blackened from years of being rubbed with charcoal and oil.The temple is a small one, consisting only of the shrine fronted by a porch in the Vijayanagara style. The current tower (vimana) over the shrine was constructed in the early 20th century and is adorned with Saivitefigures and motifs. It is said to house one of the largest Nandi murthis in the world. The height of the murthi is approximately 15 ft (4.6 m) and it is approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) long. Official Address
Murdeshwar, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka There are statues of Sun Chariot on side of a park, pool, statues depicting Arjuna receiving Geetopadesham from Lord Krishna, Ravana being deceived by Ganesha in disguise, Shiva’s manifestation as Bhaghirnath, descending Ganga, carved around the hill. The temple is entirely modernised with exception of the sanctum sanctorum which is still dark and retains its composure. The main deity is Sri Mridesa Linga, also called Murdeshwar. The linga is believed to be a piece of the original Atma Linga and is about two feet below ground level. The devotees performing special sevas like Abhisheka, Rudrabhisheka, Rathotsava etc., can view the deity by standing before the threshold of the sanctum and the Linga is illuminated by oil lamps held close by the priests. The Linga is essentially a rough rock inside a hollowed spot in the ground. Entry into the sanctum is banned for all devotees. Official Address
Mookambika, Udupi, Karnataka As per legends, there lived a sage in ancient years named Kola Maharishi, who was troubled by a demon. The demon was in penance to obtain boon from gods, only for the sake of troubling more. Goddess Parvathi made the demon dumb (meaning: Mooka), so he cant ask for boons. The demon was called as Mookasura (meaning: Dumb demon). The frustrated mute demon started creating even more problems to the sage and the people around. Upon the appealed request of the sage, Goddess Parvathi descended in a powerful form and killed Mookasura. So the Goddess came to be hailed as Mookambika. The sage requested the Goddess to stay in that place and so did Goddess took her abode in the same place, called Kollur. Official Address
Marikamba Temple, Sirsi, Karnataka 0. The temple’s façade, a 19th-century addition, is painted blue. After one enters through the façade, there is courtyard in the middle, which has cloisters surrounding it. The cloisters are filled with images of deities from the Hindu epics. The changes made inside the temple have hidden any evidence of older structures. The sanctum sanctorum has the central image of a fierce form of the goddess Durga, multi-armed (eight shoulders), riding a tiger and killing a demon. It is believed that the 7-foot-tall (2.1 m) image was retrieved from a pond on the road to Hanagal. The temple has very special paintings of murals in Kaavi art, an art form which was popular in the coastal Konkan region of Karnataka. In this art form, now extinct, the top plastered layer of the mural was first dyed with a red pigment, which when removed revealed a lower white layer of plaster over which the murals were created Official Address
Kukke Subramanya Temple, Dakshina Kannada, karnataka Kukke Subramanya (Tulu and Kannada: Kukke Subrahmaṇya) is a Hindu temple located in the village of Subramanya, Karnataka. In this temple Kartikeya is worshipped as Subramanya,lord of all serpents. The epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refuge under Subramanya when threatened by the Garuda.Kukke lapped in the luxurious abundance of the beauty of the nature the village of Subramanya lies in the Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada with a sanctity which very few places can boast of. The temple is situated in the heart of the village. Nature reveals herself in all her unhidden beauty in the rivers, forests and mountains which the temples is surrounded by. It is about a 105 km from Mangalore and can be easily reached by train,buses or taxis. Subramanya used to be called as Kukke Pattana in the past. In the ‘Shankara Vijaya’ Anandagiri observes that Sri Shankaracharya camped here for a few days during his religious expedition (Digvijaya). Shankaracharya referred to this place as ‘Bhaje Kukke Lingam’ in his ‘Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram’. Sri Subrahmanya Kshetra has been brilliantly described in the ‘Thirthakshetra Mahimanipurana’ chapter of the Sahyadrikhanda comprised in the Sanatkumara Samhita of Skanda Purana. This kshetra is situated in the banks of the river ‘Dhara’ which originates in the Kumara mountain and proceeds to the western sea. Pilgrims going to the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in the river before entering the temple for their darshan holy viewing of the Lord. The devotees enter the courtyard from the doorway at the back, and circumambulate the deity. Between the sanctorum and the portico entrance, there is the Garuda pillar covered with silver. Devotees circumambulate this pillar. It is believed that this pillar was enchanted and planted there to shield devotees from the poisonous flames arising from the breath of Vasuki, who resides inside. Beyond the pillar is the outer hall, the inner hall, and then the sanctorum of Sri Subrahmanya. At the centre of sanctorum is a pedestal. On the upper daisstands the deity of Sri Subrahmanya and the deity of Vasuki and, at a somewhat lower level, the deity of Shesha. Ritual worship is offered to these deities every day.The temple is slowly increasing in popularity, owing to its religious significance and importance. According to one belief, after killing the demon rulers Tharaka, Shurapadmasura and their followers in a war, Lord Shanmukha reached Kumara Parvatha with his brother Ganesha and others. He was received by Indra and his followers. Indra being very happy prayed Lord Kumara Swamy to accept and marry his daughter Devasena for which the Lord readily agreed. The divine marriage took place on Margashira shudha shashti at Kumara Parvatha. Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and many other deities assembled for the marriage and coronation ceremony of Shanmukha for which waters of several holy rivers were brought. With these waters of Mahabhisheka fell down to form a river which was later known by the popular name Kumaradhara. The great Shiva Bhakta and Serpent king Vasuki was performing tapas for years in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya to avoid the attack of Garuda. Following Lord Shiva`s assurance Shanmuka gave darshan to Vasuki and blessed him that he would stay with his parama bhakta in this place forever. Hence the poojas offered to Vasuki or Nagaraja are nothing but the poojas to Lord Subrahmanya. Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Bhadravati, Shimoga, Karnataka An urban centre in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Bhadravati is a beautiful city on the banks of Bhadra river and is known for its age-old history and culture. As per local legends, this industrial town is believed to have been in existence since the advent of the Common Era. However, strong evidence to prove this fact has still not been found. The major places which you can explore within the boundaries of Bhadravati include its ancient temples and other historical sites. The most prominent amongst all of these tourist attractions in Bhadravati is Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, which is one of the oldest and highly revered temples in the region. Hence, it remains the most frequented tourist spot in Bhadravati. he best way to reach Bhadravati if you desire to travel By Air: The best way to reach Bhadravati if you desire to travel by air is to take a direct flight to Mangalore airport and then from there, a bus or cab to Bhadravati. The distance between Mangalore airport and Bhadravati is 195 km. Hence, it will take you an average time of 5 h to reach the destination. By Rail: Bhadravati has its own railway station and hence, you can catch a direct train from the nearby station to Bhadravati. By Road: Being an industrial city, the region in and around Bhadravati has a good network of roads. Therefore, you can easily reach Lakshmi Narasimha Temple by road. Official Address
Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura, Karnataka The Chennakesava Temple, also referred to as Chennakeshava Temple, Keshava Temple or Kesava Temple, is a VaishnavaHindu temple on the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura, Karnataka, India. The temple was consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III. It is located 38 kilometres (24 mi) east of Mysuru city. The ornate temple is a model illustration of the Hoysala architecture. The temple is enclosed in a courtyard with a pillared corridor of small shrines (damaged). The main temple in the center is on a high star-shaped platform with three symmetrical sanctums (garbha-griha), set in a square matrix (89′ x 89′) oriented along the east-west and north-south axes.[3] The western sanctum was for a statue of Kesava (missing), the northern sanctum of Janardhana and the southern sanctum of Venugopala, all forms of Vishnu. The sanctums share a common community hall (sabha-mandapa) with many pillars. The outer walls, the inner walls, the pillars and the ceiling of the temple are intricately carved with theological iconography of Hinduism and display extensive friezes of Hindu texts such as the Ramayana (southern section), the Mahabharata (northern section) and the Bhagavata Purana (western section of the main temple). The Chennakesava temple, states George Michell, represents the climax of the development in Hoysala temple style and yet is also unique in many ways. The northern and southern row of small shrines inside the pillared courtyard corridor consists of eighteen single shrine and one linked-double shrine each. The linked-double shrine is at the northwestern and southwestern corners of the courtyard. The western row consists of fourteen small shrines, while the eastern row consists of eight single small shrines and two linked-double shrines. In total, the Kesava temple consists of 58 small 1×1 small shrines, 4 small 2×1 linked-double shrines, 2 near entrance, and the main central temple.The 64 corridor shrines once featured Vedic and Puranic deities and rooms for pilgrims. The statues in the smaller shrines were defaced, their limbs broken or destroyed. Some of the recovered broken pieces are in a heap inside the temple. The collection includes Jaina statues in the Kayotsarga posture as well as numerous Hindu statues. The ceiling of the southern array of shrines has carvings on its ceiling, the western does not and it have an repair related inscription instead from Vijayanagara Empire era. The northern array also mostly lacks any ceiling art work except near the stairs in the middle, while the eastern array shows the greatest signs of damage and restoration with most small shrines missing but for signs of their foundation. The main temple is built on a jagati, which symbolizes worldly platform. It is about 3 feet high, star-shaped and has stone steps at its east end for the visitor to climb up to it. Near the stairs, on each side are two dvarapala (guardian) shrines but these are damaged. The platform around the temple serves as the circumambulation passage. The raised jagati platform circles around the main temple with a broad walking space. It is the pradakshina patha (circumambulation path), and is supposed to be walked in a clockwise manner in order to pictorially read the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Puranalegends in the correct sequence.The eastern side of the platform is rectangular, while the space below the vimana (temple tower) mirrors the pointed star tower shape, with nine points on each side and two linking edges (a total of 29). A stone elephant originally stood at each star point end of the platform, but only 11 of the 15 original have survived in a damaged condition. On the sides of the star side and where two stars of the jagati platform meet were 14 mid size images likely of Nagas and 58 images of Yakshas but all of this are now missing. The temple premises stores 7 of the broken pieces found in the early 20th century. The platform appears from distance to be five stacks from the careful moulding. From the jagati level, there are four stone steps that leads the devotee into the temple’s sabha mandapa inside.The hall appears to be rectangular, yet consists of two fused squares and a rectangle. A small square is at the entrance, the largest square in the middle, and a rectangle facing the three sanctum (garbha griya), all supported by intricately carved pillars. The main hall opens to each sanctum through a small square shaped puja mandapa. The three sanctums house Keshava (image lost), Janardhana and Venugopala. Above each of these sanctums rise the 16 pointed star shaped North Indian style tower (shikara). Wall panel relief and molding frieze around the main Kesava Temple The outer wall of the main temple consists of parallel horizontal bands of artwork carved above the circumambulatory platform.It has three major section, the basement band, the wall band and the top band. The lowest band in the basement section is about 6 inches tall and shows a row of elephants mostly marching to the left in the clockwise direction the devotee is expected to walk. The elephants are not exact copy of each other, rather show different natural expressions and playfulness of elephants.Some show elephants in war, throwing enemies; while others show them teasing the riders in front. The band above the elephants is of horses with armed riders, depicting a military march. In some spots, camels substitute for horses suggesting that the Hoysala had adopted camels into their army. Some spots also show battle scene with horses. In various places, the artists added humor by placing dwarfs and monkeys supporting the front raised leg of the horses. The band above the horsemen friezes is a scroll of nature. It shows flowers, fruits, occasionally some peacocks and wildlife. The band above it is the mythology frieze. It is about 7 inches tall, around 2.5 feet above the platform, and it depicts the legends and spiritual stories found in the Ramayana (up to face 5), the Puranas particularly the Bhagavata Purana (from face 6 to 11) and lastly the Mahabharata.There are numerous panels around the temple that tell the various Hindu fables and stories. The Somanathapura town was founded in the 13th century by a general named Somanatha (Someya Dandanayaka in some inscriptions). He was working for the Hoysala King Narasimha III.Somanatha created an Agrahara, that is granted land to Brahmins and dedicated resources to build and maintain temples therein.The town (pura) became known after the name of the patron, Somanatha-pura. The location is also referred by alternate spellings, such as Somnathpur. In the middle of the new settlement, Somanatha built the Kesava temple and consecrated it in 1258 CE.This was a Vaishnavism tradition temple. In addition to this temple, Somanatha consecrated a Shaivism tradition related Panchalinga temple (literally, “five linga temple”) in the east-northeast corner of the land grant. He also built a fort wall around the land, but these are now in ruins.According to the inscriptions and textual evidence, Somanatha additionally built the Purahara, Narasimhesvara, Murahara, Lakshminarasimha and Yoganarayana temples in Hoysala style in the region, but all these temples except the Lakshminarasimha have disappeared, after wars between the Hindu kingdoms and Muslim Sultanates ravaged the region. The Lakshminarasimha temple is also in ruins. From the other disappeared temples, the sanctum image of Yoganarayana temple is only known surviving artwork, but it too is in a damaged form. The Kesava temple too was badly damaged, according to 15th-century inscriptions. It was repaired in the 16th century with financial support and grants by the emperors of the Vijayanagara Empire.The repairs are evidenced by the different color of stones and quality of work in the veranda and parts of the northern tower and platform of the main temple. The repaired temple was damaged in the 19th century, then repaired again in the early 20th century by the colonial era Mysore government. A part of the inscription stone at Keshava temple entrance. The Kesava temple is one of some 1,500 Hindu and Jain temples built by the Hoysala Empire kings in different parts of their kingdom. The other well studied Hoysala temples include those at Belur and Halebidu. A few of the significant historical dates and circumstances around the Kesava temple is inscribed in eight stones in different parts of South India. Four of the inscriptions are found on soapstone slabs at the entrance of the temple. Two inscriptions are found in the ceilings of the veranda that surrounds the temple, one near the southeast corner and the other about the northwest corner. Another inscription is found near Harihareshwara Temple on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The eighth inscription is found in the Shiva temple at the periphery of the original land grant, the Panchalinga temple.Most of these inscriptions confirm that the temple was operational about mid 13th century. Two inscriptions, one dated 1497 CE and another to 1550 CE describe the damage and the repairs done to this temple. Chennakesava Temple is in Somanathapura, which is near Mysore. You can get on a bus from Bangalore, Mysore and Srirangapatna. The month of October is the right time to visit this temple. Official Address
Kodlamane, Uttara kannada, Karnataka The temple is very beautiful which will take the pilgrims to the world of devotion. The Temple is designed and built on Vedic Hindu temple architecture. It has Garbhagriha, Antarala, Sandya Mandap, Maha Mandap, Pradakshina, Subsidiary Shrines, Bali Peetha, Garuda Stambha. The Garbhagriha is Sanctum sanctorum facing east where presiding deity Lord Vishnumurthy is residing along with other deities which are Lord Maheshwar (in the form of Shiva Linga), Lord Ganapati, Devi Durga. Sacred Saligram are also there which is which is symbol of God Vishnu. Utsav Murthy (Lord Vishnumurthy processional deity)is also residing at Garbhagriha which will be taken out on special occasions. occasions. They all are in Mandan, hence called Devata worshiped in Mandan. Lord Vishnumurthy is in standing posture with four hands holding Shanka, Chakra, Gada, Padma. The murthy also called Vigraha or Idol is carved in sacred black natural stone. Murthy height is about 3.5 ft from peetha to top of crown and peetha is 1.5 ft height. The Garbhagriha is square shape built with natural stones and Shikhara or Gopura or Vimana above sanctum sanctorum is octagon which is also built by natural stones. The roof of Shikhara is covered by Copper sheets ( which passes higher energy). Kalash is fixed on top of copper roof called Shikhara Kalash which is gold plated on copper. After the Antarala in Sandya Mandap there is Kuladevata Stan who is Shree Kamakshi Devi of Shiroda, a Goddess of Shakti. The whole set up is called Garbhagudi. The roof of Garbhagudi is coved with copper sheets. The walls and pillars of Garbhagudi are beautifully painted in Kaavi art , depicting Dashavatars of Mahavishnu, Ganapati, Saraswati, Hanumatha, Garuda, Temple chariot, pallaki, flowers etc. Whole Garbhagudi is elevated around 3 feet above the pradakshina level. On either side of first door of Garbhagudi there is Jaya-Vijaya beautifully carved in natural black stone. Garbhagudi has 3 doors facing east looking at Holy River of Sharavati which flows within 500 m. Garbhagudi has 3 doors. Its door frame carved from natural stone. Beautifully carved wooden doors fixed over the 3 stone door frames, and are in descending order height width, which is very well planned architecture. Wood used is Shivani for door frame and jack fruit for door leaf. First door of garbhagudi(door of sandya mandap) has Shree Yoga Narasimha on top and Shree Hanuman on left and Shree garuda on right side on door frame. The whole door is matt painted in dark chocolate colour, thus gives feel of an stone or metal. Second door which is for Antarala is covered with pure silver and Shree Astha Lakshi on top. Third door which is door of garbhagriha is also covered with pure silver with Shree Lakshmi-Narayan to top. Artists have shown their best in wooden and silver carving. Oil lamps are placed both sides of garbhagriha door which is very appealing, gives feel of ancient temple. Pilgrims are not allowed to enter garbhagudi.The pradakshina (going round of garbhagudi clockwise) will lead to other shrines which are Shree Mukhyaprana first on right side facing north and Shree Yakshi or Yakshini Shrine (where sanyasi peetha is presided) on left side facing east. They are called Parivar Devatas. Then it will lead to Yagna Mandap (Yagna Shala). The main temple building door is facing east. In second prakara (also called as Prakaram to east(front side) there are other small shrines of Shree Jataka, Shree Nag and Shree Chawndi, Garuda Stamba, Bali Peetha and Tulasi, to south (left side) is Vishnu Tirth, to west (behind)is paak shala (temple kitchen) where prasad or naivedya is prepared, to north (right side) is function hall. Pilgrims who will enter temple main gate from north side will come to second prakara which will lead to temple main door. Before entering the main gate, there is Shree Kshetra pala Peetha on hill forest, who is there to safeguard the whole temple premise and Kodlamane. Kodlamane Shree Vishnumurthy Temple : of Serenity and Mystery,[1] is situated in a heavenly beautiful hill forest in Shree Parashurama Kshetra called Kodlamane. A beautiful stream flows next to the temple which is called Vishnu Tirtha. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu(or Mahavishnu is same)who is only giver of Moksha or Mukti. This is very ancient untarnished Tirth Kshetra, an Hindu pilgrimage site. Visiting such a Shrine away from the crowd is pleasing for the heart. There is no other place like this anywhere in Brahamanda. This temple is a place of great spiritual significance and great Mukti Stal. From the temple Mahadwar (arch) one can reach by tar road in hill forest or trekking in hill forest(ancient route) to reach temple. The temple is just a km from Idagunji and 23 km from Honnavar Taluk, in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India.This temple is famous of Darshana Seva. Official Address
ISKCON Temple, Bangalore, karnataka In 1987, the society was operating from a rented house in Bangalore. In the year 1987, the leaders of the society applied to Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) for allotment of land to construct a grand temple and cultural complex. The land was allotted on 3 August 1988 – a seven-acre hillock, which was nothing but a huge piece of monolithic rock that could not be converted into sites. The BDA described it as “karaab land” (waste land). A temporary shed was constructed to set up a makeshift temple and the Deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama moved to this shed on the appearance day of Lord Balarama (September 1988). Around 1976, devotees from different parts of India and the world had initiated activities of ISKCON in different parts of South India like Bangalore, Hubli, Madras, etc. Sankirtans in the streets, enrolling Life Members, arranging programs in the houses, and arranging large public programs in pandals were being conducted. The society was registered in the year 1978 under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960. The objects of the society are derived from the Seven Purposes of ISKCON as stated by Srila Prabhupada. In May 1997, Bangalore ISKCON Temple was inaugurated by the ninth president of India – Shankar Dayal Sharma. Official Address
Hoysaleswara Temple, Hassan, karnataka Hoysaleswara temple, also referred simply as the Halebidu temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is the largest monument in Halebidu, a town in the state of Karnataka, India and the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temple was built on the banks of a large man-made lake, and sponsored by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire. Its construction started around 1121 CE and was complete in 1160 CE. During the early 14th century, Halebidu was twice sacked and plundered by the Muslim armies of Delhi Sultanate from northern India,and the temple and the capital fell into a state of ruin and neglect. It is 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Hassan city and about 210 kilometres (130 mi) from Bengaluru. The Hoysaleswara temple is a Shaivism tradition monument, yet reverentially includes many themes from Vaishnavism and Shaktismtradition of Hinduism, as well as images from Jainism.[9] The Hoysaleswara temple is a twin-temple dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingas, named after the masculine and feminine aspects, both equal and joined at their transept. It has two Nandi shrines outside, where each seated Nandi face the respective Shiva linga inside. The temple includes a smaller sanctum for the Hindu Sun god Surya. It once had superstructure towers, but no longer and the temple looks flat.The temple faces east, though the monument is presently visited from the north side. Both the main temples and the Nandi shrines are based on a square plan.The temple was carved from soapstone. It is notable for its sculptures, intricate reliefs, detailed friezes as well its history, iconography, inscriptions in North Indian and South Indian scripts. The temple artwork provides a pictorial window into the life and culture in the 12th century South India. About 340 large reliefs depict the Hindu theology and associated legends. Numerous smaller friezes narrate Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. Some friezes below large reliefs portray its narrative episodes. The artwork in Hoysaleswara temple is damaged but largely intact. Within a few kilometers of the temple are numerous ruins of Hoysala architecture. The temple along with the nearby Jain Temples and the Kedareshwara temple, along with the Kesava temple in Belur have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Hoysala period of South Indian history began about 1000 CE and continued through 1346 CE. In this period, they built around 1,500 temples in 958 centres. Halebidu was originally called Dvarasamudra (or Dorasamudra), a name derived from two Sanskrit words “Dvara” (gateway, door) and Samudra (ocean, sea, large water body). The capital used to be Belur, Karnataka, but Dvarasamudra became the established capital under king Vishnuvardhana and served as the capital of the Hoyasala Empire for nearly 300 years. Unlike other Hoysala temples that have survived into the modern age, and despite numerous inscriptions in the temple premises, the Hoysaleswara Temple lacks a dedication inscription. It is likely lost, along with the many other features of the original temple. An inscription found about five kilometers from the temple site, near the Kallesvara temple ruins in Ghattadahalli, states that Ketamalla – officer in the employ of king Vishnuvardhana constructed this temple. It also notes that the king made grant of lands to support the construction, the operation and the maintenance of the Shiva temple in Saka 1043, or 1121 CE. It was not the only temple built in that era. The inscriptions suggest that the capital consisted of numerous other temples, both of Hinduism and Jainism traditions, along with stepwells, ponds and mantapas (mandapas, public halls) in the vicinity of the large Dorasamudhra lake.Evidence within the temple suggest that the temple was reconstructed and repaired over its history, sometimes for enhancements, sometimes to address structural issue with the towers above it (now missing), and sometimes after wars with the remains of ruined temples elsewhere in the region.It is the largest temple built by the Hoysalas that is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in South India. The Hoysala Empire and its capital Dvarasamudra was invaded, plundered and destroyed in early 14th century by the Delhi Sultanatearmies of Alauddin Khilji, with Belur and Halebidu becoming the target of plunder and destruction in 1326 CE by another Delhi Sultanate army of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq.The territory was taken over by the Vijayanagara Empire.The Hoysala style, states James C. Harle, came to an end in mid 14th century, when King Ballala III was killed in a war with the Muslim army led by Malik Kafur. Dvarasamudra and its temples became ruins, the capital abandoned and the site became known as “Halebidu” (literally, “old camp or capital”).About 300 of the original Hoysala Empire temples survive in different states of damage, scattered around the Halebid region. Of these, states Hardy, about 70 had been studied to varying degrees of detail by 1995. The Hoysaleswara Temple is in Halebidu, also called Halebeedu, Halebid, Dorasamudra. Halebidu is a town in Hassan district of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is about 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Hassan. The temple is about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Belur, Karnataka temples.Halebidu has no nearby airport, and is about 210 kilometres (130 mi) west of Bengaluru (IATA Code: BLR), about 4 hours drive accessible with a four lane NH75 highway through Hassan. Halebidu is connected by railway network at Hassan to major cities of Karnataka. Official Address
Hampi, Ballari, Karnataka Hampi, also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in east-central Karnataka, India. It became the centre of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire capital in the 14th century. Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, state Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal.[3][4] The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates; its capital was conquered, pillaged and destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565, after which Hampi remained in ruins. Located in Karnataka near the modern-era city of Hosapete, Hampi’s ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares (16 sq mi) and it has been described by UNESCO as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India that includes “forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others”.Hampi predates the Vijayanagara Empire; there is evidence of Ashokan epigraphy, and it is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Puranas of Hinduism as Pampaa Devi Tirtha Kshetra. Hampi continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, an active Adi Shankara-linked monastery and various monuments belonging to the old city. The toponym Hampi—traditionally known as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra—is derived from Pampa, another name of goddess in Hindu theology. According to mythology, the maiden Parvati resolves to marry the loner ascetic Shiva. Her parents learn of her desire and discourage her, but she pursues her desire. Shiva is lost in yogic meditation, oblivious to the world; Parvati appeals to the gods for help to awaken him and gain his attention. Indra sends the god Kama—the Hindu god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection—to awake Shiva from meditation. Kama reaches Shiva and shoots an arrow of desire.Shiva opens his third eye in his forehead and burns Kama to ashes. Parvati does not lose her hope or her resolve to win over Shiva; she begins to live like him and engage in the same activities—asceticism, yogin and tapasya—awakening him and attracting his interest. Shiva meets Parvati in disguised form and tries to discourage her, telling her Shiva’s weaknesses and personality problems.Parvati refuses to listen and insists in her resolve. Shiva finally accepts her and they get married.According to Sthala Purana, Parvati (Pampa) pursued her ascetic, yogini lifestyle on Hemakuta Hill, now a part of Hampi, to win and bring ascetic Shiva back into householder life. Shiva is also called Pampapati (lit. “husband of Pampa”).The river near the Hemakuta Hill came to be known as Pampa river.The Sanskrit word Pampa morphed into the Kannada word Hampa and the place Parvati pursued Shiva came to be known as Hampe or Hampi. The site was an early medieval era pilgrimage place known as Pampakshetra. Its fame came from the Kishkindha chapters of the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman, Sugriva and the monkey army in their search for kidnapped Sita. The Hampi area has many close resemblances to the place described in the epic. The regional tradition believes that it is that place mentioned in the Ramayana, attracting pilgrims Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the eastern part of central Karnataka near the state border with Andhra Pradesh. It is 376 kilometres (234 mi) from Bangalore, 385 kilometres (239 mi) from Hyderabad and 266 kilometres (165 mi) from Belgaum. The closest railway station is in Hosapete (Hospet), 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away. During the winter, overnight buses and trains connect Hampi with Goa, Secunderabad and Bangalore. It is 140 kilometres (87 mi) southeast of the Badami and Aihole archaeological sites Official Address
Halebidu, Hassan, Karnataka Halebidu (IAST: Haḷēbīḍ, also Halebeedu or Halebid, literally “old capital, encampment”) is a town located in Hassan District, Karnataka, India. Halebidu (which used to be called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empirein the 12th century. It is home to some of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. Most notable are the ornate Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples. The city got the name “Halebidu” because it was damaged and deserted into “old capital” after being ransacked and looted twice by Islamic forces of the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th-century. Halebiduis located in Hassan district in Karnataka. Ketumalla, the chief of staff of Hoysala Kingdom, built this temple during 1121 A.D and attributed to his king, Vishnuvardhana and queen, Shantala Devi. Even then it is learnt that it took 105 years to complete. If one stands on the platform of the temple and sees around he will see the hills opposite and two big bulls facing the temple and Ganeshafigure on the south. It is believed that Queen Shantala Devi, was an epitome of beauty and fashion, she was also a great Bharatnatyam dancer and musician. Sculptors were inspired by this and the Shilabalikas, the dancing figures, are models of Queen Shantala Devi and her courtisans. History of Hoysalas mentions Shantala Devi had great influence in the adminstration and religious reforms during Vishnuvardhana reign. She was follower of Jainism and the King follower of Sri Vaishnaism and was influenced by Saint Ramanuja Charya. In the 14th century, this glorious city fell into ruins with the invasion of Malik Kafur, Mughuls, from the North India. This place was ran-sacked and plundered repeatedly rendering it in ruins. Hence its name Haledid, meaning ” City in Ruins”. Monolithic soapstone or Chloritic Schist was used for the construction of these temples.The God on the northern side temple is called as Shanthaleshwara and that on southern side is called as Hoysaleshwara. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas. Yet no two postures of the sculptures are similar. Built after Shantala Devi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana. The Shantaleswara temple on the northern side stands on a platform like a casket in shining black soft stone – chlorite schist covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. The temple took 190 years to build requiring skills of more than 20,000 laborers. It has a Museum on the lawns that showcases 12th-century sculptures and gold coins in use at the time. One km from Halebid is Basti hill with Jain bastis with gleaming black stone pillars. Also check out Basdi Halli, a group of 3 Jain temples situated very near the Hoysaleshwara temple that is famous for carved ceilings, highly polished Blackstone pillars. The Parshwanatha Swamy temple is the most important and well-preserved one. The idol is 14 feet tall and is carved out of Blackstone and bears a 7 headed serpent on its head. By Road: Halebidu is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Regular buses ply from Hassan. Official Address
Gokarna, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka.The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva’s linga (Atmalinga). There are many other temples all over this small town. Ankola and Kumta on NH66 are the main towns near Gokarna and Bhatkal and Karwar are the main cities near Gokarna where almost all trains stops. Gokarna is known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is on what was once an unspoiled beach near the estuary of the river Aghanashini. Recently, due to the influx of tourists, the character of the town has changed; it is no longer just a centre of pilgrimage, though large numbers of devotees visit to offer prayers and worship to Lord Shiva. Due to its laid-back, unspoiled and rustic nature many younger western tourists started visiting Gokarna about a decade ago. The beaches around Gokarna were hardly used by the locals until these mainly western tourists started coming.Enterprising locals started stores and restaurants, and now the resorts also cater to wealthier tourists. The earliest history of the city is in Tretayuga, Ravana (Demon/Asura King of Lanka) reaches Kailasa and performed rigorous penance to get the “Atma Linga” from Lord Shiva, as Ravana’s mother expressed a keen desire to worship the atmalinga of Lord Shiva.[5][6] After a long penance, Shiva gave the Atma linga to Ravana as a boon and instructs Ravana to carry it home by walk, that he should never place it on the earth even for a short while failing which the linga would get eternally embedded at the place where he broke his commands. Lord Maha Vishnu learned that Ravana will become all powerful by worshipping the ‘Atma Linga’ and menace to the world and Ravana’s conviction that nobody could defeat him, once he acquired the very power of Shiva. Maha vishnu devised a plan to install the linga somewhere and as he thought that Lord Ganapati was alone capable of doing it, he along with all the gods pleased Ganapati to execute the plan. Lord Ganapati accepts and reaches Gokarna as a Brahmin boy. As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Maha Vishnu who had known well that Ravana was punctual in performing his periodical rites (Sandyavandhana), hides sun with his Sudarshana Chakra (Wheel). Thinking that it was time to perform the evening rites, Ravana finds a Brahmin boy and asked him to hold the Atmalinga in his hand till he came back after finishing the rites. Ganapati agreed to hold the linga on one condition that he would do so till he would be able to bear the weight of linga and that thereafter he would call Ravana three times and if failed to come to him by then he would place the linga on the earth. Ganapati calls Ravana three times when he was performing his rites and places the linga on the earth and he vanished. The Atmalinga at once got firmly entrenched in the earth. Ravana learned that he had been tricked by the Gods. The depressed demon king Ravana was deeply agitated and tried to pull up the linga, but the linga did not budge a little. It resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara and Shejjeshwar temples. Ravana was unable to lift the linga from the ground again and called the Shiva linga as Mahabala, one with great strength, and ever since, the linga illustrious as Mahabaleshwara. Shiva learned all these from Vayu Deva, the god of wind, and came on to Earth with Goddess Parvathi devi and his train of Gods, he visited these five places and worshipped the linga which had now taken five forms. He acknowledged that these five places would be his “Pancha Kshetras” (Five Holy Places) A sect of Brahmins fled from the Gomantak to escape forcible conversions by the Portuguese and British and settled in and around Gokarna in the 15th century. It was part of the Sodhe and Vijayanagar kingdoms. When the Konkan region — including Goa — was occupied by the Portuguese, it became part of their rule. A few temples were destroyed by the Portuguese in 1714, rebuilt in the 18th century, and under the supervision of Guru H. H. Shrimad Anandashram Swamiji in 1928. Official Address
Ghati Subramanya, Bangalore, Karnataka Ghati Subramanya kannada is an ancient Hindu temple, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore near Tubagere, Doddaballapura. It is 60 km from the city and is a popular pilgrimage centre. The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth. It is also an important centre in South India for snake worship. Special rituals are performed during Brahmarathotsava, i.e., on the day of Pushya shudda Shashti. Narasimha Jayanti is the other major festival celebrated here.Ghati Subramanya has a recorded history of more than 600 years. It was first developed by the Ghorpade rulers of Sandur who ruled parts of Bellary. The high pyramid shaped gateway tower of the temple is one of the most distinctive features, a perfect example of Dravidian architecture. It is adorned with sculptures of various deities and events of Hindu mythology. It is believed that the idols have always been present here, and according to the legend, the idols of Karthikeya and Narasimha emerged from the ground and the temple was built around it. There is an anthill which is opposite the temple and devotees pour milk on it as part of one of the rituals. One of the distinguishing aspects of this temple is that one can find two deities here – Lord Subramanya and Lord Narasimha. The idols are found in the sanctum of the temple. The idol of Lord Subramanya, in his serpentine form, faces the east while the idol of Lord Narasimha sits at the back of the former and faces the west. Devotees can view the idol of Lord Narasimha through a strategically placed mirror, allowing both deities to be worshipped at the same time. The idol of Lord Subramanya or Karthikeya is made from a single stone. It is believed that on this spot, the deity Lord Subramanya was performing penance in the form of a snake. Lord Subramanya prayed to Lord Narasimha to provide the Naga’s family from Lord Vishnu’s vehicle, the Garuda, known for his dislike towards serpents. Lord Subramanya’s form is that of a seven-hooded snake and it is believed that this is the region where he vanquished Ghatikasura, the demon. The temple is believed to be more than 600 years old, according to the written records, while its origin might go back many more years. The construction of the Ghati Subramanya temple is attributed to Ghorpade, who belonged to the Sandur dynasty. It is believed that the deity appeared in the dreams of the king, revealing the whereabouts of the idols. The king, with the help of the locals, discovered the self-manifested idol of the deity and then commissioned a temple to be built around them. The Ghati Subramanya temple is one of the most major spots for snake worship in Southern India. Brahmarathotsava is one of the important days at the temple, celebrated with special rituals. Another major festival at the Ghati Subramanya temple is Narasimha Jayanti. In December, this temple provides the venue for a fair. Agriculturists, cattle rearers and traders converge for this cattle fair from neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala, along with people from all over Karnataka. Some of the major rituals that can be performed at the temple include Kuja Dosha, Naga Pratistha, Sarpa Dosha and Nivarana Puja. It is a firm belief of devotees that the temple should be visited by childless couples so that they may be able to conceive. Another ritual practiced here is the installation of snake idols near the temple, which is believed to be an auspicious act and offering. Visitors to the temple are greeted with the sight of thousands of such idols around the complex, planted by devotees. Ghati Subramanya is about 60km from Bangalore. The most popular route is via Doddaballapura. If opting for a public transport, direct routes to Ghati from Bangalore are pretty less in number and one may have to change over at Doddaballapura. The closest airport to the temple is the Bangalore International Airport, which is 48 kilometres away. From the airport, the most convenient route would be the NH648 and the journey time would be a little over an hour. The closest railway station is in Bangalore city, 60 kilometres away. From the City Railway station, one has to traverse via the Bellary Road to reach the temple, a journey of around 90 minutes to 2 hours. Bellary Road is the main arterial road that connects Ghati Subramanya temple to the urban areas around it. From the centre of Bangalore, the distance to the temple is around 61 kilometres. If one is travelling by bus, then there are buses that pass through Doddaballapura, where local transport needs to be arranged to cover the remaining short distance to the temple. Official Address
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru, Karnataka The inner sanctum of the temple has a tall Shivalinga. Another major attraction of the temple is the presence of a rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. The figure has two heads, seven hands and three legs. It is perhaps the only temple in South India that has such an idol. The temple has a wonderful sculpture of Nandi (a bull), Shiva’s mount. A beautiful image of Shakti Ganapathi with 12 hands adorns the left side of the main entrance to the temple. This cave temple dedicated to Shiva in Bengaluru is a well visited temple. Built in the 16th century AD by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru, Temple Gavi Gangadhareshwara is an architectural marvel that attracts the faithful by the hordes. One of the oldest temples in Bengaluru, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple was built by Kempe Gowda in recognition after being released from prison of five years by Rama Raya. There are other idols inside idol Agnimurthi including having two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those who worship this deity believe will cure one of the defects of the eye. The temple is also known for its four monolithic pillars, representing Damaru, Trishul and two fans on the patio. Built in a natural cave in Gavipuram, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and cut into a monolithic stone. The courtyard of the temple here contains several monolithic sculptures. The main attractions of Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple are two granite pillars that support the giant disk of the sun and moon, while the other two have a number of Nandi at the top. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, temple witnesses a unique phenomenon in the evening sunlight passes through an arc between the horns of Nandi and falls directly on the linga inside the cave and illuminating the interior idol. This phenomenon is a proof of the technical excellence of the ancient architects. Official Address
Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru, Karnataka When we look at the history of the temple, it is believed that the temple was constructed by the Ganga Arasu people. These people also known as Vanhi Kula Kshatriyas or “Thigalas” The Archeology survey department which has undertaken a study of the stone and masonry has concluded that this temple is about 800 years old. It is also learnt that when Bangalore city was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century, the Kempegowda Gopuras (towers) were built in the four corners of the city keeping the Sri Dharmarayaswamy Temple vimanagopura kalasa as a centre point. The four towers are the Ulsoor tower in the North-East, The Bellary Road Tower in the North-West, The Lalbagh Tower in the South-East, The Gavipura Tower in the South-West. The Gonga Arasu or Ganga Arasu kings used to build their towns near lakes or river beds and also, built their temples at a lower level to the ground with a further lower level pradakshina patha. Sri Dharmaraya Swamy temple was built in the Sidhikatte lake bed area & it is below the land level that existed prior to current Bangalore. It is also learnt that this old town was called as Kalyanapuri, a Town of Temples, Ponds & Religious centres. Later, it was named as “Bendhakaluru” and then as “Bengaluru”. The temple resembles the architectural features of the Gangas, the Pallavas and the Vijayanagara styles. The garbhagruha is in Ganga style, the vimanagopura is in Pallava style and the mukhamantapa is in Vijayanagar style, which shows the development of this temple in three different ages. The fourth stage of development of rajagopura and sabhangana was taken up in the 20th century. The earlier rajagopura was built well before Kempe gowda founded Bangalore in the year 1530 A.D. Kempe Gowda was an ardent devotee of this temple. Bangalore city was designed keeping this temple as its reference. The temple area was developed as Halasuru pete. This area is also known as Kalyanapuri. The temple had vast area around with a Kalyani & Dharmachatra, which however are not found today. There were Pallavas style carved chambers between prangana & the newly built sabhangana, these carved chambers were removed and replaced by Ashtalakshmi Idols. The study quotes that the vimanagopura which is in the Pallava style matches with that of the Magadi temples & Halasuru temples built by Kempe Gowda. By Air: Bangalore is well connected to all other major cities by air and hence, you can catch a direct flight to Bangalore airport. From the airport, you can hire a direct cab to Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. The distance between the temple and the airport is 36 km. By Rail: There are direct trains available to Bangalore railway station from all all the major cities and towns. From the station, you can take a taxi to the temple, which is located in the Thigalarpet locality. By Road: You can either catch a bus or drive on your own directly to Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bangalore as it is well connected to other cities and towns by road. Official Address
Devarayanadurga, Tumkuru, karnatka The temples at this hill station include Bhoganarasimha, Yoganarasimha and the Laxmi Narasimha. Devarayanadurga has three distinct elevations. The Bhoganarasimha temple lies at the foothills while the Yoganarasimha shrine is located at the top of the hill. The Laxmi Narasimha temple lies on the first elevation. Yet another attraction here is the natural Namada Chilume spring. Local legend claims that the spring gushed out when an arrow from Lord Rama’s bow pierced the ground here. The devout claim Rama’s footprint has been impressed on the ground near the spring. The forests contain a cultivated nursery with rare Ayurvedic plants and the car festival and Sri Narasimha Jayanti are celebrated with much fervour. Devarayanadurga lies 65 km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is at Tumkur and the area also has excellent bus connections. By Road :Several private, state, air conditioned and deluxe buses for Devarayanadurga are available from Bangalore By Train: Tumkur Railway Station is nearest railway junction to Devarayanadurga, situated at a distance of about 18 km. The railway station is well connected to all the major cities and towns in India. Trains for Tumkur are available from cities, such as Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Mysore, to name a few. Travellers can hire taxis to reach Devarayanadurga from here. By Air :Tourists from several cities, like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata, can visit Devarayanadurga via Bangalore International Airport, which is the nearest airport. Situated at a distance of about 71 km from Devarayanadurga, it is ideal for tourists coming from international destinations as well, including European, Asian, American and Middle East countries, among others Contact Details Official Address
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, Hassan, Karnataka The Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as Keshava, Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a 12th-century Hindu temple in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur also called Velapura, an early Hoysala Empire capital. The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to finish. It was repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars, repeatedly rebuilt and repaired over its history. It is 35 km from Hassan city and about 200 km from Bengaluru. Chennakesava (lit, “handsome Kesava”) is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and has been an active Hindu temple since its founding. It is reverentially described in medieval Hindu texts, and remains an important pilgrimage site in Vaishnavism. The temple is remarkable for its architecture, sculptures, reliefs, friezes as well its iconography, inscriptions and history. The temple artwork depicts scenes of secular life in the 12th century, dancers and musicians, as well as a pictorial narration of Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas through numerous friezes. It is a Vaishnava temple that reverentially includes many themes from Shaivism and Shaktism, as well as images of a Jina from Jainism and the Buddha from Buddhism. The Chennakeshava temple is a testimony to the artistic, cultural and theological perspectives in 12th century South India and the Hoysala Empire rule. The Belur temple complex along with the nearby Hindu and Jain Temples at Halebidu have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites The Hoysala period of South Indian history began about 1000 CE and continued through 1346 CE. In this period, they built around 1,500 temples in 958 centres.Belur is called Beluhur, Velur or Velapura in old inscriptions and medieval era texts. It was the early capital of the Hoysala kings. The city was so esteemed by the Hoysalas that it is referred to as “earthly Vaikuntha” (Vishnu’s abode) and “dakshina Varanasi” (southern holy city of Hindus) in later inscriptions. One of the Hoyasala kings was Vishnuvardhana, who came to power in 1110 CE. He commissioned the Chennakeshava temple dedicated to Vishnu in 1117 CE after an important military victory in 1116 CE.According to a later mythology, Vishnuvardhana built this temple to mark his conversion to Sri Vaishnavism after coming under the influence of Ramanuja, but states Shadakshari Settar, the historical records do not support this theory. The Chennakeshava temple at Belur took 103 years to build. Vishnuvardhana moved his capital to Dvarasamudra (now called Halebidu), where he started the construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple dedicated to Shiva. Its construction continued till he died in 1140 CE. His legacy was continued by his descendants who completed the Hoysaleswara Temple in 1150 CE, and the Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura in 1258 CE.The Hoysalas employed many noted architects and artisans who developed a new architectural tradition, which art critic Adam Hardy called the Karnata Dravida tradition. The Hoysala Empire and its capital was invaded, plundered and destroyed in the early 14th century by Malik Kafur, a commander of the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khalji.Belur and Halebidu became the target of plunder and destruction in 1326 CE by another Delhi Sultanate army.The territory was taken over by the Vijayanagara Empire.The Hoysala style, states James C. Harle, came to an end in the mid 14th century, when King Ballala II was killed in a war with the Muslim army led by Malik Kafur. The Chennakeshava Temple is located in Belur taluk in Hassan district of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northwest of Hassan. The temple is about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Halebidu temples.Belur has no nearby airport, and is about 200 kilometres (124 mi) west of Bengaluru (IATA Code: BLR), about 3.5 hours drive accessible with a four lane NH75 highway. Hassan is the closest city near Belur that is connected by railway network to major cities of Karnataka. The Chennakeshava Temple is an active Hindu temple and a major Vaishnava pilgrimage site.It is located on the banks of Yagachi River (also called Badari River in historic texts), a tributary of Hemavati River. Belur is where Chennakesava Temple is located so all transit routes need to go via the town. The other major urban areas around the temple include Hassan city. The Mangalore Airport is around 130 kilometres from Belur, while Bangalore International Airport is around 222 kilometres away. From the airports, the most ideal choice of travel is by road. The nearest railway station to the town of Belur is in Chikmagalur, which is 22 kilometres away. Hassan railway station is around 32 kilometres away from Belur town. There are many buses that ply between these towns. Bangalore city is 220 kilometres away from Belur via the NH75. If one is travelling from Mysore, the journey is 155 kilometres long via the SH 57. The coastal city of Mangaloreis 153 kilometres away via the NH73. There are regular buses that ply to Belur from Hassan, Chikmagalur, Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Official Address
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Mandya, Karnataka Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is located in Melkote in the Mandya District, Karnataka, India. The place is also known as Thirunarayanapura. It is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. It is about 30 miles (48 km) from Mysore and 97 miles (156 km) from Bangalore. The temple is a square building of large dimensions but is very plain and only sparsely ornamented with carvings or sculptures. The presiding deity is Cheluva Narayana Swamy, also known as Tirunarayana ತಿರುನಾರಾಯಣ or Cheluvapille Raya ಚೆಲುವಪಿಲ್ಲೆ ರಾಯ, a form of Lord Vishnu. It appears from inscriptions that in the early centuries after the temple was built, the Lord was also known by the name Ramapriya, but this usage has now completely disappeared. The utsavamurthi ಉತ್ಸವ ಮೂರ್ತಿ, which is a metallic idol used for processions and certain religious rituals, represents the deity ‘Cheluvanarayana Swamy. According to a legend, this metallic image was once lost but was recovered by Sri Ramanujacharya. The annual report of the Mysore Archaeological Department states on the strength of epigraphic evidence, that the presiding deity of this temple was already a well known object of worship even before Sri Ramanujacharya worshipped at the shrine in December 1098 CE. and even before he came to the Mysore region and that very probably he used his influence to rebuild or renovate the temple. From the lithic records of the period, existence of Tamil influence and Vaishnava worship in the area are also evident. The temple is richly endowed, having enjoyed the special patronage of the Rajas of Mysores. As early as 1614, King Raja Wodeyar I(r.1578–1617), who first acquired Srirangapatna and accepted the Srivaishnava pontiff as his guru, handed over to the temple and to the Brahmins at Melkote, the estate granted to him by Vijayanagar Emperor Venkatapati Raya. While that estate was lost when Zamindari was abolished in the 1950s, the temple still possesses many properties and valuables, in particular an extremely valuable collection of jewels. On one of the pillars of navaranga of the Narayanaswami temple is a bas-relief about one and a half feet high, of Raja Wodeyar, standing with folded hands, with his name inscribed on the base. He was said to have been a great devotee of the presiding deity and a frequent visitor to the temple. A gold crown set with precious jewels was presented by him to the temple. This crown is known as the Raja-mudi (royal crown), a play on the name of Raja Wodeyar, the donor. According to legend, King Raja Wodeyar was observed entering the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord on the day of his death, and was seen no more afterwards. From the inscriptions on some of the gold jewels and on gold and silver vessels in the temple it is learnt that they were presents from Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and his queens. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III also presented to the temple a crown set with precious jewels. It is known after him as Krishnaraja-mudi. The Vairamudi (“diamond crown”), another crown of great value, seems to be older than the Raja-mudi and the Krishnaraja-mudi. However, it is not known who presented it to the temple. All the three crowns are kept in the safe custody of the Government and brought to the temple on specific annual occasion for adoring the image of Cheluvanarayana Swamy. The vairamudi festival, which is the chief annual celebration is attended by more than 400,000 people. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is over 1000 years old. The engravings on the temple mention the historical evidence of the temple. On one of the columns of navaranga is a bas relief, of Raja Wodeyar. This name is etched on the base. He was said to be a great devotee of the presiding deity and a constant visitor to the temple. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is a lavishly empowered temple by the Wodeyar dynasty, the Royals of Mysore. The temple has the most valuable collection of jewels given to the lord by Mysore king Raja Wodeyar. Wodeyars gifted two gold crowns knows as Vairamudi or Vajramukuta and Krishnaraja-mudi to the lord. There is another crown, must older than these two crowns gifted to the lord by some unknown person. All the three crowns are currently in the custody of the Government and are brought to the temple on special occasions. Vairamudi Festival is one such occasion when the crowns are taken out and adorned on the deities, post which the deities are taken out for a procession in the town. This festival is attended by kore than 4 lakh people every year. An interesting fact is that the main priest is blindfolded before the crowns are taken out, as it is believed that no one should see the crown until it is adorned by Tirunarayana, the main deity. This temple is one of the most important shrines for the Vaishnavas. It is also listed an Abhimana Sthalam. The main idol of the temple is that of Narayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Mostly visites by the Vishnu believers or the Vashinavites, this ancienttemple was built if phases including the royals of Mysore. Vairamundi Seva Festival is organized on a huge scale during the time of March-April. A chariot procession is taken out during this festival. The deities of the temple are: The presiding deity of this temple is of Lord Vishnu also known as Tirunarayana or Cheluvaraya. Utsavamurthy, the small metal idol, represents the main deity. Sri Chelunarayana Swamy was worshipped in Kritayuga by Lord Dattatreya and got the name of Vedadri. In Tretayga it was called as Narayanadri succeeded by Yasavadri as it was idolized by Balrama and Krishna. In Kalyuga it was idolized by Saint Ramanujacharya. As far as mythology is concerned it is believed that Lord Rama visited this temple. This fact has been mentioned in the ancient texts as well as can be found in the manuscripts kept in the temple. Lord Rama along with his two sons Lav and Kush visited this temple and offered a flower tribute to the temple deities. And hence Cheluvanarayana Swamy was originally called as Ramapriya. As per another legend utsavamurthy, the metal statue symbolizing the chief deity got lost during the Mughal invasion. It was then found by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar, Mohammed Shah’s daughter. She was given this idol as a toy, however rather than playing she was found worshipping it. Mohammed Shah gave the idol back to Ramanujacharya and it was then Bibi Nachiyaar came from Delhi to Melukote in search of it. She collapsed and died the moment she saw the idle. It is believed that her soul in the form of flame united with her idol. As an honor to her devotion, her idol is placed next to the feet of main idol.The temple has more than one Brahmotsavam and follows Pancharatra Agama. Thuni Thengol and Puliyogare are the popular prasadams of the temple. Official Address
Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore, karnataka The Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India.The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deityheld in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas. Chamundeshwari is called by the people of Karnataka as Naada Devathe which means State Goddess The original shrine is thought to have been built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers while its tower was probably built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century. In 1659, a flight of one thousand steps was built leading up to the 3000-foot summit of the hill.[2] At the temple are several images of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva). There is a huge granite Nandi on the 700th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells. The temple is famous for the celebrations of festivals like Aashada Shukravara, Navaratri and Ammanavara Vardhanthi. In the month of Ashadha, Fridays are considered particularly auspicious. Lakhs of devotees throng the temple during this occasion. Another festival celebrated during this month is Chamundi Jayanti. This day is celebrated on the anniversary of the consecration of the utsava murthy of the goddess by the Maharaja of Mysore. On this occasion, the goddess’s icon is taken around the temple in a golden palanquin. The most important festival that is celebrated here is Navaratri. Mysore Dasara is celebrated as the state festival of Karnataka, called Nadahabba in Kannada. During Navaratri, the Goddess is decorated in 9 different ways to depict nine different aspects of the goddess. On the 7th day of Navaratri that is Kaalaratri, valuable jewels donated by Maharajas are brought from the District Treasury of Mysuru and decorated to Chamundi. Another temple is situated at the foothill which is in Utthanahalli called as Jwalamuki Shri Tripurasundari Temple. This goddess is considered the sister of Chamundi who helped her at the battlefield to slay the demon Raktabīja. Chamundi Hill is about 13 kms from Mysuru, which is a prominent city in Karnataka State of India. Chamundi Hills is famous not only in India but also abroad. ‘Chamundi’ or ‘Durga’ at atop of the hil, the famous Sri Chamundeswari Temple is the fierce form of ‘Shakti’. She is the slayer of demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and also ‘Mahishasura’, the buffalow-headed monster. She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysore. For several centuries they have held the Goddess, Chamundeswari, in great reverence. In ‘Skanda Purana’ and other ancient texts, it is mention a sacred place called ‘Trimuta Kshetra’ surrounded by eight hills. lying along side of west is the Chamundi Hills, it is one among the eight hills. In the earlier days, the hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in honour of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleswara Temple’; this is the oldest temple on the hills. In the later days, the hill came to be known as ‘Chamundi Hills’ in honour of the Goddess Chamundi, the chief subject of the ‘Devi Mahathme’. The Goddess is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees from all over the country and also from abroad visit the temple every year. They believe that the Goddess fulfills their desires and aspirations. Chamundi Hills rises to a height of 3,489 feet MSL and is visible from a distance itself while traveling towards Mysuru. There is a good motorable road to the top. Besides from Mysuru side, there is also a motorable road from its rear side, i.e.road goes to Nanjangud. City Bus facilities are available to visit the hills. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services every day for the convenience of pilgrims and others. A temple of great antiquity with over 1,000 years of history, it was a small shrine initially and assuming importance over the centuries it became a big temple as seen today. It is being assumed significance after the Mysuru Maharajas, the Wodeyars, came to power in 1399 A.D., who are great devotees and worshippers of the Devi, Chamundeswari became their home deity and thus assumed religious prominance. The crowning glory of Mysuru, Chamundi Hills is an enchanting place surrounded by natural beauty. In the forest, there are varieties of trees, birds and animals. While going up the hills, a bird’s eye view of Mysore can be seen and several prominent places be spotted. It offers a spectacular scene when the Palace and its surroundings are illuminated during the Dasara and other occasions. Some of the places that can be spotted from the hills are the Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, which houses the ITDC hotel, Dasara Exhibition grounds, Race Course, Golf Ground Kukkarahalli Lake, St. Philomena’s Church, and Krishnarajasagar (K.R.S) at a far off distance. Besides the Chamundi and the Mahabaleswara temples, there are a few more temples are at atop the hills. There are also some interesting spots and the monolith statue of ‘Nandi’ is among them. While proceeding towards the Chamundi Temple, the statue of ‘Mahishasura’ attracts the visitors. The ‘Chamundi Village’ is located close to the temple. The Architecture of the Chamundi Temple: The temple is of a quadrangular structure built in Dravidian style, it consists of the Main Doorway, Entrance, Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Prakara. There is a beautiful seven-tier Gopura or pyramidal tower at the entrance and a ‘Vimana’ (small tower) atop the sanctum sanctorum. Atop the ‘Shikara’, the tower at the entrance, are seven golden ‘Kalashasa’. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III repaired the shrine in 1827 A.D and built the present beautiful tower at the entrance (Gopura). Blessed by the Goddess, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, an ardent devotee of the mother Goddess, presented‘ Simha-vahana’ (A lion-shaped vehicle) and other animal cars and jewels of value to the temple a. The cars are used even now for processions on special religious occasions. The tower at the entrance has a small image of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. The doorway is silver-plated and has the images of the Goddess in different forms. On either side of the doorway have images of ‘Dwarapalakas’ or door-keepers. As one enters inside, on the right hand side is a small statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. After a few steps, there is a flagstaff, the footprints of the Goddess and a small statue of Nandi, facing the sanctum sanctorum. On the right side, before approaching the flag staff, there is an image of ‘Anjaneya’ attached to the wall. On either side of this entrance are two Dikpalakas, Nandini and Kamalini. In the ‘Antharala’ prior to the sacred sanctum sanctorum are the images of Lord Ganesha on the left side and of ‘Bhyrava’ on the right side. To the left of Ganesha, there is a beautiful 6-foot statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. He is standing with his hands folded in his religious costumes. On either side of him are his three wives, Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa. Their names are carved on the pedestals. In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone statue of the Goddess, ‘Mahisha Mardhini’ having ‘Ashta Bhujas’ or eight shoulders, she is in a seated posture. According to the local legend, the image was established by sage Markandeya and hence it is said to be very old. The idol of the Goddess is decorated every day and worshipped by a number of priests. The Mysore Maharajas have donated number of valuable gifts to their family deity.Coconuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the diety. On top of the sanctum sanctorum, a small tower or ‘Vimana’ is seen. In the ‘Prakara’ or enclosure, behind the sanctum sanctorum, are small images of a few deities, which are also worshipped. Official Address
Badami, Bagalkot, Karnataka The Puranas state the wicked asura Vatapi was killed by sage Agastya, and it refers to this area as Vatapi and Agastya Tirtha. In the Ramayana, Agastya and Lopamudra are described as living in Dandaka forest, on the southern slopes of Vindhya mountains. Rama praises Agastya as the one who can do what gods find impossible. He is described as the sage who used his Dharma powers to kill demons Vatapi and Ilwala after they had jointly misled and destroyed 9,000 men. In the Mahabharata, sage Agastya is described in the epic as a sage with enormous powers of ingestion and digestion. To kill men, asura Vatapi used to become a goat and his brother Ilvala would cook him. Then, Vatapi would recollect in the stomach and tear himself out from the inside of the victim, killing the victim. When Agastya arrives, Ilvala offers the goat again. He kills Vatapi by digesting the meal as soon as he ate, giving Vatapi no time to self organize.Agastya, in the legends of Mahabharata, kills the demons Vatapi and Ilvala much the same mythical way as in the Ramayana. Badami Chalukyas was founded in AD 540by Pulakeshin I (AD 535–566), an early ruler of the Chalukyas is generally regarded as the founder of the Early Chalukya line. An inscription record of this king engraved on a boulder in Badami records the fortification of the hill above “Vatapi” in 544. Pulakeshin’s choice of this location for his capital was no doubt dedicated by strategic considerations since Badami is protected on three sides by rugged sandstone cliffs. His sons Kirtivarman I (AD 567–598) and his brother Mangalesha (AD 598–610) constructed the cave temples.Kirtivarman I strengthened Vatapi and had three sons Pulakeshin II, Vishnuvardhana and Buddhavarasa, who at his death were minors, thus making them ineligible to rule, so Kirtivarman I’s brother Mangalesha took the throne and tried to establish rule, only to be killed by Pulakeshin II who ruled between AD 610 to 642.[5] Vatapi was the capital of the Early Chalukyas, who ruled much of Karnataka, Maharashtra, parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh between the 6th and 8th centuries. The greatest among them was Pulakeshin II (AD 610–642) who defeated many kings including the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.And was later killed by Narasimha Pallavi 1 in the famous battle of vatapi Old Kannada inscription of Chalukya King Mangalesha dated 578 CE at Badami cave temple no.3 The rock-cut Badami Cave Temples were sculpted mostly between the 6th and 8th centuries. Badami has eighteen inscriptions, among them some inscriptions are important. The first Sanskrit inscription in old Kannada script, on a hillock dates back to 543 CE, from the period of Pulakeshin I (Vallabheswara), the second is the 578 CE cave inscription of Mangalesha in Kannada language and script and the third is the Kappe Arabhatta records, the earliest available Kannada poetry in tripadi (three line) metre.one inscription near the Bhuthanatha temple also has inscriptions dating back to the 12th century in Jain rock-cut temple dedicated to the Tirtankara Adinatha. Official Address
Badami cave temples, Badami, Karnataka The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu, a Jain and possibly Buddhist cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century. Badami was previously known as Vataapi Badami, the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty, which ruled much of Karnataka from the 6th to the 8th century. Badami is situated on the west bank of a man made lake ringed by an earthen wall with stone steps; it is surrounded on the north and south by forts built in later times. The Badami cave temples represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples in the Deccan region. They along with the temples in Aihole transformed the Malaprabha River valley into a cradle of temple architecture that influenced the components of later Hindu temples elsewhere in India. Caves 1 to 4 are in the escarpment of the hill in soft Badami sandstone formation, to the south-east of the town. In Cave 1, among various sculptures of Hindu divinities and themes, a prominent carving is of the Tandava-dancing Shiva as Nataraja. Cave 2 is mostly similar to Cave 1 in terms of its layout and dimensions, featuring Hindu subjects of which the relief of Vishnu as Trivikrama is the largest. The largest cave is Cave 3, featuring Vishnu-related mythology, and it is also the most intricately carved cave in the complex. Cave 4 is dedicated to revered figures of Jainism. Around the lake, Badami has additional caves of which one may be a Buddhist cave. Another cave was discovered in 2015, about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the four main caves, with 27 Hindu carvings. The Badami cave temples are located in the town of Badami in the north-central part of Karnataka, India. The temples are about 88 miles (142 km) east of Belgavi (IATA Code: IXT), and 87 miles (140 km) northwest of Hampi. The Malaprabha River is 3 miles (4.8 km) away. The cave temples are 14 miles (23 km) from the UNESCO world heritage site Pattadakal and 22 miles (35 km) from Aihole – another site with over a hundred ancient and early medieval era Hindu, Jain and Buddhist monuments.[2] Caves on the cliff above Agastya Lake Badami, also referred to as Vatapi, Vatapipura, Vatapinagari and Agastya Tirtha in historical texts,the capital of Chalukya dynasty in the 6th century, is at the exit point of a ravine between two steep mountain cliffs. Four cave temples in the escarpment of the hill to the south-east of the town were carved into the cliff’s monolithic stone face. The escarpment is above a man made lake called Agastya Lake, created by an earthen dam faced with stone steps. To the west end of this cliff, at its lowest point, is the first cave temple.The largest and highest cave is Cave 3, which is further to the east on the northern face of the hill.The fourth cave, Cave 4, is a few steps down further east. The cave temples, numbered 1 to 4 in the order of their creation, in the town of Badami – the capital city of the Chalukya kingdom (also known as Early Chalukyas) – are dated from the late 6th century onwards. The exact dating is known only for Cave 3, which is a temple dedicated to Vishnu. An inscription found here records the dedication of the shrine by Mangalesha in Saka 500 (lunar calendar, 578/579 CE).[9] The inscription, written in the old Kannada language,has enabled the dating of these rock cave temples to the 6th century.[3][11][12] This makes the cave the oldest firmly-dated Hindu cave temple in India. The Badami caves complex is part of a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site candidate under the title “Evolution of Temple Architecture – Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal” in the Malaprabha river valley, considered a cradle of temple architecture that formed the model for later Hindu temples in the region.The artwork in Caves 1 and 2 exhibit the northern Deccan style of the 6th and 7th centuries, while those in Cave 3 simultaneously represent two ancient Indian artistic traditions; the northern Nagara and the southern Dravida styles.Cave 3 also shows icons and reliefs in the so-called Vesara style, a fusion of ideas from the two styles, as well as some of the earliest surviving historical examples in Karnataka of yantra-chakra motifs (geometric symbolism) and colored fresco paintings.The first three caves feature sculptures of Hindu icons and legends focusing on Shiva and Vishnu,while Cave 4 features Jain icons and themes.The Badami cave temples are carved out of soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff. The plan of each of the four caves (1 to 4) includes an entrance with a verandah (mukha mandapa) supported by stone columns and brackets, a distinctive feature of these caves, leading to a columned mandapa, or main hall (also maha mandapa), and then to the small, square shrine (sanctum sanctorum, garbha ghriya) cut deep inside the cave.The cave temples are linked by a stepped path with intermediate terraces overlooking the town and lake. The cave temples are labelled 1–4 in their ascending series; this numbering does not reflect the sequence of excavation. Official Address
Annapoorneshwari Temple, Horanadu, Karnataka The Annapoorneshwari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Annapoorneshwari (Annapoorna), located at Horanadu, India, 100 km from Chikmagalur in the thick forests and valleys of the Western Ghats of Karnataka.It is situated on the banks of river Bhadra.To reach the main temple complex, worshipers have to climb a flight of steps. The Gopuram (entrance) of the temple is adorned with several sculptures of Hindu deities. Mandapam is located on the left-hand side of the main temple entrance. Beautiful carvings can be found on the ceilings of the temple. Adi Sesha surrounds the main sanctum or the Garbhagriha of the temple and the Padma Peeta constitutes of Koorma, Ashtagaja and others. Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple or the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Hornadu, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of the Goddess. Sri Annapoorneshwari is the Goddess of food and nourishment. The word Annapoorna is a conjunction of two words- Anna meaning food or grains and Purna meaning complete and perfect. Further, she is praised and glorified in several ancient scriptures like Annapurnamantratsava, Maha Tripurasiddhanta, Annapurna Kavacha, Annapurnahavamti, Annapurnamalininaksatramalika, Bhairvahyantantra, Rudrayamala, and Sivarahasya. Even though people wildly worship her, only a few temples are there for her as the presiding deity. The other famous Temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari are the Annapoorna Devi mandir and the Kasi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. To visit the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, devotees have to climb a few steps to reach the main temple complex. The Gopuram of the Temple also has various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. A mandapam is there on the left of the main entrance. A queue complex next to the Mandapam is also there for entry into the main hall where Annadanam takes place every day. Moreover, towards the back of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, a commercial complex of four to five shops is present that sell Pooja materials as well as small toys and gifts from Horanadu. The ceilings of the temple also have wonderful carvings. The idol of the main deity of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Sri Annapoorneshwari consists of gold. The Goddess has a standing posture with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayathri. Hereditary Dharmakartharu priests started in this temple from past 400 years. The same family is serving and preserving the temple since then. Dharmakartharu have played an instrumental role in refurbishing the temple as well as in performing the rituals here. The temple premise was small and unknown to many till the fifth Dharmakartharu Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois repaired and revived the temple. The goddess icon was reestablished in 1973 on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple is also known as Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavara Temple or Sri Kshetra Horanadu Temple. It is believed that the sage Agastya in 8th century established the icon of the goddess here. As per legend, the god Shiva and his wife Parvati – the presiding goddess of food as Annapoorna, had an argument. Shiva declared everything in the world including food to be maya (illusion). To prove food is not illusion, Parvati disappeared resulting in the nature to become still. Neither climate changed nor plants grew, causing drought in the world. Taking pity on the world, Parvati appeared and distributed food to all. According to another tale, Shiva beheaded the god Brahma. Brahma’s skull got stuck in Shiva’s hand. He was cursed that till the skull is not full of food or grains, it will stick to his hands. Shiva went everywhere and asked for food but the skull was never full. So he finally went to this temple and Annapoorna filled the skull with grains and reversed Shiva’s curse. Official Address
Anegudde, Udupi, Karnataka Ganesh Chaturthi is the main festival celebrated at Anegudde temple and Sankashta Chaturthi is also celebrated with great devotion. On the Chauthi / Chaturthi (the 4th day after the full moon) of every lunar month, special poojas are held at the temple. Devotees frequently perform several poojas and take prasadam at this temple. As myths run, a devotee (Vishweshwara Upadhyaya) was living here, regularly worshipping Lord Ganesha. One day, a Brahmin Vatu (young boy) appeared in his dream and said that he was hungry. Taking Upadhyaya with him, the Vatu disappeared near a stone in Nagachala. Getting surprised by this unusual dream, he started off on the next morning in search of the spot, where the Brahmin boy disappeared in his dream. It was his usual path, which led to a pond, where he used to take his bath, bring sacred water for Abhishekam and collect flowers for worshipping Lord Ganesha. Soon he found the same granite stone, which he witnessed in his dream and was covered by wild flowers giving it a divine appearance. Impressed by this sight, Upadhyaya hurriedly took his bath in the nearby pond and worshipped the deity and offered wild flowers and fruits. He continued to do so for a long time. One day, he saw a cow standing there pouring in milk from her udder on the deity. After this incidence, his devotion became stagnant and worshiped his God with more devotion. People generously donated land on which a straw hut was constructed to enable Upadhyaya to continue his worship. Thus started a new tradition of worship at Kumbhashi, which did not stop at any stage. Kumbhasi is located on the NH-17 ( now NH-66 ) at a distance of 96 km from Mangalore, 9 km from Kundapur, and 30 km from Udupi. Kumbhasi is located about 400 km from the state capital Bengaluru. Frequent bus service is available from Mangalore /Udupi /Kundapur to Kumbhasi. One can either walk from Kumbashi bus stand using the stairs or hire an auto rickshaw to reach Anegudde temple at the top of the hill. The nearest airport is at Bajpe near Mangalore. The nearest railway station is at Barkur, near Kundapur. Official Address
Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka The Amruteshvara temple also spelt “Amrutesvara” or “Amruteshwara”, is located in the village of Amruthapura, 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in the Chikkamagaluru district of the Karnataka state, India. Located 110 km from Hassan and 35 km from Shimoga on NH 206, Amruthapura is known for the Amruteshvara temple . The temple was built in 1196 C.E. by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka (lit, “commander”) under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. The temple is a built according to Hoysala architecture with a wide open mantapa (hall).The temple has an original outer wall with enique equally spaced circular carvings. The temple has one vimana (shrine and tower) and therefore is a ekakuta design,and has a closed mantapa (hall) that connects the sanctum to the large open mantapa. It is medium-sized Hoysala temple with certain vastu features similar to the Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi in mantapa structure and size. The open mantapa has twenty nine bays,[3] and the closed mantapa has nine bays with a side porch that leads to a separate shrine on the south side. The shrine is square in shape has the original superstructure (shikhara) which is adorned with sculptures of Kirtimukhas (demon faces), miniature decorative towers (aedicule). Below the superstructure, the usually seen panel of Hindu deities is absent. The base of the wall has five mouldings which according to art critic Foekema is an “older Hoysala style”.[4] The sukanasi, the tower on top of the vestibule that connects the sanctum to the closed mantapa (the Sukanasi appears like the nose of the superstructure),has the original Hoysala emblem of “Sala” fighting the lion. The rows of shining lathe turned pillars that support the ceiling of the mantapa is a Hoysala-Chalukya decorative idiom.[8] The mantapa has many deeply domed inner ceiling structures adorned with floral designs. The outer parapet wall of the open mantapa has a total of hundred and forty panel sculptures with depictions from the Hindu epics. Unlike many Hoysala temples where the panels are small and carvings in miniature, these panels are comparatively larger. The Ramayana is sculpted on the south side wall on seventy panels, with the story proceeding quite unusually, in anti-clockwise direction. On the north side wall, all depictions are clockwise, a norm in Hoysala architectural articulation. Twenty five panels depict the life of the Hindu god Krishna and the remaining forty five panels depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata. Ruvari Mallitamma, the well known sculptor and architect is known to have started his career here working on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa. The large stone inscription near the porch contains poems composed by medieval Kannada poet Janna who had the hororific Kavichakravarti (lit, “emperor among poets”) . The temple was constructed in the 12th century by the commander Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka, during the rule of Veera Ballala II, the Hoysala King. The rise of the Hoysalas also coincided with the spread of this certain design philosophy which can to this day be seen across the state of Karnataka. One of Karnataka’s most famous sculptors was Mallitamma, and it is believed that he started his artistic career at Amruthapura, suggesting the beginning of a golden architectural age. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and the shivalinga at the temple is a 300-year-old Trimurti brought from the River Kandikevale in Nepal. The idol of Sharadha Devi sits next to the shiva linga. Some of the important rituals performed at the Amrutesvara temple include Bilva Archane and Kumkuma Archane. Aksharbhyasam is also another ritual that can be performed at this temple. Devotees visit the temple for many reasons, including concerns related to wealth and diseases. It is also believed that those whose children are suffering in education can come and offer prayers here. Some of the thanksgiving gifts left at the temple include sarees. The temple is located in a quiet spot close to the reservoir of the Bhadra River. This 12thcentury structure was built following the many hallmark features of Hoysala architecture. Many experts describe this temple as part of the older Hoysala style of architecture. The oldest parts of the Amrutesvara Temple are the porch, garbhagriha, sukhanasi and the navaranga, and as time progressed there were more additions and embellishments made. The wide hall or mantapa is one of the important parts of a Hoysala style temple. The mantapa of the Amrutesvara Temple has many impressive pillars, ornate and lathe-turned. The open and closed mantapas feature many inner-ceiling structures that have detailed floral designs. The square shrine sits below a super structure of shikhara. The shikhara of the Amrutesvara Temple is decorated with intricate carvings of demon faces and mini towers. On one of the temple towers, one can find the emblem of the Hoysalas, the Sala battling a lion. On the sukhanasi tower, visitors can also find an elaborate panel depicting Shiva slaying Gajasura. The wall reliefs of the temple give visitors a glance at the important Hindu beliefs and stories that defined the spiritual leanings of the Hoysala dynasty. One of the important pieces of sculptures on the temple can be found on the southern wall, a detailed depiction of events from the Ramayana, the story’s linear timeline represented in an anti-clockwise direction, quite unusual. The north side has more panels depicting important Hindu mythology. One can find the events of the Mahabharata here depicted this time in a clockwise direction along with panels chronicling the life of Krishna. A stone inscription in the complex is considered a great example of old Kannada poetry, the work attributed to Janna, one of the most famous poets of the region. Kirtimukha sculptures on shikhara at Amrutesvara Temple. Image courtesy: Dineshkannambadi Apart from Chikmagalur, the nearest big towns are Shimoga (35 kilometres away) and Tarikere so these remain important transit points when travelling to Amruthapura. The closest airport by distance is in Mangalore, 220 kilometres away. However the route from Bangalore International Airport would take a similar time to cover despite being around 282 kilometres away, due to more open roads in long stretches. The nearest railway station to the temple is located 11 kilometres away in Tarikere. From the railway station it is a short 20 minute journey to the temple via NH206. Trains that ply between Shimoga and the cities of Bangalore and Mysore usually stop at Tarikere. From Bangalore city, the best route to reach the temple by road is via the NH79 and SH24, stops which include Tumkur. It is 260 kilometre journey and should take close to 5 hours to complete. One can also catch a direct bus to Shimoga and then find local transport that would take them to the temple. The Chikmagalur district is one of the most scenic in the beautiful state of Karnataka. Enjoy a visit to the Amrutesvara temple to witness its architectural glory in the backdrop of the serene landscape. Karnataka is a medley of cultures and belief-systems, moulded by a multi-layer history and there are many spiritual and historical sites to explore here, Amrutesvara Temple being on that list. Official Address
Aihole, Bagalkot, Karnataka Aihole (pronounced “Eye-hoé”), also referred to as Aivalli, Ahivolal or Aryapura, is a historic site of ancient and medieval era Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments in north Karnataka (India) dated from the fourth century through the twelfth century CE.Located around an eponymous small village surrounded by farmlands and sandstone hills, Aihole is a major archaeological site featuring over one hundred and twenty stone and cave temples from this period, spread along the Malaprabha river valley, in Bagalakote district. Aihole is 22 miles (35 km) from Badami and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Pattadakal, both of which are major centers of historically important Chalukya monuments. Aihole, along with nearby Badami (Vatapi), emerged by the 6th century as the cradle of experimentation with temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques. This resulted in 16 types of free-standing temples and 4 types of rock-cut shrines.The experimentation in architecture and arts that began in Aihole yielded the group of monuments at Pattadakal, a UNESCO world heritage site. Over one hundred Aihole temples are Hindu, a few are Jain and one is Buddhist. These were built and coexisted in close proximity. The site is spread over about 5 square kilometres (1.9 sq mi).The Hindu temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Surya and other Hindu deities. The Jain Basadi temples are dedicated to Mahavira, Parshvanatha, Neminatha and other Jain Tirthankaras. The Buddhist monument is a monastery. Both Hindu and Jain monuments include monasteries, as well as social utilities such as stepwellwater tanks with artistic carvings near major temples Aihole is referred to as Ayyavole and Aryapura in its inscriptions and Hindu texts from 4th to 12th century CE, as Aivalli and Ahivolal in colonial British era archaeological reports. Aihole has been a part of Hindu mythologies. It has a natural axe-shaped rock on the Malaprabha river bank north of the village, and a rock in the river show a footprint.Parashurama, the sixth Vishnu avatar, is stated in these legends to have washed his axe here after killing abusive Kshatriyas who were exploiting their military powers, giving the land its red color.A 19th-century local tradition believed that rock footprints in the river were those of Parashurama.A place near the Meguti hillocks show evidence of human settlement in prehistoric period. Aihole has historical significance and has been called a cradle of Hindu rock architecture.[20] The documented history of Aihole is traceable to the rise of the Early Chalukya dynasty in 6th century. It became, along with nearby Pattadakal and Badami, a major cultural center and religious site for innovations in architecture and experimentation of ideas. The Chalukyas sponsored artisans and built many temples in this region between the 6th and 8th centuries.Evidence of wooden and brick temples dating to 4th-century have been unearthed. Aihole started the experimentations with other materials such as stone around the 5th century when the Indian subcontinent saw a period of political and cultural stability under the Gupta Empire rulers. Badami refined it in 6th and 7th centuries. The experimentations culminated in Pattadakal in the 7th and 8th centuries becoming a cradle of fusion of ideas from South India and North India. The Aihole fort rubble walls on Meguti hill enclosing the 5th-6th century Jain temple. After the Chalukyas, the region became a part of the Rashtrakuta kingdom who ruled in the 9th and 10th century from the capital of Manyakheta. In the 11th and 12th century, the Late Chalukyas (Western Chalukya Empire, Chalukyas of Kalyani) ruled over this region.Even though the area was not the capital or in immediate vicinity from 9th to 12th centuries, new temples and monasteries of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism continued to be built in the region based on inscriptional, textual and stylistic evidence. This likely happened, states Michell, because the region was prosperous with a substantial population and surplus wealth. Aihole was fortified by Late Chalukya kings in the 11th and 12th centuries, in an approximate circle. This indicates the strategic and cultural importance of Aihole to the kings whose capital was far away. Aihole served as a hub of Hindu temple arts in this period with guild of artisans and merchants called the Ayyavole 500, celebrated for their talent and accomplishments in the historic texts of the Deccan region and South India. An 8th-century Shiva temple was renamed Lad Khan Temple after a Muslim commander of Bijapur Sultanate who briefly lived here. In the 13th century and thereafter, the Malprabha valley along with much of Deccan became a target of raids and plunder by the Delhi Sultanate armies devastating the region. From the ruins emerged the Vijayanagara Empire which built forts and protected the monuments, as evidenced by inscriptions in the fort at Badami. However, the region witnessed a series of wars between Vijayanagara Hindu kings and Bahmani Muslim sultans. After the collapse of Vijayanagara Empire in 1565, Aihole became a part of the Adil Shahi rule from Bijapur, with some of the Muslim commanders using the temples as residence and their compounds as garrison for storing weapons and supplies. A Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva came to be called Lad Khan temple, named after the Muslim commander who used it as his operational hub, and a name that has been used ever since.In late 17th-century, the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb gained control of the region from Adil Shahis, after which Maratha Empire gained control of the region. It again changed hands with Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan conquering it in late 18th century, followed by the British that defeated Tipu Sultan and annexed the region. The monuments at Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal show the existence and a history of interaction between the early northern style and early southern style of Hindu arts.According to T. Richard Blurton, the history of temple arts in north India is unclear as the region was repeatedly sacked by invaders from Central Asia, particularly the Muslim incursion into the subcontinent from 11th-century onwards, and “warfare has greatly reduced the quantity of surviving examples”. The monuments in this region are amongst the earliest surviving evidence of these early religious arts and ideasArchaeological site Aihole became a significant archaeological site and attracted scholarly attention after the British India officials identified and published their observations.The colonial era scholars hypothesized that the Apsidal shape Durga temple in Aihole may reflect the adoption by Hindus and Jains of the Buddhist Chaitya hall design and the influence of early Buddhist arts. They also identified historically significant 7th-century inscriptions. For much of the 20th-century, Aihole remained a neglected site. Until the 1990s, the site consisted of houses and sheds built up to and in some cases extending into the historical monuments.The walls of the ancient and medieval temples were shared by some of these homes. Investments in infrastructure, land acquisition and relocation of some residences has allowed limited excavations and created a few dedicated archaeological parks including one for the much studied Durga temple at Aihole. Excavated ancient and medieval era artifacts and broken temple pieces, including a complete life size nude Lajja Gauri in birthing position and with a lotus head,now resides in an ASI museum next to the Durga temple in Aihole. Many temples and monasteries continue to be set midst narrow streets and congested settlement. The Aihole site and artwork are a major source of empirical evidence and comparative studies of Indian religions and art history in the Indian subcontinent.The Aihole’s antiquity, along with four other major 5th to 9th century sites – Badami, Pattadakal, Mahakuteshvara and Alampur – is significant to scholarship relating to archaeology and religions. These, states George Michell, display a “meeting and fragmentation of different temple styles and the creation of local variants”. This fusion and exploration of arts and ideas later became a part of northern and southern Indian architectural repertoires The Aihole monuments are located in the Indian state of Karnataka, about 190 kilometres (118 mi) southeast of Belgaum and 290 kilometres (180 mi) northeast from Goa. The monuments are about 14 miles (23 km) from Badami and about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Pattadakal, set midst rural villages, farms, sandstone hills and Malprabha river valley. The Aihole site preserves over 120 Hindu, Jain and Buddhist monuments from the 4th—12th century CE. The region is also a site for prehistoric dolmens and cave paintings. Aihole has no nearby airport, and is about 4 hours drive from Sambra Belgaum Airport (IATA Code: IXG), with daily flights to Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.[14][15] Badami is the closest town connected by railway and highway network to major cities of Karnataka and Goa.[6] It is a protected monument under the laws of the Indian government, and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Official Address
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The temple receives around a million visitors annually. It is one of the six famous temples on the west coast of India called as the Ganesha Coast. The Deity here is two armed with a lotus bud in the right hand and modak sweet in the left hand standing on a stone slab. The temple is dated to be more than 1500 years old. Architectural style: Dravidian architectureMajor festivals: Ganesh chaturthi,Sankasta chaturthi,Angarika chaturthiLocale: IdagunjiDistrict: Uttara kannada/North kanaraDate built: 4th-5th century CE The temple history is connected to events at the end of the Dwapara Yuga when Lord Krishna was about to end His leelas on earth and Kali Yuga was about to start. Many Sages led by Sage Valakhilya started doing penances and worship of Lord Krishna in Kunjavana, a forest on the banks of the Sharavathi river seeking the Lord’s help in reducing the effects of the Kali Yuga. During the course of the worship, many obstacles were encountered and thus Sage Valakhilya sought the advice of Sage Narada who advised to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha in removing all obstacles. Sage Narada selected a site in Kunjavana which the Devatas had visited earlier. The Devatas had even created two lakes called Chakra Tirtha and Brahma Tirtha. Sage Narada and the other Sages created a new late called as Deva Tirtha. Sage Narada invited all the Devatas and requested Parvati Devi to send Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha was pleased with the fire sacrifice and rituals done to propitiate him and thus, agreed to be present in the forest always to prevent any obstacles in the worship of the Sages. One more lake was created now to get water for the worship of Lord Ganesha and was called Ganesha Tirtha.
Gokarna, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka.The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva’s linga (Atmalinga). There are many other temples all over this small town. Ankola and Kumta on NH66 are the main towns near Gokarna and Bhatkal and Karwar are the main cities near Gokarna where almost all trains stops. Gokarna is known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is on what was once an unspoiled beach near the estuary of the river Aghanashini. Recently, due to the influx of tourists, the character of the town has changed; it is no longer just a centre of pilgrimage, though large numbers of devotees visit to offer prayers and worship to Lord Shiva. Due to its laid-back, unspoiled and rustic nature many younger western tourists started visiting Gokarna about a decade ago. The beaches around Gokarna were hardly used by the locals until these mainly western tourists started coming.Enterprising locals started stores and restaurants, and now the resorts also cater to wealthier tourists. The earliest history of the city is in Tretayuga, Ravana (Demon/Asura King of Lanka) reaches Kailasa and performed rigorous penance to get the “Atma Linga” from Lord Shiva, as Ravana’s mother expressed a keen desire to worship the atmalinga of Lord Shiva.[5][6] After a long penance, Shiva gave the Atma linga to Ravana as a boon and instructs Ravana to carry it home by walk, that he should never place it on the earth even for a short while failing which the linga would get eternally embedded at the place where he broke his commands. Lord Maha Vishnu learned that Ravana will become all powerful by worshipping the ‘Atma Linga’ and menace to the world and Ravana’s conviction that nobody could defeat him, once he acquired the very power of Shiva. Maha vishnu devised a plan to install the linga somewhere and as he thought that Lord Ganapati was alone capable of doing it, he along with all the gods pleased Ganapati to execute the plan. Lord Ganapati accepts and reaches Gokarna as a Brahmin boy. As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Maha Vishnu who had known well that Ravana was punctual in performing his periodical rites (Sandyavandhana), hides sun with his Sudarshana Chakra (Wheel). Thinking that it was time to perform the evening rites, Ravana finds a Brahmin boy and asked him to hold the Atmalinga in his hand till he came back after finishing the rites. Ganapati agreed to hold the linga on one condition that he would do so till he would be able to bear the weight of linga and that thereafter he would call Ravana three times and if failed to come to him by then he would place the linga on the earth. Ganapati calls Ravana three times when he was performing his rites and places the linga on the earth and he vanished. The Atmalinga at once got firmly entrenched in the earth. Ravana learned that he had been tricked by the Gods. The depressed demon king Ravana was deeply agitated and tried to pull up the linga, but the linga did not budge a little. It resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara and Shejjeshwar temples. Ravana was unable to lift the linga from the ground again and called the Shiva linga as Mahabala, one with great strength, and ever since, the linga illustrious as Mahabaleshwara. Shiva learned all these from Vayu Deva, the god of wind, and came on to Earth with Goddess Parvathi devi and his train of Gods, he visited these five places and worshipped the linga which had now taken five forms. He acknowledged that these five places would be his “Pancha Kshetras” (Five Holy Places) A sect of Brahmins fled from the Gomantak to escape forcible conversions by the Portuguese and British and settled in and around Gokarna in the 15th century. It was part of the Sodhe and Vijayanagar kingdoms. When the Konkan region — including Goa — was occupied by the Portuguese, it became part of their rule. A few temples were destroyed by the Portuguese in 1714, rebuilt in the 18th century, and under the supervision of Guru H. H. Shrimad Anandashram Swamiji in 1928. Official Address
Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is a state in the southwestern region of India. It is known for its lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. The state is also home to some of the most stunning temples in the country, each with its unique charm and history. One of the most popular temples in Kerala is the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is also famous for the secret vaults that were discovered in 2011, which are believed to contain treasures worth billions of dollars. Another must-visit temple in Kerala is the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, located in Thrissur district. This temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and is believed to be over 5000 years old. Kerala is also home to several ancient temples such as the Sabarimala Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, and the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, known for its famous Palpayasam, a sweet rice pudding offering to Lord Krishna. Apart from the ancient temples, Kerala is also home to some modern architectural marvels such as the Chottanikkara Temple, known for its unique architecture and healing powers, and the Adi Keshava Perumal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, known for its intricate stone carvings. In conclusion, Kerala is a land of diverse temples, each with its unique history and architectural brilliance. The temples offer a serene and spiritual experience, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Janardana Swami Temple is a 2000-year-old temple situated in the municipality of Varkala city. It is also known as Varkala Temple. Janardana Swami is a form of Lord Vishnu. It is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). This is the only temple of Lord Vishnu in the Achamanam form. This beautiful temple is located at the shores of the Arabian sea. According to the scriptures, when the Deity’s hand touches its mouth, that would mark the end of Kaliyuga. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties. Sri Balarama visited this place during His Dravida Desha Yatra. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Janarthana Swami. The deity is found in a standing position facing towards the east. His right hand is in position as if he is performing “Aachamanam”. His right hand is raised towards his mouth and legends say that if his hand goes nearer to his mouth, the world will come to an end. It is believed to happen at the end of the Kali Yuga. To the scientist, Varkala is well known for its geological formation and has been inspected and examined carefully by hordes or geologists, and volumes of interesting literature are carefully preserved in the archives of the Government of India. Besides the enchanting sea-view, there is the backwater journey by canal hewn out of the tremendous heights of hills on either side of it. The vegetation on either side of the canal, rising in height is a magnificent sight, has given rise to a series of springs form which gushes out sparkling water throughout the year. The water is supported to have medicinal properties which cure certain ailments. Even a single bath is a tonic that no traveler or visitor should miss The temple of Sri Janardana is situated on the summit of a tableland adjoining the sea. It is located on one of the hill-tops, which is reached by a long and wearisome flight of steps and one feels tired on arriving at the feet of the Lord. At the entrance to the inner shrine are the idols of Hanuman and Garuda on either side and in the main shrine is the idol of Sri. Janardana with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. The temple of Janardana is a fine example of Kerala art and architecture. The circular ‘Sanctum sanctorum” surmounted by a conical dome of copper sheets, the square ‘mandapa’ with beautiful wooden carvings of Navagrahas on the ceiling and copper-plated roof over it, the quadrangular enclosures (prakara) around them, a hall containing a ‘bali peetha’ in front of the inner temple are the characteristic features of Kerala style of architecture. The construction period of this temple saw the rise of a highly embellished temple. one of the inscriptions indicates that the temple was improved during the reign of Umayamma Rani, who ruled this region during 1677-84 A.D. The main idol has a striking appearance with four arms having all the attributes of Vishnu. In the southwestern corner and on the north-eastern side of the outer enclosure are the shrines of Sasta and Shiva with Nandi. Sage Narada, after paying his respects to Lord Narayana, left Vaikuntam to see Brahma. Enraptured by the sweet music of Narada, Narayana followed him unobserved. When Narada reached Brahmaloka, Brahma saw Narayana following his son Narada and offered salutations to him, at which Vishnu, realizing the awkward situation, suddenly disappeared. Brahma found that the person whom he had revered was his own son, Narada. The ‘Prajapathis’ who were laughing at this incident were cursed by Brahma that they would be born on earth and suffer the miseries of human beings. Narada advised them to perform penance at the place he himself would select for them. Narada threw his ‘Valkalam’ (bark upper garment) into the air and at the place where it fell down, they consecrated a temple for Janardanaswamy (a name of Vishnu). Hence the name Varkala is a corruption of ‘Valkala’, but the name came into prominent usage. According to the legend, attracted by the music from Narada’s Veena, Lord Vishnu started following him and reached Satyaloka. Seeing Lord Vishnu, Brahma prostrated before him. Lord Vishnu soon realized that he has reached Satyaloka but did not realize that Lord Brahma is prostrating before him and left back to Vaikunta. It seemed as if Lord Brahma is falling towards the feet of Narada and all the present ‘Devas’ laughed. This made Brahma angry and he cursed Devas to be born as humans in the earth. Devas repented their folly and begged to be forgiven. Brahma replied that the curse would be withdrawn when they do a penance to please Lord Janardana. Devas asked where that place is where they should do the penance. Brahma told them that the place where Sage Narada’s ‘Vastra’ falls will be the sacred place. It is Varkala where his ‘Vastra’ fell and Devas did the penance accordingly to get relieved of the curse. According to Mahabharata, Balabhadran has visited the place for pilgrimage. Varkala Town is located 40 kilometers north of Trivandrum, which is the capital and metropolitan city of Kerala and 28 km south of the port city of Kollam. Trivandrum International Airport (52 km) is the nearest airport and there is a helipad at Varkala Cliff. Varkala Railway Station, the second busiest and third-highest revenue-generating station in Trivandrum district is connected by regular trains from Trivandrum Central and major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Kolkata, etc. Varkala is situated along the Trivandrum – Kollam coastal highway and 9 km east of National Highway 66. Private buses and KSRTC buses run along NH 66 and through Varkala. State Highway 64 (Kerala) starts in Varkala and ends in Madathara connects major places in the east. The highway is 45 km long. Varkala is connected to National Waterway 3 through Varkala Tunnel, which passes through the heart of the city. The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatha says that… Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Date built:-Deity:-Architectural style:-Major festivalsThiruvonam, Vijayadashami, Vishu, Vinayaka ChathurthiLocale:ThiruvananthapuramDistrict::ThiruvananthapuramAddress:Padmavilasam Rd, Pazhavangadi, Padma Nagar, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023Phone04712461929 The Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy temple(Malayalam: ശ്രീ പഴവങ്ങാടി മഹാ ഗണപതി ക്ഷേത്രം) is situated at East Fort in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City. The main Deity of the temple is Sri Mahaganapathy (Ganesha). The main idol is installed in a seated posture with the right leg… Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Date built: – – Architectural style: Dravidian architecture, Architecture of Kerala Major festivals – Locale: Thiruvananthapuram District:: Thiruvananthapuram Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023 Phone 04712464606 Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Tamil style (kovil) of architecture associated… Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Date built:-Deity:-Architectural style:-Major festivals-Locale:AttukalDistrict:: Thiruvananthapuram Address:Manacaud P.O, Attukal – Chiramukku Rd, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009Phone04712463130 The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious shrine at Attukal, Trivandrum in Kerala, India. Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), mounted over ‘vethala’, is the main deity in this temple. Bhadrakali, a form of Mahakali, who killed the demon king Daruka, believed to be born from the third eye of lord…
Located in the heart of Ernakulum city in Kerala, Ernakulam Shiva Temple is one of the rare Shiva Temples where God faces sea towards west. Very popular as Ernakulathappan, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the Maharaja rule, the temple is located in the Durbar Hall Ground. The history of the shrine is linked with the history of the city. As per the legend, it was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas but now it is controlled by administration of Cochin Devasom Board. It is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala dedicated by Lord Parasurama. – – The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 35 km from the temple. Ernakulam North Railway Station, Ernakulam South Railway Station, and Aluva Railway Station are nearest to the temple. There are buses to Ernakulam from Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, and from all major towns in Kerala. Most long-running buses pass through the MG Road and the nearest bus stop is South or Pallimukku. The KSRTC bus station is 2 KM away from the temple. Local private buses can be used once you are in Ernakulam town. Durbar Hall Rd, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala 682011 0484 237 0415
The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatha says that Balarama visited this Temple, bathed in Padmatheertham, and made several offerings. Nammalwar, the 9th-century poet and one among the 12 Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition, has composed ten hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Some well-known scholars, writers, and historians, like the late Dr. L.A.Ravi Varma of Travancore, have expressed the view that this Temple was established on the first day of Kali Yuga (which is over 5000 years ago). The legends of the Temple are handed down through the centuries. One such legend which finds a place in the old palm leaf records of the Temple, as also in the famous grantha entitled “Ananthasayana Mahatmya”, mentions that it was consecrated by a Tulu Brahmin hermit named Divakara Muni. On the 950th year of Kali Yuga, a reinstallation of the idol was done. In the 960th Kali year, King Kotha Marthandan built the Abhisravana Mandapam. The principal deity Vishnu is enshrined in the “Anantha Shayanam” posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent disheshan. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to “The City of Lord Ananta”, referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Nearest airport is Thiruvanathapuram (4 Km) Railway Station Thiruvanathapuram (1km) KSRTC, Thiruvanathapuram (1km) West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023 0471 246 4606
Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple is Hindu temple situated in Triprayar in Thrissur district of Kerala state in India. The deity is Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, with four arms bearing a conch, a disc, a bow and a garland. The temple is situated on the bank of river Theevra. The temple deity is the presiding deity of Arattupuzha Pooram. It is believed that the idol here was worshipped by Lord Krishna, another avatar of Lord Vishnu in Dwarka. Along with Lord Rama, there are shrines for Lord Shiva as Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Ganesha, Lord Sastha and Lord Krishna. Triprayar temple used to be owned & administered by the 3 famous Nambudiri families namely Cheloor mana, Janappilly Mana and Punnappilly Mana before it was handed over to the Cochin Devaswom Board. Still, the heads of these three families serve as the Ooralans of the temple and take part in the rituals and festivals in accordance with the customs
Thanikkudam Bhagavathi Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Thanikkudam of Thrissur city in Kerala, on the banks of Puzhakkal River, also called Thanikkudam river. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, in the form of ‘Nanadurga’.
Pulluvan Paattu is serpent worship performed in the houses of the lower castes as well as those of the higher castes, in addition to serpent temples. The pulluvar of Kerala are closely connected to the serpent worship. One group considers the snake gods their presiding deity and perform sacrifices and sing songs. A Pulluvan is a male member (female Pulluvatti) of a low caste group called Pulluvar. pulluva pattu The term pullu means a bird of omen. The term pulluvan must have meant ‘a person who predicts from the sound of birds’. There are many sub-divisions in the Pulluva community. The majority among them are called Nagampatikal (people who sing snake-songs). There are pulluvars who are not Naagampatikal. They are known as Pretampatikal (people who sing ghost songs). The women of the house where the ritual takes place performs the serpent dance (Sarpam Thullal) at the Mulluthara Devi Temple.
Kottaram is a village located in Kanyakumari district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kottaram the word origin from Malayalammeaning Palace. So Kottaram means not only a village but also a Palace because 18th & the beginning of the 19th century Kottaram village was ruled by Travancore Maharajas and they have constructed Guest Houses for them. In 1947 August 15 India got independence from British and Sri Vallabhai Pattel initiated to divided India as States and the states divided into Districts according to the regional language and the present Kottaram village became part of Tamil Nadu by 1 November 1956. This village used to be a resting place for the Travancore Maharajas. This landmark, called the Chathiram (Free lodge), is occupied by businesses now. A government hospital, Sub-Register office, and Post Office are the main landmarks in the junction. There is also the small Ram temple that was built at Nandavanam (Garden of flowers). People from surrounding villages flock to Kottaram. It is very close to Kanyakumari, Vattakottai, and Marunthuvazh Malai. The Government fruit farm and a bi-weekly farmers market (Thali Aruthaan Chanthai) are also present nearby. Maradu, Kochi, Kerala 682304 093257 89000
Malamakkavu Ayyappa Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to lord Ayyappan, located in Anakkara Panchayath in Palakkad district of Kerala. A special flower called “Chengazhinir Poovu” which is traditionally used as offering to deity is found and grown only in the temple pond. Malamakkavu Temple, Malamalkkavu, Kerala 679554 097404 17546
Today I visited Kadavallur Sree Rama temple. This temple is known for the famous Vedic contest called Anyonyam that is held there every year. I have been planning to visit the place for quite some time, but it was only today that I got an opportunity. I started from home at 9AM today. I went to Thrissur and from there took a bus to Kunnamkulam. I had to wait at Kunnamkulam bus stand for some fifteen minutes and then I got a bus going to Kuttippuram, via Kadavallur. It took fifteen minutes to reach Kadavallur. I got down and enquired at a shop there regarding the way to the temple. They pointed to a small road going towards the left and I took that path. After five minutes of walk through the village road, there was a left turn and then suddenly the temple became visible. The place looked very deserted except for few children who were playing cricket on the road, using a big rock in place of stumps. I got inside the temple and realized that the sanctum sanctorum was already closed after the madhyahna puja. There were few villagers sitting inside. They told that the temple will open again at 5 and I could take rest under some peepal tree there until then, and take food from the hotel in the main road. I told them that it would be too late for me if I have to wait till evening, so I would just have a pradakshina around the outer temple and then go back. kadavalloor sree ramaswamy temple, Kadavallur, Kerala 680543 04885 284 259
According to Keralolpathi, Kizhthali Siva Temple existed during the Perumal reign (B.C 113-AD 343). During the time of the Chera dynasty, who were Shaivates, believers of Lord Shiva, the kings had many advisors, usually nambuthiris. These ministers or advisors customarily gathered at a Shiva temple called Thali. There were so many Shiva temples in and around this main temple such as Melthali, Nediyathali and Chingapuram Thali. Kizhthali temple was first destroyed by the Portuguese and then Dutch. Then Tipu’s army destroyed it further, except the garbagriham, which still stands. In its original glory, the temple boasted of a Koothu Parambu, a Kalari Parambu and a Kalapura Parambu. Presently, it is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, while the religious functions are carried out by a private trust. The temple is situated on the Paravur-Kodungallur Road. The visitor centre at Paravur Synagogue is the entranceway for travellers to explore the Muziris Heritage Project. From here one can further enhances the experience to visit other museums and monuments by their own choice, either by boat on the River Periyar or by cycle tours, or by road. Besides these, travellers can select the proposed circuit tours. Poothole p.o, Kottappuram Rd, Thrissur, Kerala 680020
Pananchery Mudikkode Shiva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva at Pananchery of Thrissur District in Kerala statein India. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, located in main Sanctum Sanctorum, facing West. According to folklore, sage Parashurama has installed the idol. The temple is a part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala
Located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, the Poonkunnam Shiva Temple, which is a 1000 year old building, reflects the Kerala style of architecture, unique in its own way. This beautiful temple showcases the glorious cultural heritage of Kerala, with an idol of Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Thrissur holds an important place in the history of Kerala and it owes its name to Lord Shiva. A number of dynasties, which had ruled Kerala before, had their capital in Thrissur. This is the reason, why it has so many imposing temples like Poonkunnam Shiva Temple. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The main deity is Lord Shiva. Parvathy, Ganapathy, Sastha, Nagaraja and Partha Sarathi are other sub deities. The Ganeshotsavam is celebrating in grand style. Punkunnam Junction, Punkunnam, Thrissur, Kerala 680002
Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, located 30 km southeast of Alappuzha, has a rich 3000 year old history associated with it. It is open to people of all faiths and attracts believers from across the State. The Mother Goddess Durga is worshipped here. The famous rivers Pamba and Manimala flow on both sides of the temple. Chakkulathukavu Pongala is the most famous festival associated with the temple. It falls on the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November / December) and is a grand affair. ‘Pongalani vedayam’ is a sweet dish that is considered a favourite of the Goddess and women flock in large numbers to the temple to offer the same. Enormous lines are formed outside the temple with devotees carrying this dish in earthen pots for cooking. This dish contains rice porridge, molasses and grated coconut. Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla, about 11 km Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 113 km and Trivandrum International Airport, about 135 km Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple Neerettupuram P.O., Thiruvalla Kerala Ph: + 91 477 2213550
Ashtamangalam Siva Temple is located in the city of Thrissur in Ashtamangalam. The deity who presides over the temple is Lord Shiva, located in separate shrines, facing east. It is believed that this temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and is installed by the Sage Parasurama dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located near Karyattukara on the Laloor Highway. The Shivarathri festival is celebrated in a grand manner during the Malayalam month of Kumbha The temple has a big pool in front of it. The temple and the deity here is found facing the direction of the pond. The temple has a round shaped Sreekovil. The Vattakshikovil temple is built on the east of the temple complex By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest Airport witha distance of 55 Km. By Rail: Regular trains are available to Thrissur from many major cities of the country. By Road: Government and private buses are available from other important cities of the country to Thrissur. Ashtamangalam Mahadeva Temple, Kariattukara, Elthuruth Thrissur District, Kerala – 680611.
Laloor Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Laloor, Thrissur City of Kerala. Cochin Devaswom Board controls the temple. The temple is a participant in the Thrissur Pooram every year. It is one of the 108 Durga Temples in Kerala found by Saint Parasurama
Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Temple is situated at Manthara in Varkala. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna. The temple is known for several vibrant festivals and folk arts such as Ammankudam and Mayilattam that are commonly seen here. Just like the other temples in Varkala the temple is also known for its Arattu ceremony which marks the end of the main festival. On the day of the Arattu a procession takes place in the evening with nine caparisoned elephants that are accompanied by folk arts Ammankudam and Mayilattam. Sree Krishna Jayanthi the birthday of Lord Krishna, usually referred to as Ashtamirohini, is also celebrated with great splendou
Sree Karthyayani Mahamaya, the deity of this temple presides over with all prowess, strength and prosperity making the people of the area feel her presence day in and day out. An enquiry into the origin of the temple will definitely reveal a lot of information and its connection with stories shrouded in our Puranas. One of the stories related to this temple is ‘Dakshayaga’. When Siva started his Thandava dance carrying the dead body of Sathi Devi, who gave up her life in the YagnaSala unable to suffer the humiliation any more, Lord Vishnu to pacify the outrages Siva shot an arrow and cut the body of Sathi Devi into fragments. It is said, Sathi’s bodies was cut into 108 pieces and one of the pieces is believed to have fallen in the place where this temple is located. Later on during ‘Thretha Yuga’ , Lord Vishnu reborn as Parasurama found out this place and performed penance to have Darsan of Devi. Pleased with this penance, Devi appeared before Parasurama and later immediately made an idol identical to Devi’s appearance and he duly performed the installation ceremony on his own according to the custom and entreated Devi to protect the people of the area from all adversities and calamities. Sree Karthyayani Temple is located in the vicinity of Ayyanthole Civil Lines, the nerve center of district administration, which is about 4 KMs North West of famous Vadakkumnathan Temple The President/Secretary Karthiayani Kshethra Kshema Samithi, “Alankara Gopuram/Nadappura” Ayyanthole(PO), Thrissur, Kerala-680003 Ph: 0487-2362668, 2363043 Mob: 09387362668
Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple, Kottayam, Kerala Vazhappally temple is historically important and contains some lithic records of the reign of Rajasekhara Varma Kulasekhara (c. 800—844 CE ) besides some fine seventeenth century wood carvings (Daarusilpas) depicting figurines from epics. The Vattezhuttu inscription on the northern part of the base of the cultural shrine indicates that the repairs were completed in Kollam era 840 (1665 AD). It is an ancient Grama Kshethra also known as “Dakshina Kailasam” In ancient period, this temple had 54,000 para paddy fields (Nilam). The soldiers of Chempakassery Raja killed one Unni of Changazhimuttom family of Kuttanadu who has gone there to measure the “Patta Nelu” of Devaswom at Venattukara field. He is installed as a Bhramma Rakshas in this temple. In order to satisfy the Bhrahmma Rakshas, “Kazhumaram” was being made in front of the Rakshas Shrine and the Prathiroopam of Chempakassery Raja is hanged. But later, these forms were removed. The Raja gave the pooja items for Pantheeradi to the temple as a mark of his repentance for killing Unni. The Raja has appointed the members of Thiruvenkitapuram Warriam as the heir of “Pantheeradi Choru”. The idol of the vazhappally temple is centuries old and is considered as the Siva of Neelamperoor temple. The legend behind this concept is that CheraRajaPallibana Perummal, a follower of Budha, when de-throwned by the “Hindu Bhattas” following a defeat in argument, reached Neelamperoor. The news came to the ears of the potties of pathillams (Chengazhimuttam, Kainikkara, Eravimangalam, Kunnithidasserry, Athrasserry, Kolencherry, Kizhangazhuthu, Kannancherry, Thalavana etc.),that perumal is going to install his personal idol at Neelamperoor. Pathillathil Pottimars run with the idol Shiva of Neelamperoor and installed that idol at Vazhappally. Official Address
Vaikom Temple, Kottayam, Kerala The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a temple for the Hindu god Shiva in Vaikom, Kerala. The temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful trisome. The belief is that if a devotee worships at these three temples before ‘Ucha pooja’, all the wishes are fulfilled. The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikom’s Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the ‘Treta yuga’ and considered as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken since inception. One of the biggest temples in Kerala, the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple has a courtyard of about eight acres of land. The premises levelled with river sand is protected by compound walls with four Gopuras or towers on all the four sides. The Sreekovil is round in shape roofed with copper sheets and with two chambers. The Mukha Mandapa – the first chamber is built in shaped stone and single piece woods. The walls and pillars are very strong. The Garbha Griha(Sanctum Santorium) – the second chamber is built completely in stone including the roof in a square shape.It is a very curious and peculiar fact that we are unable to obtain the Darsana of the Supreme Saiva Chaitanya from this Sreekovil without passing through a ‘six steps’ either from the Gopura or the Nada. It may be reminding us the Shad (six) vikaras(emotions) such as Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha and Mathsarya or the thantrik chakras as per the thanthrik Kalpana. Kharasura on receiving the Shaiva Vidya Upadesh from Malyavan went to Chidambaram, and did severe penance and Tapasya for the attainment of Moksha. Pleased with his penance Lord Siva granted all the boons he asked, and presented him with three great Siva Lingas drawn out of Him. Assuring that He will ever be present in them, Lord Siva disappeared, asking Khara to worship the Lingas to attain Moksha. When Khara was returning south from Himalayas with the three Lingas, one in his right hand, one in left hand and other by the neck, he felt tired and rested awhile. After rest when he tried to pick up the lingas, they wouldn’t budge. He realized that it was Shiva’s maya and when called unto, the heavens spoke thus, “I shall remain here giving Moksha to whom so ever take refuge in Me”. Khara having attained Moksha entrusted the holy Lingas to the custody of Maharshi Vyaghrapada who had followed him invisibly and asked the sage to protect and worship them Official Address
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur, Kerala Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva at city of Thrissur, of Kerala state in India. This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various episodes from Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple.The shrines and the Kuttambalamdisplay vignettes carved in wood. The temple, along with the mural paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by Indiaunder the AMASR Act.According to popular local lore, this is the first temple built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Thekkinkadu maidan, encircling the Vadakkunnathan Temple, is the main venue of the Thrissur Pooram.Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the temple. In the year 2012 the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recommended 14 sites, including Vadakkumnathan Temple and palaces, from Kerala to include in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites The temple is situated in an elevated hillock in the centre of Thrissur City and is surrounded by a massive stone wall enclosing an area of nearly 9 acres (36,000 m2). Inside this fortification, there are four gopurams facing four cardinal directions. Between the inner temple and the outer walls, there is a spacious compound, the entrance to which is through gopurams. Of these, the gopurams on the south and north are not open to the public. The public enter either through the east or west gopuram. The inner temple is separated from the outer temple by a broad circular granite wall enclosing a broad corridor called Chuttambalam. Entrance into the inner temple is through a passage through the corridor. The temple is famous for the rarity of the temple murals, of which the Vasukishayana and Nrithanatha murals are of great importance and are worshipped daily.The temple also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of ancient times.A study done by Archaeological Survey of India on two paintings in the temple has revealed that it is 350 years old. These two rare paintings were a reclining Shiva and a Nataraja with 20 arms. The temple theatre, known as Koothambalam, has four magnificent gateways called Gopurams and the lofty masonry wall around the temple quadrangle are imposing pieces of craftsmanship and skill. The Koothambalam is used for staging Koothu, Nangyar Koothu and Koodiyattam, an ancient ritualistic art forms of Central Kerala. According to folk lore, before the new Koothambalam was built, there used to be an old and dilapidated structure. The then Diwan T. Sankunni Menon ordered to demolish the structure and construct a new Koothambalam. He gave this task to Velanezhy Nambudiri, a famous Thachushasthranjan or master craftsman. He prepared a mental sketch and built a beautiful Koothambalam there. Velanezhy Illom is in Venganellur Gramam, Chelakkara town. The story of the origin of the Vadakkunnathan Temple is briefly narrated in Brahmanda Purana and there are references to it in some other works also. Though there are differences between these accounts on the details, all agree on the central fact, namely, that the temple was founded by Parashurama. Parashurama exterminated Kshatriyastwenty one times. In order to cleanse himself and balance his karma he performed a yajna at the end of which he gave away all the land to Brahmins as dakshina. He wanted to retire to some new land to perform tapasya and so he requested the Lord of the seas and oceans Varuna to throw up a new piece of land from the sea. The famous Sri Mula Sthana where for sometime the linga of Shivaremained. Later, the ruler of Kochi Kingdom decided to shift the linga to a more convenient place and enclose it in a good temple. According to another version, some sages approached him at the end of the yajna and requested him to give them some secluded land. Parashurama then made the request to Varuna for their sake. Varuna gave him a winnow (surpa) and asked him to hurl it into the sea, as he did a large territory of land was at once thrown up by the sea; this territory that rose out of the sea was Kerala. It was then known by the name “Surparaka”, from the word, “Surpa” meaning winnow. According to some other accounts, Varuna asked Parashurama to hurl his axe into the sea. Parashurama now wanted to consecrate this new land. So he went to Mount Kailash to his guru, Lord Shiva and requested him to take abode in Kerala and thereby bless the region. Shri Shiva accompanied by his wife Parvati, his sons Ganesha and Subrahmanya and his parashadas went along with Parashurama, to satisfy the desire of his disciple. Shiva stopped at a spot, now Thrissur, for his seat and later he and his party disappeared and Parashurama saw a bright and radiant Shiva linga (aniconic symbol of Shiva) at the foot of a huge banyan tree. This place where Shiva first manifested his presence through the linga is in Smskrth (Sanskrit) known as the Sri Moola Sthana. For sometime, the linga remained at Sri Mula Sthana at the foot of a huge banyan tree. The ruler of Cochin Kingdom then decided to shift the linga to a more convenient place and enclose it in a temple. Arrangements were soon made to reinstall the deity in the new place. But there was an initial difficulty. The linga could not be removed without cutting off a large part of the banyan tree. While cutting the branches of the tree, there was the danger of a piece of it falling on the idol and damaging it. When the ruler and the others did not know what to do, the Yogatirippadu came forward with a solution. He lay over the deity so as to cover it completely and asked the men to cut the tree. The cutting began and to the wonder of all not a piece of the tree fell anywhere near the deity. The deity was moved with all due rituals and installed in the new place where it has remained till now. Then a temple was built according to the rules laid down in the Shastras. Official Address
Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, Malappuram, kerala Tirunavaya Temple (in full Tirunavaya Navamukunda Temple) is an ancient Hindu temple at Tirunavaya, central Kerala, on the northern bank of the Bharatappuzha (River Ponnani), dedicated to Navamukundan (Narayana-Vishnu). The temple is glorified in Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil collection of hymns by the Vaishnava Alvars. It is one of the 108 divyadesas (tirupatis) dedicated to god Vishnu, who is worshipped as Navamukunda Perumal at Tirunavaya. The temple has no pond or well, and water from the river is used for all rituals. The presence of Cherutirunavaya Brahma – Siva Temples across the River Ponnani at Tavanur makes it a trimutri sangama. The river bank in the temple are considered as holy as Kasi and the ritual offering practices for forefathers (bali tarpana/sradha puja) are similar to the ones done there. Ganapati (Adi Ganesa/Gajendra), Lakshmi(“Malarmangai Nachiyar”) and Ayyappa Swami are the associated pratishthas. Goddess Lakshmi has a separate sri kovil in the temple, unlike most of the other Narayana-Lakshmi temples. The temple was the venue of the Mamankams, a festival celebrated once in 12 years from at least the 8th century AD.The temple building was attacked and destroyed during the invasion of Kerala by Sultan of Mysore Tipu (18th century AD), and later attacked in 1921 during the Mappila Rebellion.[5][6][7] The present temple building is constructed in the indigenous Kerala Temple Architecture style. Presently, the Tirunavaya temple (Malappuram Division, Grade: Sp) is administered by Samutiri of Kozhikode (Zamorin of Calicut) as the managing trustee under Malabar Devaswom Board, Government of Kerala. The temple is open from 05.00 am to 10.00 am and 04.00 pm to 07.00 pm on all days leaving festive days The present temple is built in Kerala Temple Architecture style, which is almost common in all temples in Kerala.The outer walls around the sanctum of the templA rectangular wall around the temple, called kshetra-matilluka pierced by the gateways, encloses all the temples within the temple. The metal plated flag-post (dvaja sthambha) is located axial to the temple tower leading to the central sanctum and there is a dipasthambha, which is the light post. Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion within the temple walls. The central temple and the associated hall is located in a rectangular structure called nalambalam, which has pillared halls and corridors. Between the entrance of nalambalam to the sanctum, there is a raised square platform called namaskara mandapa which has a pyramidal roof. Thevrapura, the kitchen used to cook offering to the Navamukunda is located on the left of namaskara mandapa from the entrance. Balithara is an altar is used for making ritualistic offering to demi-gods and the festive deities. The central temple called sri kovil houses the idol of the Navamukunda. It is on an elevated platform with a single door reached through a flight of five steps. Either sides of the doors have images of guardian deities called dvarapalakas. As per Kerala rituals, only the main priest called tantri and the second priest called melsanti alone can enter the sri kovil. The central temple has a square plan with the base built of granite, superstructure built of laterite and conical roof made of terracotta tile supported from inside by a wooden structure. The roof projects in two levels to protect the inner structure from heavy rains during monsoon. The roof of the temple and some of the pillars have lavish wood and stucco carvings depicting various stories of epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The outer walls around the sanctum have a series of wooden frames housing an array of lamps, which are lit during festive occasions.River bank where austerities are performed for forefathers The idol of Navamukunda is portrayed only from above the knee, the rest of the idol being concealed within the ground. There is believed to be a bottomless unexplored pit behind the idol in the sanctum. The idol of the Navamukunda is 6 ft (1.8 m) tall, and is made of stone and covered with pancha loha. The idol is in a standing posture, with four hands carrying Panchajanya conch, lotus flower, Kaumodaki mace and the terrible Sudarshana discus. The idol is facing east. Goddess Lakshmi has a separate sri kovil in the Tirunavaya Temple. The sri kovil is in the north-west of the nalambalam, to the left of Navamukunda, and the idol is facing east. The idol only have two hands, with varadabhaya mudra The Vishnu is called “Navamukunda Perumal/Tevar” as it is believed that the idol was the ninth one to be installed in the temple by a group of nine Hindu yogis known as “Navayogis”. The first eight idols sank into the Earth as soon as they were placed there and the ninth sank to its knees before it was forcibly stopped. As the location of the sunken idols were not known, devotees used to make pradikshina on their knees. Even Alvancheri Tamparakkal and Tirunavaya Vaddhyans were not exempted from this practice.Tirunavaya is also known as called “Navayogisthala”. Official Address
Thriprayar Temple, Thrissur, kerala Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple is Hindu temple situated in Triprayar in Thrissur district of Kerala state in India. The deity is Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, with four arms bearing a conch, a disc, a bow and a garland. The temple is situated on the bank of river Theevra. The temple deity is the presiding deity of Arattupuzha Pooram. It is believed that the idol here was worshipped by Lord Krishna, another avatar of Lord Vishnu in Dwarka. Along with Lord Rama, there are shrines for Lord Shivaas Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Ganesha, Lord Sastha and Lord Krishna. Triprayar temple used to be owned & administered by the 3 famous Nambudiri families namely Cheloor mana, Janappilly Mana and Punnappilly Mana before it was handed over to the Cochin Devaswom Board. Still, the heads of these three families serve as the Ooralans of the temple and take part in the rituals and festivals in accordance with the customs.[ Triprayar temple is rich in wood carvings. The sreekovil is circular in shape with a copper covered conical roof and is surmounted by a golden Thazhikakkudam. The circular sanctum has several sculptural representations of scenes from the Ramayana with a dynamic and lively vitality of design and form a lavish decoration and an integral part of the architectural edifice of the temple. Its walls are decorated with beautiful mural paintings. The namaskara mandapa, which is copper-plated, is profusely sculptured -having 24 panels of woodcarvings representing navagrahas. The diety Lord Rama in the Triprayar Temple is popularly known as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar. The idol of Lord Rama was initially worshipped by Lord Krishna at Dwaraka. After the swargarohana of Lord Krishna the idol was immnesed in the sea. Later some fisher men got the idol from the sea near Chettuva region of Kerala and the local ruler Vakkayil Kaimal constructed a temple at Triprayar and installed the idol. The image of Rama (Triprayar Thevar) resembles the Chaturbhuja Vishnu form with four arms, bearing a conch(Panchajanya), a disc (Sudarsana), a bow (Kodanda) and a garland respectively. It is believed that the deity worshipped here possesses some of the aspects of Shiva too. It was after killing the asura, Khara that Sri Rama got both the Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects. Thus Triprayar Thevar is also called Khara Samhara Moorthy. It is also believed that the portrayal of Rama with a garland held in the image’s hand is also suggestive of aspects of Bhrahma and hence the deity is said to be a manifestation of the Trimoorthis. The image is adorned with necklaces and other fine jewelry. Images of Sreedevi and Bhudevi are on either side. There is an image of Dakshinamoorthy, in the sanctum facing the south. Dakshinamoorthy is commonly found in Shiva temples. There is also a lamp behind the image which is kept burning all the time. Because of these and also because of the fact that people got relief when troubled by evil spirits chathan-the deity is believed to have a Shiva aspect also. The original idol of Rama was subject to severe wear with the passage of time. Astrological investigations however revealed that the Lord did not desire to have change of the vigraha. Therefore a raiment was made in Panchaloha and the same now covers the original stone image. Upadevathas – Sub Dieties Hanuman Official Address
Thiruvanchikulam Temple, Thrissur, kerala Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple (medieval Thiruvanchaikkalam Temple) is a Hindu temple situated in Kodungallur in Thrissur district in the South Indian state of Kerala in India. Constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Chera period in the 8th century. Shiva is worshipped as Mahadeva and his consort Parvathi as Umadevi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the canon.It is the only temple in Kerala in the list. As per Periyapuranam, Sundara Murthi Nayanar,one of the four great saints in Tamil Shivism ascented to heaven from this place. The temple is open from 4 am – 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm on all days except during festival days when it is open the full day. Four daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the ten-day Vaikasipournami Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Thiruvanchikulam Devaswom under the Cochin Devaswom Board. The temple is built in Kerala style of architecture with entrance towers in all four sides. The sanctum occupies the centre portion of the temple, which is fortified. The sanctum is approached through a flagstaff, which is axial to the entrance tower and the sanctum. The flagstaff has images of Asthavidyesavara. The presiding deity is in the form of lingam. The image of Narasimha is sculpted on the vimana. The images of Sundarar and Ceramanperuman are maintained at Bhagavathi temple and brought to the temple during Svati festival during July – August. There are two temple tanks in the temple, located in the second precinct. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple boasts of a history of more than 2000 years. The temple, located in Kottappuram, is remarkable for its number of representations of Lord Shiva. There is a Namaskara Mandapam, with 16 pillars in front of the Sreekovil is one of the major attractions of this temple. The Utsavam (annual festival) is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (Feb-Mar), during which the festival of Shivratri is celebrated in a grand manner. Aanayottam (Elephant race) is conducted as part of the festival attracts lot of devotees to the temple. Devotees attend the Palliyara pujas, held just before the temple closes in the evening, on full moon nights, to pray for happy married life and to be blessed with children. The western entrance of the temple is on the Kodungallur- Ernakulam highway. The temple is located about 6 km from Kodungallur.This is the only Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam in Kerala. Shiva is the family god of the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam after they came to power following the decline of Chera Empire). The temple has very good mural paintings and is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple has the oldest reference in history in Thevaram Hymns sung by Sundara Murthi Nayanar (also known as Sundarar in Tamil), one of the four Saiva Acharyas. The images of Sundara Murthi Nayanar, and of Cheraman Perumal Nayanar can also be seen in the temple premises. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India, where Shiva is said to live along with his whole family.It was from here, Sundara Murthi Nayanar reached Kailash by sitting on an white elephant,sent by Lord Shiva on Adi Swathi day (July/August). He was followed on horse back by Seraman Perumal Nayanar. On his way to Kailash, Sundara Murthi Nayanar sang a Padhigam which was sent back to Thiruvanchikulam on his request. The temple is associated with Chidambaramtemple in Tamil Nadu. The capital city of the Kulasekharas, Mahodayapuram, was built around the temple; it was protected by high fortifications on all sides and had extensive pathways and palaces. This temple was attacked and damaged during Tipu Sultan’s invasion of Kerala; the copper roofing and gold and jewels were looted. Tipu’s Muslim soldiers fled the temple complex only after the arrival of the Travancore Army of Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. The temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan of Kochi/Perumpadappu Swaroopam. Official Address
Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple, Kottayam, kerala Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple situated in the heart of Kottayam city is one of the 108 revered Shivalayas in central Kerala. The temple is about 500 years old and was built by the Thekkumkoor raja. It also preserves a number of unique sculptures and murals of various Hindu deities. A common belief is that the idol of Shiva here is installed by sage Parashurama himself. The Thekkukkoor royal family considered the idol as their paradevatha (tutelary deity) in the form of “Thirunakkara thevar. Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of Kottayam city in a hill known as “Nakkara Kunnu“of Kerala . This temple is one of the most revered Siva temples in central Kerala. The Temple was constructed five centuries ago by one of the native kings called the ‘Thekkumkoor Raja’ who ruled from Thalikkotta, west of the present city.he The Siva Linga in the temple is about six inches height and to the left of it stands a small idol of Goddess Parvathy as well. There is a massive stone that surrounds the temple and is beautifully carved in Kerala Style Architecture. The Painkuni festival conducted during first ten days of the Malayalam month Meenam (usually 14th to 23rd March) is the main festival of the Temple. The temple situated in the heart of Kottayam city is built in the traditional architectural styles of Kerala. The first entrance to the temple includes a small temple for lord Ganapathi which was built recently. After crossing the entrance, we could see the big ground leading to the holy steps of the temple. There is a banyan tree on steps which is considered sacred by the devotees. The Aanakottil and Kodimaram is placed close to the eastern entrance. The Kodimaram built in 1960 is only 42 feet long. To the side of Kodimaram lies the Balikkalpuras. Like that in Guruvayoor temple, one could clearly see the idol of chief deity from the main entrance itself. The whole temple complex occupies about 4 acres (1.6 ha) of land which is rich in many trees and plants. One of the largest Koothambalams in Kerala is in this temple situated in the southeast corner. The temple has shrines for various sub deities in different locations. The southeast entrance constitutes of the shrines of lord Ayyappa and Ganesha. Naga pratishtas are also close to these shrines. In the northwest section, there is a Chethi (Jungle flame) flower, commonly seen in many Hindu shrines across Kerala. The eastern section includes the shrines of lord Subhramaniya and Durga and the northeast section has the installation of Brahmarakshaswhich is according to the myths the soul of a priest assassinated inside the temple. Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple is more than 500 years old temple . The temple is noteworthy for its traditional architecture and outstanding murals. Situated on the Tirunakkara hill in the very heart of Kottayam town, is the famous lord Siva temple built by a king of the Tokkumkoor royal family which reigned over these parts before they were subjugated by the erstwhile Travancore State ruler. The Koothambalam at Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, a building to stage various temple art forms, is one of the best in Kerala. During the annual festival many folk art forms like Mayilattom and Velakali are presented in the temple premises. Another major attraction of the festival is Kathakali performance. According to the legends, once upon a time Kottayam was ruled by Thekkumkoor kings. One of the King from the Thekkumkoor dynasty was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and used to visit the Vadakkunathan temple at Trichur every month. Many years passed, and the king could not undertake the journey due to old age. The king was very sad that he cannot see the Lord. Later, the King had a dream of Lord Shiva, telling him to not worry and the Lord would ac ompany the King to Kottayam. According to the legends, the King happened to meet a Brahmin priest in Vaikom belonging to the Pereparambu family. The Brahmin accompanied the king to Kottayam. The Brahmin was able to recover a Shiva Linga in a place called Samiyar Madam. According to the advice of the Brahmin, the king built a temple for this Linga. Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 2 km away Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 64 km away Official Address
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura, Kerala Sree Poornathrayesa temple (in Malayalam:ശ്രീ പൂര്ണ്ണത്രയീശ ക്ഷേത്രം) is situated in Tripunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin. The temple is considered among the greatest temples in Kerala and was first among 8 royal temples of erstwhile Kochi Kingdom. The deity was also considered as National deity of Cochin and protector guardian of Tripunithura. The temple is famous for its yearly Utsavams or festivals. The main one is the Vrishchikoltsawam,[1] which is conducted every year in the month of Vrishchikam (November–December), kicking off the ‘Ulsava’ Season in Kerala. And this Vrishchikolsavam is the biggest temple festival of Ernakulam District and one of the biggest temple festivals of Kerala also. The deity in this temple is Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy. It is well believed that childless couples will be blessed with children on praying Poornathrayesan. The temple is designed in accordance of Kerala temple architecture. A major fire occurred in 1920, which destroyed much of the original structure particularly the sanctum sanctorum which was built extensively in wood. This led to redesigning the temple with concrete structure, for the first time in Kerala. Designed by the illustrious architect Late Sri Eachara Warrier, the temple was redesigned with concrete structure, covered cleverly with copper plates, wooden panels and granite tiles to recreate the traditional structure feeling. The side walls of sanctum sanctorim where heavily decorated with large brass sheets with statutes of gods and goddess, while the roof is covered with copper sheets, while the entrances of sanctum sanctorum were covered with gold sheets.The first floor of the two-storied gopuram consists of a mandapam (Dias), and eight beautifully carved wooden pillars support the Mandapam. Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is the only temple in South India where you can see an odd pose of Lord Vishnu, sitting under the shade of five royal hoods of the divine serpant, Ananthan, whose folded body itself acts as the throne for the God. Devotees worship the almighty here as “Santhaana Gopaala Moorthy”(Savior of infants). Anecdotes say that this beautiful idol of Sree Poornathrayeesa was presented to Arjuna by Lord Vishnu, while the former sought the help of the Supreme being to give rebirth to the ten children of a brahmin (believed to be a member of Puliyannur Illom, ancestral home of the chief priest of the temple). Arjuna along with the ten children and the holy idol returned in his chariot and handed over the children to the brahmin. Later a temple was built here in memory of this event and the sanctum-sanctorum (Sree Kovil) of this temple (presently known as Muthukulangara) is in the form of a chariot. Arjuna sent lord Vighnesha to search for a holy place for the installation of the idol of lord Vishnu. First they kept the idol in a palace, half a kilometer west to the main temple and now it is popularly known as ‘Poonithura Kottaram’. Attracted by the holiness of the ancient Vedic Village, POORNAVEDAPURAM, (now Tripunithura), lord Vighnesha himself occupied the place. Angry Arjuna kicked him aside to the southern side of the sanctum and installed the idol in that holy place surrounded by mustard fields. He then plucked some mustard seeds and crushed them to get oil for lighting lamp in front of the idol. Devotees consider the evershining “Valia Vilakku” situated in front of the idol, as the oil lamp lighted by Arjuna. Burnt oil of this traditional lamp possesses great medicinal value. The deity, ever since has been living in the minds and hearts of devotees as Santhanagopala Moorthy, blessing the needy, infertile couples with children. Stories relating Sree Poornathrayeesa as the elder brother of the goddesses of Chottanikkara and Pishari temples are also popular among the people. Lord Poornathrayeesa is also believed to be wedded to a Namboothiri girl,”Nangema”, from Vadakkedathu Mana. Dieties from local temples like “Perumthrikovil”(Lord Shiva) and “Pishari kovil”(Lakshmi) will come here during their annual festive occasions to participate in a combined procession, locally termed as “Sankara Narayana Vilakku”(Shiva and Vishnu) and “Laksmi Narayana Vilakku”(Goddess Laksmi and Lord Vishnu) respectively. Aarattu (the holy bath of the diety) after the annual festival of Sree Poornathrayeesa takes place at the temple pond of Chakkamkulangara Shiva Temple, nearly half a kilometer North-East to Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. The entire structure of the temple except the West Gopuram (Gateway) was redesigned in the year 1921 by the great architect Late Sri Eachara Warrier. Before that the temple structure was in a reduced form with tiled roof and wooden ceiling. The east gopuram was also smaller than the present structure. In 1920 (Malayalam year 1096) the entire structure other than the west gopuram was destroyed in an accidental fire. Fortunately the devotees could save the main idol from fire by covering it with a huge vessel coated with clay.The other idols were shifted to Puthan Bunglow (Family temple of the Cochin Royal Family) and the King of Cochin state ordered to reconstruct the temple structure by completely avoiding the accident-prone wood works. In accordance with the King’s order Eachara Warrier skillfully blended the traditional architecture with the modern means of construction like concrete and reconstructed the temple with fireproof materials like Copper, Concrete, Granite and Bronze. The west gopuram which could survive the devastating fire of 1920 is believed to be built by some divine powers and the age of this structure, still remains a mystery. Here the devine sculptures in their crude form bear a unique beauty.The first floor of this two storied gopuram consists of a mandapam (Dias), supported by eight beautifully carved wooden pillars. Traditions say that Lord Vishnu offered the idol of Sree Poornathrayeesa to Arjuna (the third of the five Pandava brothers), when he sought the help of the Lord to give rebirth to the ten children of a Brahmin. The ten children and the sacred idol were taken by Arjuna in his chariot and he handed over the children to the Brahmin. In memory of this event, a temple was built with a sanctum-sanctorum in the form of a chariot. Lord Ganesh was sent by Arjuna to search a holy place for the installation of Lord Vishnu. Earlier, the idol was kept in a palace which is situated at the west of the main temple and now it is known as Poonithura Kottaram. Lord Ganesh, who was attracted by the holiness of the ancient Vedic Village, Poornavedapuram (now Tripunithura), tried to occupy the place for himself. However, Arjuna pushed him away to the southern side of the sanctum and installed his idol there. This is different from the usual custom, where Lord Ganesh has a separate shrine at the south-western side of the inner prakaram. As the place was bounded by mustard fields, Arjuna used some mustard seeds to get oil for lighting lamp. You can see a Valia Vilakku situated in front of the idol. Folks say that the burnt oil of this traditional lamp contains medicinal value. Legends reveal that Sree Poornathrayeesa is the elder brother of the Goddesses of Chottanikkara and Pishari temples. It is also believed that the Lord was married to a Namboothiri girl, Nangema, from Vadakkedathu Mana. During the annual temple festival occasions, deities from Perumthrikovil (Lord Shiva) and Pishari kovil (Lakshmi) visit here for a combined procession. This is locally called as Sankara Narayana Vilakku (Shiva and Vishnu) and Laksmi Narayana Vilakku (Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu). The Aarattu (the holy bath of the deity) of Sree Poornathrayeesa takes place at the temple pond of Chakkamkulangara Shiva Temple, which is situated north-east of the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. The MOOLASTHAANAM or ‘Origin’ is located in Poonithura Sree Krishna Temple, which is 1.5 km west of Sree Poornathrayeesha temple. The then ruler shifted the deity from the place to the existing location. Official Address
Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala Sabarimala is a Hindu temple complex located at the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, India, considered to be one of the holiest in Hinduism.It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world with an estimated 17–30 million devotees visiting every year.Some estimates put the number of annual visitors as high as 50 million.The temple is dedicated to the god Ayyappan also known as Dharma Sastha, who according to belief is the son of Shiva and Vishnu.[6] The traditions of Sabarimala are a confluence of Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and other Śramaṇa traditions. Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique. The temple is open to people belonging to all religions. There is a place near the temple; east of Sannidhanam (the abode of Lord Ayyappa), dedicated to Vavar (a close friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called Vavaru Nada, an epitome of religious harmony. Another unique aspect of this temple is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Vishu. It is said that the pilgrims have to observe celibacy for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. Pilgrims take the traditional forest routes as well as the one from Pamba which is less physically challenging to reach the temple. The temple is situated on a hilltop amidst eighteen hills at an altitude of 480 m (1,574 ft) above sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. The dense forest (Periyar Tiger Reserve) around the temple is known as Poongavanam. Temples exist in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional and intact temples exist at many places in the surrounding areas like Nilakkal, Kalaketty, and Karimala remnants of old temples survive to this day on remaining hills. In response to a PIL filed in 1991, the Kerala High Court had observed the restriction of entry of women ( in the 10-50 age group ) to the temple was in accordance with the usage prevalent from time immemorial. In lieu of this, it had directed the Devaswom Board to uphold the customary traditions of the temple. However, on 28th September 2018, the Supreme Court of India, overturned the ban on the entry of women, declaring that the selective ban on women was unconstitutional and discriminatory. The temple is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja (approximately 15 November to 26 December),Makaravilakku or “Makara Sankranti” (14 January) and Maha Vishuva Sankranti (14 April), and the first five days of each Malayalam month. The Sannidhanam (main temple) is built on a plateau about 40 feet high.The temple was rebuilt after arson and vandalism in 1950 thought to have been carried out by Christians according to the police investigation. No charges were brought.and the earlier stone image of the deity was replaced by a panchaloha idol, about 1 and half feet, made from an alloy from five metals. The temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum with a gold-plated roof and four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the balikalpura which houses the altar. In 1969, the flag staff (dhwajam) was installed. The shrine of Kannimoola ganapathi prathishta is south-west to The Sreekovil of the Sannidhanam. Devotees offer part of the broken coconut (Neythenga) to the fireplace (Azhi). Ganapathi homam is the main offering. The shrine of the Lord of snakes, Nagarajav is placed adjacent to the malikappuram temple. Pilgrims after the Darsan of Lord Ayyappa and Kannimoola Ganapathi, make their darsan and give offerings to Nagarajav. The Pathinettu thripadikal or the 18 sacred steps is the main stairway to the temple. As per the custom followed, no pilgrim without “Irumudikkettu” can ascend the 18 sacred steps. In 1985, the 18 steps were covered by panchaloka and later covered with gold. The stairway in northern gate is open for those who do not carry an “Irumudikkettu”. The temples of Lord Ayyappan’s trusted lieutenants Karuppu Sami and Kadutha Swami are positioned as his guards at the foot of the holy 18 sacred steps. The temple of Maalikapurathamma, whose importance is almost in par with Lord Ayyappa, is located few yards from Sannidhanam. It is believed that the Lord Ayyapan had specific instructions that he wanted Malikappurath Amma, on his left side. Prior to the fire disaster, there was only a Peeda Prathishta (holy seat) at Malikappuram. The idol of Malikappurath Amma was installed by Brahmasree Kandararu Maheswararu Thanthri. The Devi at Malikappuram holds a Sankh, Chakram and Varada Abhya Mudra. Now the idol is covered with a gold Golaka. The temple also was reconstructed in the last decade and now the conical roof and sopanam is covered with gold.[20][unreliable source?] Manimandapam, is the place where Ayyappan Jeeva samadhi[Arya kerala jeevasamadhi The Sabarimala temple complex include Pampa Ganapathi temple, Nilakal Mahadeva temple and Palliyara Bhagavathi temple. The Nilakal Mahadeva temple and Palliyara Bhagavathi temple is as old as the Sastha temple and the deities are worshiped as the parents of Lord Ayyappa. Ganapathi temple at Pampa has Pampa Maha Ganapathi and Athi Ganapathi (lit. old ganapathy), sreekovil where the idol from the first Ganapathy temple is worshiped. Sabari Peedam has a temple of Sri Rama and Hanuman also Official Address
Rajarajeshwara Temple, Kannur, Kerala The Rajarajeswara temple is a Shiva temple located at Taliparamba in the Kannur district of Kerala, South India. The temple is regarded as one of the existing 108 ancient Shiva Temples of ancient Kerala. It also has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in South India. It had the tallest shikhara amongst the temples of its time. The Rajarajeshwara temple has a top of about 90 tonnes. If any problem is encountered in the other temples of South India, devotees seek a solution in this temple through a prasna, a traditional method of astrological decision making.The prasna is conducted on a peedha (a raised platform) outside the temple. Legendarily, it was supposedly renovated by Sage Parashurama, long before the Kali Yuga commenced. Several centuries ago it was renovated by the Mushika (Kolathiri) dynasty kings. This temple was rebuilt into its present form in the early eleventh century. The quadrangular sanctum has a two-tiered pyramidal roof; in front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam, but the temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff), unlike others in Kerala. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter The quadrangular sanctum has a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam. The temple has no kodi maram (flagstaff) as opposed to other temples in Kerala. The balikkal has no roof but is embellished by a mysterious figure with a peculiar face. In front of the balikkal is a small rectangular building with a pyramidal roof, which is not usually found anywhere else. An inscription on the structure of the temple tank (which is a little away from the temple on the north side) indicates that the temple and the tank were renovated in 1524 A.D. Glory of Namaskaramandapa The Namaskara Mandapa (mukha mandapa) infront of the Sreekovil(sanctum sanctorum) is the place where Lord Sree Rama (on his way back to Ayodhya from Lanka after defeating Ravana) prostrated before Raja Rajeswara. As a respect to Sree Rama no one is allowed into this namaskara mandapa and offer prayers, which is permitted in other temples for Brahmins. Rulers and Rajarajeswara In the past, Kerala was divided into many small kingdoms and there were many kings/rulers. They all considered Lord Rajarajeswara as their Chakaravarthy (Rajarajeswara or King of Kings). The Taliparamba region was ruled by Zamorins(Samoothiri) of Kozhikkod(Calicut) and they were devotees of Lord Rajarajeswara. One of the Zamorins was an ardent devotee of the Lord of Taliparamba. After years of intense worship he is said to have entered the sanctum sanctorum and merged with the Lord. Even today, when the elder Zamorin dies, the information should be given to the temple authorities and the Lord is supposed to observe mourning. Even the distant Travancore kings paid obeisance to the deity by offering an elephant whenever a ruler is crowned or visited the temple. The Taliparamba temple also was subject to attack by Tipu Sultan. One finds relics of the old gigantic gopuram at the entrance, which was demolished by Tipu’s army. The story goes that when the temple was under siege, the head priest was inside the sanctum sanctorum and prayed ceaselessly day and night. it is further said that a black snake bit the commander of the army and a hooded serpent appeared before every soldier thus immobilizing the army and saving the temple from total destruction. J.Jayalalitha, the former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu visited Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple at Taliparamba in 2001. Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa offered worship at Rajarajeswara Temple many times and in November 2008, he had offered an elephant. He worshipped Lord Rajarajeswara amid the political crisis faced by his government following the decision by 19 MLAs to withdraw support to the BJP government and he survived from the crisis. But even today none of the ministers of Kerala have the courage to enter the temple of Lord Rajarajeswara. Koodiyattam The place is considered as most sacred for performing Koodiyattam and Chakyar Koothu. Whenever a new Koodiyattam is being directed, first it is usually performed at this temple. However only the ‘Maani’ family of Chakyars solely posses the right of performing Koodiyattam here. Legendary Koodiyattam and Chakyar koothu maestro, Natyaachaarya Vidushakaratnam Padma Shri Maani Madhava Chakyaar had performed here for many decades. The title ‘Vidushakaratnam’ was awarded to him from this temple. One of the greatest appreciation or award that an artist/scholar can get, is the ‘Veerashringhala’- Golden Bracelet, from the temple, given by the unanimous approval of the scholar body of the temple. Guru Mani Madhava Chakyaar is the youngest and last person to get the Veerashringhala from here. The temple at Taliparamba is among the 108 ancient Kerala temples dedicated to Shiva. It is as famous as the Shiva temples in Vaikom, Ettumanur and Trichur. Taliparamba is regarded as one of the ancient Shakti Peethams. Legend has it that the head of Sati (Goddess/ wife of Shiva) fell here after Shiva’s tandavam following Sati’s self-immolation. Sati was the daughter of Daksh, a respected Hindu king who had a disregard for Shiva. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be several thousands of years old. Legend has it that Shiva gave three sacred Shiva Lingas to Parvati/Sati for worship.One sage, Maandhata, propitiated Lord Shiva with intense prayers. Shiva was so pleased that he presented one of the Shiva Lingas to him with the injunction that it should be installed only at a place where there was no cremation ground. The sage, after searching all over, found Taliparamba the most sacred spot where he installed the Shiva Linga. After his death the Linga disappeared into the earth.[4] Then his son Muchukunda offered similar prayers to Shiva and got a second Shiva Linga, which too disappeared in course of time. Centuries passed. The third Shiva Linga was handed down to Satasoman, a king of Mushaka/Kolathiri/Chirakkal Royal Family, who then ruled the region. He was an ardent devotee of Shiva. On the advice of sage Agastya, he prayed to Lord Siva, who granted him the Shiva Linga. The king installed it in the present temple built by him. However, many legends associated with the Temple, claim Agastya Himself as installing the Shiva Linga (which is believed as per those legends to be a ‘Jyothirlingam’). It is believed that Sri Rama during his victorious return from Lanka stopped here to offer worship to Lord Shiva. In honor of His presence, devotees are not allowed into the namaskara mandapam even today.[4] Lord Shiva, as worshiped in this sacred temple, is known as Sree Rajarajeswara, which means the Emperor of Emperors — the Lord Supreme. The name signifies the supreme transcendental power in the background of mysterious drama of the boundless universe. That power is invoked here as Lord Rajarajeshwara. Devotees address the lord with such royal appellations as Perumthrikovilappan, Perum-chelloorappan and Thampuraan Perumthrikkovilappan. The Jyothirlingam in the shrine in vibrant with spiritual power that exerts an enriching influence both on the material and spiritual levels of the earnest devotees. The celebrated ancient sage Agasthya Maharishi is associated with the installation of the Jyothirlingam in the shrine. The legends of temples are usually symbolic in character and are intended to convey deep messages to the spiritual inquirer and instill faith in the common man. The legends of Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple reveal the antiquity and the special significance of the Spiritual Presence. A major legend about this temple, begins with the visit of the Puranic sage Parashurama, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Seeing there, an ancient shrine of vibrant spiritual power in a dilapidated condition, the sage was grief-stricken and wanted to know its history. Thereupon, sage Narada appeared there and related to him the story of the temple. According to it, sage Sanaka and others, the sons of the creator Lord Brahma, churned the disk of the Sun to lessen its fierce heat. They mixed the dust, which was formed while churning, with the divine nectar of immortality, Amrita, and out of it gave shape to three spiritually to Lord Brahma presented them to Goddess Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvathi presented these Shivalingams to three kings who were doing intense austerities to invoke the Goddess, one in the Thretha Yugam and the other two Dwapara Yugam. Maandhatha was the king to whom the Goddess presented the Shivalingam in the Thretha Yugam, and Muchukundam and Shathasoman were the devotees who received the other two lingams in Dwapara Yugam. Goddess Parvathi advised each of them to install the idols in such a place where no death of any creature had taken place or any dead body had fallen. After a long search for such a place, which was very difficult to locate, Maandhatha, the first one to receive the lingam, found out a small place of that description, only that much land which could accommodate a small plate. Thalika in Malayalam means a plate. It is said that the region came to be known as Taliparamba, which means the place large enough to accommodate a Thalika after this legend. Maandhatha installed his Shivalingam at this place. Eventually this Jyothirlingam disappeared in the earth rendering the place spiritually vibrant for ever. Thretha Yugam was over. Then, in Dwapara Yugam, King Muchukundan, after receiving the second Jyothirlingam from Goddess Parvathi as instructed, was also in search for a spot where no death had taken place naturally he also came to the same spot where Maandhatha had installed the first Shivalingam. He installed his Shivalingam at the same spot. This Shivalingam was also eventually dissolved into the earth again reinforcing the spot spiritually. Then came king Shathasoman, the one who received the third Shivalingam. He was also naturally attracted to the same spot and installed his Shivalingam there. While installing, this Lingam also began sinking into the earth. King Shathasoman thereupon prayed for Sage Agasthya’s help. The sage appeared and after lighting a ghee lamp prostrated before the Shivalingam twelve times; when he began the thirteenth prostration, the Lingam got firmly fixed on the earth — therefore the number of prostrations the Sage Agasthya performed for his purpose came to be known as twelve and a half. Thus with the installation of the third Shivalingam the sacred spot became spiritually vibrant threefold. Hearing this story from sage Narada, devotion welled up in the heart of sage Parashurama, and he decided to renovate the temple for the welfare of mankind. As desired by the sage, the celestial architect Ari Vishwakarma performed the renovation work. During the final stage of the renovation, sage Agasthya appeared on the scene and, after making abhishekam (ablution) on the idol, lighted a ghee lamp. This lamp has shone continuously ever since, with a regular supply of ghee. Offering of ghee in gold, silver and copper pitchers with intense devotion, is an important offering for the lord. Temple legends are highly symbolic representations of the subtle spiritual principles and highlight the nature and intensity of the spiritual presence at a particular place. They instill devotion and convey their deeper message to the spiritual seeker. The above-mentioned legend highlights the fact that at this unique centre of spiritual power discovered and maintained by the great sages of yore, one can receive profound Divine grace for material progress and spiritual un-foldment. Official Address
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala The Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy temple(Malayalam: ശ്രീ പഴവങ്ങാടി മഹാ ഗണപതി ക്ഷേത്രം) is situated at East Fort in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City. The main Deity of the temple is Sri Mahaganapathy (Ganesha). The main idol is installed in a seated posture with the right leg in a folded stance. The temple is situated in close proximity to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. Other Deities worshiped at the temple include Dharmasasta, Goddess Durga and Nagaraja. The temple sculptures include 32 different forms of Lord Ganesha. The history of temples at Thiruvananthapuram owned by the Madras Regiment and managed by the Madras Regimental Centre is associated with the history of Venad (later Travancore) and its army. The earliest recorded reference on Venad is found in the Madras Museum plates of Parantaka Neduncatain whose period has been ascribed to 765 and 815 A.D. In this period, the royal family of Venad resided at different places resulting in establishing five branches (taavazhis) viz., Venad, Tiruvitaamkod, Trippaappoor, Chiravaayi and Desingnad. Of these, the first three branches assumed responsibilities of ruling the principality. Venad ruler, who also used the title of Chiravaayi Mooppan, was the sovereign authority. Trippappoor (or Keezhperur) Mooppan was considered as the heir-apparent with distinct responsibility to administer the Sree Padmanaabhaswaamy temple in particular and other temples in the principality in general. At that time the jurisdiction of Venad extended over a small tract lying between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam (Quilon). It, however, got independent status in the beginning of the twelfth century, after the decline of power of the Kulasekhara Empire in Kerala. By the end of thirteenth century, Venad flourished with Kollam (Quilon) as its capital. Towards the beginning of the fifteenth century, the capital of Venad was shifted from Kollam to Tiruvitaamkod (now in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu). The rulers of Venad continued to have their seat at Tiruvitaamkod till Darapakulangara palace was built at Kalkkulam. The political scene of Venad underwent remarkable changes when Anizham Tirunal Veera Bala Marthaanda Varma assumed as Trippaappoor Mooppan and later when he ascended the throne of Venad in 1729 A.D. (904 M.E.) at the age of 24, following the demise of his uncle Veera Rama Varma. His first major step was suppression of his hostile feudal elements and he carried out the annexation of several principalities on the north of Venad viz. Attingal estate, Desingnad, Elayadatth swaroopam, Kayamkulam, Ambalapuzha, Tekkumkoor, Vatakkumkoor besides small territories belonged to nobles. He thus became the first local Raja whose jurisdiction extended from Kanyakumari in the south to Arookutti in the north. Further he was responsible for the establishment of a centralized administration. Maarthaanda Varma (1729-58 A.D.) rebuilt the Kalkkulam palace in 1744 A.D. and shifted his capital from Tiruvitaamkod to the new place and renamed Kalkkulam as Padmanaabhapuram. From the time of Maarthaanda Varma the unified state is known as Tiruvitaamkoor (or Travancore in later records). After the unification of the state he took a momentous step of Trippati Daaanam (dedication of the kingdom) to his tutelary deity Sree Padmanabhaswaamy of Thiruvananthapuram on 5th Makaram 925 M.E. corresponding to 03 Jan 1750 A.D. Thereafter he and his successors ruled Travancore as Padmanaabha-daasas or servants of Sree Padmanabhaswaamy. By the Trippati Daanam concept the State belonged to the Lord and it helped in the long run to pave political stability in the State. Consequent to the establishment of a centralized military monarchy, Maarthaanda Varma took initiative to strengthen his armed forces, as by this time Travancore became a great political power to be reckoned with in southwest of India. In 1757, the Travancore Army consisted of 30,000 Nairs (10,000 regular and 20,000 irregular infantry). Due to renewed insurrection within the army in 1809, the whole military force of Travancore was disbanded with the exception of the First Nair Battalion and few mounted troops who were retained for purposes of State and ceremony. A Second Battalion of Nair troops raised the strength of the army during the reign of Raani Gouri Paarvathi Baayi (1815-29) besides forming a new detachment of artillery. Though the Nair battalion continued from 1809 A.D. the designation of the army was changed as Nair Brigade only in 1830 A.D. In 1836 all British troops in Travancore with an exception of one regiment, which was left at Kollam, were withdrawn and the Nair Brigade took over the barracks at the Cantonment (Thiruvananthapuram) occupied previously by the British. They continued there till 1935 when the Nair Brigade was renamed as State Forces and their Station Headquarters shifted to the present site at Pangode. In 1951 the State Forces were integrated with the Indian Army and these forces later formed part of the Madras Regiment. All the officers and jawans who gloriously served the State Forces till 1956 were closely associated with the temples managed by them at Pazhavangadi and at Pangode. The origin of Sree Maha Ganapathy temple at Pazhavangadi is connected with Padmanabhapuram, the erstwhile capital of Venad. The legend says that being the capital and seat of the Raja, the soldiers had to guard the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Fort on all sides by sentries. On one of its side is the famous shrine of Yakshi (fierce Spirit Goddess) at Melaankot. Because of the greater fierceness of Yakshi no soldiers dared to take up duty at this point. Whoever had taken night duty was seen lying unconscious on the ground the next day morning. This continued for a long time. On one occasion, the duty of guarding Melaankot fell on to a devotee of Lord Ganapathy. While he was taking bath on the duty-day in the close-by Valliyoor River, his leg touched a stone lying in the river-bed. When he took the same out of the river-bed, he found it to be a very small idol of “Lord Ganapathy”, of about six inches. Feeling the divine grace, he decided to take the idol in his pouch at the time of his duty. As usual Yakshi tried to harm him but Lord Ganapathy guarded him from her blows. Seeing the soldier return harmless the next-day morning other soldiers were very curious and enquired about the reason for his safety. Initially he was reluctant to reveal the reason but on persuasion he divulged the possession of the idol and its immaculate powers. As the idol was shown to the sentry by the Lord Himself, other soldiers in the barracks of Padmanabhapuram took initiative (around 1750 A.D.) to worship the same within the barracks before commencing their official daily-routines. From that day onwards “Lord Ganapathy” became a war-God of the Nair Brigade. As the idol was obtained by the will and blessings of the Lord from a river-bed, the idol is considered as self-revealed, one of Lord (swayambhoo) and soldiers were bestowed with the responsibility of preserving the idol at all cost without causing any damage to it for ever. They continued to worship this idol at Padmanabhapuram till it was shifted to Thiruvanathapuram, during the reign (1758-1798 A.D.) of Sree Kaarttika Tirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja. In this context, it has to be mentioned that Sree Padmanabhaswaamy temple possesses, perhaps, the largest and most fabulous hoard of palmyrah-leaf records ever discovered in Kerala, dating back to 550 Malayalam (Kollam) era (1375 A.D.). These records are popularly known as Mathilakam records and is written in ola (palmyrah leafs) and kept in churunas (scrolls). In churuna 11 ola 150 it has been stated in one of such records that silver throne of Maharajah was brought from Padmanabhapuram for his use in 935 ME/1760 A.D, which indicates the year of shifting of capital to Thiruvananthapuram in 1760 A.D. In another such record (Volume 13, Churuna 1282 of 946 M. E / 1771 A.D.) it has been stated that “to be free from the obstacle of rain during the ezhunellatt (procession of Maharaja) towards east 300 coconuts have been broken at the Pazhavangadi Ganapati temple.” This record throws light that the temple was in existence at Pazhavangati earlier than 1771 A.D. When the capital of Travancore was shifted in 1760 A.D. from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram, major portion of the army was also moved to Thiruvananthapuram. The idol of Lord Ganapathy was also taken to Thiruvananthapuram and for sometime kept under a peepul tree of Sree Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram temple. Then with the generous help of Dharma Raja a small shrine was built in the Magazine Area, located in the Fort Area (present Pazhavangadi) around 1765 A.D. Renovations were carried out in later years particularly during the period of Aayilyam Thirunaal Raama Varma Maharaja (1860-80). Subsequently two minor deities were installed viz, Goddess Durga Bhagavati (symbolizing sarva-sakti-swaroopani or as an embodiment of all energies) and Lord Vettakkorumakan (younger son of Lord Siva in Goddess Paarvati and is considered as war-God with churika (dagger) in hand). Thus all deities in this temple are ideal and best suited for welfare of soldiers and success in warfare. The exact dates of installation of these idols are not known. A Bhajana-mandapam was opened on September 9, 1983. Laying the foundation stone of the imposing Mandapam with gopuram on the eastern side of the temple was done on 31st December 1993 and it was declared open on March 25, 1996. Major renovations were also carried out in 1996. A Reference Library with rare collections of religious books in Sanskrit, English and other languages was formally opened at the top floor of the Bhajana-mandapam on March 9, 2003 The work of providing Lift service to the Library for the use of public, especially for the use of senior citizens started on June 23, 2006 but it became fully operative only in April 2009. Three sides of sub-shrines of Lord Vettakkorumakan and Goddess Durga Bhagavati were covered with decorated brass sheets for safety and for ambience in August 2009. The temple is located 0.5 km from the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station and the central bus station. The nearest city bus stand is at East Fort. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 8 kilometers away from the temple. Official Address
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Tamil style (kovil) of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram.While the Moolasthanam of the temple is the Ananthapuram Temple in Kumbala in Kasargod District, architecturally to some extent, the temple is a replica of the Adikesava Perumal templelocated in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari District. The principal deity Vishnu is enshrined in the “Anantha Shayanam” posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adisheshan.Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple. In line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple and devotees have to strictly follow the dress code.The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to “The City of Lord Ananta”, referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In the sanctum sanctorum, Padmanabha reclines on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha.[19] The serpent has five hoods facing inwards, signifying contemplation. The Lord’s right hand is placed over a Shiva lingam. Sridevi-Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth, two consorts of Vishnu are by his side. Brahma emerges on a lotus, which emanates from the navel of the Lord. The deity is made from 12,008 saligramams.[20] These saligrams are from the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal, and to commemorate this certain rituals used to be performed at the Pashupatinath Temple.The deity of Padmanabha is covered with, “Katusarkara yogam”, a special ayurvedic mix, which forms a plaster that keeps the deity clean. The daily worship is with flowers and for the abhishekam, special deities are used.The platforms in front of the vimanam and where the deity rests are both carved out of a single massive stone and hence called “Ottakkal-mandapam”. On the orders of Marthanda Varma (1706–58), the Ottakkal-mandapam was cut out of a rock at Thirumala, about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the temple. It measured 20 square feet (1.9 m2; 190 dm2; 19,000 cm2) in area by 2.5 feet (30 in; 7.6 dm; 76 cm) thick and was placed in front of the deity in the month of Edavom 906 M.E. (1731 CE). At the same time, Marthanda Varma also brought 12,000 shaligrams, aniconic representations of Vishnu, from the Gandaki River, north of Benares (now known as Varanasi) to the temple. These were used in the reconsecration of the Padmanabha. n order to perform darshan and puja, one has to ascend to the mandapam. The Deity is visible through three doors – the visage of the reclining Lord and Siva Linga underneath the hand is seen through the first door; Sridevi and Bhrigu Muni in Katusarkara, Brahma seated on a lotus emanating from the Lord’s navel, hence the name, “Padmanabha”, gold abhisheka moorthies of Lord Padmanabha, Sridevi and Bhudevi, and silver utsava moorthi of Padmanabha through the second door; the Lord’s feet, and Bhudevi and Markandeya Muni in Katusarkara through the third door. The idols of two goddesses holding chamaram, Garuda, Narada, Tumburu, the divine forms of the six weapons of Lord Vishnu, Surya, Chandra, Saptarshi(Seven Sages), Madhu, and Kaitabha are also there in the Sanctum. Only the King of Travancore may perform sashtanga namaskaram, or prostrate on the “Ottakkal Mandapam”. It is traditionally held that anybody who prostrates on the mandapam has surrendered all that he possesses to the Deity. Since the ruler has already done that, he is permitted to prostrate on this mandapam. Several extant Hindu Texts like the Brahma Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata mention this shrine. The Temple has been referred to in the (only recorded) Sangam Period of literature between 500 B.C and 300 A.D several times.Many conventional historians and scholars are of the opinion that one of the names that the Temple had – “The Golden Temple” – literally was in cognizance of the fact that the Temple was already unimaginably wealthy by that point.Many extant pieces of Sangam Tamil literature and poetry, and even the later works of Ninth Century Tamil poet-saints like Nammalwar, refer to the Temple and even the city as having walls of pure gold. At some places, both the Temple and the entire city are often eulogized even as being made of gold, and the Temple as Heaven.[12][13] The temple is one of the 108 principal Divya Desams (“Holy Abodes”) in Vaishnavism, and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha.[citation needed] The Divya Prabandha glorifies this shrine as being among the 13 Divya Desam in Malai Nadu (corresponding to present-day Kerala and some adjoining areas).The 8th century Tamil poet Alvar Nammalvar sang the glories of Padmanabha.The Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod is believed to be the ‘Moolasthanam’ of the Temple. The sage Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, who resided near Ananthapuram Temple in Kasargod District, prayed to Lord Vishnu for his darshan or “auspicious sight”. The Lord is believed to have come in the guise of a little boy who was mischievous. The boy defiled the Idol which was kept for Puja. The sage became enraged at this and chased away the boy, who disappeared. After a long search, when he was walking on the banks of Arabian Sea, he heard a pulaya lady threatening her child that she would throw him in Ananthankadu. The moment the Swami heard the word Ananthankadu he was delighted. He proceeded to Ananthankadu based on the directions of the lady of whom he enquired. The Sage reached Ananthankadu searching for the boy. There he saw the boy merging into an Iluppa tree (Indian Butter Tree). The tree fell down and became Anantha Sayana Moorti (Vishnu reclining on the celestial snake Anantha). But the edifice that the Lord assumed was of an extraordinarily large size, with His head at Thiruvallom, navel at Thiruvananthapuram, and lotus-feet at Thrippadapuram (Thrippappur), making him some eight miles in length. The Sage requested the Lord to shrink to a smaller proportion that would be thrice the length of his staff. Immediately the Lord shrank to the form of the Idol that is seen at present in the Temple. But even then many Iluppa trees obstructed a complete vision of the Lord. The Sage saw the Lord in three parts – thirumukham, thiruvudal and thrippadam. Swami prayed to Padmanabha to be forgiven. The Swami offered Rice Kanji and Uppumanga (salted mango pieces) in a coconut shell to the Perumal which he obtained from the pulaya woman. The spot where the Sage had darsan of the Lord belonged to Koopakkara Potti and Karuva Potti. With the assistance of the reigning King and some Brahmin households a Temple was constructed. Koopakkara Potti was made the Tantri of the Temple.The Ananthankadu Nagaraja Temple still exists to the north west of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The Samadhi (final resting place) of the Swamiyar exists to the west of the Padmanabha Temple. A Krishna Temple was built over the Samadhi. This Temple, known as Vilvamangalam Sri Krishna Swami Temple, belongs to Thrissur Naduvil Madhom Official Address
Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur, kerala Located in Peruvanam, Thrissur, the Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The opulent temple comprises of two shrines namely ‘Irattayappan Temple’ on the North and ‘Maadathilappan Temple’ on the South of the main temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The dual Shivalinga is the unique feature of the Irattayappan Temple which is the reason why its prime deity is also known as Irattayappan denoting the duality. Madathilappan Temple’s sanctum is considered to be the tallest one in South India. One of the most famous festivals which are celebrated in the temple is the Peruvanam Pooram. The Archaeological Survey of India has been protecting the temple since 1982. The temple which sprawls over 7 acres of land and is surrounded by a compound wall follows the Kerala style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum follows a square structure which is rarely seen in Indian temples. Also, the inner courtyard can be reached from two sides, i.e. east and west while the main entrance lies on the east. The Irattayappan shrine has been built on a circular base. Also, the Matatthilappan Temple is situated on the south and consists of three stories. Being one of the most prominent temple structures in Kerala, it should be given a visit. One is likely to get awestruck by the beauty of the temple and the peace that the surroundings provide. Legend has it that the Saint Parashurama established 64 Gramams or sections after reclaiming Keralam from sea and Peruvanam Gramam is the 1st and most important among them. It is said that the temple was created by ‘Pooru Maharshi’, the son of the Hasthinapura King Yayathy after propitiating the Load Shiva with rigorous penance and the name of the place derived from the word “POORU VANAM”. Further it is believed that while transporting a beautiful, big Shivalinga received from a lake near Badarinath to this place, it happened to stuck in the branch of a tree and the present Madathilappan Temple has been constructed at this place. Shiva in dual linga form is the main feature of the temple and Lord is called “IRATTAYAPPAN” which denote the duality. The Sricovil of Madathilappan is considered to be the tallest Sricovil in South India. Four Sastha temples at Akmala, Kuthiran, Edathiruthy and Oozath are located on the boundaries of Peruvanam Gramam and Thiruvullakkavu Sastha Temple is located at the centre of the Gramam. Irattayappan is the ‘Gramadhipathi’ and Thiruvullakkavu Sastha is considered the ‘Gramaraskhakan’. Now the temple is under the joint administration of Cochin Devaswom Board and TravancoreDevaswom Board. There is a vast area of land and an office called ‘Cherikalam’ are existed near the south ‘Gopuram’ of this temple. It is important and rare that the Maharaja of Travancore had interest in this temple and therefore, the expenses for ‘Utcha Pooja’, ‘Prodhosha Nivedhyam’, ‘Nira Puthiri’, ‘Koothu’ are borne by him. It still continues. The Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is situated at a distance of 10 kilometres from the Thrissur railway station which takes about 12-15 minutes to cover by car. You can hire a taxi to reach the temple. Official Address
Oachira Temple, kollam, kerala Oachira Temple is an ancient temple located in Oachira in Kollam district in the South Indian state of Kerala. According to the Puranas, this temple is one of the famous sacred places of Kerala and India.[2] Oachira is on the border of Kollam and Allappuzhadistricts, next to the National Highway 47.[3] This temple is known “DakshinaKashi”(SouthaKashi).This very ancient pilgrimage center is centered on the ParaBrahma temple (that is dedicated to the Para Brahman (or Param Brahman) or shiva or Ohmkaram, the Universal Consciousness), and covers thirty-six acres of land. Every year the Oachira Vrischikam Festival is celebrated during December and January. Oachirakkali is a famous ritual performed here during June and it involves mock-fighting in muddy water by traditional martial art experts. And “Irupathattam onam” (28 days after Onam) is also celebrated. It is the festival of cattle. In this festival, huge “Eduppu kala” (gigantic idols of bull madeof cloth&hay) are made. They are then pulled on giant wheels to the Oachira Temple from the site where they are made. Normally there are around 50 such structures. It is the biggest festival in “Onattu Kara” which is an area of a few square miles. Oachirakkali was actually a war exercise performed annually by soldiers of Kayamkulam Raja. Nearby, about 108 Kalaries were in 52 karas up to the beginning of the 20th century. Soldiers belonging to the above Karas met together at Oachira in the Malayalam month of Mithuna every year and performed war-like exercises. This is what is called Oachirakkali. During the years of the Kayamkulam Rajah, Oachirakkali was started after the blessings of nearby Nambiathiris, high order Nambudiri Brahmins, having the knowledge of Dhanurveda (the science of arms) who were also experts in Smrithy Sasthras. Ward and Conner, two British officials entrusted to survey Travancore in the beginning of the 19th century, made their observations about Oachira in their report. In the report it was made clear that there was a very old and damaged pagoda on the eastern side of the Padanilam. It was also disclosed that there was a large reservoir at the center of the vast ground on which the temple stands, (which was now known as Kallukettuchira), and which is outside the temple compound today. There are many beliefs as to why this place is called Oachira. Some people believe that the place name came from the word Omkarachira and some others believe that the name is originated from the name Oymanchira. Also there are strong beliefs that the name derived from Uvachanchira as Uvachan means Lord Siva as per belief. All these assumptions are based on myths. The real reason for arriving at the name of Oachira is possibly different. For that, we should understand the observations made by the two British officials, Ward and Conner, who conducted a survey in the erstwhile Travancore during the beginning of the 19th century. In their survey report, it was mentioned that there was a large reservoir at the center of the large ground called Padanilam. This reservoir (tank/pond/chira) was at the center of the Padanilam. This chira was used by the soldiers in olden days for bathing and for supplying water to the horses used in the war exercises. This chira might have been known in olden days as Onattuchira, as the place belonged to the Kayamkulam Raja who was also called the Odanattu Raja or simply Onattu Rajah. The Headquarters of Kayamkulam Raja was at that time at Krishnapuram, very near to the Padanilam (which is hardly 1 km away from Oachira). So it is believed that the word Onattuchira was gradually accepted as the place name and as time passed by further, that word was corrupted into Oachira. This is quite a plausible explanation as there are so many examples in known history about the transformation of place names. The Oachira Temple is unique in the sense that it does not have covered structures for temples. People worship the Para Brahma (the original formless power lord shiva) under neatly preserved trees. Official Address
Muthappan Temple, kannur, kerala Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple is a temple, located at Anthoor Municipality on the banks of the Valapattanam river about 10 km from Taliparamba and 16 km from Kannur City in Kannur District, Kerala.Principal deity of the temple is Sree Muthappan, whose divinity is presented as a ritualistic theyyam enactment in two versions called Thiruvappana and Vellattam. According to the local tradition the presiding deity is a manifestation of Shiva. Vellattam and Thiruvappana are the generic names for two types of ‘ Theyyam Ketti-aadal ‘ in the kavu/temples of North Malabar. Vellattom is a minor version of the ritual enactment where the ornaments, decorations and parapharnelia are minimal thanks to which all actions including vaaythari (speech) is maximum and Attam (dance) will be at its peak. If you compare this level of enactment to the idol of a deity in a temple sanctum which is installed as per sathwic sasthra and vedic rituals, Vellattom is at par with the idol alone without the prabha-mandalam which circles it. A more easier example is the Seeveli ceremony with only the small idol on top of the elephant. On the other hand, Thiruvappana is the full version, with royal regalia and bigger dimension of prabhamandalam. Because the decorations are more and are of binding nature, the action is minimal and sluggish and the uriyaadal (replies to prayers) will be crisp, to the point and predictions will be accurate. To compare, Thiruvappana stands at par with temple idol with the Prabha-mandalam (representing the auric circle) around it and the Seeveli with the big Swarna-Kolam covering the small idol on top of the elephant . Muthappan is considered as the manifestation of Lord Shiva himself in Nayattu (hunter) format. The Vellattam which comes initially is Siva himself as the said minimal version. But the Vellattom which comes along with the grand Thiruvappana of Muthappan later on, is the minimal version of Vishnu who according to mythology, comes to Siva’s assistance when he started travelling with the poykannu (blindfold) and started suffering serious difficulties to travel and hunt for food. Rituals of the temple is unique in that it does not follow the Satvic Brahminical form of worship, as in other Hindu temples of Kerala. The main mode of worship is the ritual enactment of both the versions of Muthappan, through a traditional dance known as Muthappan Theyyam.Fish, meat and toddy are the customary offerings to Muthappan.Muthappan Thiruvoppana Mahothsavam is the major festival of the temple, celebrated for three days every year on 19, 20 and 21 of Kumbham A version of the legend of Ponnu Muthappan is narrated here: The King of Ancharamana in Eruvessi village and his wife, Padikutty Antharjanam, had no offsprings. Padikutty was an ardent devotee of Shiva and when she found a baby floating in a basket of flowers in the river water when she was coming back after a bath in the river, she took it as the blessing of Lord Shiva, and so was her husband. The child grew up and in his boyhood, he was always for the benefit of downtrodden and poor people. However, to the agony of his family he practiced hunting, and also started eating flesh, which was not allowed for a Naduvazhi. Unable to bear the indictments from his family, the boy decided to leave home. When his mother attempted to stop him, he looked at her in fury and appeared in his original godly figure before the parent. She bowed down before her son. Nonetheless, she requested him to cover his eyes with a Poikannu, a type of shield for the eyes, since she was afraid that such a fiery look on another occasion may cause to emanate the cosmic force, Shakti, that could change the entire world. Wearing a shield on his eyes, he left the family, and passed through various villages in Malabar, such as Kunnathurpadi, Puralimala, Padavil, Thillenkeri, Kannapuram, Parassinikadavu and Valluvankadav.[5][7] The legend relates Muthappan with a tribal family for the divine boy started being called as “Muthappan”. Accordingly, when he reached a village called Kunnathurpadi, he got a tribalman, Chantan as his friend. One day, when he saw Chantan tapping toddy from Palm tree the boy asked for it but was denied. All of sudden, Chantan was cursed and became a stone. His wife prayed and offered to perform the rituals, Oottu, Tiruvappana and Amruthakalasam, to propitiate the boy in the month of Dhanu. The boy relented and gave her husband back. The Chantan family started to conduct pooja to propitiate the boy and they called him in the name: “Muthappan”. However, according to another version of the legend Muthappan climbed the coconut tree and emptied the toddy jar in the absence of Chantan. When Chantan returned and saw Muthappan holding the jar, he was provoked and defied the latter. It was at this instant, Chantan was cursed.[7] The legend also describes a dog which always followed Muthappan throughout his journey. Hence, in the temple of Muthappan, dogs are considered divine and the temple entrance has an idol of dog, at both sides. Official Address
Mannarasala Temple, Alappuzha, kerala Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple(Malayalam: മണണാറശ്ശാല ശ്രീ നാഗരാജാക്ഷേത്രം) is a very ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods (Nagaraja). The famous Nagaraja temple “Mannarasala” is nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies here, often bringing new snake images as offerings.A special turmeric paste which is available at the temple is credited with curative powers. Though the legends related to the origin of a place cannot be deemed as its history, the story on the evolution of Mannarasala as one of the foremost places of worship of the Serpent Gods is associated with Lord Parashurama who is widely believed to be the creator of Kerala. This history of Mannarasala has been mentioned in the ‘Mandara Salodyam’, a Sanskrit poem written by Mannarasala M.G. Narayanan Namboodiri of the sacred family based on the accounts and legends handed down and old scriptures and books available with the temple. Lord Parashurama in order to release himself from the sin of killing Kshatriyas approached the holy Rishis. They suggested that he should make a gift of a land of his own to the Brahmins. Parashurama, the son of jamadagni , propitiated Varuna to get some land for himself. He threw into sea the axe which Lord Shiva had given him with his blessings. Thus he reclaimed the land from the sea and gave it as a gift to the Brahmins according to the rites. This land came to be known as Kerala. This piece of land, however was not habitable because of the salinity of the soil and as a result people began to leave the place. Another reason for the Brahmins leaving the land was because Kerala, full of forests, was heavily infested with extremely poisonous snakes. To get protection from the snakes Snake worship was initiated. Bharghavarama was pained at this. He undertook a penance to please Lord Shiva, who advised him that the objective could be realized only if the flaming poison of the serpents was spread into the soil and that the only means of doing that was the worship of Nagaraja. Parashurama set out with his disciples in search of a deserted jungle in order to please Nagaraja. He found a suitable place near the seashore in the southern part of Kerala. Satisfied with having found a proper place for the realization of his cherished dream, the great Rishi constructed a Theerthasthala for the performance of the penance. A pleased Nagaraja, appeared before Parashurama, willing to grant him his desire. According to the poem by Mannarasala M.G.Narayanan Namboodiri, the Nagaraja made his appearance as if : ” The unspeakable splendor of millions of moons! The bright magnificence of emeralds stuck to the hoods. Golden jewels made attractive by miraculous embroidery! Lotus feet worshiped by crowds of Gods! Brilliant beauty of form, full of youthfulness!”. Parasurama prostrated at the lotus feet of Nagaraja and prayed to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request with great pleasure. Ferocious serpents arrived at the spot at once to spread the flaming Kalakuda poison. Because of the percolation of poison, the land of Kerala was desalinated, to become habitable with envious greenery. Parasurama then requested the Lord to bless the land forever with his eternal presence which was also accepted by the kindly-disposed Nagaraja. Parashurama installed, according to Vedic rites, Nagaraja, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in one in the ‘Thirthasthala’ (Hall of pilgrimage) filled with Mandara trees, the place now known as Mannarasala. (The installed deity here represents Anantha (Vishnuswaroopa) and Vasuki (Siva in spirit). The installations of Sarpayakshi, Nagayakshi and Nagachamundi, the Naga deities, as well as of their associates were conducted in the proper places with the proper rituals. Parashurama performed to the accompaniment of Vedic recitation and singing of Sama, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Neivedyasamarpanam, Neeranjanam, Sarpabali and other rites pleasing to the serpents and thereby made all the serpents happy. installed Durga and other deities in different places; appointed Brahmins who were Tantric experts for performing poojas; nominated Kshathriyas, peasants and the Ashtavaidyas who were supreme among the physicians; thus he brought Kerala, filled with beautiful vegetation and to prosperity. After giving important instructions to be followed to preserve the sanctity of the place, Parashurama proceeded to the Mahendra Mountains to continue his austerities. Many generations passed by. The family fell into the grief of childlessness. Vasudeva and Sreedevi were the sad couple who had to bear that heavy load of sorrow, who resolutely worshiped Nagaraja to allay their grief. It was about this time that unexpectedly fire broke out in the jungle around the dwelling place of Nagaraja and burnt down the jungle. The serpents were tortured by the flames, forcing them to hide in their pits with great difficulty. Vasudeva and Sreedevi looked after the serpents, who had their hoods charred, bodies half-burnt, and fainting from time to time, falling down and crawling along. They gently fanned them with fans made of sweet-scented grass and poured ghee mixed with honey and oil on the wounds; cooled their melted bodies with sandalwood ointment; and comforted them. They put them at the foot of banyan trees. They performed purification ceremonies and consecrated the pits; and were put up in special places under the shade of deodar trees and in Chitrakudas. The couple performed abhisheka with theertha like Panchagavya (a holy mixture of five items from the cow’s milk, curd, butter, urine and dung); observed elaborate poojas according to rules with areca nut flower bunches, fragrant flowers and water, incense etc., Nivedyam with melted butter (ghee), milk, payasam with molasses, rice powder, turmeric powder, coconut juice, Kadali fruit, cow’s milk, all mixed together in the proper form as Nurum Palum, equivalent to the elixir of life. They offered serpent deities with great devotion, appam, aval (beaten rice or rice wafers), tender coconut etc. They chanted vedic mantras, performed homams and all kinds of poojas to restore those crowds of serpents to full health. The omnipresent and omnipotent Nagaraja was greatly pleased with their continuous penance and the love shown to his associates; Nagaraja made himself visible to the couple and blessed them that he would incarnate on the earth as their beloved son. He said ” I shall assume the form of a serpent and stay here (in Mannarasala) permanently, as long as the sun and the moon are there, showering prosperity on your family and granting protection to all the devotees who come here …”. Thus Mandarasala, the place filled with Mandara trees, the holy spot where the serpents got shelter, where the earth was fully cooled, became Mandarasala. The boon came true. The Brahmin lady became pregnant and gave birth to five-hooded serpent-child as well as a human child. The two brothers grew up together. Initiation ceremonies and Vedic education were carried out at the proper time in the traditional style. Nagaraja instructed the younger brother to enter into matrimony for the perpetual reservation of the holy family and he obeyed it. When the five-hooded Nagaraja realized that the objectives of his incarnation were realized, he informed the Holy Mother that henceforth he would live at this Illam by entering into Samadhi to bless the devotees. Then he suggested certain inviolable rituals and rules for offering worship and then went into the immaculate cellar and vanished. (It is believed that even today that five-hooded Nagaraja stays in the cellar doing Tapas for the abound prosperity of his dependents. The members of the household always refer to him with great respect and devotion as “Muthassan’ and “Appoppan” (Grand father). The jungle close by is the exclusive preserve for his unobstructed peregrinations (Appoppan Kavu – Grandfathers’ Grove). Official Address
Lokanarkavu Temple, Kozhikode, kerala Lokanarkavu Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Memunda 4 km from Vatakara, in Kozhikode District, North Malabarregion of Kerala state of south India. Lokanarkavu is a short form of Lokamalayarkavu which means lokam (world) made of mala(mountain), aaru (river) and kavu (grove). It is the official family temple of the 500 Aryan Nagariks who had migrated to Kerala and their successors. The closest railway station is at Vatakara, which is 5 km from temple. Te nearest airport is Kannur airport which is 54 km away. Pooram is the important festival here and it is conducted with great pomp and show. The week-long festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. The temple dedicated to goddess Durga has great historical importance as Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day. Lokanarkavu Temple is in Memunda 4 km from Vatakara, in Kozhikode (Calicut) District, North Malabar region of Kerala state of south India. Lokanarkavu is a short form of Lokamalayarkavu which means lokam (world) made of mala (mountain), aaru (river) and kavu (grove). It is the official family temple of the 500 Aryan Nagariks[citation needed] who had migrated to Kerala and their successors. The closest railway station is at Vadakara,which is 5 km from temple. Te nearest airport is Calicut airport which is 87 km away. Pooram is the important festival here and it is conducted with great pomp and show. The week-long festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. The temple dedicated to goddess Durga has great historical importance as Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day. Lokanarkavu and Kalarippayattu Thirty days Mandala Utsavam in Malayalam month Vrischikam (November-December) and pooram in Malayalam month meenam (March-April) are the annual festival at the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple. This is the only temple where a peculiar folk dance called Poorakkali is presented during festivals. The dance, resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu. Even today, all Kalaripayattu artists seek the blessings of the deity before their debut due to the association of Lokanarkavu Temple with legendary hero thacholi othenan. Lokanarkavu Temple Festivals Two annual festivals are celebrated here during the Malayalam months of Vrischikam (November – December) and Meenam (March – April). Lokanarkavu Utsavam This main festival of the temple, which lasts for 41 days, is held during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid November to mid December). It is locally known as Mandalavilakku Festival or Mandala Utsavam. The unique feature of the festival is that it is only here a folk dance called Thacholikali is performed during the temple festival. Thacholikali is similar to the traditional martial art form called Kalarippayattu. Large numbers of people from various places flock here to see this festival. Another attraction is that all the lamps on the walls of the Lokanarkavu Bhaghawathi Temple are lit on the occasion. This temple of godess Durga stands 4kilometers from vatakara,near calicut a noted town in kerala,india.The temple is a complex of three temples of godess Durga,Shiva and VIshnu. The temple is frequently referred in the ballads of north kerala as the legendery hero Thacholi Othenan was a devotee of this godess. The Durga temple was built by Aryans Vaishya Brahmins who migrated to this place some 1500 years back. They were Brahmins who took up trade as their main occupation. The Aryan successors of these temple still are of prime importance in the temple. They gradually began to accept some of the traditions of local Nairs and made martial relationship with them. But on close examination their customs and beliefs are evidently different from local Nair community. It is believed that the godess travelled with them to Lokanarkavu in the form of a lady who followed the five hundred Aryans. The successors still see this godess as their mother and not as godess. Often the name of Thacholi Othenan is misquoted with the origin of temple. Othenan was a great devotee,but never had any holding rights or anything to do with the establishment of Durga temple. It is evident from the fact that the godess is Durga at Lokanarkavu and not the Kali form. The heroes of Vadakkan Pattukal had their ancestral godesses as Kali form and not Durga form. The same applies to the local rulers who later claimed Lokanarkavu as their family godess. All the rulers of Kerala had Godesses with Thamasa pooja or shakteya pooja; ie poojas in which either man or animal was sacrificed. It was a more local tradition and most family temples of Kerala kings and locals had followed such tradition untill it was modified. Later due to Aryanisation of temples, modifications were made by replacing human sacrifice with cutting plantain or performing poojas with tender coconut and cereals meant to replace liquor and meat. Unlike this local tradition Lokanarkavu durga temple do not have any such traditions and never had such practises as it was established by Aryans itself. It is said that most other godess temples in kerala are in Madhyama and rarely in Uthama state. But this temple is said to be in Athyuthama state. The Aryans though manifested as locals they strongly upheld their ehical roots through a complex of differences from rest of the people. The race spirit was so high at older times that it is said that they refused to pay taxes to the local kings of kerala,as none of them was an Aryan. But at the same time or say at a later period they began to ignore the cast restrictions and even seemed to threaten the cast equations. But slowly they became adjusted and more reclusive and settles around the temple areas and withdrew from all other matters of Local people. Among the mandala vilakku festival, the successors of these Aryan Vaishya Brahmins migrants conduct the 16th vilakku, thats on 16th day and is of prime importance. As we enter the temple we must pray to the stage kept in memory of these Aryan Brahmin Ancestors who built the temple. The stage is at right side to the main entrance and all devottees must seek their permission and pray to them to see the godess inside. This is to show that the Lokanarkavu Durga holds these people to the highest esteem and she had followed them whereever they went and their happiness is her prime importance. It is said that the prayers done without praying to these ancestors goes much unheard. In short it is a place of a never experienced tradition in Kerala.Thirty days Mandala Utsavam in Malayalam month Vrischikam (November–December) and pooram in Malayalam month meenam (March–April) are the annual festival at the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple. This is the only temple where a peculiar folk dance called Poorakkali is presented during festivals. The dance, resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu. Even today, all Kalaripayattu artists seek the blessings of the deity before their debut due to the association of Lokanarkavu Temple with legendary hero thacholi othenan. Official Address
Koodalmanikyam Temple, Thrissur, Kerala Koodalmanikyam Temple or Kudal Manikkam Temple / Koodalmanikkam Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in Manavalassery village, Irinjalakuda, Trissur district, Kerala state, India. The temple comprises the main structure, walled compound with citadels, four ponds around the main structure where in one of the ponds is situated within the walled structure. Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only ancient temple in India dedicated to the worship of Bharata, the third brother of Rama, however the idol is that of Vishnu. “Sangameshwara”(Lord of the Confluence) is another name associated with the deity at Koodalmanikyam. The temple is one of four in Kerala state that form a set called “Nalambalam”,each temple dedicated to one of the four brothers in Ramayana: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The Thachudaya Kaimal as “Manikkam Keralar” is the spiritual chief and the temporal ruler of the Koodalmanikyam Temple and its Estates. The line goes back to antiquity and is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The temporal rights over the ancient temple, that is the office of the Kaimal (as opposed to “Manikkam Keralar”) and the office of “Melkoyma”. The earliest historical reference to Koodalmanikyam Temple is found on a stone inscription attributed to the Chera king Stanu Ravi Varman dated 854 A.D, donating vast extents of land for the temple. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the temple must have been in existence for quite some time before this date and that even then Koodalmanikyam occupied a place of importance among temples of Kerala. Koodalmanikyam temple plays a key role in the history of Irinjalakuda as most land in and around the region belonged to the Koodalmanikyam Temple and the Thachudaya Kaimals of Travancore until 1971.The temple attracts devotees and tourists, a source of revenue for the Government. Official Address
Kottiyoor Temple, kannur, Kerala Kottiyoor Temple is a prominent Shiva temple in Kerala. Vadakkeshwaram Temple is the common name of the temple from ancient time, but some of the local people addresses the temple as Ikkare Kottiyoor as it is on the bank of the river close to the Kottiyoor village; to differentiate it from the shrine in the other side of the river. Thruchherumana Kshetram is the proper name of Kottiyoor temple. The temple is a special category temple under Malabar Devaswom board. There are two temples in Kottiyoor – one on the western bank of the Bavali river – and the other one on the eastern bank of the Bavali river. The shrine on the east bank (Kizhakkeshwaram or Akkare Kottiyoor) is a temporaryhermitage (Yaga shrine) opened only during the Vysakha festival. The Vadakkeshwaram or Ikkare Kottiyoor (The Thruchherumana Temple) on the western bank of the river is a permanent temple complex like all other temples. It remains closed throughout the year except for the 27 days of Vysakha festival. The temple is situated in a densely forested area amidst a sacred grove that covers about 80 acres. Mythology says that Akkare Kottiyoor, the shrine on the eastern bank of the river, was the location of Daksha Yaga, at the conclusion of which, Sati Deviimmolated herself and thus committed suicide in this place. The Thruchherumana Temple was built after the Swayambhoo lingam was found; however the exact date of construction of temple is not known, the pilgrimage has been taking place for many centuries The Puffed rice(Pori or Malaru) is prepared at “Pullancheri Illam”, and handed over to the temple from Narasimhaswamy temple, Pala, near Muzhakunnu Kottiyoor Temple is also closely associated with the Tirunelli MahaVishnu Temple in Wayanad District, about 54 km from Kotttiyoor It was from Tirunelli that rice was given to Kottiyoor for Vysakha Mahotsavam and returned after the festival. This has been discontinued but rites are performed in both temples to continue the tradition.It is believed that Bhuta Ganas carry the presents of Tirunelli Perumal to Vysakha Mahotsavam. Once a Bhuta tried to steal a present and the Perumal cursed him to become a rock.The Sacred sword of Veerabhadra is brought for the Kottiyoor Festival from “Mutherikavu” a nearby temple. Tons of fire woods are used for the Kottiyoor festival in the shrine. Not even for a single year until now has it been required to remove the excess ash from the altar. All the essentials needed for Ammarakkal Tara is brought from Manathana shrine. Sacred swords also come from Chapparam Bhagavathi temple. Pooja vessals, ornaments etc., come from Karimbanagopuram. Kottiyoor or Kottiyur is an ancient Hindu pilgrim center devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Kannur district, Kerala. The temple is situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The Bavali river with her medicinal waters flow from the Wayanad ghats on the banks of the temple. On the northern side of the river bank, there is a small lake known as ‘Thiruvanchira’ and here in the midst of this lake is this temple sans temple. The temple has a Shiva linga believed to be a ‘swayambhu’. Swayambhu means born on his own or not man made. The small heap where this Shiva linga is worshipped is known as ‘Manithara’. The abhishekam for the Shiva linga is with milk, ghee (clarified butter) and karikku (tender coconut water). In the same lake, there is another heap ‘Ammarakallu’ where Sree Parvati Devi is worshipped. This way, at Kottiyoor you get the blessings of both Shiva and Shakthi. Kottiyoor is also known by the names Kudiyoor, Dakshina Kashi. Thricherumana, Vdakkumkaavu, Kizhakkumkaavu and Vadakeeswaram. At Kottiyoor, there are two temples – Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur, located on the opposite banks of Bavali river. Akkare Kottiyur is open during the Kottiyoor Vaisakha Maholsavam festival only. A pious Namboothiri of Kalakkatt Illam (one of the four major Mantravada(Sorcery) lineages of Kerala)was returning from Kottiyoor. To pray for Sandhya vandanam in Manathana Shrine he took bath in the pond, after which a young lady from the adjacent bay offered him Taali(herbal shampoo), and told that she would apply it onto his forehead. He immediately recognized that she was none other than Bhadrakali and showing his head would meand his death. He folded his hand in-front of her and said any thing given by The Mother is nectar. He took the shampoo and drank it. Devi was pleased with him and presented him with three sacred insignia which he installed in three temples in the Kannur region. Official Address
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Thrissur, Kerala Sree Kurumba Bhagavati Temple (alternatively Kodungallur Devi Temple) is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur, Thrissur District, Kerala state, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Maha Kali or Parashakthi worshipped in Kerala. The goddess is known also by the names “Sri Kurumba” and “Kodungallur Amma” (The Mother of Kodungallur).This temple is the head of 64 Bhadrakali temples in Kerala especially Malabar. The goddess of the temple represents the goddess in her fierce (‘ugra’) form, facing North, featuring eight hands with various attributes. One is holding the head of the demon king Daruka, another a sickle-shaped sword, next an anklet, another a bell, among others. Routine worship at the temple every day at 03:00 and ends at 21:00 local time. The temple is often accredited as the original form of Goddess Kali.During the reign of Later Cheras, Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) was the capital of the Chera empire and one of the most important parts of the region. The temple is in the centre of Kerala and is called ‘Malayala Bhagavathi’ by Tamil speakers. The Temple was built in a remote past and its worship incorporates ancient Shaktyem customs which are rarely observed in contemporary Kerala temples. Kurumbakavu Bhagavathi Temple, popularly known as Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is located about 1.5 km southeast of the Kodungallur bus stand. It is assumed that the placement of the idol of Kannaki was done about 1800 years ago by Cheran Chenkuttuvan of the Chera dynasty. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhadrakali (Goddess Kali). The shrine is crowded on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and is busy during the Sabarimala season as well. The most famous festival of Kurumbakavu temple is the Bharani festival or Kavutheendal, which starts on the Bharani asterism, as per the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). The animal sacrifices that once were part of the festival in this temple are now banned, but the pilgrims still drink liquor and sing lewd songs, all the way from their villages to the shrine, as part of the ceremony. At the end of the festival, the temple closes and opens on the seventh day, after the Aswathi asterism. Another important festival at this temple is the Navarathri. The temple is situated in the middle of a plot of land about ten acres, surrounded by banyan and peepal trees. The srikovil is facing north. The western chamber of the inner temple is the seat of Sapthamatrukas (Seven Mothers) who also face north. The idols of Ganapathi and Veerabhadra are found in the chamber, one facing east and the other facing west, respectively. The idol of bhagawati is about seven feet high and made of wood, carved from a jackfruit tree. The idol has eight arms that carry weapons and symbols.[5] To the left of the temple sits a small stone structure called ‘the Samadhi of Vysoori’, perhaps a medieval shrine for a deity of smallpox, chicken pox, mumps and other contagious diseases. Devotees make offerings of turmeric powder, sprinkled and rubbed on its walls. About fifty metres further is a sacred pond called (Pushkarini), where devotees bathe before entering the main shrine. It is believed that this pond was created by the goddess by striking the ground with her sword. It is said that the temple was constructed by Cheraman Perumal. The first Shakteya Pooja in kodungallur temple was performed by a Thiyyar from Malabar. Even present day , The Thiyya thandans (A administrative position) of 64 tharas meet at Nilapaduthara at Kodungaloor in the presence of kodungallur raja. The kodungaloor meena bharani is conducted under these Thiyya thandans. In Tantric terms, the divinity is installed in what is called the “Rurujit Vidhaana” pattern, a form of installation with Shiva in one end, Ganesha in the other, with the Sapta Matrikagoddesses in between. According to another belief, Kannaki, the heroine of Ilango Adigal’s Tamil story Silappathikaram attained salvation. She came to Kodungallur, prayed to Bhadrakali of Kodungallur and became absorbed in the murti. In ancient times, animal sacrifices were offered at the temple, mostly in the forms of birds and goats, by devotees seeking protection and the fulfillment of their prayers. At the intervention of many “social reformers,” the government of Cochin banned animal sacrifice in any form at this place. At present, only red-dyed dhotis are offered to the deity. Many devotees offer rich presents and gold ornaments. The people of Kodungallur believe that this temple was, in the olden days, a Shiva shrine and it was Parasurama who installed the murti of Bhadrakali close to one of Shiva. The pujas are conducted, it is said, under direct instructions from the goddess herself. Five ‘Sri Chakras’, said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya, are believed to be the main source of the powers of this deity. The priests are Namboodiris and Adikas (Madhu Brahmins) who have a right to perform ‘Pushpanjalis’ to the Goddess. Official Address
Kadampuzha Devi Temple, Malappuram, Kerala Kadampuzha Devi Temple is a Hindu temple and pilgrimage center at Kadampuzha in Malappuram district, Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga (Form of Goddess Parvati), a Devi. There is no idol in the temple, and the Goddess is worshipped in a pit. There are also shrines for Sastha and Serpent deities, along with the worship of Ganapathi, Narasimha and Sudarshana. There is also a Shiva temple nearby, called ‘Madambiyarkavu’. The temple, owned by Malabar Devaswom Board under the Government of Kerala, is administered through a trust consisting of the Hindu-Variar family and non hereditary co-opted trustees. It is the richest temple under Malabar Devaswom Board. The origin of this temple is associated with the epic Mahabharata. During the 5th year of exile, Arjuna left the place in order to seek and obtain the knowledge of Divya Astras, which could be obtained only by performing the greatest penance with sincerity and devotion. Arjuna wanted Pashupathastra, the supreme astra of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati wanted to test Arjuna. Disguised as Kirata King and wife, respectively, they approached Arjuna. At the same time, a demon named Mukasura took the form of a wild boar and destroyed nature in order to disturb Arjuna’s meditation. Both Lord Shiva and Arjuna shot an arrow and killed Mukasura. Lord Shiva, disguised as the Kirata king argued with Arjuna and they finally came to conclusion that they would have a bow and arrow battle. In the fierce battle, Arjuna was defeated. Disappointed over the defeat, he placed a big stone in front of him and prayed to Goddess Adi Parashakthi. The flowers he showered on the stone fell at the feet of Kirata and Kirati. He then realized that those were Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi. Pleased with this, Lord Shiva granted him the arrow he desired. The hole, divined to be the one created by the mighty arrow of Lord Shiva that summoned Ganaga for quenching Parvathi’s thirst, was perceived as the Devine Power Source by Adi Shankara and hence there is no idol to represent the Presence here. That there are no idols here is also a unique aspect of Kadampuzha. To mark this place and for the common man’s reference, a Thidambu or Arch is kept on top. Only during the “Poo Moodal” rite the Thidumbu is removed and the hole exposed. Adi Shankara built the temple over this spot in the method prescribed by Thachu Sastra and on the stone right in front of this, the where the divine presence of Lord Shiva was perceived, he consecrated Narasimha Moorthy and the Sudarshana Chakra each facing South and North respectively. On the South side of the temple Naga Kanya was consecrated and Shastav on the North. Then, around 1949, when Shree M.K Achutha Warier was the trustee, the sanctum sanctorum was rebuilt using laterite stones and the roof was built using jack wood and tiles. However, only the North side was completed and the other three were laid bare. During this time the pilgrimage to the temple was rather bleak and the temple trustees found the upkeep rather tough. Then in 1974, a Deva Prashnam was conducted and according to the divinations then made, Bharmashree Andaladi Divakaran Namboothiripad was made the Thantri (Chief Priest) and the compensatory poojas and other poojas for prosperity conducted by him brought about a huge change. Pilgrims started to folk Kadampuzha again and year after year this improved. Deva Prashnam was conducted again in 1984 and 1993 and whatever compensatory rituals suggested at those times were also religiously carried out. In the Deva Prashna of 1993, it was divined that the sanctum sanctorum was to be rebuilt using granite stones and the roof should be paved with brass and immediately the work was taken up and what we see is the result of that. The sanctum sanctorum was built using a complex calculation known as “Siddharthakam” Official Address
Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur, Kerala Guruvayoor, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the ‘God’s own country’, Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. Guruvayoor is a thriving township in Trichur district of Kerala state in the South of India, its scenic beauty and serenity are breath taking. Guruvayoorappan is the chief diety here – The God which hears the prayers of its pilgrims. Guruvayoorappan is adorned with the holy tulasi (Basil) garland, and pearl necklace the Lord here appears in all radiance to bless the devotees. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Guruvayurappan (a four-armed affiliation of the Hindus god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta, which translates to as “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. The presiding deity of the Guruvayur Temple is Vishnu, worshipped in the form of his avatar Krishna. The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus with a Holy basilgarland. This image represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of Krishna’s birth; this is the reason why Lord is worshipped in his baby form. Also, the temple is called “Dwarka of South India” due to Krishna’s widespread presence. He is currently worshipped according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later written formally in the Tantric way, the inter-religious spiritual movement that arose in medieval India, by Cennas Narayanan Nambudiri (born in 1427). The Cennas Nambudiris are the hereditary tantris (high priest) of the Guruvayur Temple. The temple (puja) routines are strictly followed. The Thanthri is available full-time at the Temple to ensure this. The Melsanthi (Chief Priest) enters the sanctum sanctorum in the morning and does not drink anything up to the completion of “noon worships” at 12:30 PM. The temple is managed by a special Devaswom (Guruvayur Devaswom) under the control of the Government of Kerala. Official Address
Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kottayam, kerala Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It has brought glory and fame to the place. Myths have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped at this temple. The name of the place has its origin from the word ‘manoor’, which means the land of deer. The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Shiva temples of Vaikom Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in 717 ME (1542 AD). There are Dravidian mural paintings on the walls inside and outside of the main entrance. The fresco of Pradosha Nritham (Dance of Shiva) is one of the finest Wall painting in India. There is a golden flag staff inside the temple. On the top of it is the idol of a bull surrounded by small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree and in terms of architecture this temples stands out to be an ultimate testimant for the vishwakarma Sthapathis, for their engineering skills. The temple roofs are covered with copper sheets and it has 14 ornamental tops. Bhagavati, Sastha,Dakshinamoorthi, Ganapathy and Yakshi are installed here as subordinate deities.There is a separate temple for lord Krishna. It is believed that the great philosopher, Adi Sankaracharya wrote ‘Soundarya Lahari’ while staying in the temple. Official Address
Chottanikkara Temple, Ernakulam, Kerala The Chottanikkara (correction of Jyotiannakkara) Devi Temple is a famous temple of mother goddess Lakshmi Devi known as Sree Bhagavathi. Lakshmi is believed to be residing in Chottanikkara along with Lord Vishnu. The temple is located at Chottanikkara, a southern suburb of the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala, India and is one of the most popular temples in the state. In terms of temple architecture, Chottanikkara temple stands out to be an ultimate testimonial for the ancient vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) along with Sabarimala temple. Sree Mahamaya Bhagawati (Aadiparashakthi), the goddess of power, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala and the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. Chottanikkara Devi is worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Maha Saraswati in the morning, draped in white; Maha Lakshmi at noon, draped in crimson; and as Maha Kali in the evening, decked in blue. Supreme lord Shiva, Ganesh & Lord Dharmasastha (Ayyappa) is also worshiped at the temple. People suffering from mental illnesses & commonly visit the temple, as Chottanikkara devi is said to cure her devotees. One should not miss the ‘Guruthi Pooja’ in the ‘Keezhkkaavu’ temple at Chottanikkara. Goddess ‘keezhkkaavu devi’ is believed to be ‘Bhadrakali'(Mahakali), in her fierce form or ugra form. Bhadrakali, is a form of mother Kali, supposed to be born from the third eye of lord Shiva, to kill the demon king ‘Daruka’. Guruthi pooja is a ritual done at late evening to invoke goddess Mahakali. Earlier ‘Guruthi Pooja’ was done only on Fridays. But nowadays, it is performed every day. ‘Chottanikara ‘Makam thozhal’ is the famous religious temple festival. The area in which the temple is situated was once a dense jungle that is to said to be infested by yakshis and raktharakshas. A tribesman named Kannappan used to live in this forest. He was a devout worshipper of Kali, and would ritually sacrifice a cow to her every Friday(the day of the Goddess). One day, he found a beautiful black calf near the forest. He kidnapped the calf and took her to his altar. Just before he sacrificed the calf, tribesman’s daughter Manimanga stepped in and pleaded to him to stop the sacrifice. The man loved his daughter and thus let her keep the calf as a pet. Unfortunately, Manimanga died some days later, possibly due to a snake bite. Kannappan broke into tears and decided to cremate her body. To his surprise, his daughter’s corpse disappeared. A nearby priest told him the reason for such an occurrence; Kannappan used to forcibly take young calves from their mothers and sacrificed them. As punishment, he met the same fate when his daughter died. However, when the tribes man looked for the calf, he found two divine stones in its place. The priest again tells him that the stones were actually divine and that they represented the divine couple, Vishnu and Lakshmi, and to pray before these stones everyday and he would be forgiven for what he had done in the past. Since Kannappan’s death, the stones were forgotten. One day, a grass-cutter came to the forest to cut some wild grass. Since her knife was blunt, she sharpened it on what she thought was a big stone. Only it was a stone, but then it started bleeding. Horrified at what she saw, she brought the matter to the public’s attention. A nearby priest was called to solve the problem. After devaprasnam, it was concluded that the stones were divine. Another legend associated to the temple was that of the spiritual leader Shankaracharya(Adi Shankara). During the time where he lived, Adi Shankara realised that there wasn’t a single temple in Kerala that signified the worship of goddess Lakshmi. As a result, he himself went to the Kodachadri hills in Karnataka and meditated for many days for the goddess to appear before him. His meditation bore fruit and before him stood the stunningly beautiful goddess, clad in red. On enquiry, he said that he would like to bring the goddess to Kerala and establish a temple dedicated to her worship. This way the people from Kerala would not have to go such far off distances to worship her, as in the case for those who were old and aged. After a lot of persuasion, the goddess agreed; she would follow him by foot wherever he went, but only on one condition. If he trusts her, then he was not allowed to look back to see if she followed him or not. If he did, then wouldn’t go any further. He agrees and they proceed walking. They were walking down the Kodachadri hills, with Shankara leading the way and goddess’ anklets tinkling and letting him know that she was with him. After walking some distance, the tinkling stopped all of a sudden. Shankara waited a few moments and stole a quick look backwards to find the goddess still with him, watching him with reproach. In keeping with the condition, the goddess stopped right there. Shankara, however, was not one to give up. He apologized profusely for breaking the condition and repeatedly begged and pleaded with the goddess to go with him to Kerala. After many pleas, the goddess agrees to a compromise. From early hours of morning, she would come and appear before the devotees at the Chottanikkara temple. Then in the afternoon, she would return to the spot where she stopped. This is the spot which would turn out to be the Mookambika temple. Since then, before the doors of the main sanctum in Mookambika temple were opened, the sanctum doors of the Chottanikkara temple were opened during early morning hours in honour of worshipping goddess Saraswati, where the idol is clad in white garments. The idol at Keezhkavu didn’t come until after the temple was built. One night, a Brahmin was walking along a moonlit trail. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful woman, standing all alone. He offered to escort her home, and she agreed. On the way, he had to stop by a priest’s house to whom he had to return a holy manuscript. Reluctantly, the woman agreed to wait for him outside the house. But when the priest enquired the Brahmin as to who had accompanied him at such odd hours of night, he tells the priest that a woman followed him. Sensing danger, the priest warns him that the woman could be a Yakshi. The helpless Brahmin asks the priest for help, to which the priest gives some holy stones and says that whenever he felt that the woman was near him, he had to throw the stone at the woman without turning back. This would slow her down and further increase the distance from him. Using these stones the Brahmin had to reach the chottanikkara temple lest the yakshi would not harm him. The Brahmin does so accordingly, but as he reached the steps of the temple’s sanctum, the woman held him down and transformed into her true form; a blood thirsty vampire. The Brahmin calls for help, to which goddess Parvatiappeared and transformed into Mahakali, an aspect representing her anger. She subdues the vampire and kills her. The goddess then went to wash herself in the pond, where the Kali idol was found hundreds of years later by Vilwamangalam of Guruvayoor. Official Address
Chakkulathukavu Temple, Alappuzha, Kerala Chakkulathu Kavu is a Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Durga. The temple is located in Neerattupuram, Thalavady panchayat, Alappuzha District, Kerala and is one of the most popular temples in the state. Durga is one of the most popular deities in the area. Pilgrims from all over South India visit and worship the Devi. The temple was less known even to the local residents and lay as a family temple of a local resident. This remained until it was renovated a few decades before. Located on the banks of the holy Pampa River, this temple has attracted pilgrims all over Kerala and became one of the most popular pilgrim centre of the state. The major festival is Pongala which takes place in the temple during the month of Vrischikam (November/December). This is the time when the glory of the Goddess is at its peak. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple as early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be overcrowded and the devotees arrange places for offering the pongala on both sides of the main streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km. Rice, coconut and jaggery are brought by women devotees along with round earthen pots for cooking. The Chief Priest lights the main hearth from the divine fire inside the sanctum sanctorum. This fIre is exchanged from one oven to another. Panthrandu Noyampu is another festival celebrated at the temple. This is the type of fasting and prayer that qualifies the devotee for the eternal blessings of Chakkulathamma. This fasting starts every year from the first day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu till the twelfth. Specifically, on the first Friday of December, Dhanu is a significant ritual that sees a male priest wash the feet of fasting women devotees in a mark of respect for the divinity inherent in every woman. Celebrating womanhood, which as per the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures is the highest form of power, takes centre stage during this festival during which only women are allowed to enter the temple premises. Like the Attukal Bhagavathy temple, the Chakkulathukavu temple also celebrates the Pongala festival every year, which is also basically a women-specific celebration. Chakkulathamma is famously known as the Mother who answers the call of her devotees. Countless pilgrims irrespective of caste creed and colour reach the shrine. The benevolent look of Goddess unfolds a thousand lotus flowers of real bhakthi in the minds of devotees. There is an eternal divinity which is the ultimate cause for the creation as well sustenance of this universe. As oil in sesame seeds, water in river beds and fire in friction sticks, this divinity defines all that we see and see not, all that we know and not know or all that we hear and hear not. The concept of Goddess which in way is a manifestation of Nature is the supreme symbol of this divinity that shapes us. The Devi at Chakkulatukavu temples is a benign example of the love and motherliness that Almighty showers upon any devotee who seats that inimitable Goddess in his heart. Let us have a look at the temple history that dates back to almost 3000 years. This area where the temple stands now has been a fearful forest. Trees that seemed to touch the sky, serpents with hissing noises and wild animals in barbaric freedom created and atmosphere one would shudder to think. Rays of the sun failed to look through the trees. Afternoons were like midnights. Into this forest came a hunter with the idea of collecting firewood. The hunter was not alone. He had his wife and children with him. But everything was so sudden and unexpected. The hunter saw a serpent moving towards him. Its hood was erect and its hissing noise was fearful. Not thinking too much the hunter attacked the snake with his axe. But the snake was not hurt it only slipped into the forest. An expert in the habits of animals, the hunter knew too well that an attacked snake is dangerous if spared. So he followed it. Searching and searching and still he couldn’t spot out the snake. Finally he reached a lake. It was not much difficult to observe a ‘Chithalputtu’. (A cover of sand made by insects). The hunter had a touch of horror. The next second he saw that the shell upon which the snake coiled was broken. Water was oozing out f it. The hunter watched with awe and wonder. Now there was ‘Akshatham’ (paddy and rice) and ‘Darbha’ (a peculiar type of grass used for pujas). Meanwhile the wife and kids of the hunter joined him. All were spell bound at the unbelievable sight in front of them. Many places near the temple have derived their original names from the history of the temple. For instance, the water in the historical pond of the temple had the sweetness of jaggery. ‘Chakkarkulam’ became shortened in the long run and came to be known as Chakkulam. ‘Neeru’ in Malayalam means water. Water was absorbed into the sand shell which contained the idol. So the place around the temple came to be called as ‘Neerattupuram’. ‘Puram means place and the word denotes the place which carried and contained the holy water. The temple was renovated in 1981. The illuminating idol of Vana Durga with the holy eight hands is installed near the original idol. Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods and Navagrahas are installed as ‘Upa Devas’. The ancient history of the temple has some divine connections with the story of Sumbha and Nishumbha referred to in the Devi Mahatmyam. The story goes that two demoniac characters called Sumbha and Nishumbha derived superhuman powers through rigorous meditation of Lord Brahma. They received a boon that they could be killed only through a battle with a woman. Such a condition being almost impossible, Sumbha and Nishumbha conquered Indra and other Devas. They became the unquestioned monarchs of the three worlds. The helpless Devas under had to flee away and take shelter in remote jungles. Saint Narada feeling pity at the misery of the Gods approaches his father Lord Brahma. Brahma reminds Narada that ups and downs are the law of life and that was what the Gods were experiencing. There was only one way out for this despicable state of affairs. Only one power could restore power and prosperity to Gods and that power was none other than the very Goddess. Devas accordingly moved in search of Goddess. Reaching near Himavan, the epic King of the mountains, they started chanting powerful mantras to appease the Goddess. They plunged into a he artful tribute of the Goddess who in herself was power, knowledge, creativity, benevolence and blessings. Goddess Parvathy had just arrived on the banks of river Ganga. Echoes of the mantras reached her. There was a touch of grief and pleading in the sounds of Devas. Goddess Parvathy grasped the pitiable plight of Devas. There emerged another Goddess from within her as if something comes out of a cover. This was the incarnation of Goddess Durga, having taken a divine form to rescue the Devas from the hardships caused by the asuras. The story culminates in a terrible fight between the “Goddess and Asuras under the leadership of Sumba and Nishumbha. It was an encounter unheard of ever before. Needless to specify, all the asuras were annihilated by the Goddess. The Devas got back the early powers and prosperities. Sage Narada appears in front of them and exults them about the invincibility of goddess Durga. She was the cause as well as witness for the creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe, told Narada. It is believed that the Goddess residing in Chakkulathukavu is a wholesome reaction of this all-pervading Goddess namely Durga. Official Address
Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious shrine at Attukal, Trivandrum in Kerala, India. Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), mounted over ‘vethala’, is the main deity in this temple. Bhadrakali, a form of Mahakali, who killed the demon king Daruka, believed to be born from the third eye of lord Shiva. ‘Bhadra’ means good and ‘Kali’ means goddess of time. So Bhadrakali is considered as the goddess of prosperity and salvation. Goddess ‘Attukal devi’, itself is the supreme mother ‘Bhaadrkali devi’, (in soumya aspect) the goddess of power and courage. She is often referred as Kannaki, the heroine of Ilanko Adikal’s ‘Silapathikaaram’. The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, in which over three million women participate.[1] A festival that has figured in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the single largest gathering of women for religious activity, the Attukal Pongala continues to draw millions of women with each passing year. According to the Attukal Temple Trust, around 4.5 million devotees are expected to attend the pongala in 2016. Attukal Temple is situated near the heart of the city, 2 kilometres away from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram. Devotees believe that all of their wishes will be fulfilled by the goddess, provide prosperity and can attain salvation. Attukal Devi is often worshipped in 3 forms such as Maha Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), Maha Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Mahakali/ Durga/ Parvathy The Goddess Kannaki (Bhadrakali) is the main deity in this temple. The mythology behind the temple, relates to the story of Kannagi who was married to Kovalan, son of a wealthy merchant. After marriage, Kovalan met a dancer Madhavi and spent all his riches on her forgetting his wife. But when he was penniless, he went back to Kannagi. The only precious thing left to be sold was Kannagi’s pair of anklets. They went with it to the king of Madurai to sell it. But an anklet was stolen from the Queen which looked similar to Kannagi’s. When Kovalan tried to sell it, he was mistaken for the theft and beheaded by the king’s soldiers. Kannagi got infuriated when she heard the news and rushed to the King with the second pair of anklet. She broke one of the anklets and it contained rubies while the Queen’s contained pearls. She cursed the city of Madurai, and it is said that due to her chastity, the curse came true and Madurai burned. Kannagi is said to have attained salvation after the Goddess of the city appeared before her. It is said that on her way to Kodungallur, Kannagi passed Attukal. She took the form of a little girl. An old man was sitting on the banks of a stream when the girl went to him and asked him whether he could help her cross it. Surprised to find the young girl alone, he took her home. But she disappeared. She came back in his sleep and asked him to build a temple where he found 3 golden lines in his grove. He went ahead and did the same, and it is said that this is at the location of the present Attukal temple. Goddess Kodungallooramma (Bhadrakali/Kannaki) is believed to be present at Attukal during the festival days. Ponkala is offered to celebrate the victory of Kannaki over the king Pandya. Another story says that ‘Attukal Devi is Bhadrakali, born from the third eye of Lord Shiva to kill the demon king Daruka. Mother Bhadrakali is a form of Shakthi Devi (Mahakali) worshipped mainly in Kerala. ‘Bhadra’ means good and ‘Kali’ means goddess of time. So Bhadrakali is often referred to as the goddess of prosperity, time and salvation. Mohanlal got married at this temple in 1988. Official Address
Arattupuzha Temple, Thrissur, kerala The Sree Sastha Temple, dedicated to Sage Vasishta, which is believed to be more than 3000 years old and its premises are the venue for the festivities. It is believed that during the festival period, Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity at the Sree Sastha Temple is visited by gods and goddesses of the neighbouring villages. The uniqueness of this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this village According to legends, the antiquity of this temple dates back 3000 years. The temple has been the host of the most ancient and well-known yearly Devamela, a festival when all gods and goddesses assemble at Arattupuzha. It is believed that the deity of Arattupuzha temple is the embodiment of the divine potential of Guru Vasishta, the master of Rama. Official Address
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Pathanamthitta, Kerala The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is one of the “Divya Desams”, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars located near Aranmula, a village in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India. Constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is worshipped as Parthasarathy (Partha’s charioteer). The nearest railway station to the temple is located in Chengannur, while the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. Parthasarathy is the other name of Krishna on account of his role as Arjuna’s Charioteer in the Mahabharata war. It is one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala, the others being at Guruvayur Temple, Trichambaram Temple, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple. It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata, where the five Pandavas are believed to have built one temple each; Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudhishthira, Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema, Aranmula by Arjuna, Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple by Nakula and Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple to Sahadeva. The sacred jewels, called Thiruvabharanam of Ayyappan are taken in procession to Sabarimala each year from Pandalam, and Aranmula Temple is one of the stops on the way. Also, the Thanka Anki, golden attire of Ayyappa, donated by the king of Travancore, is stored here and taken to Sabarimala during the Mandala season of late December. Aranmula is also known for snake boat race held every year during Onam linked to the legends of the Mahabharata. The temple has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The Eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps and the Northern tower entrance flight through 57 steps leads to the Pampa River. It is believed that Dushasana is the guardian of the eastern Gopuram of the temple. The temples has paintings on its walls dating back to early 18 century. The temple is open from 4 am to 11:00 am and 5 pm to 8 pm and is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala. The temple is built in Kerala style architecture, which is common in all temples in the South Indian state of Kerala in Eastern axis. The temple has an elevated structure reached by a flight of 20 steps. The temple has a two storeyed gopuram or a gateway tower, with the upper storey having wooden trails covering the Kottupura (a hall of drum beating during festivals). A rectangular wall around the temple, called Kshetra-Madilluka piereced by the gateways, encloses all the shrines of the temple. The metal plated flagpost or Dwajasthambam is located axial to the temple tower leading to the central sanctum and there is a Deepastamba, which is the light post. Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion within the temple walls. The central shrine and the associated hall is located in a rectangular structure called Nallambalam, which has pillared halls and corridors.Between the entrance of Nallambalam to the sanctum, there is a raised square platform called Namaskara Mandapawhich has a pyramidal roof. Thevrapura, the kitchen used to cook offering to the deity is located on the left of Namaskara Mandapa from the entrance. Balithara is an altar is used for making ritualistic offering to demi-gods and the festive deities. The central shrine called Sreekovilhouses the image of the presiding deity. It is on an elevated platform with a single door reached through a flight of five steps. Either sides of the doors have images of guardian deities called Dvarapalakas. As per Kerala rituals, only the main priest called Thantri and the second priest called Melshanthi alone can enter the Sree Kovil. The central shrine has a circular plan with the base built of granite, superstructure built of laterite and conical roof made of terrocata tile supported from inside by a wooden structure. The lower half of Sree Kovil consists of the basement, the pillar or the wall, called stambha or bhithi and the entablature called prasthara in the ratio 1:2:1, in height. Similarly the upper half is divided into the neck called griva, the roof tower called shikhara and the fonial kalasam (made of copper) in the same ratio. The roof projects in two levels to protect the inner structure from heavy rains during monsoon. The roof of the temple and some of the pillars have lavish wood and stucco carvings depicting various stories of ancient epics, Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The outer walls around the sanctum have a series of wooden frames housing an array of lamps, which are lit during festive occasions.The temples have paintings on its walls dating back to early 18 century.The image of the presiding deity is 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. Krishna is in Vishvarupa pose, the one he depicted to Arjuna during the Mahabharatha war. As per one legend, Arjuna is believed to have built the temple in Nilakal Narayanapuram and later brought to Aranmula in a raft made with six bamboo.In the second precicnt, there are shrines of Sastha, Yakshi, Nagaraja and Erangavil Bhagavathy Balarama in the lower shrine. It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura left on a pilgrimage. On arriving on the banks of river Pamba, each one is believed to have installed a tutelary image of Krishna; Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudhishthira, Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema, Aranmula by Arjuna, Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple by Nakula and Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple to Sahadeva. The image of the temple was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).As per other legend, the place derives its name from arin-villai, a land near a river. Legend has it that Arjunabuilt this temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. It is also believed that Vishnu (here) revealed the knowledge of creation to Brahma, from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas. There is yet another legend associated with Parthasarathy here. During the battle of Kurukshetra, Duryodhana had taunted Bheeshma of not using his full might in fighting the Pandavas. This taunt by Duryodhana filled Bheeshma with rage. Bheeshma took a vow to fight with such ferocity the next day that Lord Krishna himself would be forced to break his vow of not using a weapon during the war in order to protect Arjuna. On the ninth day of the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when Krishna motivated Arjuna to take initiative and vanquish his foe. Bheeshma was unparalleled with the use of celestial weapons in such a manner that Arjuna could not counter the onslaught. Arrows after arrows fired from Bheeshma’s bow breached the defenses of Arjuna and inflicted wounds to his body by penetrating his armour. The string of Arjuna’s bow, the Gandiva was snapped during the battle. Seeing Arjuna’s plight, Krishna jumped down in rage, and took up his discus charging towards Bheeshma. Bheeshma was overfilled with joy and surrendered to Lord Krishna. Meanwhile, Arjuna beseeched the Lord not to kill Bheeshma, as it would have been against Krishna’s vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of Krishna that is enshrined here, with a discus. This symbolizes the Lord’s act of compassion to both his devotees on either side of the battle. Lord Krishna broke his vow to protect Arjuna and also to fulfill the promise that his ardent devotee Bheeshma had made.[2] Lord Krishna presiding here in the Vishvarupa form is considered as ‘Annadana Prabhu’ (The Lord who provides food) along with other temples like Vaikom Mahadeva Templeand Sabarimala. It is believed that those whose Annaprashana is performed at the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple would never be affected by the pangs of poverty throughout their life. Aranmula Mirror is also related to the history of this temple.The king of Travancore wanted to donate a crown made of rare metal to the temple and he found a rare combination of Copper and lead It is believed as per the tradition that preparing the metal polished mirror was produced only by a family. In modern times, the College of Fine Arts have started producing it in commercial scale Official Address
Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod, Kerala Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple or Anantha Lake Temple is a Hindu temple built in the middle of a lake in the little village of Ananthapura, around 6 km from the town of Kumbla in Manjeswaram taluk of Kasaragod District of Kerala, South India. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and is believed to be the original seat (Moolasthanam) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Padmanabhaswamy temple) Thiruvananthapuram. Legend has it that this is the original site where Ananthapadmanabha settled down. The lake in which the Sanctum Sanctorum is built measures about 2 acres (302 feet square). An interesting spot to keep in mind while visiting the temple is a cave to the right corner of the lake. According to the local legend, the deity Anantha Padmanabha chose to go all the way to Thiruvananthapuram through that cave. Hence both the places retain similar names, in spite of being on either end of the region. The temple is unique in its structural aspects for it is erected in the middle of an impressive lake of 302 feet. The lake is gifted with a perennial supply of pure spring water. We can find the ruins of temples all round the lake which stand testimony to the fact that it was part of a great temple complex. The sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), namaskara-mandapam, thitappalli, and shrines of Jala-Durga and the entrance of the cave are located in the lake. The namaskara mandapam is connected to the eastern rock by a foot-bridge which is the only passage to the sreekovil. The principal deity is Lord Vishnu. One of the key features of the temple is that the original idols in the sanctum sanctorum were not made of metal or stone, but of a rare combination of more than 70 medicinal materials called `kadu-sharkara-yogam.’ These idols were replaced by panchaloha metals in 1972. They were donated by Kaanchi Kaamakoti Mathaadhipathi His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi Thiruvatikal. Efforts are going on now to reinstall the idols made with `kadu-sharkara-yogam.’ The Lord Vishnu idol is in a sitting pose over a five-hooded serpent king Lord Anantha. The lake temple is open to all visitors regardless of caste or creed. The District Tourism Promotion Council has plans to preserve the temple and its surroundings for its uniqueness. The temple has an excellent collection of wood carvings on the ceilings of the mandapam. These carvings depict the incidents taken from the stories of Dashavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu). Some of them are painted. The Nava-grahas (nine planets) are painted at the muktha-mandapam. On either side of the sreekovil, dwaara-palakas (Jays and Vijaya) are beautifully carved in wood. The past of the temple is still obscure except for some myths. It was at this place where Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam, the great Tulu Brahmin sage, did penance and performed poojas. Legend has it that one day Lord Narayana appeared before him as a child. The boy’s face was glowing with radiance and this overwhelmed the sage. He became anxious and asked who he was. The boy replied that he had no father no mother and none at home. Vilwamangalam felt pity for the boy and allowed him to stay there. The boy proposed a condition that whenever he feels humiliated he will leave the place at once. He served the sage for sometime. But soon his juvenile pranks became intolerable for the sage and he reacted violently. Humiliated the boy disappeared from there after proclaiming that if Vilwamangalam wants to see him he would have to go to Ananthankat, the forest of serpent god Anantha. Vilwamangalam soon realized that the boy was none but the lord himself and he had great repentance. He found a cave at the place where the boy disappeared and he proceeded further into the cave in search of the boy. He reached the sea and proceeded further toward the south and at last he reached a woody area near the sea. Vilwamangalam saw the child who soon disappeared into huge illippa tree (Indian butter tree or Mahua tree). Immediately the tree fell down and assumed the shape of Lord Vishnu lying on a thousands hooded serpent. The temple is open to all regardless of religion or caste. The nearest major railway station to Ananthapura Lake Temple is Kasaragod railway station which is about 12 km from here. There is also a railway station at Kumbla. Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport which is about 60 km from here. Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode is about 200 km. To reach there by road one has to take a deviation from Naikap (4 km from Kumbla) on the Kumbala-Badiyadka road. Official Address
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Alapuzha, karnataka Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple (Malayalam: അമ്പലപ്പുഴ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple in Ambalappuzha, Alapuzha district of Kerala, in south India. The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been built during 15th – 17th AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi (പാർത്ഥസാരഥി) with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping. It kept safely for 12 years. The payasam served in the Ambalappuzha Temple is famous among Hindu devotees. This sweet pudding made of rice and milk has an interesting mythological legend behind it.It is believed that Guruvayoorappan reaches here daily at the time of Palpayasa Nedyam Ambalapuzha is 14 km south of Alappuzha town. Ambalapuzha’s fame is attributed to this temple. The 16th century-built temple is very famous in South Kerala and its prasadam (deity’s food given to devotees as a token of blessing), Palpayasam (milk kheer), more commonly known as Ambalapuzha Palpayasam is mouth-watering and very famous throughout Kerala. The deity of the temple situated on the banks of Ambalapuzha River is Sri Krishna. Ambalapuzha itself means the river of temple (ambala means temple and puzha means river). The birth of this temple is twined with fascinating stories. The Champakasseri King, Moolam Thirunal Devanarayanan, and his mentor Vilwamangalath Swamiyar while cruising in a boat in Ambalapuzha river heard music tune of a flute from the bank. They shored the boat and moved forward towards the music emanting point when they noticed a beautiful boy playing the flute sitting on a branch of a peepul tree. The religious stalwart Vishwamangalam concluded that this child is none other than divine Krishna. Both, the king and the mentor, prostrated before the child after circumambulating the tree. When they rose from the ground the child was not there. Vishwamangalm lost no time to advice the king to build a temple for Sri Krishna at the spot. A temple thus soon came up there. There is a conflicting story behind the installed idol. The king ordered idol was not installed as the priests noticed some inaccuracies in the sculpting. Instead, an idol was borrowed from a temple and installed. This is one version. The other version is that the inaccuracies of the king orderd idol was corrected and installed the same. Let it be either way. The idol is of a smiling naughty boy. The idol was brought by a boat and the Chambakulam Boat Race in June/July is in commemoration of this. The 3 ft high idol is always seen covered in sandalwood paste. King Devanarayanan placed his crown at the feet of Lord Krishna in this temple and dedicated his kingdom to the Lord. The last king of Devanarayanan’s dynasty placed the keys of his granary and treasury before the Lord after his defeat by Travancore. The walls around the sanctum sanctorum are beautiful with paintings of Dasavathra (ten incarnation of Vishnu). The main festival of the temple is the 10-day Arattu Utsavam in Meenam (March/April). Processions by several caparisoned tuskers accompanied by vadya-melams (percussion instrument musics) and performances of Velakali, a martial art form, are the main attractions. The procession ends with enchanting fireworks. During the festival devotees are offered a feast and the diners are treated with utmost honour. It is believed, Lord Krishna presents incognito to dine along with the devotees. According to the legend, God Krishna once appeared in the form of a sage in the court of the king who ruled the region and challenged him for a game of chess (or chaturanga). The king being a chess enthusiast himself gladly accepted the invitation. The prize had to be decided before the game and the king asked the sage to choose his prize in case he won. The sage told the king that he had a very modest claim and being a man of few material needs, all he wished was a few grains of rice. The amount of rice itself shall be determined using the chess-board in the following manner. One grain of rice shall be placed in the first square, two grains in the second square, four in the third square, eight in the fourth square, sixteen in 5th square and so on. Every square will have double of its predecessor. Upon hearing the demand, the king was unhappy since the sage requested only a few grains of rice instead of other riches from the kingdom which the king would have been happy to donate. He requested the sage to add other items to his prize but the sage declined. So the game of chess started and needless to say the king lost the game. It was time to pay the sage his agreed-upon prize. As he started adding grains of rice to the chess board, the king soon realised the true nature of the sage’s demands. By the 20th square, the number had reached one million grains of rice and by the 40th square, it became one million million. The royal granary soon ran out of grains of rice. The king realised that even if he provides all the rice in his kingdom and his adjacent kingdoms, he will never be able to fulfill the promised reward. The number of grains was increasing as a geometric progression and the total amount of rice required to fill a 64-squared chess board is ((2^64) – 1) which is equal to the number 18,446,744,073,709,551,615 translating to trillions of tons of rice. Upon seeing the dilemma, the sage appeared to the king in his true-form, that of God Krishna. He told the King that he did not have to pay the debt immediately but could pay him over time. The king would serve paal-payasam (made of rice) in the temple freely to the pilgrims every day until the debt was paid off. Official Address
The permanent assets of land, pond and ‘sarpa kavu’ of this temple is spread over an area of over 1.75 acres. The temple is under the administrative control of ‘Haindava Seva Samithi , a body registered under the 12th Travancore-Cochin Literary Science Charitable Act of 1955. According to the Astrological Enquiry/search [Devaprasnam], this temple was built by a Yogeeswaran over thousand years ago. In the early rears, the temple was under Edapally Elangur Swarupam. Later the title of the temple was found handed over to the Waryath family. The temple had under its possession lots of moveable and immovable assets. Though the administration of the temple was under the Waryath family, major festivals were planned and managed by the Thazakkara No:71. N.S.S. Karayogam. In 1979, the temple was taken over by Sree Subrahmanya Haindava Seva Samithi. The Temple is located at a distance of 3 KMs east from Mavelikara and very near to Mavelikara – Pandalam Road. The Temple can be reached from the nearby places namely Pandalam, Chengannur, Haripad, Tiruvalla, Kayamkulam, Pathanamthitta etc by Bus. Bus Stop: Thazhakara Over Bridge Railway Station: Mavelikara (nearest), Chengannur Nearest Airports Nedumbassery(Kochi) – 134 kms Thiruvanathapuram – 110 kms Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple Thazhakara.P.O, Mavelikara Alappuzha Dist. Kerala India – 690102 Phone: 91 479 2305321
This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in the mood of Lord Parthasarathy is famous for it’s Palpayasa i.e. milk kheer. Here, the Deity of Lord Krishna has a whip in His right hand and a conch in His left hand. Many interesting pastimes of the Deity here have been recorded in the temple history. The temple was also a safehouse for the Deity of Sri Guruvayurappan of Guruvayur for a period of 12 years during the invasion of Tipu Sultan. It is said that Lord Guruvayurappan is very much attracted by the Palpayasa offering here that He personally comes here during the Naivedya i.e offering time to relish the same and goes back to Guruvayur. This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Temples in Ladakh: Discovering the Rich Spiritual and Cultural Landscape of the Himalayas Ladakh, a high-altitude region in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and deep spiritual significance. The region is home to several ancient temples that reflect the blend of Tibetan Buddhism and local customs and traditions. These temples are not only religious sites but also serve as cultural landmarks, offering a glimpse into Ladakh’s rich heritage. One of the most famous temples in Ladakh is the Hemis Monastery, a 400-year-old Buddhist monastery located on the banks of the Indus River. The monastery is known for its impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including thangkas (Buddhist paintings), statues, and sacred scriptures. Another popular temple in Ladakh is the Thiksey Monastery, a 12-story complex that houses several temples and stupas. The temple is known for its stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Apart from these two famous temples, Ladakh is home to several other temples that are equally impressive. The Diskit Monastery, the Likir Monastery, and the Alchi Monastery are some of the other popular temples in the region. Visiting the temples in Ladakh is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s rich spiritual and cultural landscape. These ancient temples offer a glimpse into the unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and local customs and traditions and are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Lakshadweep, a group of 36 coral islands located off the coast of Kerala, is not just famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but also for its rich spiritual heritage. The islands are home to several ancient and modern temples that attract devotees and tourists from all over the world. One of the most popular temples in Lakshadweep is the Juma Masjid, which is located on the island of Kavaratti. This stunning mosque is believed to have been built in the 16th century and features beautiful white domes, intricate carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere. Another significant temple in Lakshadweep is the Ujra Mosque, which is located on the island of Agatti. This ancient mosque is believed to have been built in the 17th century and features stunning architecture that combines Islamic and Indian styles. Apart from these famous mosques, there are also several Hindu temples and Christian churches in Lakshadweep, each with its unique history and significance. Visiting these temples is not just a religious experience, but also a way to explore the island’s cultural heritage. In addition to their spiritual significance, Lakshadweep’s temples also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. From the pristine beaches to the lush green forests, these temples provide a glimpse into the natural beauty of the island paradise. In conclusion, Lakshadweep’s temples are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. With their stunning architecture, peaceful surroundings, and fascinating history, these temples offer a unique experience that cannot be missed.
Sree Krishna Temple is situated in the Lakshadweep, India. Thousands of bhakts (devotees) and pilgrims visits Sree Krishna Temple every month Sree Krishna Temple at Minicoy, Maliku (SKT MCY) is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a unique temple at Minicoy. There is conducting Bhajans on every Thursdays. After Bhajan, around 8:30 PM distributing Prasadams (Sharkara Paayasam or Paalpayasam) among the devotees. During Sabarimala Season, conducting Special Pooja’s and “ Maha Prasadha Oot “ sponsored by Devotees. Here Sree Krishnan seems as Bala Gopalan who pours out love and grace, inspires devotees in their great problems to solve the mystery and misery of life unmindful of all its ups and downs sorrows and joys, through the acquisition of skills and knowledge, ever alert in attaining the ultimate destiny of life, which is self-actualization. By bus The public bus services available at this place. You can take that to reach here. There also cab services. You can choose as your comfort. By Air Agatti Airport is located on the southern end of Agatti Island, in the union territory of Lakshadweep in India. It is the sole airstrip in the archipelago, which lies off the west coast of India. Near Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Minicoy P.O., Lakshadweep 682559, India
Madhya Pradesh, located in the heart of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The state is home to numerous temples and religious sites that attract thousands of visitors every year. These temples not only hold religious significance but also represent the rich architectural heritage of the state. Some of the most popular temples in Madhya Pradesh include the Khajuraho temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. Another significant temple is the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The state is also home to the Omkareshwar Temple, situated on an island in the Narmada river, and the Bhojpur Temple, known for its unique architecture and unfinished shivling. The Chausath Yogini Temple in Bhedaghat is also a must-visit for its unique circular structure and serene surroundings. Apart from these temples, Madhya Pradesh also has a number of other religious sites and pilgrimage destinations such as the Amarkantak Temple, Chitrakoot Temple, and the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. The state is also famous for its vibrant and colorful festivals such as the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Tansen Music Festival, and the Ujjain Kumbh Mela. Visiting these temples not only provides a spiritual experience but also gives visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. With their intricate architecture, stunning sculptures, and religious significance, these temples are a must-visit for anyone visiting the state.
This temple occupies a special place in the galaxy of ancient sacred spots of Ujjain. Seated between the idols of Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati, the idol of Annapurna is painted in dark vermilion color. The Sri Yantra, the symbol of power or shakti, is also enshrined in the temple.According to the Shiva Purana, when Shiva carried away the burning body of Sati from the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped at this place. There is an interesting legend in the Skanda Purana about the manner in which the Goddess Chandi acquired the epithet of Harsiddhi. Once when Shiva and Parvati were alone on Mount Kailash, two demons Chand and Prachand tried to force their way in.Shiva called upon Chandi to destroy them which she did. Pleased, Shiva bestowed upon her the epithet of ‘one who vanquishes all’. The temple was reconstructed during the Maratha period and the two pillars adorned with lamps are special features of Maratha art. These lamps lit during Navaratri, present a glorious spectacle. There is an ancient well on the premises, and an artistic pillar adorns the top of it. Name of nearest airport from tourist place and distance from airport in kilometers Name of nearest railway station from tourist place and distance from station in kilometers Name of nearest bus-stop from tourist place and distance from bus-stop in kilometers
Shri Mahakaleshwar of Ujjayini is known among the twelve celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various Purans. Starting with Kalidasa, many sanskrit poets have eulogized this temple in emotive terms. Ujjain used to be the central point for calculation of Indian time and Mahakala was considered as the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain.The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendor, reigns eternal in Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhara soaring into the skies, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupations, and provides an unbreakable link with past traditions. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself), deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the South. This is a unique feature, upheld by tantric tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nagpanchami.On the day of Mahashivaratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and worship goes on through the night The Nearest Airport Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Indore (53 km). There are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bhopal. Ujjain is a railway station on the Western Railway zone. It’s code is UJN. Trains are available for many big cities. Regular bus services connect Ujjain with Indore, Bhopal, Ratlam, Gwalior, Mandu, Dhar, Kota and Omkareshwar etc.Good Motor able roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 kms), Bhopal (183 kms), Bombay (655 kms), Delhi (774 kms), Gwalior (451 kms), Indore (53 kms) and Khajuraho (570 kms) etc. Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006
Situated on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra, the temple is located away from the old site of Ujjaini town. It is dedicated to the nine planets, attracts large crowds on new moon days falling on Saturdays. Its religious importance has increased in recent years though there is no known reference to it in the ancient texts. The Nearest Airport Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Indore (53 km). There are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bhopal. Ujjain is a railway station on the Western Railway zone. It’s code is UJN. Trains are available for many big cities. Regular bus services connect Ujjain with Indore, Bhopal, Ratlam, Gwalior, Mandu, Dhar, Kota and Omkareshwar etc.Good Motor able roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 kms), Bhopal (183 kms), Bombay (655 kms), Delhi (774 kms), Gwalior (451 kms), Indore (53 kms) and Khajuraho (570 kms) etc.
This is the historical place of SHAJAPUR. SHAJAPUR is situated on the AGRA-BOMBAY ROAD and also on the bank of the river CHILLER.RAJRAJESHWARI MATA MANDIR is situated on the bank of the river CHILER on west.According to ancient history ,300 years ago in 1781 MANIBAI PALTAN has donated the 4 BHIGA 2 BISAVA .IN 1791 TARABAI has donated 4106/– rupees to the construction of this mandir. Height of the MURTI is about 6 feet.SABHA MANDAP which is infront mandir is established in 1734. In that mandir murtis of RIDDHI-SIDDHI ANd GANPATI ARE also there.One well is the area of this mandir .DHARMSALA is also established by BHAKTAS. This mandir is the center of ASTHA. Shajapur is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearby airports are at Indore and Bhopal, Devi Ahilya Airport Indore is 110 Kms and Raja Bhoj Airport Bhopal is around 160 Kms. Shajapur railway station is district head quarter railway station of Shajapur district under the Western Railway zone. Shajapur district head quarter also connected with near by railway stations Berchha and Maksi. Shajapur is located on Agra– Bombay National highway (NH-3). Laxmi Nagar, Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh 465001
This is one of the famous mandir in INDIA. This mandirs area is equal to the half the area of maksi Mandirs of the panth DIGAMBER-SHWETAMBER as well as VAISHANAVI DEVI are in maksi.In main mandir there is murti of PARSHAVNATH BHAGWAN There are two panths of jain community namely SHWETAMBAR AND DIGAMBAR Jain teerth place is about 2000 years old. All the walls of the mandir are wet .It is siad that in the area of this mandir theft is impossible. Nearest airport is Indore’s Devi Ahilya Airport which around is 110 Kms. Nearest Railway Station is Maksi. Maksi is located on Agra– Bombay National highway (NH-3).
A holy place that is famous for whole state is another location for travelers. This temple is having huge religious values for local people. You might face some heavy crowd on weekends or religious holidays so plan your trip according to your comfort. You have to cover the distance of 19 km from town to reach temple. Local people have huge faith in Bhadwa Mata as they believe taking bath with well located in temple area gets cure from paralysis disease and Polio. Navaratri is the major festival of this temple when priest decorate Mata Idol with beautiful clothes and jewelries. The Nearest Airport for Bhadwa Mata Temple are Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok, Udaipur, Rajasthan 160 Kms, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Depalpur Road, Indore, 272 Kms. The Nearest Railway Stations to reach Bhadwamata Temple is Neemuch railway Station. It is 22 Kilometre far away from Bhadwamata Temple. By road Bhadwamata temple is 19 Kilometer far away from Neemuch.
The main attraction of Mandsaur is lord Pashpupatinath temple. Pashpupatinath is synonymous name of lord shiva. This artistic effigy is built-up smooth, glowingly dark coppery fiery rock-block. The temple is situated at the bank of Shivna river. Its weight is 4600 kg. Height 7.25 ft. in curvature and 11.25 ft. in straight. It has 8 heads they are divided in two part. First part in 4 heads on the top and second part in 4 head bottom. Top 4 heads are clear, refined and complete then 4 bottom heads are not refined. This temple have four doors in the four directions but entrance door is situated in the west. This effigy’s heads which is situated in the west are presenting fearful image of lord shiva. This heads make-up indicate three rasp (relish) which is in bun-shaped hair with poisonous snakes, emerging third eye and opened underlie. In the centre tangled hair are surrounding snakes that is acquainted annihilation omkar (veda mantras symbolizing God almighty) Nearest Airport Udaypur and Indore. Nearest Railway Statation Mandsaur,Shamgargh and ratlam. Temple is Distance from Bus Stop almost 3 k.m Pashupatinath Mandir Road, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh 458001
In ancient times, these ancient sculptures were immortal in the dense forest, slowly the people began to come here, the miracles of Mataji grew and people came here and today a grand temple has been built, which is still in the jungle. Gram Pacheti is situated nearby and there is a blessing of completion of coconut. The district’s large irrigation project in the west direction of the temple is the Tillar Dam Sthat, which is built in 1990. District headquarter, Agar, Pachetti Mata’s distance of 22 km Is there. There is a paved road for the tiller dam near the village Bagrakheda on Kanad Road, 2 km below the tiller dam. Pacheti village is situated, 1 km from the village Mother Rani is heritage in the forest in the east. The closest is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore airport, which is 156 km away. It is the busiest airport in Madhya Pradesh and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur and Jabalpur. Nearest Railway station Ujjain which is 98 km away.Ujjain is connected by rail to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore . Agar Malwa is well connected by road. You can come here by hiring a cab or catching a bus from Ujjain (98 km), Indore (156 km),Bhopal (184 km) , and Kota Rajsthan (225 km).
2 km east of Agar city At the distance is the ancient temple of Maa Tulja Bhavani situated in the natural cave. The distance of this temple from Kanad Road to south direction is 1 km. Is there. The closest is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore airport, which is 126 km away. It is the busiest airport in Madhya Pradesh and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur and Jabalpur. Nearest Railway station Ujjain which is 68 km away.Ujjain is connected by rail to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore . Agar Malwa is well connected by road. You can come here by hiring a cab or catching a bus from Ujjain (68 km), Indore (126 km),Bhopal (184 km) , and Kota Rajsthan (195 km). Agar, Madhya Pradesh 465441
Village on the Ujjain road of Agar district, on the Gundakalan road from village Tanodia, Gokul village is near village Raghogarh, village Sunaria, about 1 km west of this village. This is the famous temple in the middle of the small blacksmith, it is believed that Pandavas had established Lord Someshwar during the unknown. It is about 25 km away from Agar. The closest is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore airport, which is 156 km away. It is the busiest airport in Madhya Pradesh and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur and Jabalpur. Nearest Railway station Ujjain which is 98 km away.Ujjain is connected by rail to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore . Agar Malwa is well connected by road. You can come here by hiring a cab or catching a bus from Ujjain (98 km), Indore (156 km),Bhopal (214 km) , and Kota Rajsthan (225 km). Bet Kheda, Madhya Pradesh 465441
In Madhya Pradesh, this temple is situated on the banks of the river Lakhundar in Nalkheda, Tehsil of Agar district of the Trishakti Mata Baglakumi. Dwapar Yugin This temple is very strange. Here the Shaivas and Shakta Margi saints and saints from all over the country come to Tantric rituals.In this temple, besides Mata Baglakumati, Mata Lakshmi, Krishna, Hanuman, Bhairav and Saraswati are also present. This temple was established by Maharaja Yudhishthira on the instruction of Lord Krishna to win Mahabharata. It is also recognized that the heretical image is self-contained here. The closest is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore airport, which is 156 km away. It is the busiest airport in Madhya Pradesh and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur and Jabalpur. Nearest Railway station Ujjain which is 98 km away.Ujjain is connected by rail to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore . Agar Malwa is well connected by road. You can come here by hiring a cab or catching a bus from Ujjain (98 km), Indore (156 km),Bhopal (182 km) , and Kota Rajsthan (191 km).
Baijnath Mahadev Temple is located on the Susner Road (Ujjain-Kota Road National Highway 27) of the district Agar-Malwa. Baijnath Mahadev Temple is one of the major tourist and religious places of the district Agar-Malwa. This is the only temple of India which was built by the British. The temple is situated on the banks of River Banganga, its construction started in 1528 and it was completed in 1536. The height of the temple peak is about 50 feet. The closest is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore airport, which is 126 km away. It is the busiest airport in Madhya Pradesh and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur and Jabalpur. Nearest Railway station Ujjain which is 68 km away.Ujjain is connected by rail to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore . Agar Malwa is well connected by road. You can come here by hiring a cab or catching a bus from Ujjain (68 km), Indore (126 km),Bhopal (184 km) , and Kota Rajsthan (195 km).
There is Kewada Swami Bhairavnath Temple near the official Animal Breeding Farm Agar on the famous Motasagar Talab of Agar, the idol here is unique and lies in the trunk of a huge tree. It is believed that Bhairav Maharaj used to disturb people in the form of hair, the devotees had stopped through the mechanism by planting the tree, since then the tree is planted for the purpose of this tree. This is Kevada flower garden. It is believed that this idol was established in 1424 by Lord Raghau Dev of Gujarat. Here travelers come from distant places. The closest is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Indore airport, which is 126 km away. It is the busiest airport in Madhya Pradesh and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur and Jabalpur. Nearest Railway station Ujjain which is 68 km away.Ujjain is connected by rail to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore . Agar Malwa is well connected by road. You can come here by hiring a cab or catching a bus from Ujjain (68 km), Indore (126 km),Bhopal (184 km) , and Kota Rajsthan (195 km). Agar, Madhya Pradesh 465441
Amarkantak, a small village is situated in mountain range of Vindhya and Satpura hills from where the river Narmada originates from the hill which is shaped like mouth of a cow.It is said that it was the place of meditation for great saints like Maikaal, Vyas and the sages like Brighu etc.There is no concrete evidence about the construction of Narmada Mandir here, historical evidences shows that it was built by Kadchuli around twelfth century. Narmada Udgam Kund (birth place of Narmada) was built by Rewa Nayak (his idol gives the clue). After so many years,Bhonsle, the king of Nagpur gave the shape to Narmada Mandir, later Maharani Devi Ahilya renovated this temple .A mega complex of temples with idols of gods and goddesses is built around the temple.Idol of a elephant and a horse is placed here on which ,statues of Lakhan and Uddal are placed which are supposed to be damaged during the Aurangjeb period. The nearest airport is Dumna Jabalpur (Jabalpur Airport) in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (240 km) which has daily flight service to Delhi and Mumbai. One can easily get taxi from Jabalpur to Amarkantak. The nearest railway stations are Pendra Road (Chhattisgarh) and Anuppur 43 km and 75 km. One can easily get taxi from Pendra Road (Chhattisgarh) and Anuppur. Amarkantak is very well connected by roads.
The most prominent feature of this temple is the huge sculpture with 4 heads at the entrance. The heads represent the faces of Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati, Kali&Bhuvaneshwari. Beneath them are finely sculpted figures of 64 yoginis along with the sculptures of Lord Ganesha&Kartik. The temple itself is built as a 3D projection of the Sri Yantra / Sri Chakra which forms the core of the Sri Vidya worship in Hinduism. This branch worships the divine power of the Goddess Tripura Sundari or the Empress beauty of the Three Worlds. In essence it is the geometric representation of the concept of Shakti. The nearest airport is Dumna Jabalpur (Jabalpur Airport) in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (240 km) which has daily flight service to Delhi and Mumbai. One can easily get taxi from Jabalpur to Amarkantak. The nearest railway stations are Pendra Road (Chhattisgarh) and Anuppur 43 km and 75 km. One can easily get taxi from Pendra Road (Chhattisgarh) and Anuppur. Amarkantak is very well connected by roads.
In Sri Sarvodaya Digambar Jain Temple, A wonderful, beautiful, huge, huge, weighing in the world 24 ton Ashtadhatu statue of the first Tirthankara Param Aradhya 1008 Lord Adinath lotus-crowned (total weight 52 tons) of 28 tons of Ashtadhatu has been established. This temple is golden in the nation and in the world. This Statue were established by Gyanwaridhi Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagarji Mahamuniraj and Sanghang in the auspicious time of Thursday, November 6, 2006, in the presence of 44 Nirganth munificas. Magnificent artifacts, such as the construction of the temple, are being done using lime and preserved stones. Iron, cement are not being used at all in the construction of this temple. The nearest airport is Dumna Jabalpur (Jabalpur Airport) in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (240 km) which has daily flight service to Delhi and Mumbai. One can easily get taxi from Jabalpur to Amarkantak. The nearest railway stations are Pendra Road (Chhattisgarh) and Anuppur 43 km and 75 km. One can easily get taxi from Pendra Road (Chhattisgarh) and Anuppur. Amarkantak is very well connected by roads.
A important village situated 5 Km. south of Tikamgarh town on the bank of the Jamdar river. This place is famous for kundadev Mahadev temple. It is believed that Shiv Linga has emerged from Kunda.In the south of it there is beautiful picnic spot known as ‘Barighar’ and a beautiful waterfall known as ‘Usha Water Fall’.The village possesses Achreological Museum and Vinobha Sansthan. Maharaja Birsingh deo established the Keshva Sahitya Sansthan which was partonized by Pandit Banarsidas Chaturvedi and Yaspal Jain during their stay at Kundeshwar. Nearest Airport is at Khajuraho district Chhatarpur. Nearest Railway Stations are Tikamgarh and Lalitpur Railway station. 6 KM from Tikamgarh City frequent Public Transport is Available.
A village situated 10 miles from Rehli and 21 miles from Sagar on Sagar Rehli Road on the bank of the Dahar river. It was site of an engagement between Chatrasak Bundela and Khaliq, the Mugal Fauzdar of Damoni. On the adjoining Hill stands a temple of Harsiddi Devi in whose honour fairs are held in the months of Asvina and Chaitra.The Chaitra fair is an important one and large number of people visit the temple. The image of the goddess is held in great veneration and people believe that she changes her form thrice every day , as a child at dawn, a young girl at mid day and a old women in the evening. A government rest house of forest department is located here. Nearest Airport Jabalpur 180 KM and Bhopal 200 KM Nearest railway station is Saugor about 35 KM On Rehli Road Sagar, Rangir, Madhya Pradesh 470223
It is also called old Sagar,was the capital of the Dangi Kingdom. It is situated six miles north of Sagar Jhansi road. Gadphara still has some historical remains. The fort build on a low range of hills, is approached by a steep road leading to bastion, a rough gateway and a white washed temple on a platform. There are remains of a summer residence called a Shish Mahal or Glass palace of the Dangi Rular. It is a square building very much like a Muslim tomb consisting of two stores, each room having a veranda all around. The glassed tiles of various colors are fixed alternatively in the panel of the battlement and in the ribbing of the domes. It is attributed to Raja Jaisingh who is supposed to have live about 200 years ago. In the neighbour hood is a tomb which is treated as an object of worship.Below the hill toward the north is small lake called Motital. Nearest Airport is Jabalpur 180 km. Bhopal 200 km Nearest railway station is Saugor(Sagar) 15 KM distance from City
Mahamati Prannathji temple is an important pilgrimage of Pranamis and attracts number of devotees during Sharada Purnima. It is believed that Mahamati Prannathji lived at the site for 11 years after which he took samadhi inside one of the domes of this temple. The temple was built in 1692 and has Muslim and Hindu architectural styles in its domes and lotus formations. The temple is divided into six parts namely Shri Gummatji, Shri Bangalaji, Shri Sadguru Mandir, Shri Baijurajji Mandir, Shri Chopada Mandir and Shri Khijada Mandir. The prime attraction of this pilgrimage site is Shri Gummatji, which is a circular building with nine marble domes. . Eight of these domes represent the eight directions and central dome has a divine golden Kalasha on which a hand Paw is situated which represents 5 powers of Mahamati. Apart from this, Kamani Darwaza is a famous temple gate, which is constructed by using silver metal.
Jugal Kishore Ji Temple was built by Raja Hindupat Singh, the fourth Bundela King of Panna, during his reign from 1758 to 1778. According to the legends, the idol placed in the garbha griha of this temple has been brought from Brindavana through Orcha. The ornaments and attire of the lord reflect the Bundelkhandi style. The temple has all the architectural features of Bundela temples including a nat mandapa, bhog mandapa and a pradakshna path.
The Baldevji Temple has been inspired by a Roman architecture and has a gothic feel to it. The temple consists of a large hall called Maha Mandapa with massive pillars and is built on a raised platform so that one may obtain darshan even from outside the main gate.The attractive image of Shri Baldevji is constructed in black shaligrami stone. Baldevji temple is one of the finest structures in the area and represents the heights that Panna architecture has reached. Katra Mohalla, Panna, Madhya Pradesh 488001
Goddess Sharada is also called Saraswati. She is the Goddess of learning. She provides intelligence, mind, wisdom and logic. She helps to fulfill one’s desire in life by the dint of her power of knowledge.The Holy Maa Sharda Temple is situated in Village Maihar of Satna District in Madhya Pradesh. The place is well connected by road and train route. The approximate distance from Satna district headquarter is 40 Kms. The temple is situated on the Trikut mountain at a height of 600 ft from ground level. To reach the shrine one has to climb 1001 stairs. The temple is managed by Maa Sharda Prabhand Samiti. The committee, headed by district collector, has done significant work to enable better facilities to pilgrims and devotees visiting the temple from all over the country. Road route is constructed on the mountain so that the vehicle can be taken upto the hill top. Nearest airport to reach Maihar is Jabalpur, Khajuraho and Allahabad. From these airports you can easily reach to Maihar by train, bus or taxi. Jabalpur to Maihar distance aprox. 150 KM. Khajuraho to Maihar distance aprox. 130 KM. Allahabad to Maihar distance aprox. 200 KM. Normally all trains do not have stop at Maihar station but during Navratri festivals most of the trains stop at Maihar. Nearest railway station junction for all trains stoppage – Satna Station distance from Maihar Station aprox 36 KM. Katni Station distance from Maihar Station aprox 55 KM. Jabalpur Station distance from Maihar Station aprox 150 KM. Maihar city is well connected by road with National highway 7. You can easily get regular buses to Maihar city from nearest major cities.
Chitrakoot incorporates very many places of religious and pauranic importance,visited both by devotees and sight-seers.From the administrative view point, some of these places are situated in Uttar Pradesh and others in Madhya Pradesh. As all these places are popularly associated with religious feelings of the people and a large number of pilgrims visit these sites. It is well connected by train as well as by road. The nearest airport is at Khajuraho Airport. There are 3 railway station connected: 1. Chitrakoot Dham (Karbi Uttar Pradesh): Chitrakoot Karbi is at a distance of 10 kms. away from Chitrakoot Dham railway station. It can be reached by bus, taxi or any other means of road transport. 2. Maghjawan MP Railway station- Chitrakoot is at a distance of 34 km. from Maghjawan Tehsil Main Office which can be reached by bus. 3. Satna MP Railway station – Satna is main railway station from which chitrakoot is 78 kms. and can be reached bus, personal taxi means are readily available. The distance from Satna district headquarter is 78 Km. Approx.
Lord Shiva Temple at Birsinghpur is also a famous and old temple in the region. It is around 35 km north of Satna. The idol of the Shiva temples is very beautiful. Peoples come to this temples with great faith. A special arti is organized in the temples on every Sunday. A big fair is also held here on the day of the mahashivratri. The nearest airport is at Khajuraho Airport. The main railhead is Satna Railway Station from which Birsinghpur can be reached by bus, taxi and auto richshaw. Tourists can avail of auto rickshaws and taxi from Satna to Birsinghpur (40 kms) via Jaitwara Road.
Venktesh Temple is situated at Muktarganj, Satna. This ancient temple should be viewed by every tourist who visit Satna. The nearest airport is at Khajuraho Airport which is 113 kms or 70.2 miles or 61 nautical miles. It takes 2 hours, 15 minutes to travel by road The nearest railhead is at Satna Tourists can avail of auto rickshaws and taxi from Satna to Venkatesh Temple Mukhtiyarganj, Satna, Madhya Pradesh 485001
Chakraview structure built inside Shiv Temple, located at Charua village. Charuva was located on the old highway between Delhi and Burhanpur, because of its commercial and strategic importance. According to historians, a inscription of the Mohali script available in four Babari shows that this village was formerly known as Chanarwa, which was later known as Charuva. The Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple built in the 10-11th century AD in village Haripura Mala near Charuva is the center of great faith in Nimad and Bhunaa region. Nearest Airport is Indore 170 km Nearest Railway Station is Khirkiya 10 km On Charua village road
Charuva – Located on the old highway between Delhi and Burhanpur, was important because of commercial and strategic location. According to historians, a inscription of the Mohali script available in four Babari shows that this village was formerly known as Chanarwa, which was later known as Charuva. The Gupteeshwar Mahadev Temple built in the 10-11th century AD in village Haripura Mala near Charuva is the center of great faith in Nimad and Bhuhana region 170 Kms from Indore Airport & 200 Kms from Bhopal Airport 40 Kms from Harda Railway station and 180 Kms from Bhopal Railway station On Harda-Khirkiya Road Harda, Madhya Pradesh 461331
The Riddnath Temple of Handia and Sidhnath Temple of Nemavar are famous for artistic beauty and Vastu Shastra. The Handia-based Riddnath Mahadev Temple is very ancient Shiv Mandir and is declared protected by the state government. Temple is 21 km from Harda district headquarters on Indore road. This temple is situated on the banks of river Narmada in village Handia. It is believed that this temple was built by Kuber himself. 170 Kms from Indore Airport & 200 Kms from Bhopal Airport 21 Kms from Harda Railway station and 165 Kms from Bhopal Railway station On Harda-Indore Road
Balaji Puram is famous for Lord Balaji’s huge temple.This place comes under Betul Bazar Nagar Panchayat. The District Headquarters is located on National Highway 69, only 7 kilometers from Betul. Its fame is spreading day by day. This is the reason why you are going to visit it in any season, it is being imposing the devotees. The picture is also made along with the temple. In which various events related to the life of Lord Rama have been displayed. Statues are made as if they were to be spoken. Apart from this, there is a temple of Vaishnava Devi. To go there you have to go through the cave centers. Artificial waterfall is also very beautiful. Artificial Mandakini river has also been built. You can also enjoy the joy of Nava Vihar. Every year on Vasant Panchami a big fair is organized here. It is making its identity as the fifth dham in the whole of India. Nearest Air Port Nagpur and Bhopal Nearest railway station Betul 7 kilometers from Betu National Highway 19B, Balajipuram, Betul Bazar, Madhya Pradesh 460004
Dada Maharaj’s temple built on NH 26, about 6 km from the city, is the center of faith.Here a large number of people come from far and wide to see philosophy and charity.On Saturday, due to the special significance of the philosophy, the fair of the devotees gets to see. The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (IATA: JLR, ICAO: VAJB), also known as Dumna Airport. It is around 120 KM from Narsinghpur. Narsinghpur railway station is in the Western Central Railway zone. Its Railway code is NU. It is 161 KM from Itarsi junction (DN side) and 84 KM from Jabalpur junction (UP side). 5 KM from the Narsinghpur Railway Station. Madhya Pradesh 487001
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Vankhandeshwar Temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in India, as it is believed that it was built by Prithviraj Chauhan in 1175 AD. There is a flame, known as ‘akhand jyoti’ or ‘eternal flame’ which is believed to have been burning since ages. Every Monday, there is a ‘maha aarti’ at the temple and a big fair is held here every year during the Mahashivaratri festival. Nearest Airport is Gwalior, which is nearly 75 km from Bhind Nearest Railway station is Bhind railway station. The temple is situated at Bhind HQ itself. One can reach Bhind bus stand which is nearly 75 km and 40 km far from Gwalior and Etawah respectively. From bus stand to temple, a number of three wheeler or private vehicles are easily available at nominal fare.
The Chausath Yogini temple is in Mitaoli village (also spelled Mitawali or Mitavali), near Padaoli in Morena district 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Gwalior.According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (r. c. 1055 – 1075). It is said that the temple was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the temple an ancient and historical monument under Act No. LXXI of 1951, dt.28/11/1951. The Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, Standing atop an isolated hill of about hundred feet high, this circular temple commands a splendid view of the cultivated fields below. This temple is so named because of the presence of multitude of shivalingas inside its cells. This circular temple is one among the very few such temples in India. This is a yogini temple dedicated to sixty-four yoginis. Nearest airport from Mitawali is Gwalior Airport which is situated around 30 KMs Distance from Airports Gwalior Airport 30 KMs. Jhansi Airport 123.9 KMs Gohad Road railway station is the nearest railway station from Mitawali. The distance from Mitawali to Gohad Road railway station is around 18 kilometer. The nearest railway station and its distance from Mitawali are follows. Gohad Road railway station 18 KM. Malanpur railway station 20.0 KM. Morena railway station 279 KM. Mitawali is connected by bus service from Morena and Gwalior. It is about 25 Kms from Morena and 55 Kms from Gwalior Mitaoli, Madhya Pradesh 476444
Udaipur is a small place today, in the district of Vidisha. It is famous for the Neelkantheswar Temple. A temple built by the Paramara king Udayaditya. He was the son of the great king Bhoja (1010-1050 AD). In central India, it is difficult to see precisely dated temples. But the Udayeshwar temple is one of the few, which has a precise date. Two inscriptions engraved on the temple record the construction of temple during Paramara king Udayaditya between 1059 to 1080. Vidisha is situated at the middle of Madhya Pradesh and it is very near Capital of Bhopal , Vidisha is approachable from either side by road and rail links. Bhopal (65 Kms) is the nearest airport, which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai ,Hyderabad and Udaipur .The taxi-ride takes about 1-2 hours to reach Bhopal from Vidisha. Vidisha Railway Station is situated on main Railway Track Delhi to Mumbai and Delhi to Hyderabad . up and down train passing from Vidisha. Basoda is Railway Station and Udiipur vilage 25 k .m from Basoda Vidisha is situated at the middle of Madhya Pradesh and it is very near Capital of Bhopal , Vidisha is approachable from either side by road and rail links. Bhopal (65 Kms) is the nearest airport, which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai ,Hyderabad and Udaipur .The taxi-ride takes about 1-2 hours to reach Bhopal from Vidisha basoda is 45 and Udaipur from Basoda is 25 k .m Udaipur, Madhya Pradesh 464221
Sidhha Ganesha Mandir is established in the village Gopalpur in the N-west direction,back to Vikramaditya of Ujjain and renovated by Baji Rao the Maratha Peshwa. Each wednesday, large number of devotees throng here. Ganesha Chaturthi festival is also popular here. 35 Km from Raja Bhoj Air Port Bhopal, on Indore-Bhopal State Highway Sehore railway station lies on the Ujjain-Bhopal Branch Line. There are regular trains for Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Nagpur, Jammu, Puri and other major cities. 35 KM from Bhopal, On Indore-Bhopal State Highway.
Salkanpur Durga Temple This sacred siddhpeeth of Vindhyavasni Beejasan devi (one of the incarnation of the “Hindu”goddess “Durga” is on an 800 foot high hillrock, in the village Salkanpur near Rehti village,70 km from Bhopal.The deity, Ma Durga Beejasan is held in high esteem by her followers & local. Thousands of people visit this place everyday climbing more than 1000 steps. Every year a grand fair isheld in salkanpur during Navratris. It is very old Temple but at present temple renovate bySalkanpur Trust.The deity, Ma Durga Beejasan is held in high esteem by her followers. 70 Km from Raja Bhoj Air Port Bhopal, on Bhopal – Nasrullaganj Road. 15 Kms from Budni Railway Station. 70 Km from Bhopal, on Bhopal – Nasrullaganj Road.
The Kachnar City is well known for the tourist attraction and religious destination for the locals and the people from abroad because of the tallest statue of Lord Shiva which was build in the year 2004 and was made available for the public, tourists and the devotees from 15 February 2006.The statue measured around 76 feet tall equivalent to 23 meters, build under the open-sky on the cavern which has the replicas of the lingam (Shiva Lingam) called the “Jyotirlinga”. There is about 12 Jyotirlinga in the caverns on which the Lord Shiva’s idol is built. These 12 Lingam has been collected from various shrines of Lord Shiva throughout the country Nearest Airport is in Jabalpur called as Dumna Airport which is just 20 KMs away. Jabalpur is well connected from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal and Indore through air route. Nearest Railway station is Jabalpur Railway Station. It is an important station of West Central Railway. The DRM and General Manager Office is situated at Jabalpur. Jabalpur is well connected from vaious major cities of the country through Rail route. Jabalpur is well connected through Road network. National Highway-7 passes through jabalpur. E 19, Yashwar Nagar, Kanchan Vihar, Vijay Nagar, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482002
Birla Mandir is situated at the highest point of Bhopal, atop area Hills dedicated to goddess Lakshmi. Birla Mandir not only provides a spiritual experience but also a panoramic view of the breath taking picturesque city of Bhopal. It is a place where one can have an overview of the entire Bhopal city. Apart from Lakshmi and her husband Vishnu, this temple also houses a beautiful shrine of Lord Shiva, with his wife Parvathi. The serene atmosphere of this magnificient shrine gives spiritual solace to the devotees. The temple has a museum attached to it where there is a rich collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. The collection dates back to the 12th century era of the Paramaras when art and culture flourished in the state. The sandy-yellowish temple has an old-worldly charm about it, with a huge turret on one side of the building. You enter the temple through a magnificent archway, and the sprawling lawns that surround the complex lend it a picturesque appeal. the sprawling lawns that surround the complex lend it a picturesque appeal.Birla Mandir in Bhopal is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. Apart from being a tourist attraction, it is a popular religious spot for the locals and the outsiders as well. Being such a known attraction, how to reach Birla Mandir is not a question to worry. The approximate distance between Bhopal Railway Station and Birla Mandir is 11 kilometres which takes around half an hour to reach via car/cab/taxi. Regular buses also operate within Bhopal from the railway station and various bus stations which help pilgrims and tourists to reach Birla Mandir Bhopal. Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011 090396 33192
The Sai Baba temple of Bhopal is one of the most peaceful religious sites in the city. People all over India admire this temple because of its calm environment. The surrounding environment is so calm, that one can literally meditate in the temple. It is well connected by public transportation from airport and bus station Shahjanabad Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
This temple is located in a place called Dahod in Bhopal and is one of the most beautiful temples in Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to the worship of the Thirthankara. The temple is known for its serene location and beautiful construction. It is well connected by public transportation from airport and bus station NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001
When it comes to the top religious sites in Bhopal, one cannot simply forget the Bhojpur Temple. This is one of the most historically significant temples of Bhopal and of India as well. The temple is made of rocks and the lingam in this temple is more than 15 feet. The Bhojpur Temple site is also a popular picnic spot. On every Maha Shivratrti, a huge fair is organized by the temple committee and the local people. Approximately 28 KM from the Bhopal airport Bhojpur Road, Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh 464551
In the late 19’s a temple dedicated to Sri Kanchi was established. In this temple, Lord Karthikeya is worshiped. The temple gets over a thousand devoted worshipers every day.It is located about 10 Kms from the Bhopal bus stand and is located on a small hillock. It was established in the year 1978 by the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Approximately 10 KM from Bhopal Bus station and 20 Km from Raja bhoj airport Slum Area, Arera Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462039 0435 245 4421
This is one of the oldest temples in the country dedicated to Lord Rama. It was built in the 19th century, over 150 years ago. The temple also displays idols of Goddess Sita, Lord Laxman, etc. The Do-Gyaras festival is held in this temple which is the focal point of Khalapura’s attraction. Approximately 14 Km from Bhopal airport Khatla Pura, Lower Lake, Jahangirabad, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462008
Situated on the top of a hill, the Manua Bhan Ki Teri is one of the most visited pilgrimages in the country. The temple is mainly famous for its architecture and rich historical significance. On every Kartik Purnima, a big fair is held in this region which is further attended by tons of people.There is a rope way to reach the temple from where you can enjoy a scenic view. 14 Minute Drive from Bhopal airport Sun City, Lalghati, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462038
This temple was established by Sant Narayan Dasji Mahara. The temple was initially established inside a rock cave, and for this reason, this worship site dedicated to Lord Shiva is called Gufa Mandir or Temple. In the complex, there is another temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which is one of the reasons behind all the fuss about the Gufa Mandir. The Hanuman Mandir is considered as the prime source of this temple’s appeal. 7.9 KM from Bhopal airport and 13 Km from Railway station Neori Mandir Rd, BDA Colony, Nayapura, Idgah Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001
Sati Anusuya Temple is one of the most serene temples in Madhya Pradesh where it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita visited Sati Anasuya to live and meditate. The temple is one of the best destinations to take a respite from the mundane activities of the city and enjoy the serene surroundings of Sati Anasuya Temple. It is believed that when Chitrakoot didn’t receive rainfall for many years, it was Sati Anusuya who prayed and brought the river Mandakini down to the earth. There is no complication to reach Chitrakoot. The nearest airport is Khajuraho at about 180 km. There are number of buses from all the major towns of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The nearest railway station is at Chitrakoot Dham Karvi. Kashavgarh, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh 485334
Perched on the top of Bhairav Hills by the banks of River Shipra, Bhairav Parvat is a famous temple in Madhya Pradesh. Also called Gadkalika by the locals, the temple boasts of unique architecture with gorgeous stone inscriptions. The Shakti Peeth is believed to be the place where Ma Sati’s elbow fell after Lord Shiva cut the burnt corpse by Sudarshan Chakra into 52 pieces. The goddess is revered as Avanti in this temple and always adorned with red which is considered as a sacred color for married women. 096116 64411
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Shri Dwarkadhish Gopal Mandir in Ujjain is a wonderful example of Maratha architecture. With two feet tall statue of Lord Krishna dressed in silver, this temple speaks of grandeur blending perfectly the ethnic and modern architecture. The inner sanctum of the temple is adorned by the silver-plated door which was taken away by Mahmud Ghazni but later recovered by Mahadji Scindia. The excellent marble-spired temple offers a great visit if you are interested in history and appreciate architectural creativity. Gopal Mandir was constructed in 1844 by Bayajibai Scindia, the wife of Maharajah Daulat Rao Scindia. It is a marble-crowned structure which is an excellent example of Maratha architecture. The temple has silver-plated doors. In 1026 A.D Mahmud of Ghazni had taken these doors from the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat and carried them to Ghazni in Afghanistan. Later on Mahmud Shah Abdali, the Afghan invader, took the gates to Lahore and from there Mahadji Scindia finally recovered these silver doors. By Air: The nearest airport is located in Indore at a distance of 62 km. By Train: The nearest railway head is Pingleshwar Railway station which is 14 km away from the temple. By Road: Ujjain is well connected by roads with rest of the major cities of Madhya Pradesh. Gopal Mandir can be reached by city bus and cabs. Patni Bazar, Kartik Chowk, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006
With goddess Durga as the presiding deity, Bijasan Mata Temple is one of the renowned temples perched atop an 800 ft high hillock. The temple is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga and known for the most extravagant Navratri Mela which takes place twice in a year. The sacred shrine boasts of remarkable architecture and offers some picturesque views from the hill. Bijasan Mata Temple, Salkanpur, Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh.
One of the popular 51 Shakti Peeths, Kalmadhav is known to be more than 6000-year-old and believed to be founded by Suryavanshi Samarat. The ancient temple boasts of fine ponds and kunds with the temple built of white rock. Located on banks of Shon river, Kalmadhav is believed to be the place where Sati’s right hips fell after her self-immolation. The temple attracts the most devotees during the festival of Navratri when one can witness many special rituals performed at the temple. Amarkantak is a tiny town and does not have a railway station or an airport of it own. The closest train station is Jabalpur, and the nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport situated at a distance of around 200 km away. The time taken to travel from Jabalpur to Amarkantakis approximately 4 hours. Kalmadhav, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh.
Paying respect to Goddess Kalika, this temple is one of the most visited places of spiritual interest in Madhya Pradesh. There is the idol of Kalika Mata that is considered to be the most astounding feature of this temple and one experiences the transformation of energy or ‘shakti’ into your soul as you stand in front of the idol. Kalika Mata Mandir in Ratlam is a wonderful place to take your loved ones and enjoy the overwhelming spiritual ambiance of the place. Anand Colony, Shastri Nagar, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh 457001
Known for its six feet tall Shiva linga, Gauri Somnath Mandir is one of the most visited temples in Madhya Pradesh. There is a popular legend which says that one can see the figure of his next life in the Shiva linga here which is assumed to have predictive qualities. Shaped in the form of a star, the temple also has a statue of Nandi outside the sanctum sanctorum and an idol of Goddess Parvati behind the linga. Omkareshwar Mandir Road, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh.
Offering an enthralling sight of the city of Bhopal, Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the popular Madhya Pradesh temples dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. Encompasses by sprawling green lawns, Lakshmi Narayana Temple is known for its beautiful sculptures that date back to the 12th century. Laxmi Narayan Temple has the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Narayana, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and enthralls tourists with its architectural splendor. Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Exuding the legacy of ancient dynasties that reigned over Jabalpur, Chausath Yogini Temple is one of the oldest temples. It was built in the 10th century by the rulers of the Kalchuri Dynasty and dedicated to Goddess Durga along with 64 yoginis. Standing through the vagaries of time, Chausath Yogini Temple has witnessed Mughal invasions when it was damaged partially but still considered to be an impressive sight to behold for the tourists. It is a circular temple built by Yuvaraj II of the Kalchuri dynasty. It comprises 81 yogini shrines instead of 64. Maa Narmada’s presence makes it adorable.Vigras survived jihadi attacks here too. The Chausath Yogini Temple is located in the Bhedaghat Nagar area, around 25 km from the main city of Jabalpur and can be reached using the public bus, local cabs or on your own or hired vehicle. The nearest airport is at Jabalpur. Bheda Ghat, Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh 483053
Parsvanath Temple is a famous 10th-century Jain temple that is renowned for the artistic brilliance of Chandela period. It is one of the biggest temples in the Khajuraho complex with the statue of Lord Parsvanath that was installed here in the year 1860. Depicting everyday activities, the carvings on the walls of Parsvanath Temple are considered to be among the finest portrayal of simple events of life in the whole temple complex of Khajuraho.
One of the most interesting temples in Chitrakoot is the Bharat Milap Mandir which is located along the Parikrama of Kamadgiri. The place where the temple is built is believed to the place where Lord Rama met with his brothers during his period of exile in the Ramayana. It is accepted that Lord Rama’s brother Bharat with his army and royal family stayed outdoors here. Some of the astounding sights which you can look forward to at Bharat Milap Mandir is the footprints of Lord Rama and his family. Kamta Mohalla, Sitapur, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh 210204
Known to be one of the popular shrines in Ujjain which is a major Shaktipeeth, Harsiddhi Temple was built during the reign of Marathas. The temple’s main deity is Harsiddhi Mata whose idol is painted in dark red colour and stands between the idols of Mahasaraswati and Mahalaxmi. The temple is famous for the presence of Shree Yantra that is symbolic of the nine forms of Durga and two imposing stambhs that are lighted with hundreds of lamps during the festival of Navratri making it an impressive sight to behold. Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
One of the most popular Madhya Pradesh temples, Omkareshwar Temple is a famous shrine that is considered among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located on a Mandhata Island which lies in Narmada river that is known to be shaped in the form of Hindu symbol ‘Om’. It is one of the most sacred places in for Hindus in Madhya Pradesh and associated with many legends and history that will invite your curiosity for the temple. The temple is a must-visit not only if you are spiritually inclined but also if you want to appreciate the scenic beauty of River Narmada and the island where this temple is located. The airports closest to Omkareshwar are Indore (77km) and Ujjain (133km). The nearest railway station is 12 km away, but it is not on the mainline and is not connected to the major cities. The nearest major railway station is Indore (77 km). You can also board a bus from Ujjain, Indore or Khandwa. Ward No 11, 12, Khandwa – Indore Road, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh 450554
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Chaturbhuj Temple was built by Raja Madhukar during the years 1558 to 1573. The temple is named Chaturbhuj which literally translates to ‘one who has four arms’ referring to Lord Rama. The temple boasts of ornate decorations with religious symbols on the walls which are wonderful to witness. Denoting striking similarities to the Kushal Mahal in Chanderi, Chaturbhuj Temple is astounding as it doesn’t have any erotic carvings for which the Khajuraho temples are known for. The temple is also called Jatakari Temple and known for its intricate architecture. It is easy to reach Chaturbhuj Temple once in Ochha with the help of local transport.the Chaturbhuj templeis located opposite the Raja Mahal.One has to climb a steep flight of stairs to reach the Chaturbhuj Temple,Orchha . Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh 472246
Famous for its wonderful architecture, Javari Temple is one of the notable shrines in the Eastern Group of Khajuraho temples. It is a belief that this temple is named after Javari who has owned the land on which the temple is constructed. The beautiful Temple is known for its immaculate design and carvings that reflects the architectural brilliance of a bygone era. With various sculptures adorning its walls, Javari Temple is one of the finest examples of ancient architecture. Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Boasting of impressive architectural beauty, Lakshmana Temple is made in respect of the Hindu God Vishnu. It was built by the Chandela Kings and known to be among the largest temples in the western wing of Khajuraho complex. The temple catches the fancy of every traveller with its gorgeous exhibit of images of more than 600 gods on the exterior wall. Lakshmana Temple boasts of a fine architectural plan with an entrance porch, a mandapa, antral, maha mandapa and garbha griha. The wonderful temple is also a delightful visit for photography lovers. Rajnagar Rd, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Considered as one of the most exquisite Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, Adinath Temple is dedicated to the Tirthankar Adinath who is believed to have founded the religion of Jainism. The temple is known for having mind-blowing carvings of Yakshis on its three bands of sculptures. The 11th-century temple depicts similarities to Khajuraho’s Hindu temples and is a must visit if you are fond of history and culture. The plan and design of the Adinatha temple is similar to that of the Vamana temple. There are only a few differences between the two temples. For example, the top row of the outer wall of the Adinatha temple depicts a flying vidyadhara, while that of the Vamana temple shows diamond-shaped decorations. The curvilinear tower of the Adinatha temple is of better proportions than that of the Vamana temple. This, combined with a somewhat more evolved sculptural style, suggests that the Adinatha temple was constructed after the Vamana temple. Eastern Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 471606
With Goddess of food, Annapurna is the main deity, Annapurna Temple is a famous pilgrimage site in Indore. The temple is decorated with elaborate carvings and boasts of some splendid architectural display. Annapurna Temple also has shrines dedicated to Sivan, Hanuman, and Kalabhairava. The revered shrine draws in a number of pilgrims every year and hailed as one of the must-visit tourist destinations in the city of Indore. Annapurna Mandir, Kranti Kriplani Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452009
Dedicated to Kal Bhairav who is also known as the guardian deity of the city of Ujjain, Kal Bhairav Temple is one of the most visited temples in Madhya Pradesh. With liquor as one of the main offerings, the temple houses the idol of Kal Bhairav who is considered to be the chief of Ashta Bhairava. The famous temple is also related with Tantra cult that was a secret religious sect who flourished on black magic. Jail Road, Bhairav Garh, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir is a popular religious tourist attraction in Ujjain and counted among the best temples in Madhya Pradesh. Hundreds of people from different parts of the country throng this temple every year. The most fascinating aspect of this temple is that apart from the spot, Ganesh Ka Mandir also serves as a place of learning astrology and Sanskrit. This is another reason why it draws in a large number of visitors. Perfect for those who are not just spiritually inclined, but also wants to learn the ancient language, Sanskrit and keen to practice astrology, a visit to this Madhya Pradesh Temple is a must. Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is situated at Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, India. The name Chaturbhuj is where ‘chatur’ meaning “four” and ‘bhuj’ meaning “arms” which literally translates to “one who has four arms” and refers to Rama an avatar of Vishnu. The temple has a complex multi-storied structural view which is a blend of temple, fort and palace architectural features. The temple was originally built to deify an image of Rama, as the chief deity, which however was installed in the Rama Raja Temple inside the Orchha Fort complex. At present an image of RadheyKrishan is worshiped in the temple. The Chaturbhuj temple has tall spires in the shape of pine cones built atop a high platform of 4.5 metres (15 ft) height. The overall height of the temple is 105 meters (344 ft) high and its layout is compared to that of a Basilica and planned to resemble the four arms of Vishnu for whom it was built. The imposing view of the temple is that of multi-storied palace with arcaded openings, a very large entrance, a large central tower and fortifications. The climb to the temple facade involves climbing steep and narrow steps numbering 67, each of about 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) height, forming a winding stairway. By Road: The temple present in Orccha. We can reach the Temple easily by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Maharashtra or from neighboring state. Maharashtra is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regulars bus services to Orccha. By road it is accessible from a diversion from the Jhansi-Khajuraho highway. By Rail: The nearest rail-head is Jhansi which is 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) away. By Air: Orccha is accessible by air from Gwalior airport which is 119 kilometres (74 mi) away; regular flights operate from Delhi and Bhopal.
Kakanmath Temple, Morena, Madhya Pradesh Kakanmaṭh is a ruined 11th century Shiva temple located at Sihoniya in Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built by the Kachchhapaghataruler Kirttiraja. Only a part of the original temple complex now survives. Some of the sculptures from the site are now located at Gwalior. The temple stands on an ornate base (pitha). The building includes a sanctum, a vestibule, and two halls (gudha-mandapa and mukha-mandapa). The sanctum has a circumambulatory path with three transepts. The gudha-mandapa has lateral transepts, and four clusters of pillars; each cluster contains four pillars. The vestibule has four pillars in a row, which are aligned with the four clusters of the gudha-mandapa. The shikhara (tower) of the shrine makes it around 30 m high. The steps at the entrance had two large lion statues, which are now located at the entrance of the Archaeological Museum, Gwalior. Many other sculptures have also been taken to Gwalior. The Kakanmath temple was commissioned by Kachchhapaghata ruler Kirttiraja (r. c. 1015-1035 CE).This can be inferred from a Kachchhapaghata inscription found at the Sas-Bahu Temple in Gwalior. The inscription states that Kirttiraja built an extraordinary temple devoted to Parvati’s lord (Shiva) at Siṁhapānīya (modern Sihoniya). According to a folk legend, the temple was named “Kakanmadh” after Kakanavati or Kakanade, who was the queen of one Surajpala. The historicity of this legend is doubtful. One possibility is that the name of the temple derives from the kanak (gold) and maṭha(shrine). Originally, the site had a temple complex, with a central temple surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. Only the ruins of the central temple stand now: its outer walls, balconies and a part of its spire have fallen. This damage probably happened during an earthquake.A Sanskrit-language pillar inscription dated 1[4]50 VS (1393-94 CE) records the renovation of the Mahadeva temple (that is, Kakanmath) by one Durgaprasada.A 1497 VS (1440-41 CE) pillar inscription records the visit of a pilgrim named Dekhana during the reign of Dungara (a Tomara ruler of Gwalior). It states that Dekhana was the son of Kakaka, and a resident of Nalapuragaḍha Official Address
Sasbahu Temple, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Sasbahu Temple, also called the Sas-Bahu Mandir, Sas-Bahu Temples, Sahastrabahu Temple or Harisadanam temple, is an 11th-century twin temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. Near the Gwalior Fort and dedicated to Vishnu in his Padmanabha form, like most Hindu and Jain temples in this region, it is mostly in ruins and was badly damaged from numerous invasions and Hindu-Muslim wars in the region. It was built in 1093 by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, according to an inscription found in the larger of the twin temple. The twin temples are situated in the Gwalior Fort. The temple’s tower and sanctum has been destroyed, but its architecture and damaged carvings can still be appreciated from the ruins. The jagati platform is 100 feet (30 m) long and 63 feet (19 m) wide, on a square plan.The temple was three-storeyed, which was one of its distinguishing features and sophistication. It followed a central cluster concept, states Adam Hardy. The surviving elements of the temple are the entrance porch and the mandapa. According to James Harle, though the prasada (tower, spire) no longer exists, the triple storey plan with a cruciform foundation and balconies suggests that it had a North Indian Bhumija style architecture. This style, states Harle, is marked by a well proportioned superstructure, its “regularly arranged little subordinate sikharas strung out like gigantic beaded garlands”. This temple mainly has three entrances from three different directions. In the fourth direction, there is a room which is currently closed. The entire temple is covered with carvings, notably 4 idols of Brahma, Vishnu and Saraswati above its entrance door. The pillar carvings show Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism related carvings. The larger temple ornamentation covers all the exterior walls and all surviving interior surfaces. The twin temple, like elsewhere in India, has locally been called Sasbahu temple. The word Sasbahu means “mother-in-law, bride” or “a mother with her daughter-in-law”, an association that implies their being together and interdependent. The Sas temple is typically the larger older temple of the twin. The Gwalior Sasbahu temple follows this style, but both temples are dedicated to Vishnu. Only the Sas temple has survived in some form, the Bahu temple is a shell structure of the original one storey with a highly ornate door frame and its defaced wall reliefs surviving.The remnants of the Bahu temple at Gwalior suggest that it may have been a smaller version of the Saas temple. The Sas temple has a square sanctum attached to a rectangular two storey antarala and a closed three storey mandapa with three entrances. The temple main entrance porch has four carved Ruchaka ghatapallava-style pillars that are load-bearing. The walls and lintels are intricately carved, though much defaced. On the lintel of the entrances, friezes of Krishna-leela scenes are carved inside, while the outer side narrate legends from other Hindu texts. Above the lintel is Garuda, the vanaha of Vishnu. The Bahu temple also has a square sanctum with 9.33 feet (2.84 m) side, with four central pillars. Its maha-mandapa is also a square with 23.33 feet (7.11 m) side, with twelve pillars.The temple, like most Malwa and Rajputana historic temples, provides multiple entrances to the devotee. The roof consists of two rotated squares that intersect to form an octagon capped by successive overlapping circles. The pillars have octagonal bases as well, with girls carved but these have been defaced and mutilated. The sanctum has an image of damaged Vishnu, next to whom stands Brahma holding the Vedas on one side and Shiva holding the trident on the other side. Official Address
Dada Darbar (Khandwa), Nimar, Madhya Pradesh The Dada Darbar is located in the south-western part of Khandwa. This place is considered to be holy and worthy of worship. The holy tombstones of the great holy men Swami Keshwanandaji Maharaj and Swami Hariharanandji Maharaj who are addressed as “Bare Dadaji” and “Chhote Dadaji”, respectively, rest here. In the year 1930, the tombstones were laid down in the memory of the reverend Avadhoot saints. Bare Dadaji wandered from place to place and meditated before the holy fire which is called Dhuni. Hence he was also called Dada Dhuniwala and this holy site is also known as Dada Dhuniwala Darbar. An annual fair is held at the Dada Darbar on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima. Thousands of devotees from far and near across the country come here during the time of the fair. The Dada Darbar is easy to access as it lies just 67 km away from the railway station as well as from the main bus stand. Praise of Mr. Dhuniwale Dadaji Dhayyanayatyam Kripadindhu, Sachchidanandam Padayakam. Yogeshwaram, Videhdam Pragrajalial Agni Piyakram || The foremost grandfather, Indrajit Digambaram. Hariharashi Gurudev, Keshavanandam Namaamyaham || Meaning – Always meditate on the blessings of Shri Dadaji, who provides the ocean of good pleasure. You are Yogeshwar and Vidyahi, you are very fond of fuming. Big grandfather has won the senses. You live in Digambara state. I salute to Harihar Bhole Lord’s Gurudev Shri Keshavananda ji.This is the official website of Shri Dhuniyivala Ashram Public Trust Khandwa.Shri Dada Durbar Khandwa, Shri 1008 Shri Mata Dadaji Maharaj and Shri 1008 Shri Chhota Dadaji Maharaj is the original Samadhi site. Shri 1008 Shri Majid Dadaji Maharaj took Samadhi on 13th December, 1930, on December 3, 1930 and Shri 1008 Shri Chhoti Dadaji Maharaj took Samadhi on 5th February 1942 according to Phalgun Sudi Panchami accordingly. A grand temple is built at both the Samadhi site in the Shri Dada Darbar, which is open for devotees 24 hours apart from the time of service. Shri Dhuniyivala Ashram Public Trust Khandwa, Shri 1008 is the original institution established by Mr. Shree Dadaji Maharaj and there is no other organization related to it. Official Address
Devi Jagadambi Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh Devi Jagadambika temple or Jagadambika temple is one of a group of about 25 temples at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. Khajuraho is a World Heritage site. The temples of Khajuraho were built by the rulers of the Chandella dynasty between the 10th and the 12th centuries. The small town of Khajuraho in the Chatarpur district is the site of dozens of Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain temples, which were built between the 9th and 12th centuries under the aegis of the Chandella dynasty which ruled in central India. Of about 85 temples said to have been erected at this site only about twenty-five have survived. The compact temples, none of which are very large, stand on high plinths (jagatis) lifting them from their environs, instead of the usual enclosure walls. The sensuous sculptures that decorate them, some of which are explicitly erotic, are among the masterpieces of Indian art. The sculptures have been read as relating to Tantric practices. Noted for its exquisite sculptures including several of erotic couples, the Jagadambi temple dates from the mid-11th century and has a sanctuary with a passageway preceded by a hall with a porch. The outer walls are completely covered with sculptures. Rearing beasts are positioned in the wall recesses. Official Address
Kankali Devi Temple, Tigawa, Katni, Madhya pradesh Katni The Kankali Devi Temple is often referred to as the Tigawa temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Devi Kali Maa known as one of the Shaktipeeth among Hindu pilgrims. Being so old it is one of the centers of devotion for Hindus. In Shardey Navratri and Chaitra Navratri peoples from all over the country came for Pooja & Darshan. There is one special thing about the statue of Maa Kali, during Navratri the neck of Maa Kali’s statue is slightly tilted from its original position. It is approximately 20Km from Bhopal. Alexander Cunningham visited Tigawa in 1873 and reported the antiquities of the town. He mentions a rectangular mound of 250 feet long and 120 feet wide which was entirely covered with large blocks of cut-stones. These stones were parts of ruins of various temples, all fallen ace but one which was in good state of preservation. He was told that the mound was utterly destroyed by a railway contractor who collected all the squared stones in a heap together to be used in railway construction. It is mentioned that two hundred carts were used to bring this heap to the foot of hill. This rapacious and destructive activity was stopped by an order from the Deputy Commissioner of Jabalpur but damage was done till that time. Cunningham estimated that the temple would have been about 19.5 feet square. There is an image of Vishnu of later period inside the temple. Various incarnations of Vishnu are depicted around the main image. The temples were in varying sizes from 4 feet square to 15 feet square. The temples of modest size, 4 to 6 feet square, were covered on three sides and open on east. Temples of medium size, 7 to 10 feet square, were covered on all sides with a doorway on the eastern sides, whereas the large temples, from 10 to 15 feet square, were having an additional portico in front. All these temple, which ruins are only left, were having a shikhara with amalaka on top. No Buddhist or Jains antiquity was found by Cunningham. The original temple was constituted of a sanctum and an open portico supported on four pillars. At a later stage, the portico was covered with walls containing panels and an addition extension in front of the portico. The sanctum is 12.75 feet square outside and about 8 feet square inside. It is covered with a flat roof. Doorway of the sanctum is done in T-shaped style with over-hanging lintel beyond the door-jambs. Foliage decoration is found on two bands of this doorway. Two pilasters, one on either side, are executed in the typical Gupta order, topped with images of Ganga and Yamuna where both are shown plucking a fruit from a tree. There are seven square bosses on a lintel above the door frame. Cunningham suggests that these bosses might be the representation of the ends of horizontal beams as found in the wooden architecture. An image of Narasimha is placed inside the sanctum.Cunningham suggests that open portico was later converted into a closed mandapa. At the same time, various sculptural panels were also inserted in the side walls of this mandapa. He mentions four such panels however I found only two panels at the site which are adorned in the south wall of the mandapa. One panel depicts Chamunda or Kankali Devi which probably gave the present name of the temple. Another panel shows Vishnu resting on the coils of Adi-shesha in his Sheshashai icon. Another portico of quite a different style was also added at later stages. There is a sculptural panel on this portico which iconography is difficult to understand. The panel shows a seated mendicant with elongated ears and wearing a large crown over his head. The posture of the mendicant is usually seen in Buddhist and Jainism sculptures however I am not very sure of its religious nature. Official Address
Tulsi Peeth, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh Tulsi Peeth Seva Nyas (Hindi: तुलसी पीठ सेवा न्यास, ISO Transliteration, IPA: [Tulasī Pīṭha Sevā Nyāsa] literally Service trust at the seat of Tulsi) is an Indian religious and social service institution based at Janki Kund, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. It was established by the Hindu religious leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya on August 2, 1987.Rambhadracharya believes that this Peeth is situated at the place where the Hindu god Rama gave his sandals to his brother Bharat. The Tulsi Peeth premises house the residence of Rambhadracharya, a temple known as Kanch Mandir with an attached hall called Raghav Satsang Bhavan, a small cow-pen, a school for visually disabled students, a temple known as the Manas Mandir which has the entire Ramcharitmanas engraved on its inside walls, and an exhibition of moving models from 16 scenes of Ramcharitmanas.There is also a hostel for students of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University (JRHU). The activities of the Tulsi Peeth include study and propagation of Hindu religious texts in Sanskrit and Hindi, service of cows and Sadhus, publication of a monthly magazine, and organization of camps providing aids to for persons with disability.The institution has published various books authored by Rambhadracharya. In 1983, Rambhadracharya (then known as Rambhadradas) undertook his second six-month Payovrata, taking a diet of only milk and fruits and speaking only Sanskrit, at the Sphatik Shila in Chitrakoot. The Yuvraj of Chitrakoot, Hemraj Singh Chaturvedi, was impressed by Rambhadracharya and donated a 60 feet by 80 feet land area situated besides the Mandakini river at Janki Kund to Rambhadradas.Gita Devi, Rambhadradas’s elder sister, persuaded him to get an Ashram built on this plot. Rambhadradas got four rooms constructed there and started visiting the place frequently. He undertook a nine-month Payovrata at this newly built Ashram in 1986. He also started performing his Kathas there.Ramcharandas Phalahari, the Sampradaya Guru of Rambhadradas, wanted Rambhadradas to stay with him at his Ashram in Prayag, but Rambhadradas was reluctant. In 1988, Umacharan Gupta, a businessman from Manikpur offered to build a bigger Ashram and a temple on the condition that Rambhadradas stay there permanently. Rambhadradas agreed and the construction started. On 11 March 1987, the Kanch Mandir (literally glass-temple) was opened and Rambhadradas started living permanently in Chitrakoot. Following this, on the occasion of Tulsi Jayanti on August 2, 1987, he established Tulsi Peeth at the site of the Ashram. As the founder of the seat of Tulsi, the title of Śrīcitrakūṭatulasīpīṭhādhīśvara (literally The Lord of the Tulsi Peeth at Chitrakoot) was bestowed upon Rambhadracharya by Sadhus and intellectuals.Rambhadracharya believes that this Peeth is situated at the place where, according to the epic Ramayana, the Hindu god Rama gave his sandals to his brother Bharat. Official Address
Pitambara Peeth, Datia, ada pradesh Shri Peetambra Peetha is a complex of Hindu temples (including an Ashram), located in the city of Datia, in the Madhya Pradesh state of the central India. It was, according to many legends ‘Tapasthali’ (place of meditation) of many mythological as well as real life people. The shivlingam of shree Vankhandeswar Shiva is tested and approved by the Archaeological Survey of India to be of the same age as that of the Mahabharata.It is primarily a Shakta place of worship (devoted to Mother Goddess). Shri Peetambara Peetha is one of the most famous temples of Baglamukhi which was established by Shree Swami Ji in 1920s. He also established the temple of goddess Dhumavati within the ashram. Dhumavati and Bagalamukhi are the two of the ten Mahavidyas. In addition to those, there are temples of Parshuram, Hanuman, Kal Bhairav and other god and goddess spread across the large area of Ashram. Currently the Peeth is maintained by a trust. There is a Sanskrit library which was established by the Pujyapaad, and is maintained by Ashram. One can get the books explaining the history of the Ashram and secret mantras of various kind of sadhanas and tantras. One of the unique feature of the Ashram is its endeavor to spread the light of Sanskrit language to young children, free of cost. Ashram conducts Sanskrit debates across the years. Pujyapaad was called ‘Swamiji’or ‘Maharaaj’ by the devotees. No one knows from where he came, or his name; nor did he disclose this to anyone. However, he was a Parivrajakachrya Dandi Swami,who stayed on in Datia for a longer period. He was and still is a spiritual icon for many who visit the Peeth or have been associated with him directly or indirectly. He did and led many anushthans and sadhanas for the protection and welfare of both humanity and the country. Pt Shri Gaya Prasad Nayak ji (Babuji) of Garhi Malehara is renowned for his knowledge of Swamiji. Pujya Swamiji Maharaj and Babuji’s Guruji were Gurubhai. Pujyapaad was a strong devotee of the Goddess Pitambara. He like the Sanskrit language, and had good knowledge of Urdu, Persian and Arabic, English, Pali and Prakrit. He liked the classical music and various great classical musicians used to visit the ashram, including Pundit Gundai Maharaj, Siyaram Tiwari, Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Dagar Bandhu. Classical musician Acharaya Brhaspati was follower of Pujyapaad. The ashram is located in Datia town of Madhya Pradesh, India approx 75 km from Gwalior ( Airport) and approx 29 km from Jhansi. It is well connected by train and the ashram is around 3 km from the Datia railway station. Some of the trains which stop at Datia coming from or going towards Jhansi or Gwalior are MALWA EXPRESS, DAKSHIN EXPRESS, BDTS JHANSI EXP, CHAMBAL EXPRESS, PUNJAB MAIL, CHHATISGARH EXP, GWL BJU MAIL, TAJ EXPRESS, UDZ KURJ EXP, JHELUM EXPRESS, KALINGA UTKAL EXP, BUNDELKHAND EXP, MAHAKOSHAL EXP etc. This shakti peeth has Vankhandeswar Shiva Temple as well which is said to be of the time of Mahabharata. Official Address
Devi Vaishini Temple, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh The name Dewas is derived from the Devi Vaishini hill in the city, commonly known as Tekri. The hill has a temple of deity Devi Chamunda tulja bhavani and Kalika Matha. The word Dewas is also believed to be a sandhi of words Dev (deity) and Vas (Marathi for abode), thus Dewas means abode of the deity or god.Also at the bottom of the hill (also called ‘Tekri’) there is Ashram of Shri Vishnu Tirth Maharaj. Ashram is also known with the name ‘NARAYAN KUTI’. Dewas is a city on the Malwa plateau in the west-central part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the 6th most populous city of Madhya Pradesh. It is located about 142 km (88 mi) southwest from Bhopal, 33 km (21 mi) from Indore, and 35 km from holy city Ujjain and is the administrative center of the Dewas District. The city was formerly the seat of two 15-gun-salute princely states during the British Raj, Dewas Junior state and Dewas Senior state, ruled by the royal Maratha ‘Puar’ (or ‘Pawar’).[2] Today, Dewas is an industrialized city and houses a government bank note press. Dewas was formerly the capital of two princely states of British India. The original state was founded in the first half of the 18th century by the brothers Tukaji Rao (senior) and Jivaji Rao (junior), from the Puar clan of Marathas. They had advanced into Malwa with the Maratha Peshwa, Baji Rao, in 1728. The brothers divided the territory among themselves; their descendants ruled as the senior and junior branches of the family. After 1841, each branch ruled his own portion as a separate state, though the lands belonging to each were intimately entangled; in Dewas, the capital town, the two sides of the main street were under different administrations and had different arrangements for water supply and lighting. The senior branch had an area of 446 sq mi (1,160 km2) and a population of in 62,312 in 1901, while the area of the junior branch was 440 sq mi (1,100 km2) and had a population of 54,904 that same year.Both Dewas states were in the Malwa Agency of the Central India Agency. There were many Jagirdars and Zamindars of the estate; one of them was Zamindar Binjraj Tapdiya the whole sole of the village Binjana and Sanjay Nagar. On his name only the name of Binjana was kept. He was popularly known as Binjana seth. His eldest son kisanlal ruled the region under puar dynasty for six decades. After him his son Seth Vallabhdas Tapdiya had ruled the village. They were the biggest Jagirdars in the kingdom of Maharaj Krishnaji Rao III Puar. After India’s independence in 1947, the Rajas of Dewas acceded to India, and their states were integrated into Madhya Bharat, which became a state of India in 1950. In 1956, Madhya Bharat was merged into Madhya Pradesh state. Official Address
Shyam Kaka Temple, Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh Shyam Kaka Temple, temple of Hindu God Krishna (Also known as Shyam), dating back to 1845 A.D. located in Shaka Jagir village in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is near Narsinghgarh, about 100 km from Bhopal.Though temple of God Krisha, there is a panel in the temple depicting six Muslim men dressed in long robes and traditional headgear, offering namaz. According to author Shalini Rai Narayan, it is the one of the exceptional places, where religious beliefs and antagonistic holy men stood in solidarity. Shyam Kaka Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna (Also known as Shyam). It dates back to 1845 A.D. and is located in Shaka Jagir village in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh. It is near Narsinghgarh, about 100 km from Bhopal. Though it is a temple of God Krishna, there is a panel in the temple depicting six Muslim men dressed in long robes and traditional headgear, offering namaz. According to author Shalini Rai Narayan, it is the one of the exceptional places, where religious beliefs and antagonistic holy men stood in solidarity. People go there to solve their domestic Issues, fulfill Wishes and for prosperity. Krishna Jayanti is celebrated every year. The temple has been declared a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India The legend has it that a local ruler Shyam Dev Khinchi’s wife Bhagali Devi left the palace after falling out with him and took shelter with Amara Singh Gurjar, a local chieftain. When Shyam dev was later killed in a battle, the queen ordered to make the temple of lord Krishna in memory of her husband and Amara Singh Gurjar was anointed the head priest of Shyam kaka temple.Since then, the Gurjars claim to have been priests of the temple. According to author Shalini, once six men from Arabia were said to visit the place during the construction of the temple. The legend further goes that the Arab visitors argued with the then temple priest, Amara Singh Gurjar, on the superiority of their faith. They opined that Mecca and Medina were the holiest places on the earth. It is said that Amara Singh Gurjar offered them to take to the two holy cities within the temple premises. The Arab visitors challenged the priest for the same. The legend has it that a local ruler Shyam Dev Khinchi’s wife Bhagali Devi left the palace after felling out with him and took shelter with Amara Singh Gurjar, a local chieftain.When Shyam dev was later killed in a battle, the queen ordered to make temple of lord Krishna in memory of her husband and Amara Singh Gurjar was anointed the head priest of Shyam kaka temple. Since then (1844–45), the Gurjars claim to have been priests of the temple. According to author Shalini rai as told by 2009 A.D. head priest of the temple-Saajan Singh Gurjar, once six men from Arbia were said to visit the place during the construction of the temple.The legend further goes that the Arab visitors argued with the then temple priest, Amara Singh Gurjar, on the superiority of their faith.They opined that Mecca and Medina were the holiest places on the earth.It is said that Amara Singh Gurjar offered them to take to the two holy cities within the temple premises.The Arab visitors challenged the priest for the same. What followed, according to legend, was a divine revelation of Mecca and Medina in the temple complex. The Arabs were said to have offered prayers right there.The panel showing the six Arab men said to be installed as a tribute to this incident.The temple has been declared a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India. By Road The temple is well connected by roads and Narasinghpur is the nearest town. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available frequently to reach the temple. By Rail The nearest rail head is the Rajgarh Railway station. By Air The nearest airport is the Raja Bhoj International Airport. Official Address
Pashupatinath Temple, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh The Shiv Ling in the temple is 8′ x 10.5′ and weighs 4.6 tons. The temple built on the river is 90 feet long, 30 feet wide and 101 feet tall. On top of the temple is a 100 kg gold plated pitcher. Every monsoon the water level in the Shivna river rises to touch the holy Shiv Ling of lord Shiva. This phenomenon is termed as “Jalaabhishek” which means worshiping god through the water. Gradually the idols of other Hindu gods such as goddess Maata Paarvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, goddess Maata Ganga, Vishnu, goddess Maata Lakshmi and Saint Adyashankaracharya were established within the temple with a huge idol of Nandi Maharaaj facing the west face of the idol Lord Pashupatinath with eight-faced. According to the Hindu mythology, the temple of Pashupatinath was constructed many centuries ago. It is said that the Shiv Ling emerged from the waters of the Shivna on Monday, which is considered as an auspicious day by the devotees of Lord Shiva. On Sunday, it reached the Tapeshwar Ghat of the river and was placed there. On Monday, after exactly, 21 years, 5 months and 4 days it was incarnated. The day of incarnation of the idol is celebrated as a Mela in the area surrounding the temple. The Temple is open from 06:00 AM to 8:00 PM (All days of the week). The climate condition in Mandsaur is changeable. It means, during winters temperature dropping down to 32 to 14 degree Celsius while in summers it rises to 34 to 44 degree Celsius. However, monsoon occurs especially in the month of July that offers good rainfall. So the best time to get there is from October to March. Madhya Pradesh or the ‘Heart of Incredible India’ is the home to the cultural heritage of the sub-continent. From monuments with intricate architecture to national parks and wildlife reserves, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and culture for tourists visiting India. In addition, it is also the world heritage site for the monuments like Khajuraho, Buddhist monuments at Sanchi as well. Being located at the centre of the sub-continent, it is also a famous pilgrimage destination. The Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh is located on the banks of the Shivna River. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Pashupatinath and is the main deity here. Thousands of pilgrims pay a visit to this temple every day. It is considered a sacred place of worship, especially among the Hindus. The temple sees massive devotees during special occasions and the temple committee comprising of twenty-five members plans the activities well in advance. Pashupatinath Temple at Mandsaur, also referred to as the Mandasor Shiva temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh India. It belongs to Pashupatinath tradition which is one of 6 major tradition within Shaivism. It is located on Shivna River, and is known for its eight-faced Shiva Linga. The temple sculpture is dated to the 5th or 6th century based on inscriptions, with some referring to the site as Dashapura. It is near the Rajasthan border in the historic region of Malwa, about 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Indore, about 340 kilometres (210 mi) west of Udaigiri Caves and about 220 kilometres (140 mi) east of Shamalaji ancient sites, both a significant source of Gupta Empire era archaeological discoveries.The site has been important to dating and the architectural studies of some distant sites such as the Elephanta Caves. The site’s history is traceable to the 2nd-century CE when it was already a Hindu pilgrimage site.[3] It is mentioned by the ancient Indian poet Kalidasa, who praises the women of Dashapura as “so practiced in their seductive movements”. Ten inscriptions found in the area suggest the Mandasor site was an important cultural and religious center in the first half of the 1st millennium CE.Nine of these inscriptions are Sanskrit poems, most dated between 404 and 487 CE, and all include invocations to Hindu gods such as Vasudeva and Shiva in various forms. They mention kings of Gupta Empire era, as well as temples of Dashapura.Together with dozens of temples discovered at a number of sites in western Madhya Pradesh, eastern Rajasthan and northern Gujarat region, the Mandasor site with the Shiva Stele and the temple reflect what Stella Kramrisch called one of the “Western schools” of ancient and early medieval Indian art.James Harle concurs and includes the nearby Sondni and Kilchipura sites to the Western school along with regions farther west.According to Harle, the sculpture from the temple and other archaeological findings such as the Mandasor inscriptions – one of which he calls “the longest and certainly the most beautiful of the Gupta inscriptions” – reflect the “flavor of life at its best in Gupta times”. The inscriptions, state Harle and other scholars, suggest that the sculpture and temples of Mandasor were built with resources pooled by the common people, such as silk weavers of Dashapura (Mandasor) who had settled there from Gujarat.However, these inscriptions mention a Sun temple, a Vishnu temple and others. They do not mention the Pashupatinath temple. Excavations have yielded several brick temples of Shiva which have been dated to the 6th century, suggesting that Shiva was a prominent deity along with others in ancient Mandasor.Additionally, only the foundations of most early temples and monuments are presently identifiable, as the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples in Mandasor were demolished and its stones and relief panels used to build a Muslim fort after the region was conquered in the late medieval era. The eight face Shiva found in the reconstructed Pashupatinath temple is from the 1st millennium CE and a rare iconography. It is 4.5 metres (15 ft) tall and was discovered in the river bed of the Shivana.It has been reconsecrated into the temple. The upper part of the linga has four heads in a line, while the other four heads are carved below them in the second line. The faces have open eyes, with the third eye on their forehead visible.Each face has elaborate hair probably reflecting the culture of its time for men. Each wears jewelry such as earlobes, necklace and more. The eight faces represent the various aspects of Shiva in regional Shaivism theology: Bhava, Pashupati, Mahadeva, Isana, Rudra, Sharva, Ugra and Asani. It is sometimes referred to as Ashtamukha or Ashtamurti. According to Goyala, this Mandasor linga is likely from the early 6th century. Official Address
Taxakeshwar, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh Taxakeshawar or Takhaji is a place of religious and historical importance in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of 22 km from Bhanpura town on Hinglajgarh road.This is the site of serpent king taxak, where he is worshiped as Taxakeshawar but the local people call him Takhaji. Curiously enough he shares the worship of the country folk with Dhanvantri, the Indian Aesculapius.The shrine in question stands on a most romantic spot from village Navali situated on the table land at the foot of which Bhanpura lies. There is a grand natural water pool full of many varieties of fish. The source of water in it is a hot water spring which falls from a height of about 200 feet.The river Takhali at a distance of about 10 km from Chambal River that flows to Jhalawar in Rajasthan falls into this water pool and forms the water fall. This place is probably the only site having a temple and a statue of nagaraja Taxak. Statue of Taxaka is shown with seven serpent hoods protecting from above. In one hand of Taxaka is shown a human head. On one side is shown his wife and his son on other side. The period of installing this statue is estimated to be 12th century. A fair is organized on every purnima of baisakh month of Hindu Calendar.[7] In front of the statue of Taxaka is installed the statue of Dhanvantari. The main temple has also the statue of Shiva, considered as swami of Taxaka. This place is very important from natural and scenic beauty. James Tod had visited this place in 1821 and was amazed to see its scenic beauty. There is a grand natural water pool full of many varieties of fish. The source of water in it is a hot water spring which falls from a height of about 200 feet. The river Takhali at a distance of about 10 km from Chambal River that flows to Jhalawar in Rajasthan falls into this water pool and forms the water fall (Fountain of the Amjar). This place is probably the only site having a temple and a statue of nagaraja Taxak. Statue of Taxaka is shown with seven serpent hoods protecting from above. In one hand of Taxaka is shown a human head. On one side is shown his wife and his son on other side. The period of installing this statue is estimated to be 12th century. A fair is held on every purnima of baisakh month of Hindu Calendar. In front of the statue of Taxaka is installed the statue of Dhanvantari. The main temple has also the statue of Shiva, considered as swami of Taxaka. There is puranic mythological legend heard about nagaraja Taxaka and Dhanavantari in this part of Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh. Emperor Janamejaya ascended to the throne of Hastinapura upon the death of his father Parikshit. According to legend, Parikshit, the lone descendant of the House of Pandu, had died of snakebite. He had been cursed by a sage to die so, the curse having been consummated by the serpent-chieftain Takshak. Janamejaya bore a deep grudge against the serpents for this act, and thus decided to wipe them out altogether. He attempted this by performing a great Sarpa satra – a sacrifice at Nagda that would destroy all living serpents. All the nagas had been destroyed in this nagayagya except Taxaka, who is believed to have obtained boon from Lord Vishnu. Local tradition goes that Taxaka resides here in this place. On the other hand Dhanavantari along with his followers and medicines was going to save Parikshit. The Taxaka naga with the help of illusive powers took the form of wood-stick of chandan tree. When Dhanavantari took this wood-stick on his shoulder, the Taxaka bite him on back and Dhanvantari died. The local people believe that Dhanvantari stays here since that time as god of herbs and medicines. The local vaidyas first worship Dhanavantari here and then collect medicinal herbs for treatment. It is situated at a distance of 22 km from Bhanpura town on Hinglajgarh road. This is the site of serpent king taxak , where he is worshiped as Taxakeshawar but the local people call him Takhaji. Curiously enough he shares the worship of the country folk with Dhanvantri, the Indian Aesculapius. The shrine in question stands on a most romantic spot from village Navalisituated on the table land at the foot of which Bhanpura lies. Affectionately known as Taxaji, Taxakeshwar is a small region in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh and is popular amongst locals for Taxakeshwar Temple, which is believed to have been worshipped for centuries. A part of Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, the surroundings of Taxakeshwar Temple boast of green forests and lush vegetation with the presence of a small seasonal waterfall, which helps in producing melody in the air, thereby, creating a relaxing aura. Dedicated to Taxak, Taxakeshwar Temple is visited by hundreds of locals every months, who come here to worship the serpent king Taxak, who is believed to have been protecting the region for centuries. Taxak is worshipped along with Dhanvantari, the god of ayurveda. You can also find a small idol of Lord Shiva inside the temple. Official Address
Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Indore, Madhya Pradesh Shri Saint Gajanan Maharaj’s devotees have constructed many Gajanan Maharaj Temples in different parts of India. A beautiful temple has also been constructed at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple at Indore is situated at Paliwal Nagar in Indore. Temple is about 15 minutes from centre of Indore. “Sarv jan Hitaaye, sarv jan sukham” this sentence motivated the establishment Shri Sadguru Gajanan Maharaj Sevashram at Indore. In the year 1988 Mr. Paliwal donated the area of 13,000 square feet (1,200 m2), on the auspicious day of Basant panchami ritual ceremony of “Bhumi pujan” was done under the guidance of Shri Guru baba and in the presence of the Gajanan family. After “Bhumi pujan” two rooms were constructed. In one of the two rooms big photo of Shri Gajanan Maharaj was being placed and worshiped by devotees. In the year 1992 the Thursday ‘Maha Prasad’ started, around 13 devotess took the ‘Maha prasad’ on the first day. Today Thursday ‘Satsangh’ and ‘Maha Prasad ‘ is celebrated in large numbers. Devotees from Indore and outside Indore come to celebrate it. In the year 1992 on the important day of ‘ Prakat Diwas’ the statue of Shri Gajanan Maharaj was being placed. The temple’s ritual place is of size 224 square feet (20.8 m2) and possess the “Ashtkoti”. The ‘Ashtkoti’ is one among the ‘asht siddhis’ of Guru maharaj. The importance of ‘Ashtkoti’ is explained in the ‘Garud Sanhita’. The ‘Ashtkoti’ temple is spread in 2,200 square feet (200 m2), and consist the pillars of marbles and granite. It also possess the 21 ritual thought. In the year 1994 the establishment of this temple was finished. From the construction of temple till now the members of Gajanan family felt the presence and blessing of Shri Gajanan maharaj. Institution like this are being established till now which can not be abstracted in few words. May the blessing of Shri Gajanan Maharaj always be poured on all devotees. Official Address
Bijasan Mata Temple, Indore, Madhya Pradesh Bijasan is one of the Hindu Temple of the goddess Durga.Here a hillock (tekri) has a small temple of Bijasen Mata, built in 1920. Mela is held here during Navaratri. From this hill, one gets a magnificent view of the sunset and a breathtaking view of city at night. Perched on top of the hill was a guest house of the Holkars, now converted into a Border Security Force Arms Museum. Surrounding area is being developed into gardens with a small lake. Mother Bijasan is Kuladevi (Ancestoral God) of Hindu Gadariya (Kukroliya parivar) Bijasan is considered as a mother giving good luck and son. Because of this, after marriage, not only around here, but from all over the country, Navyagal mothers come to visit and worship. It is said that Alaydhal had also sought the mantra from the mother to defeat the king of Mandu. Mother is sitting on ordinary soil, rocky otter, now the temple has become clean, and here a considerable amount of people come to see the mother. The temple is being developed from time to time under different schemes of the government, due to the development work, beautification of the temple is being done, so that the temple can be big enough so that the tourism here does not have any problems. The development work of the temple is still going on. A fair is held in the temple in Chaitra and Shardhi Navaratri. It is estimated here that during the Navratri, more than 3 lakh devotees from all over the country come here for worship and worship. Distance from Indore Railway Station: The temple located in the western area of the city is 9.8 kilometers from the railway station. It takes about 27 minutes to arrive here. Here you can go from the personal velar and the 4 velar, the airway is clearly visible from Bijasan Mata Temple. Official Address
Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore, Madhya Pradesh This Temple is built in 1735 by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. The devotees circling around temple and tie a thread to pray Lord Ganesha for successfully completion of his work. The idol was found in a well and in 1735, it was taken out from the well and a temple was established in 1735 by Ahilyabai Holkar belonging to the Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Empire. It is said that the ancient statue in the temple statue was seen in a dream of a local Pandit Mangal Bhatt. After this dream, the queen Ahilya Bai Holkar excavated and installed the idol from under the ground and installed it. From where the statue was removed, there is a well, which is right in front of the temple. It is believed that all the wishes will be fulfilled after praying here. Large numbers of devotees gather here on Wednesdays and Sundays to offer their reverence and prayers. Khajrana Ganesha Temple was constructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. This temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in India. Mostly wednesday and sunday huge people will come to this temple for offering prayers. As per a local belief, all the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled, once they worship in this temple. The main festival of this temple is vinayak chathurthi and was held in grand manner in the month of August and september. The temple is taken over by the government. The temple is managed by the Bhatt family. It is believed that in order to safe guard the idol from Aurangzeb, the idol was hidden in a well and in 1735, it was taken out from the well and a temple was established in 1735 by Ahilyabai Holkar belonging to the Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Empire. The temple has developed a lot over the years. It has developed from a small hut to a huge temple and the most revered shrine in the city. There are regular donation of gold, diamonds and other precious jewels at the temple.The gate and the outer wall of the Garbhagriha is made of silver and different moods and festivals are depicted on it. The eyes of the deity are made of diamonds which were donated by a business man of Indore. The upper wall of the Garbhagriha is made of silver. Official Address
Pachmarhi, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh Pachmarhi is a hill station in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh state of central India. It has been the location of a cantonment (Pachmarhi Cantonment) since British Raj.It is widely known as Satpura ki Rani (“Queen of Satpura”), situated at a height of 1067 m in a valley of the Satpura Range in Hoshangabad district. Dhupgarh, the highest point (1,352 m) in Madhya Pradesh and the Satpura range, is located here. It is a part of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. The name Pachmarhi is believed to be derived from the Hindi words Panch (“five”) and Marhi (“caves”). According to a legend, these caves were built by five Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha era during their thirteen years of exile. The caves are situated on a hilltop and provide an excellent vantage point. At the time of the British arrival, the Pachmarhi region came under the kingdom of the Gond king Bhawut Singh, although it was not a populated village or town at that time. Captain James Forsyth of the British Army along with Subhedar Major Nathoo Ramji Powar who was later made the Kotwal (Incharge of the armoury (Koth)of Pachmarhi, spotted the plateau in the Pachmarhi region in 1857, while leading his troops on the way to Jhansi. It quickly developed into hill station and sanatorium for British troops in the Central Provinces of India. The population in 1901 was 3,020, rising to double that number in the hot summer months. Pachmarhi also served as the summer capital for the Central Provinces. The forest around the town is home to many rare varieties of plants. UNESCO added Pachmarhi park to its list of Biosphere Reserves in May 2009. The total area of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is 4981.72 km2. It is located at longitude 22° 11’ to 22° 50’N and latitude 77° 47’ to 78° 52’E. It covers parts of three civil districts, viz., Hoshangabad (59.55%), Chhindwara (29.19%) and Betul (11.26%). It includes three wildlife conservation units viz., Bori Sanctuary 485.72 km2), Satpura National Park (524.37 km2) and Pachmarhi Sanctuary (491.63 km2). Official Address
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (Devanagari: कंदारिया महादेव मंदिर, Kandāriyā Mahādeva Mandir), meaning “the Great God of the Cave”, is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, 31 metres (102 ft) in height, is in the western complex, which is the largest among the three groups of the Khajuraho complex of temples.This western group of temples, consisting of the Kandariya, Matangeshwara and Vishvanatha temples, is compared to a “cosmic design of a hexagon (a yantra or Cosmo gram)” representing the three forms of Shiva.The temple architecture is an assemblage of porches and towers which terminates in a shikhara or spire, a feature which was common from the 10th century onwards in the temples of Central India. The temple is founded on a massive plinth of 4 metres (13 ft) height. The temple structure above the plinth is dexterously planned and pleasingly detailed. The superstructure is built in a steep mountain shape or form, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world. The superstructure has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikhara, which has 84 miniature spires. The temple is in the layout of 6 square kilometres (2.3 sq mi), of which 22 are extant including the Kaṇḍāriyā Mahādeva Temple. This temple is characteristically built over a plan of 31 metres (102 ft) in length and 20 metres (66 ft) in width with the main tower soaring to a height of 31 metres (102 ft), and is called the “largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho”.A series of steep steps with high rise leads from the ground level to the entrance to the temple. The layout of the temple is a five-part design, a commonality with the Lakshmana and Vishvanatha temples in the Khajuraho complex. Right at the entrance, there is Torana, a very intricately carved garland which is sculpted from a single stone; such entrances are part of a Hindu wedding procession. The carvings on the entrance gate show the “tactile quality of the stone and also the character of the symmetrical design” that is on view in the entire temple which has high relief carvings of the figurines. Finely chiselled, the decorative quality of the ornamentation with the sharp inscribed lines has “strong angular forms and brilliant dark-light patterns”. The carvings are of circles, undulations giving off spirals or sprays, geometric patterns, masks of lions and other uniform designs which has created a pleasant picture that is unique to this temple, among all others in the complex. The main temple tower with 84 mini spiresErotic sculptures on the external walls of the templeIn the interior space from the entrance there are three mandapas or halls, which successively rise in height and width, which is inclusive of a small chamber dedicated to Shiva, a chamber where Shiva’s wife, Parvati is deified, and a central sanctum or garbhagriha (literal meaning “womb chamber”) where the Shiva linga, the phallic emblem of Shiva is deified. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by interlinked passages which also have side and front balconies. Due to inadequate natural light in the balconies the sanctum has very little light thus creating a “cave like atmosphere” which is in total contrast to the external parts of the temple. In the interior halls of the temple and on its exterior faces there are elaborately carved sculptures of gods and goddesses, musicians and apsaras or nymphs. The huge pillars of the halls have architectural features of the “vine or scroll motif”. In the corners of the halls, there are insets which are carved on the surface with incised patterns. There is a main tower above the sanctum and there are two other towers above the other mantapas also in the shape of “semi-rounded, stepped, pyramidal form with progressively greater height”. The main tower is encircled by a series of interlinked towers and spires of smaller size. These are in the form of a repeated subset of miniature spires that abut a central core which gives the temple an unevenly cut contour similar to the shape of a mountain range of mount Kailasa of the Himalayas where the god Shiva resides, which is appropriate to the theme of the temples here. The exterior surfaces of the temples are entirely covered with sculptures in three vertical layers.Here, there are horizontal ribbons carved with images, which shine bright in the sun light, providing rhythmic architectural features. Among the images of gods and heavenly beings, Agni, the god of fire is prominent.They are niches where erotic sculptures are fitted all round which are a major attraction among visitors. Some of these erotic sculptures are very finely carved and are in mithuna (coitus) postures with maidens flanking the couple, which is a frequently noted motif. There is also a “male figure suspended upside” in coitus posture, a kind of yogic pose, down on his head. The niches also have sculptures of Saptamatrikas, the septad of mother goddesses along with the gods Ganesha and Virabhadra. The seven fearful protector goddesses include Brahmi seated on a swan of Brahma; Maheshwari with three eyes seated on Shiva’s bull Nandi; Kumari; Vaishnavi mounted on Garuda; the boar-headed Varahi; the lion-headed Narasimhi and Chamunda, the slayer of demons Chanda and Munda. The image of Sardula, a mythical creature with a lion face and human limbs in the lower panel is a unique figure seen in the temple.[ Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela dynasty. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India,is the largest of the western group of temples in the Khajuraho complex which was built by the Chandela rulers. Shiva is the chief deity in the temple deified in the sanctum sanctorum. The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (r. c. 1003-1035 CE). At various periods of the reign of this dynasty many famous temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Shakti of the Hindu religion and also for the Thirthankaras of Jain religion were built. Vidhyadhara, also known as Bida in the recordings of the Muslim historian Ibn-al-Athir was a powerful ruler who fought Mahmud of Ghazni in the first offensive launched by the latter in 1019. This battle was not conclusive and Mahmud had to return to Ghazni. Mahmud again waged war against Vidhyadhara in 1022. He attacked the fort of Kalinjar.[1] The siege of the fort was unsuccessful. It was lifted and Mahmud and Vidhyadhara called a truce and parted by exchanging gifts. Vidhyadhara celebrated his success over Mahmud and other rulers by building the Kaṇḍāriyā Mahādeva Temple, dedicated to his family deity Shiva. Epigraphic inscriptions on a pilaster of the mandapa in the temple mentions the name of the builder of the temple as Virimda, which is interpreted as the pseudonym of Vidhyadhara.Its construction is dated to the period from 1025 and 1050 AD. All the extant temples including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple were inscribed in 1986 under the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites under Criterion III for its artistic creation and under Criterion V for the culture of the Chandelas that was popular till the country was invaded by Muslims in 1202. Kaṇḍāriyā Mahādeva Temple is located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh in Central India.It is in the Khajuraho village, and the temple complex is spread over an area of 6 square kilometres (2.3 sq mi).It is in the western part of the village to the west of the Vishnu temple. The temple complex, in the Khajuraho village at an elevation of 282 metres (925 ft), is well connected by road, rail and air services. Khajuraho is 55 kilometres (34 mi) to the south of Mahoba, 47 kilometres (29 mi) away from the Chhatarpur city to its east, 43 kilometres (27 mi) away from Panna, 175 kilometres (109 mi) by road away from Jhansi on the north, and 600 kilometres (370 mi) to the south – east of Delhi. It is 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) from the railway station. Khajuraho is served by Khajuraho Airport (IATA Code: HJR), with services to Delhi, Agra and Mumbai. It is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the temple. Official Address
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh Omkareshwar (IAST: Ōṃkārēśvar) is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river; the shape of the island is said to be like the Hindu ॐsymbol. There are two main temples of Lord Shiva here, one to Omkareshwar (whose name means “Lord of Omkaara or the Lord of the OmSound”) located in the island and one to Amareshwar (whose name means “Immortal lord” or “lord of the Immortals or Devas”) located on the south bank of Narmada River on the mainland. As per the sloka on dwadash jyotirligam, Mamleshwar the other name of Amareshwar is the jyotirling, nonetheless, many consider both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar equally sacred and representative of jyotirling at this sacred place. As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of Protection and Care) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.[2] To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped until the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity – each considered different manifestation of Shiva.At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. The twelve jyothirlingas are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, in Uttrakhandstate, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar neNashik in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deogarhin Jharkhand Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar near Aurangabad, Maharashtra in Maharashtra.[ As per Hindu legend, Vindya, the deity controlling the Vindyachal mountain range was worshipping Shiva to propitiate himself from the sins committed. He created a sacred geometrical diagram and a Lingam made of sand and clay. Shiva was pleased with the worhip and believed to have appeared in two forms, namely Omkareshwar and Amaleswara. Since the mud mound appeared in the form of Om, the island came to be known as Omkareswar. There is a shrine for Parvati and five-faced Ganapati in the temple.[10] The second story relates to Mandhata and his son’s penance. King Mandhata of Ikshvaku clan (an ancestor of Lord Ram) worshipped Lord Shiva here until the Lord manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga. Some scholars also narrate the story about Mandhata’s sons-Ambarish and Muchukunda, who had practiced severe penance and austerities here and pleased Lord Shiva. Because of this the mountain is named Mandhata. The third story from Hindu scriptures says that once upon a time there was a great war between Devas and Danavas(demon), in which Danavas won. This was a major setback for Devas and hence Devas prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayer, Lord Shiva emerged in the form of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga and defeated Danavas. Adi Shankara’s Cave – Omkareshwar is said to be the place where Sri Adi Sankara met his Guru Govindapada in a cave. This cave can be found even today just below the Shiva temple where an image of Adi Shankara has been installed It is situated in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is about 12 miles (20 km) from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. Omkareshwar is formed by the sacred river Narmada. This is one of the most sacred of rivers in India and is now home to one of the world’s biggest dam projects. The temple is situated on Mandatha island on the banks of Narmada and river Kaveri (a tributary of Narmada). The island is 2.6 km2 (2,600,000 m2) in area and can be approached by boats. Official Address
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir glorifies the city of Ujjain. Ganesh is considered to be the most benevolent God that blesses his followers with wealth and prosperity. He has a very sweet figure with a tusK of an elephant and is considered to be the favorite son of Parvati, or Goddess Durga. It is located very near the MahaKaleshwar Temple. Bade in Hindi means large, and Mandir in Hindi means a temple, so the entire phrase Bade Ganeshji Ki Mandir means The Temple of the Big Ganesh Statue. This city had once been the pride of India. It was reigned by King AsoKa, the great Mauryan Ruler who had an ambition for a vast Kingdom. But the War of Kalinga changed him and he was transformed into a benevolent King whose only concern was the benefit and comfort of his subjects. So, he embraced Buddhism that taught the doctrine of Universal Love towards all men. Asoka was the sole individual responsible for the far reaching fame of Buddhism. After AsoKa, the Mauryan King Viramaditya or Chandragupta -II came to the throne and his court was adorned by the nine gems that were specialists in nine various subjects. They were popularly Known as Navaratna. There is also a splendid temple of the MahaKaleshwar at Ujjain. It is the most sacred site of the Hindus because they worship Lord Shiva whose incarnation as MahaKal is conspicuous at that Temple. He is worshipped during the Shiva Ratri Festival before which, the Kumbh Mela is held there for everytwelve years. Official Address
Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh Chintaman Ganesh is the biggest temple of Lord Ganesha in Ujjain. This temple is built across the Kshipra river on the Fatehabad railway line, and is located about 7 km far south-westerly to the Ujjain town.The temple is located now in the middle of the town’s market. The temple dates back to 11th and 12th centuries when the Paramaras ruled over Malwa. The Ganesha idol enshrined in this temple is supposed to be swayamabhu (self manifested). Locally, Ganesha is also referred to as Chintaman. His consorts, Ridhhi and Siddhi, flank Chintaman, the assuager of all worries.The finely-carved stone pillars in the assembly hall and the white shrine define the age-old sanctity of the temple. The temple deity Lord Ganesha is regarded as the Lord of beginnings as per the Hindu beliefs. In the traditional times, the Lord is known as Chintaharan which literally means remover of all worries and tensions. The temple is thronged by crowds of people that come to do away with all their worries at the shrine of the Lord. The term Chintamani is another name used for Lord Vishnu, who is considered as the preserver of the Universe as per Hindu Mythology. Also called Vighneshwara, the moderator of grief, Ganesha is always the first to be worshipped in the Hindu pantheon, lest he decide to sow obstacles in the devotees’ path. Chintaman Ganesh Temple is an antediluvian shrine that dates back to 11th -12th centuries. This ancient temple is highly revered and one of the most visited shrines of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. One can easily reach Chintamani Temple from anywhere in Madhya Pradesh by hiring private taxis. However, one can take regular buses that are available from Indore and Bhopal. Chintamani Ganesha Mandir is wholly made out in stone. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of Paramaras in Madhya Pradesh (Malwa). The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is regarded as the Lord of beginnings as per the Hindu beliefs. In the traditional times, the Lord is known as ‘Chintaharan’, which literally means remover of all worries and tensions. The temple is thronged by crowds of people that come to do away with all their worries at the shrine of the Lord. The term ‘Chintamani’ is another name used for Lord Vishnu, who is considered as the preserver of the Universe as per Hindu Mythology. Inside the temple, the ‘Garbhgriha’ comprises the image of Lord Ganesha. The main point is that this idol is supposed to be ‘swayambhu’ (self-manifested), unlike other idols. The site is adored by the two wives of Lord Ganesha, Riddhi and Siddhi that are placed on the either side of the Lord. The temple also embraces the idol of Lord Vishnu in its vicinity. Here, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu are worshipped together with great devotion. The very appearance of the temple suggests that it belongs to prehistoric times. Still, the temple has not lost its charm; in fact, it has become unique with its ancient origin. Chintaman Ganesh Temple boasts of its artistically carved pillars that are placed in the assembly hall. The age-old sanctity of the temple is preserved till date. The belief of the devotees for this shrine makes it all the more sanctified. People visit this temple, in large numbers, to get the graceful blessings of Lord Ganesha. One can easily reach Chintaman Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from Indore and Bhopal. The nearest airport to Ujjain is Indore. There are daily flights from Indore to Mumbai , Kolkata, Delhi, Bhopal and Ahmadabad. There are mainly three major railway stations in Ujjain, that include Ujjain City Junction, Vikram Nagar and Chintaman (metre gauge). There are regular trains that connect Ujjain to other important cities in India. The well known bus stations in Ujjain are Dewas Gate and NanaKheda. The major roads that connect Ujjain to other cities in India include Agar Road, Indore Road, Dewas Road, Maksi Road and Badnagar Road. A huge number of private buses ply on these roads. Official Address
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. he idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadevis consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami. The temple has five levels, one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhar or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines. The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendor, reigns eternally in the city of Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikharsoaring into the sky, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakaldominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupations, and provides an unbreakable link with ancient Hindu traditions. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and worship goes on through the night.In the precincts of the Mahakaleshwar temple is Shri Swapaneshwar Mahadev temple, where devotees pray to Shiva as Mahakaal, to realize the most important dreams of their lives. Sadashiv Mahadev is so empathetic, benevolent and easy to please that devotees are sure to be granted the boons they wish for with a pure heart in this temple, it is believed. Here Mahadev is Swapaneshwar and Shakti is Swapaneshwari. The temple is open from 4 am to 11 pm.The temple is also glorified in 7th century.C.E, Tamil tevaram hymns of tirugnanasambandar, sundarar, tirunavukkarasar, and they refer to the same as tiru oonjai maakalam, oonjai being Tamil name of word ujjain. The temple complex was destroyed by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234-5. The present structure was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Scindia in 1734 CE. Further developments and management was done by other members of his dynasty, including Mahadji Scindia (1730–12 February 1794) and Daulat Rao Scindia’s wife Baiza Bai. (1827–1863). During the reign of Jayajirao Scindia (until 1886), major programs of the then Gwalior State used to be held at this temple. Maratha regime was established in Ujjain in the fourth decade of Eighteenth c. The administration of Ujjain was assigned by Peshwa Bajirao-I to his faithful commander Ranoji Shinde, The diwan of Ranoji was Sukhatanakar Ramchandra Baba Shenavi who was very wealthy he decided to invest his wealth for religious purposes. In this connection, he re-built the famous Mahakala temple in Ujjain during the 4th-5th decades of Eighteenth c. AD. After Independence the Dev Sthan Trust was replaced by the municipal corporation of Ujjain. Nowadays it is under the collectorate office of Ujjain districrt. Official Address
Sharda Devi Temple Maihar, Satna, Madhya Pradesh Maihar is a town with municipality in Satna district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Maihar is known for the temple of the revered mother goddess Sharda situated on Trikuta hill. Mother of Maihar Sharda Sharda Mata of Maihar In Madhya Pradesh, the heart of the country is located in the town of Satna district of Satna district, at the height of 600 feet in Tripura hill, the temple of Sharda is the revered goddess Mother Shraddha of Durga, which is famous as the name of the temple of Mihar Devi . This is an important religious and faithful place of Hindus. Here devotees visit the mother and reach the same way as the mother goes to visit Vaishno Devi in Jammu. To reach the temple of Maa Maher Devi, about thousand stairs have to be fixed. Sharda Devi, who gave birth to the great hero of Uda, is known as Sharda Maa all over the country. Here, becoming a ropeway has made it easier for the devotees to visit their mother. Mythological stories and legends in reference to pilgrimage sites – There is a very ancient mythological story behind the origin of this temple, according to which the daughter of Emperor Dakha wanted to marry Sati, Lord Shiva, but the king considered Shiva as a companion of Lord Shiva and ghosts and emperors and was against the marriage. However, Sati married the lord Shiva against his father’s wishes. According to the story, once King Daksh created a yagya called ‘Jupiter Sarva’, in this yajna, Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and other gods and goddesses were also invited, but deliberately they did not call Lord Mahadev. Sati, daughter of Mahadev’s wife and Daksh, was very unhappy with this and at the altar of sacrifice, Sati asked the reason for not inviting Lord Shiva from her father, Daksh had said a word about Lord Shiva, then suffering from this humiliation Sati sat silent and turned to the north direction and took his meditation at the feet of Lord Shiva, by holding the air and fire element through Yoga route, consume your body with its own strength. Or, when Shiva revealed the accident angry opened his third eye and destroyed the sacrifice. Then Lord Shankar lifted the body of Mother Sati on the shoulder and began to meditate in anger. For the good of the universe, Lord Vishnu divided the body of Sati into fifty-two parts. Wherever the body and the ornament of Sati’s body fell, Shakti Peethas were formed. One of them is Shakti Peeth, the temple of Mihara Devi, where mother Sati’s necklace fell. Meher means the mother’s necklace, hence the name of this place was maihar. In the next life, Sati was born in the form of Parvati, the house of Himachal, and after receiving austerity, Shiva was again found as a husband. Another interesting legend about this shrine is also prevalent. Explains that 200 years ago Maharaj Durgjan Singh used to rule the name of Judeo. A shepherd from his kingdom used to come to the forest to feed cow. In this horrible forest, the day was dark as night. There were many types of scary sounds used to come. One day he noticed that a golden cow came along from those cows and came to the place suddenly after the evening. On the second day, when the cowboy brought the cows on this hill, then it was seen that the same cow was being eaten together with these cows. Then he decided that when this cow would return to the evening, that would be followed by that too. Chasing the cow, he saw that he went into the cave situated in the top of the hill and when the inside of the cave closed it closed. She sat there at the door He does not know how long after the door is open. But there he appeared to an old mother. Then the shepherd said to the old lady, ‘Mai, I feed your cow, so give me something for the stomach. I have come to you from this very desire. ‘The old mother went in and gave barley grains in a wooden soup to the shepherd, and said,’ Now you do not come alone in this forest. ‘ Cow is pasting in the forest, but you live alone in this forest? You do not feel scared. ‘Then the old mother laughed with that shepherd and said,’ Son, this forest, high mountain-mountain is my home, I reside in this house. By saying so, he disappeared. When the shepherd came home and opened a barley granite, he was surprised. The diamond-pearl was shining in the place of barley. He thought – I will do it. In the morning, I will be present in the king’s court and will tell you the past. On the second day, the shepherd reached his court with his plea and narrated the whole antagonist in front of the king. Upon hearing the story of that shepherd, King went to sleep in his palace, asking to go there the next day. In the night, the king was seen by the shepherd in a dream and the old mother appeared and realized that this is Shakti Maa Sharda. In the dream, the mother ordered the Maharaja to set up an idol there and said that my vision will be fulfilled only by all the people’s desires. In the morning, the king did all the work as per his mother’s orders. Soon the glory of this place started spreading around The devotees started coming from the other side for the blessings of the mother and their wishful desires began to be fulfilled. After this, the devotees of Mata made a huge temple of Mother Sharda. Another legend is also prevalent in reference to this religious site. According to tradition, two brave brothers, Alha and Udal who fought with Prithviraj Chauhan, used to be Shadha Mata’s devotees. These two people first discovered this temple of Sharda Devi between the forests. After this, Alha pleased Goddess by doing penance for twelve years in this temple. Mother gave him the blessing of immortality; It is said that the two brothers had their tongues, Official Address
Ram Raja Temple Orchha, Niwari, Madhya Pradesh Orchha (or Urchha) is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. The town was established by Rudra Pratap Singh some time after 1501, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of central India, in the Bundelkhand region.Orchha lies on the Betwa River, 80 km from Tikamgarh & 15 km from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. Orchha is one of the few places in India that combines natural beauty, the aesthetic legacy of history and a certain authenticity. Orchha is in transition from village to town and many of its smaller temples throne over well-tended fields. It’s a paradise for bird watchers with a wide variety of colourful birds often making an appearance. Life in Orchha revolves around the Ram temple where one can see how vibrant Hinduism remains today. Orchha’s rapid development brings with it the chaos rooted in the lack of urban planning that is typical of India… inadequate roads, non-existent or choked drains and fast accumulating piles of waste. Being a small town of about 10,000 inhabitants, these problems are not insurmountable but require a strong dose of good governance and transparency in the use of public money. That is why the strengthening of local democracy is so important. So is the empowerment of the women of Orchha who remain constrained by traditional attitudes concerning their roles and capabilities. Meeting women from other cultures has made them aspire to more independence for their daughters. Orchha was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,who became the first King of Orchha, (r. 1501-1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.The Chaturbhuj Temple was built during the reign of EmperorAkbar, by the Queen of Orchha Ganesh Kunwar (गणेश कुँवर),while Raj Mandir was built by ‘Madhukar Shah’ during his reign, 1554 to 1591. Official Address
Shri Balajipuram Temple is located in the outskirts of Betul city, just beside the national highway. With 111 ft height, the temple is the highest one in Betul. The temple complex is spread across 10.5 acres. The temple was completed, and opened for general public in the presence of Shankaracharya of all 4 dorsum, from 29th January 2001 to 4th February 2001. During this period the life ceremony of the idols were performed. The temple was build by artists from Andhra Pradesh. Mony Baba from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh had meditated in this temple for 8 days. And then he informed: – The human who pilgrimage Rukhmani Mahadev, will be blessed with the blessing equal pilgriming the Lord Mahakaal of Ujjain – The human who pilgrimage Tirupathi Balaji, Laxmi Narayan Temple here will earn the pilgrimage equal Tirupathi Balaji. +91 – 9300787332 Mandir: 91 – 7141 – 329644, 268236 Email: [email protected] Website: http://balajipuram.com/trustee/
Maharashtra, a state in Western India, is home to some of the most magnificent and ancient temples in the country. These temples not only hold great spiritual significance but also showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. Maharashtra’s temples range from grand, ornate structures to simple, serene abodes of the divine. One of the most popular temple circuits in Maharashtra is the Ashtavinayak Yatra, a pilgrimage to eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Each temple has its own unique significance and history. The Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon, the first stop of the yatra, is believed to be the starting point of Lord Ganesha’s journey on earth. The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is another popular temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha and visited by millions every year. Apart from the Ashtavinayak Yatra, Maharashtra is also home to other iconic temples such as the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, and the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, which attracts devotees from all over the world. Maharashtra’s temples also showcase exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an example of ancient rock-cut architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. In conclusion, Maharashtra’s temples offer a unique blend of spirituality, history, and architecture. A visit to these temples is not only a journey of faith but also an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the state. Popular Cities: Solapur, Kolhapur, Wardha, Sangli, Nashik, Jalna, Jalgaon, Hingoli, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Beed, Akola, Ahmednagar, Thane, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Palghar, Parbhani, Pune, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara, Sindhudurg,
Jwala Narasimha, Kole Narasinghpur (Maharashtra, India) – one of the ancient self-manifested idols of shaligrama Shila Narsimha. The place has the same importance as Multan (Pakistan). This is the biggest Shaligram idol in the world. Lord Narsimha idol in Kole Narsimhapur is made of shaligram. It is a self-manifested form of the Lord. As seen, the appearance of the lord is enormously impressive and a pleasure to the eyes. In this murti, one can see the lord with 16 arms, holding the demon Hirankyakashapu tight in it. Known to the locals as “Jwala [flaming] Narasimha”, this impressive sixteen-handed form of the Lord standing on one foot has been the protector and benefactor of his reverential devotees for thousands of years. The local tradition related to this deity has been compiled in a book known as Krishna-mahatmya. A verse reads as follows: यदा पुनस्तदा भक्त्या तपः कर्तुं पराशरः |नारसिंहं तदा ध्यायन् कृष्णा तीरे मुनीश्वरः || ”The foremost amongst the sages, Parashar, performed austerities on the bank of the river Krishna with a heart full of devotion, meditating on Lord Narasimhadev.” This Idol of Narasimha Lord at Kole Narsimhapur has sharply carved shapes of the various avtaars of Lord Vishnu. On the left bottom of the Lord one can see forms of Bhakt Pralhada and beside him Goddess Mahalaksmi, while on His right is Goddess Bhudevi and Garuda the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. One can see various ornaments like the “Bajubandh” on his arm and rings which make Him more beautiful . The beauty of the Murti is beyond description. We have to take a darshan and experience the aroma of this form of Lord Narasimha and feel blessed . All around the form of Lord Narasimha were wonderful carvings of the famous dashavataras, ten incarnations of Lord Krishna. According to the local tradition, Lord Narasimhadev was pleased with the devotion of Parashar Muni and hence appeared in a wonderful sixteen-handed form. This was the same blazing form that the Lord had assumed while killing Hiranyakashipu. Seeing that it was not possible for anyone to establish this ferociously blazing form on earth, the Lord ordered Parashar Muni to immerse him in the river Krishna. With a heavy heart, the sage immersed the deity in the water. Centuries later, around the year 178 A.D., a brahmin couple staying at a village named Anjana had been cursed to become blind and dumb by a sage. On begging forgiveness, they were advised by the sage to perform austerities for the pleasure of Lord Narasimha to absolve themselves of the curse. After twelve years of rigorous austerities, the Lord appeared in their dreams and told them that he now wished to establish himself on earth as a deity and asked them to approach the local king named Bhimadev to get him out of the river. When asked how they would find the exact location where he was under the water, the Lord told them to place some dry kusha grass in the stream and that they would find him exactly under the place where the grass caught fire. After having darshana of the Lord in the dream, the couple immediately regained their sight and speech and set off to inform the king. On hearing the request of the couple, the king sent his entourage to discover the deity. While searching in the river according to the procedure specified by the Lord, one of the blades of grass caught fire and the wonderful sixteen-handed form of the Lord was discovered from the depths of the river. On examining the deity, the devotees could see that the Lord was positioned with his left leg raised and bent in order to place the demon Hiranyakashipu upon it, and also to hold the left arm of the demon to prevent him from escaping. His other foot was placed firmly on the doorstep of Hiranyakashipu. The temple has two main doors — one on the northern side and another on the eastern side. Visitors generally enter through the eastern door. The deity is located 14 feet under the ground, and in order to reach there, one has to climb down steep staircases and pass through narrow tunnels many of which are under several inches of flowing water from the nearby Krishna River. The temple complex contains a painting and samädhi of a Siddha- mahätma named Sri Siddheshwar Maharaja. Karad is 23km away. It is 58 km from Kolhapur This temple is located just 7 km inside from NH4 Shri Narasinha Devsthan- Sarvjanik NyasA816 Kshetra Kole – Narsinhapur.Tal, walwadist, Sangli 415 409Contact: Trustee: Nadhuram Kulkarni, Mob: 09423038801Contact Priest: Dananjaya Kulkarni Mob: 09850069887Lakshmi templeSubash Krishna Gurav & Sridhar Subhas : Mob: 9058227372
Phandharpur has an old temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini. This temple is believed to have been renovated in 1195. The site is also popularly known as the Kuldaivat of Maharashtra and the Southern Kashi of India. This region also has a square shaped Pundalik Temple that is known for an open arched portico and a Shivalinga which is protected by a brass cover. The main shrine is a five storey structure surmounted by a pyramidal mortar spire. The Rukmini Mandir is a major Vaishnava shrine, which is devoted to Goddess Rukmini. This temple is located on the shores of the Chandrabhaga River and is also renowned as the Panduranga Temple. The main entrance of this temple is called the Namdev Gate. Some other attractions of this pilgrimage site are the Vishnupad Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple and Shri Ram Temple. Nearest Air port is Pune and Kolhapur. Pandharpur railway station falls on the Kurduwadi-Miraj route of Central Railway. It is located 72 kms from Solapur.
Tuljabhavani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhavani (Durga Or Parvati).It is located in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra and is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is situated 45 km from Solapur .The temple was built in c. 12th century CE. The second among the ‘Shaktipeeths’ is Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur. It is the family deity of the Bhosale Royal family, the Yadavs and of countless numbers of families belonging to different castes. The great ruler & founder of the Maratha kingdom, Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharajvisited the temple as he was a prominent devotee of her, people believe that the Goddess gifted him a sword – ‘The Bhawani Talwar’ – to succeed in his expeditions.
Considered as one of the Holiest of all Jain Teerths, Shikharji Temple in Jharkhand is a standout amongst the most went by Jain journey places. The temple is roosted on Parasnath Mountain, the most noteworthy among the Parasnath Range. This temple is well known among the Jain adherents as this is where twenty out of twenty-four Tirthankaras accomplished Moksha or Freedom from the Cycle of Rebirth.
Solapur is known for its many Jain temples namely Mallikarjuna Temple, Parasnath Temple and the Adinath Temple, all named after the Jain Tirthankaras. BUS : Solapur is very well connected by roads and is 45 Kms from Tuljapur, 73 Kms from Pandharpur, 95 Kms from Paranda, 274 Kms from Pune, 300 Kms from Hyderabad. You can take Solapur to Kolhapur buses and various other cities. Public transport in Solapur is primarily provided by buses operated by Solapur Municipal Transport (SMT). It is interesting to note that the only place other than Mumbai where double decker buses are in use is Solapur. Train : Solapur falls on the rail line connecting Hyderabad to Mumbai. It is around 400 Kms from Mumbai. Regular trains are available to Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and other parts of the state and country. Air : The nearest International Airport from Solapur is Pune International Airport, Maharashtra, roughly four hour drive from Solapur. Pune International Airport is well connected to major cities by flights to Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad & other destinations. Others : Autorickshaws is also available here to reach the sight. 701, Balives Rd, North kasaba, Thobde wada, Solapur, Maharashtra 413007 084463 35050
The RuKmini Temple is a Hindu temple located in Solapur, a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess RuKmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. The RuKmini Temple is a popular religious and tourist destination in Solapur, and is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, and is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Solapur. The RuKmini Temple is also a significant center of cultural and religious activities in Solapur, and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. These include celebrations of major Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami and Navaratri, as well as cultural programs and spiritual retreats. The RuKmini Temple in Solapur is known for its beautiful and intricate architecture. The temple is built in the traditional Hindu style, with a central sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the deity of RuKmini, and a series of smaller shrines and halls surrounding it. The temple is built of stone and decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The main entrance to the temple is marked by a large gateway (torana) adorned with sculpted figures and motifs. The interior of the temple is adorned with colorful murals and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of RuKmini and Lord Krishna, as well as various Hindu deities and mythological stories. The temple also has a large open courtyard surrounded by pillared halls, which is used for various cultural and religious events. Overall, the RuKmini Temple in Solapur is a beautiful and ornate example of traditional Hindu temple architecture, and is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. An interesting legend is narrated to justify separate dwelling temples, far away from each other, for Rukmini and her husband Krishna. It is said that at the request of sage Durvasa (who was renowned for his short temper and bestowing curses) Krishna and Rukmini pulled a chariot taking sage Durvasa to their house for dinner. Overall, the RuKmini Temple is an important religious and cultural landmark in Solapur, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the region.
Siddheshwar Temple is a temple in Solapur district, Maharashtra, India. This is famous temple in Solapur. It is sacred to Hindus and members of the Lingayat faith. There is a lake within the temple complex. 1, Railway Station Rd, Sidheshwar Peth, Solapur, Maharashtra 413001 0217 272 5051
Located at a distance of 14 kms from Kolhapur in Maharashtra on the Pune- Bangalore Highway, Chinmaya Ganadhish is the tallest statue of Hindu God Ganesh in the entire world. The statue stands tall at a height of 61 feet placed on a base of 24 feet. It was inaugurated in 2001.
Gangagiri Maharaj Math Temple is located amidst the Dijapur Forest on a hilltop. The math also offers yoga and meditation exercises for the devotees. Besides, the temple is located amidst beautiful scenic locales and makes for a mesmerising experience.
The Temlabai temple is situated on the Temlabai Hill both of which derive their name from the Goddess Temlabai who according to mythology is the sister of Goddess Mahalakshmi. It is said that Temlabai fought alongside Mahalakshmi to eradicate all evils however after the war, Mahalakshmi didn’t give her due credit. Furious, Temlabai left and lived in the hills which is now named after her. During the festival of Navtrati, The procession from Mahalakshmi temple goes to Temlabai Temple according to the legends this is the only day Mahalakshmi meets her sister Temlabai. Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012 0231 254 1779
After the Mahalakshmi Temple, this is the most important temple in Kolhapur, built in honor of Lord Ganesha. The temple attracts a lot of devotees as well as architecture enthusiasts because the marvel of the temple is that it is made without a single pillar. Sawarkar Marg, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416002
Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir is located in Kolhapur. Plan your Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir visit and explore what else you can see and do in Kolhapur using our Kolhapur online day trip planner 3rd Street,Kolhapur District,Shirol,taluk,Narasoba Wadi,Maharashtra 416104,India 02322 270 064
The Laxminarayan Temple, located in the heart of Wardha, Maharashtra, is a spiritual haven for visitors seeking peace and tranquility. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, is an architectural marvel that reflects the cultural richness and grandeur of India. This is a temple of God-goddesses Lord Vishnu and Laxmi. It is big temple built in the 1905. Inner side of the temple is constructed with marble. Late Jamnalal have opened the temple in 19th July 1928 for ‘Harihans’ (lower caste peoples). Near the temple a medical shop is opened free for poor people. Various books of Sansrit, Prakrit, and Ved, Upnishades, Bhagwat in Hindi languages are available in the temples library. A guest house of the truest is there near the Railway Station. The Laxminarayan Temple is a perfect blend of the traditional Indian temple architecture and the modern building techniques of the British era. The temple, built in 1934, was designed by the renowned architect, B. V. Doshi, who is also the recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. The temple has a unique triangular shape, with a dome at the top, and is made entirely of red sandstone. The intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars of the temple are a sight to behold. The temple’s interiors are equally mesmerizing, with beautiful murals and paintings adorning the walls and ceilings. The Laxminarayan Temple holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus. The temple’s main deity, Lord Vishnu, is regarded as the preserver of the universe and the protector of the righteous. Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Devotees believe that a visit to the Laxminarayan Temple can bring them blessings, prosperity, and happiness. The temple is also famous for its daily aarti, which is a ritual in which lamps are lit and devotional songs are sung to the deities. Nagpur is the nearest Airport. There is railway rout of 80Km Nagpur to Wardha. Wardha is 80 Km from Nagpur. Apart from its spiritual significance, the Laxminarayan Temple is also a major tourist attraction in Wardha. Visitors from all over the world come to admire the temple’s architecture and soak in its spiritual atmosphere. The temple’s location in the heart of Wardha makes it easily accessible to tourists. The temple is also surrounded by several other tourist attractions, such as the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram and the Sevagram Ashram. The Laxminarayan Temple, Wardha, is a spiritual haven that reflects the cultural richness and grandeur of India. Its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit for tourists and devotees alike. A visit to the Laxminarayan Temple is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Audumbar is known for the shrine of Dattatraya held in high reverence. It is said to have been built in honour of Nar-sirhha Sarasvati who was a great saint and who is supposed to be the incarnation of Dattatraya. His greatness has been extolled in Guru Charitra written by Sarasvati Gangadhar. Narsimha was born of a poor Brahman couple, Madhava and Amba, in about 1304. After his thread ceremony he left on a holy pilgrimage and on its completion came to Audumbar on the banks of the Krushna to engross himself secretly in religious mortification during the Caturmasa. At this time it so happened that a Brahman’s son who was dull−witted, overcome with shame at the remarks passed by the people in this regard, went to Bhuvanesvari temple on the opposite bank of the Krushna and prayed for three days and nights without taking any food. But the goddess remained unmoved by his severe penance upon which he cut off his tongue and laid it at Her feet. Taking pity the goddess advised him to go to Audumbar and pray Narsirhha. The boy taking the command went to Narsirhha and falling at his feet received the blessings of the sage. The identity of the saint having been known, thousands of people began to flock to the place for darshan. Nearest Airport is Pune International Airport which is 250 km away. Nearest Railway Stations are Sangli (57 km) and Miraj Junction (64 km). Regular State Transport Buses are available from any Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand.
Shri Neminath Digambar Jain Temple Nawagaad is famous for the ancient and artistic architecture of Lord Neminath. Earlier it was situated in the village of Ukhalad, which is about 2 km from the banks of Purna river. A grand temple was built in Navadgadh in 1931 and this idol was established in this temple. The Nizam immediately gave 10 acres of land to the temple. The temple of Navagadh is very artistic, vast and very high peak. The main god of Lord Devgiri in this temple is in Padmasana, with a beautiful 3.5 ft high black color and miraculous idol. The inner part of the temple is covered with a mirror and it is very beautiful Nearest Air port is Nanded. Navagadh is 50 k.m. away from Nanded Nearest Railway Station is Mirkhel. Mirkhel Station is on the Parbhani to Purna Railway Track. You can reach Mirkhel from Hyderabad to Nanded and connecting trains from Nanded to Mirkhel via Purna. Also from Aurangabad to Nanded Passenger Trains stops at Mirkhel. Navagadh is 40 k.m. from Parbhani and 60 k.m. from Nanded. Mamta colony, Mangal Murti Nagar, Parbhani, Maharashtra 431401
Mangi Tungi Temple is at 125 km from Nashik ,located in Satana Taluka. Mangi is the western pinnacle which is 4,343 ft high above sea level and Tungi is the eastern pinnacle which is 4,366 ft high above sea level. Mangi Tungi is a famous holy place for pilgrimage. This is a Siddha Kshetra where Ram, Hanuman, Sugriva, Nal, Neel, Mahaneel, Gava, Gavaksha and so many others, Total 99 Carores of ascetics attained salvation full & final freedom from world and went to Siddha Shila or Moksha, from where no one returns to the world and enjoys the internal spiritual bliss for infinite time. This Holy place is also related to Lord Ram & Sita, Lord Krishna & his elder brother Balram. Bhilwadi is the base village of Mangi-Tungi. Nearest Airport is Mumbai 300 Kms Nearest Railway Station is Nashik Road which is approx 130 Kms away. Nashik is well connected by Road and it is about 125 Kms from Nashik City
The Matsyodari Devi Temple of Ambad situated in south 21 k.m. away from Jalna city. Matsyodari, so called because the temple is on the hill which resembles the shape of a fish (matsya). It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region. A largely attended annual fair is held at the temple in October, in Navratra. Jalna does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Chikkalthana Airport. Jalna64 km away from Chikkalthana Airport (IXU), Aurangabad, Maharashtra From Jalna Regular Buses available for Ambad. You can easily get regular trains to Jalna from other major cities of the country. Railway Station(s): Jalna (J) From Jalna Regular Buses available for Ambad There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Jalna. Bus Station(s): Jalna From Jalna Regular Buses available for Ambad. Ambad, Maharashtra 431204
The GANESH temple of Rajur is situated in north 25 k.m. away from JALNA city. On every Chathurthi lots of pilgrims comes to pray the deity. A largely attended fair is held at the temple on Angarika Chaturthi. The Rajur is considered as one of the complete PITH of Lord Ganesh in Ganesh Puran. Other PITH are at Morgaon, Chinchwad (Pune). The remaining HALF PITH is Padmalaya. The temple is under the renovation and it is in completion stage. Jalna does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Chikkalthana Airport. Jalna64 km away Chikkalthana Airport (IXU), Aurangabad, Maharashtra From Jalna Regular Buses available for Rajur Ganapati. You can easily get regular trains to Jalna from other major cities of the country. Railway Station(s): Jalna (J) From Jalna Regular Buses available for Rajur Ganapati. There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Jalna. Bus Station(s): Jalna From Jalna Regular Buses available for Rajur Ganapati.
The district of Jalgaon in Maharashtra state is renowned for its magnificent cultural and religious places. Situated in the lush green ranges of Satpuda mountains, on the banks of River Tapi, is the Shree Manudevi Temple. It is the supreme family deity of many of the families who reside in the vicinity.The temple is accessible via road by taking an exit of the Yaval Chopda State Highway. After passing through Adgaon-Kasarkheda, the temple is around 9 kms approximately. The trustees and the board members take pride in informing the pilgrims that of the 10 kms road, three quarters of it (75%) of it is well paved two lane motorable road. The next one and half kilometer is a paved road made of gravel. The final one and half kilometer provides an interesting trek to the temple. The temple is at a height of 500 meters and the final trek is through lush green surroundings and this walk through nature and the chanting of Goddess Manudevi’s name grants every pilgrim unsurpassed satisfaction and joy. Nearest Airport located at Jalgaon and Aurangabad Nearest Railway station is Jalgaon Buses are available from Jalgaon
Saint Muktabai temple is region’s ancient temple with Goddess Muktabai being honoured at deity of region. There are two temples of this deity namely Mehun temple and new Muktabai Temple located in Muktai Nagar city.Muktai or Muktabai was a very popular saint of the Varkari tradition. She was born in Deshastha Brahmin family as the younger sister of the first Varkari saint, Dnyaneshwar. She wrote around 41 Abhang (devotional songs) all through her life. Muktabai’s most popular and thoughtful work is “Tati ughada dnaneshwara” which is a piece of conversation with saint Dnyaneshwar. Muktabai always believed that a saint is the one who is open to or can accept criticisms from others, that’s why, she said, “Sant jene vahave, jag bolane sosave”. Nearest Airport located at Jalgaon and Aurangabad Nearest Railway station is Bhusawal Buses are available from Muktainagar
Shree Kshetra Padmalaya, is located at around 30km from Jalgaon. Padmalaya is a blend of two words ‘Padma’ and ‘Alaya’ which means home of lotus in Sanskrit. The temple is dedicated to lord Ganesha with a lotus pond near it. Padmalaya temple is among the ‘two and a half’ Ganpati peeths in India. This temple is revered as a half peeth. The temple has two swayambhu ganesh idols namely Aamod and Pramod. Both these idols consist of corals and one has its trunk curving to the right and other one to the left. Both the idols are swayambhu meaning self-existed. The temple is made of stone with a pond beside it. The pond used to be full of lotus flowers hence the temple is known as Padmalaya. The temple is located at the top of the hills and is surrounded by various small temples. The temple has padukas of Shree Govind Maharaj with a huge bell weighing 440 kgs next to it. Mythology says that that Bhim in his battle with the Bakasura defeated him. To quench his thirst after the fight he hit his elbow on the ground to form a pond of water. This place is called Bhimkund and is located near Padmalaya. Various herbs and medicinal plants are found in the vicinity of the Padmalaya temple. Nearest Airport located at Jalgaon and Aurangabad Nearest Railway station are Jalgaon and Dharangaon Buses are available from Jalgaon,Erandol and Parola SH185, Mukhpat, Maharashtra 425109
At Shirad Shahapur village of Aundha Nagnath taluka place falls one of the most historical temples of Jain community. There exists statue of Lord Mallinath which is about 300 years old. There is legendary story of establishment of this temple. Years back the idol was placed at Ardhapur. Bhattarak shree Premanand once saw this idol placed in between other confuted idols and was annoyed. He seeked permission from Nizam to move the idol to Karanja. Nizam permitted him to take the idol to Karanja. While he was traveling he once stayed at shirad shahapur. There he saw dream in which he got message to establish the idol at shirad shahpur, only according to the famous temple came in to existence. Now it is well constructed with facilities for pilgrims to stay. Lot of Jain pilgrims from all over India visit this place. Nearest Airport : Nanded and Aurangabad Nearest Railway Station: Hingoli. Biggest Railway Station: Parbhani which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Hyderabad by direct train. Distance from Aurangabad by Road: 215 Km. Distance from Nanded by Road: 55 Km. Distance from Parbhani by Road: 45 Km. Distance from Hingoli by Road: 35 Km.
Narsi village in the district is birth place of saint shree Namdev. The saint was born in 1270 and his full name is Namdev Damaji Relekar. Population of the village is around 8000 and it is between Hingoli and Risod. Every year a fair is arranged in memory of the saint. The state government has declared Narsi as holy place and tourist place. The government has constructed a tourist home at Narsi. There are many followers of saint Namdev from Panjab and rest of India who frequently visit Narsi. Now the Sikh followers are constructing a Gurudwara at Narsi and they have also decided to construct a memorial of saint Namdev. Nearest Airport : Nanded and Aurangabad. Nearest Railway Station : Hingoli. Biggest Railway Station : Parbhani which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Hyderabad by direct train. Distance from Aurangabad by Road : 250 Km. Distance from Nanded by Road : 110 Km. Distance from Parbhani by Road : 100 Km. Distance from Hingoli by Road : 20 Km.
Markandadeo village is a popular place of God ‘Shiva’ and is grandeur for religious people not only in Maharashtra but also everywhere in India. It comes under Chamorshi Tahsil in Gadchiroli sub division. Village population is about 1000. The village is situated on the bank of Vainganga River. Nearest Airport is Nagpur which is 220 km away. Nearest railway station to the Gadchiroli / Markanda is Mul in Chandrapur district. Markanda village is situated at 65 kms away from Chandrapur and 184 kms from Nagpur. It is at 40 kms distance from Gadchiroli and 25 Kms from Mul in Chandrapur District. Bus services are available through out year from Nagpur, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli to go to Chamorshi and then Markanda.
The Achaleshwar Mahadeva temple is located just outside the Gond fort in Chandrapur town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sacred bull Nandi is seen in near the entrance facing the sanctum sanctorum. From Nagpur Airport at 148 km. From Chandrapur Railway Station at 3 Km At the distance of 3 kms from Chandrapur Bus Depot By Auto Bazar Ward, Chandrapur, Maharashtra 442402
Korambhi is a village in the Bhandara tahsil of Bhandara District of Maharashtra state in India. There is a temple to the Hindu goddess which is situated on the hill of Korambhi.It is a holy place among Hindus. Korambhi is famous for this Temple. The village is situated on the bank of Wainganga River. Air Facility Available upto Dr. BAI Airport, Nagpur (MS). From Nagpur Railway Station to Warthi Railway Station ( Bhandara). ( One hour Journey ) Nagpur – Pardi – Bhandara, NH-6. ( 60 KM )
The History of Parli Vaijnath Temple says that Rani Ahilyabhai renovated the Parli Vaijnath Temple in the 1700s. Two very popular legends are associated with this temple. One of the legends talks about the Amrit and the other talks about the demon King Ravana and his quest to own Shiva. Nearest Airport is Aurangabad which is 225 km away Railway Station at Parli. Regular State Transport Buses are available from any Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand.
The Salasar Temple was established in the year 2014 in Ganga Nagar Akola. Here are the idols of Shri Hanumanji, Shri Ram Darbar, Shri Radhakrishna and Shri Shiv Parivar. The temple complex is 2 lakh sq ft and has a garden in it. Akola Airport (also known as Shivani Airport) is the domestic airport of Akola city at an elevation of 999 ft (304 m) and has one runway (4,600×145 ft). The airport is just 7 km away from the city on National Highway No. 6. The nearest international airport is at Nagpur (250 km) and at Aurangabad, Maharashtra (265 km) . Renovation and operation of Akola airport is taken by Airport Authority of India. Akola railway station has good railway connectivity with direct trains to Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Okha, Surat, Nanded Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Kolhapur, Pune, Kamakhya, Indore, Mhow, Ujjain, Khandwa, Ratlam, Bhopal, Chittorgarh, Nagpur, Gondia, Bilaspur, Howrah, Hatia, Puri, Madras, Hingoli, Purna, Parli Vaidnath, Tirupati, Ganganagar, Secundarabad and Nampally, Hyderabad. Akola, situated on both the broad gauge Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line and the Kacheguda-Jaipur meter gauge line, is an important junction for passengers from North and South India and also for freight trains.Important railway stations in Akola region with their codes are Paras, Gaigaon, Akola Junction (AK), Murtizapur Junction (MZR) and are under Bhusawal-Badnera Section of Bhusawal Division of Central Railway. The “NH6” runs through Akola from Hazira (Surat) to Kolkata. NH6 is a part of Asian Highway 46. Maharashtra state transport buses are most commonly used by people to travel to rural parts of the region. They are the cheapest means of transport.State-owned and private air-conditioned bus services run daily to most major cities to and from Akola. The bus frequency is good. Bus service is available for cities like Nagpur, bhopal, Indore, Hyderabad, Nanded, Amravati, Mumbai, Nashik, Jabalpur. 094231 44217
The Jain temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala followed by mandapa and mukhamandapa. The ceiling of mandapa and antarala and door frame of sanctum is adorned with beautiful decorations. Though notified as Jain temple at present Shivlinga is housed in the sanctum. Temple is datable to 12th-13th AD. The Mallikarjun temple was built in 13th -14th AD and has been repaired on a large scale in the Peshava period. The original lower of the temple is built in stone while the shikhara potion is built with bricks and lime. The pillars are rectangular at the base, shaft is divided into decorative octagons, rectangular sections in the middle carry most ornate depictions in the form of fighting pair of elephants, warriors sitting on horses, makarmukha and ghatapallava motif. Nearest airports are Aurangabad and Pune. Airport Shirdi (limited flights). Ahmednagar is nearest railway station. Regular State Transport Buses are available from Any Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand.
A group of three temples at Kayegoan Toka within complex is located at confluence of Rivers Pravara and Godavari.It comprises Siddheshwar Mahadev temple,Devi and Vishnu temple and spacious ghats along the river attached to the temple complex. Nearest airports are Aurangabad and Pune. Airport Shirdi (limited flights). Ahmednagar is nearest railway station. Regular State Transport Buses are available from Any Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand.
Temple of Shiva on either side of the stream There are two temples of Shiva located at a distance of nearly 1.5 km from Parner at the meeting of two small streams and they are locally known as Sangameshvara and Trimbakeshvara temple.It is datable to 12th century AD. Nearest airports are Aurangabad and Pune. Airport Shirdi (limited flights). Ahmednagar is nearest railway station. Regular State Transport Buses are available from Any Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand.
Shree Krishna Mandir, Nigdi, Pune is a simple yet elegant venue to host your wedding and reception ceremony. It is located within the Nigdi Gaothan region. At this classy and elegant venue, you can hire external caterers to serve pure vegetarian delicacies to your guests. You do not have to be concerned about the decor, the in-house professionals would take care of it. The lavish décor of the Shree Krishna Mandir, Pune gives a special touch to your big day. It offers spacious banquet halls that can fit a large gathering for your function. An enormous parking lot is present on this site to shade the vehicles of your guests. The Krishna Mandir is situated about 20 km from Pune Station on the old Pune-Mumbai Highway. The best way to reach here is by either coming by your own personal vehicle or using public mode of transportation.
Peace and tranquillity are the two most dominant forces at this prominent place of worship, Katraj Jain Temple. The temple sits on a hillock which lies between the Pune-Satara highway, at Katraj in the district of Pune, Maharashtra. The mesmerizing view from the temple of the Pune city adds to the feeling of calmness experienced by the visitors. Once the temple is entered, there is no stopping the refreshing breeze from blowing into your hair. The temple is appreciated for its beauty, calmness and the significance it holds towards Jainism and ancient Jainism literature. The temple is not too old as it was built in the 20th century. Its other name famous among the locals is ‘Aagam Mandir’. The nearest bus stops to the temple are ‘wonder city bus stop’ which is just 1.2 km away and the ‘Datta nagar bus stop’ which is just 1 km away from the temple. Many PMPML buses operate at these bus stops. You can find auto-rickshaws near-by the bus stops which will take you to the temple for a reasonable price. Private cars and cabs are also allowed to travel till the temple. The temple is 11.6 kms away from the Pune railway station and is 20.4 kms away from Pune airport. Near Jakat Naka, 122, Agaam Hill, Satara Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
The Mini Sabarimala Temple is the first temple dedicated to the deity Ayyappa outside the state of Kerala. The temple is quite similar to the one at Sabarimala in Kerala. The temple is located on a small hillock in Kanjurmarg. There used to be a Devi and a small Ayyappa temple before the Mini Sabrimala Temple was constructed. However, it was demolished by foreign invaders who also killed the temple priests. The ruins of the temples can still be witnessed to this day at the Mini Sabarimala temple. Mini Sabarimala is 9 km from Mumbai Airport. Travellers can avail bus or taxi services from the airport to reach this religious spot. Bus services are available from each corner of the state to Kanjur.
The Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Mandir is among the most famous temples in Mumbai. The temples was constructed in 1970 and is known for its intricate marble carvings and architecture that will leave visitors mesmerised. What separates this temple from others is the famous elephant structures at the entrance and the ceiling. The temple is quite famous amongst the Jain Deravasi community and is dedicated to the Adishwar, the first Tirthankaras of the Jain Religion. The temple also houses other idols of Jain Tirthankaras and idols of Lord Ganesha in the temple compound. 97, Ridge Rd, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006 022 2369 2727
This temple was originally built to serve as an orphanage. However, it was bought over by the ISKCON foundation and was converted into a beautiful temple. The temple was constructed in 1988 and it opened its doors to devotees in 1990. Another unique feature of this temple is that it also home to many animals such as cows, peacocks and monkeys and provides a safe environment for them. The temple is also decorated with various paintings depicting the entire Krishna and Radha saga. 7, K. M. Munshi Marg, Girgaon, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007 022 2366 5500
The Mumbadevi temple is one of the oldest temples in the city. In fact, Mumbai city derives its very name form the Mumbadevi temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumba who is said to be the patron goddess of the native Somvanshi Kshatriyas, agricultural communities and the kolis (Fishermen). The idol of the goddess is decorated with jewellery like a nose pin, crown and a necklace and is placed on a decorated altar. The idol itself is made from a black stone and the face is painted orange. The temple complex also houses idols of other deities and devotees gather in a larger number on Tuesdays as it considered an auspicious day. By Road One can hire auto-rickshaws or taxis to Bhuleshwar where the Mumba Devi Temple is located. By Rail One can reach Mumba Devi Temple easily by boarding local trains from the city. The Charni Road Station is only 10 minutes from Bhuleshwar. Churchgate Station is also located close to Bhuleshwar. 097858 92946
Deo Surya Mandir English Name Deo Sun Temple is a Hindu temple in Bihar, India. The temple is a Sun shrine, dedicated to Lord Sun for Chhath Puja. The temple is located in Deo Town in the Indian State of Bihar. The Temple is unique as it faces west, the setting sun not the usual rising sun. This temple is reported to be considered very auspicious to visit on the festival of Chatth puja , Adra nakshatra & every Sunday. Deo, Bihar 824202
Kalsubai (Marathi: कळसूबाई शिखर) is a mountain in the Western Ghats, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Its summit situated at an elevation of 1646 metres (5400 feet) is the highest point in Maharashtra
Nashik-Aurangabad Rd, Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003 0253 251 4177
Maharashtra State Highway 17, Kasbe Vani, Taluka, Dindori, Maharashtra 422215 02557 220 081
If you are looking for Siddheshwar Temple travel information, Expedia has you covered. When visiting Siddheshwar Temple, Expedia can provide you with extensive Siddheshwar Temple information, as well as great savings on nearby hotels and flights! When traveling to Siddheshwar Temple, Siddheshwar Temple, leave plenty of time for sightseeing – you wouldn’t want to miss out on top attractions like Siddheshwar Temple! And before you go, make sure to read Expedia’s Siddheshwar Temple sightseeing Guide, filled with all you need to know for the best Siddheshwar Temple experience possible. Kausalya Nagar, Ram Wadi, Nashik, Maharashtra 422002 099533 65531
ITI Ambad Rd, Pandav Nagari, Mogal Nagar, Nashik, Maharashtra 422007
Khadak Ozar, Tehsil. Chandwar, Near NH 3, Nashik Road, Nashik, Maharashtra 423117 094229 70015
Mumbai-Agra Road, New Adgaon Naka, Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
Nashik – Pune Rd, chehadi, Maharashtra 422102
Taked Budruk, Maharashtra 422403 099223 12595
Shirdi is a holy place famous for the mystic saint Sai Baba. Shirdi is 97 km saway from Nashik. Sai Baba spent his life and also breathed his last in Shirdi. In the memory of Sai Baba, a big marble temple has been built in Shirdi, which attracts devotees from all over India and abroad. Sai Baba is worshipped with great reverence among all sects and religions of India. He is specially famous amongst all the Indian film industrialists and businessmen. Thursdays are of special significance for the devotees, who flock for Aarati and Prasad on this day. Sai Baba’s teachings were in leading a simple life and in the oneness of God. His saying SABKA MALIK EK meaning there is only one God and he isthe Master of all. Devotees can also choose the way to reach Shirdi from Nashik by train from Kopargaon Railway Station. It is the Kopargaon Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Shirdi . Now anyone can easily book train tickets from Nashik to Kopargaon. And book a cab from Kopargaon Railway Station to Shirdi. 094227 64467
At a distance of 2 km from Nashik Central Bus Station, Sundarnarayan temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge near Ram Kund in Panchavati area of Nashik. The Sundarnarayan Temple is built by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud in 1756. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu as Sundarnarayan. According to legend, once the area was a place haunted by an evil demon named Jalandar who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Even though the demon was wild and practiced evil deeds, he had a pious and virtuous wife Vrinda Devi. Lord Shiva was highly impressed by his devotion and he blessed the demon with a boon of immortality. This boon made Jalandar to create destruction in the area. The Gods realized the importance to kill the demon to save the mankind. The Gods approached Lord Vishnu to help them in this noble cause. Lord Vishnu understood that the chastity and piousness of Jalandar’s wife is acting as a shield to his life. Lord Vishnu adopted the look of Jalandar and started living with his wife. He challenged the chastity of the women and killed Jalandar. When Jalandar’s wife Devi Vrinda came to know this, she cursed Lord Vishnu to turn black and ugly. The curse of the lady made him dark and he had to take a holy dip in River Godavari to regain his original form. After regaining his original form, Lord Vishnu was called Sundarnarayan. At a distance of 2 km from Nashik Central Bus Station, Sundarnarayan temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge near Ram Kund in Panchavati area of Nashik. The Sundarnarayan Temple is built by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud in 1756 Kharewada, Raviwar Karanja, Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422001
At a distance of 2 km from Nashik Central Bus Station, Ramkund is the most important sacred bathing tank in Panchavati area of Nashik City. This is one of the popular Nashik tourist places to visit during Kumbh Mela. Ram Kund, measuring 27 x 12 sq. m was built by Chitrarao Khatarkar in 1696 AD. According to the legend, this sacred bathing tank on the bank of river Godavari is believed to be the spot where lord Rama had taken his bath during their exile. It is also said that the Lord Rama have performed his father’s funeral rites in this Kund and hence Ram Kund is also known as Asthi Vilaya Tirtha (Bone Immersion Tank). Ram Kund is a holy place for Hindus. Devotees believe that a dip in this tank will fulfill their wishes and also free from their sins. There is a popular belief that salvation to the soul of the dead person is easily achieved by immersing their ashes in the holy waters of this tank. Ashes of prominent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Dr. Rajendra Prasad were immersed in Ram Kund. Adjacent to the Ramkund, there is a Gandhi Talav (lake) having a white marbled monument, built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Nearest Airport is Mumbai which is 180 Kms from Nashik Nearest Railway Station is Nashik Road about 10 Kms Its within the City and 3 Kms from the Nashik Central Bus Stand
Ganpati idol is silver in material, each year idol is gradually increases in size by silver coating only. In Nashik District Famous Ganesha is “Chandicha Ganapati”. This temple is maintained by “Ravivar Karanja Ganeshotsav Mandal, Nashik”. This Mandal had completed 93 years in 2011 – 2012. To oraganize the Ganesha Festival in Nashik with the inspiration of Respected Shri. Lokmanya Tilak in Nashik Late Shri. Gangalal Pannalal Halwai had opened a Trust, in which they had selected trustees from Ravivar Peth, Nashik and from the establishment of this trust Late Shri Vishunu Rahalkar, Late. Shri Dadasaheb Gadre. In year 1978, members of the mandals had decided to build silver statue of Shri Ganesha, and which got enormous contribution of devotees from all across Maharashtra. From this contribution present statue were made which is of 201 kg of silver. This mandal now operates a small hospital on charitable basis. Main Road, Raviwar Karanja, Nashik, Maharashtra 422001
Anjaneri, one of the forts in the mountain range of Nasik-Trimbakeshwar, is considered to be the birthplace of god Hanuman. Anjaneri is located 20 km away from Nasik by Trimbak Road. It has become a famous trekking spot for local Nashikites, specially in the rainy season. By Air: You can take a direct flight to Nashik airport and then from there, you can either hire a direct cab or catch public transport to reach the fort. The distance between the airport and the base of the fort is 50 km. By Rail: Nashik is well connected to all other cities and towns by rail, and hence you can reach it directly by catching a train. From the station, you can either hire a cab or use public transport to reach the fort. By Road: The region around Fort is has a good road connectivity and is easily accessible by road. Trimbakeshwar Rd, Anjaneri, Maharashtra 422213
This Devalaya (Temple) is 135 feet toll and made of various combinations of un-comparable shapes (akrutis) highlights the divine power prevailing on the face of the earth.The temple is a symbol of an abode of spiritual upliftment to bliss and is named the Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth. The three floors of the Jinalaya (temple) of the Triloknath, signifies its reign over the three realms. The four directions are replicated by magnificient sculptures of the great pilgrims—Siddhachal, Abu, Girnar and Samet Shikhar.A 12 foot high idol of Lord Mahavir is set in the basement. At the first level, in the centre is Choumukhji, propagating the joy and devotion, escorted by the four Parshwanath idols. The Ashtapada Mahatirth is established on the last level in the crest of the monument.
This 18th-century temple located in Nasik is dedicated to Lord Sankara. It’s on the banks of the river Godavari. This temple is so important that it is called The Ganga of South India. Its architectural style is unique and intricate called ‘Maya’ style. The temple has carvings of animals such as monkeys and elephants so as to denote that Hinduism is applicable for the entire universe including the forces of nature, flora and fauna. It is not only restricted to human beings. Temple is just 2.2 Km or 8 minutes from the CBS so you can use public transport to reach once here. Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. By air, the nearest airport is the Gandhinagar Airport connected well with major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Panchavati Rd, Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
The Veda Mandir is an important temple of Maharashtra especially because of the fact that this temple imparts knowledge about the Vedas, Puranas and the whole Indian culture as well. A great gem of the city and especially significant in bringing up the children of here, the entire atmosphere of the temple is one that encourages learning. Calm and as serene as it gets, locals and tourists are charmed by the tranquillity of the place. It’s the perfect place to meditate, relax your mind and unwind. The idols include Lord Rama, Laxman and goddess Sita. The temple has been constructed by famous industrialists of the city. White marble composition and the glass panes at the entrance give it a modern feel for young students coming here to get closer to our original mythological roots. Temple is near Civil Hospital on the main road in Nashik. Take a cab or bus from any part of the city to reach once here. Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. By air, the nearest airport is the Gandhinagar Airport connected well with major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Trambakeshwar Rd, Matoshree Nagar, Nashik, Maharashtra 422002
Among all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Nasik, this one is of special significance. The temple is situated on the banks of the River Godavari and is considered to be one of the holiest worship spots in Nasik. It is also among the oldest Shiva temples of Nashik. It is also dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The entire setting is in the lap of greenery making it even more serene to pray. The temple is around 700 years old, constructed during the reign of Shivaji. The temple has always been maintained by the government to conserve its heritage value. – – The Temple is 7 Kms from Nashik Central Bus Station. You can use public transport to reach once here. Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. The nearest airport Ojhar Nashik International airport is situated about 24 kilometres far from the centre of the city. The nearest Railway Station is Nashik Road which is approx 15 kms away. Nashik is well connected by Road and its about 6 kms from Central Bus Stand Gangapur Road, Someshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra 422002 062891 47066
This is one of the biggest temples around nashik. The temple displays a beautiful architecture style. Being dedicated to Jain saints, this three-storied building is the place where Jain people can also gain knowledge about their religion. There are a number of Jain temples in the city. This one, however, is built in a totally different and unique way compared to the others. It comprises pink sandstone and marble structures that create a truly charming outlook. It houses a Dharamshala with healthy and delicious meals. There is a meditation hall as well in the premises. Tourists are attracted to this elegant place of worship and it is one of the top positions in the list of most visited at Nashik. Temple is 15 km from Nashik CBS Bus Station. Take an auto/bus/cab if already in the city to the temple. Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. By air, the nearest airport is the Gandhinagar Airport connected well with major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. 3 Siddha Shtra | Nasik-Mumbai Highway, Nashik, India
This temple is located in Ramkunda near Nasik and is one of the most historically important temples in the city. This temple or mandir is located on the banks of River Godavari. People visit the temple after taking a short bath in the holy waters of River Godavari. It was very much in the news as it opened its gates after a period of 12 years to mark the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2015 when thousands of devotees lined up to present their prayers to the goddess Godavari. Yes, this temple opens its gates completely once in 12 years to coincide with the Kumbh Mela cycle of Nashik. When its shut devotees pray from outside and is still quite revered. Temple is on the Godhavari bank in Nashik city. You can use public transport to reach once here. Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. By air, the nearest airport is the Gandhinagar Airport connected well with major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Panchavati Rd, Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
Ganpati means Lord Ganesha, to whom this temple is dedicated to. This is one of the most famous Ganesha temples in Nasik located at Anandvalli. The temple is located on the banks of River Godavari which allows the visitors and regular worshipers to experience the unique picturesque surrounding of this temple. With a legacy of almost 400 years and built during the Peshvas rule, this temple has immense historical significance too. The idol of Ganesh here is known as ‘Navashya’ – meaning he grants wishes of all seeking him and his blessings at the temple. It is said that lots of devotees have vouched for experiencing their ‘navas’ or offerings being answered by the Ganpati himself. Temple is in Nashik main city so you can use public transport to reach once here. Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. By air, the nearest airport is the Gandhinagar Airport connected well with major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Navshya Ganapati Parisar, Peshwe Colony, Anandvalli, Nashik, Maharashtra 422013
Among the many old temples in Nasik, this one is the most important one. This temple is extremely important to the Maharashtrians and most of the Indians as well. The temple depicts a story, a mistake made by Lord Shiva. The legend goes that god Shiva had killed a cow by mistake once and for that, he was asked by Nandi to take a holy dip in Ramkund so as cleanse himself of his bad deed. He is said to have come to Nashik and done so, and post which he sat to meditate. The very spot where the temple is located is believed to be where Shiva had meditated at that time. There are many nearby temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Gayatri Devi, etc and, for this reason, this spot is an important one according to the local people. Temple is not even 2 Km from the main bus stand. Take a bus, auto or cab from anywhere in Nashik to the temple. If coming from outside Nashik, Buses and taxis can also be taken to Nashik from all major Maharashtra cities. Nashik is 185 km from Mumbai and 220 km from Pune city. By rail get down at the Nashik railway station. By air, the nearest airport is the Gandhinagar Airport connected well with major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
The Sangameshwar temple of Swayambhu Mahadev at the confluence of two rivers namely Karha and Chambali (Bhogwati) is situated in the historically significant city of Saswad in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the oldest shiva temples in Maharashtra The temple built between the 10th and 13th centuries in the typical Hemadpanti style of architecture. As one climbs the stone steps, one’s attention rests on the stunning architecture, the temple’s Shikara that has hundreds of intricate sculptures, and the majestic Nandi. Believed to have been built sometime between the 10th and 13th century, Sangameshwar temple stands guard over the confluence of the Chamli and Karha rivers, just south of Saswad. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is about 35km southeast of Pune, and takes just over an hour to reach there from Pune. Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple holds a commanding position and must be quite an impressive sight during the monsoons when the rivers are filled with fresh new rains. As it’s located right on the edge of Saswad, it has the feel of being more isolated than it actually is. Pandeshwar Temple is located in Purandar Taluka on the Jejuri Morgaon road and one of the most popular temples to visit in the area. Pasasdev temple near Bhigwan is one of the must visit place near Pune, The old temple remain underwater of Ujjani dam.
Ramdhara Temple is located around 25 km from Pune and the temple is surrounded by water from 3 sides. Ramdara-Loni Kalbhor Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 412201
Mahabaleshwar Lord Shiva Temple is a very old temple and the Shivling here is very unique. The Swayambhoo Mahalinga of Lord Shiva is an important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. Mahabaleshwar hill station is one of the most popular holiday resort and honey moon destination in India, famous for Lingamala waterfalls, Pratapgad fort,Venna Lake,Arthur point,Wilson Point and Needle Hole Point. _By Train. While Wathar (60 km) is the nearest railway station from Mahabaleshwar, the most accessible and convenient one would be at Pune. There are plenty oftrains going to Pune from Mumbai as well as other major cities across India and you can take a bus or a taxi from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.
Kanifnath temple is located around 30km away from Pune city at top of the hill on Saswad road. Kanifnath Temple is one of the most famous trekking place near Pune with moderate terrain level of difficulty. There are two ways to go from Magarpatta. Either go to Saswad and then toKanifnath (slightly longer) or go through Kondhwa Road (beautiful ghat section in the middle). The map shows the second option which i think is the easier and the more scenic option. 13, Rasta Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411011
Ek Mukhi Datta Temple in Narayanpur is one of the most famous temple of Pune region, situated at the bottom of famous Purandar fort. The idol of Lord Dattatreya is very beautiful and the statue has only one face.
Changa Vateshwar Shiva Temple at Saswad is located at the foothills of Purandar fort in Narayanpur. The Shiva temple is a lesser known destination around Pune. Madhala Vada, Kapil Nagar, Kondhwa, Pune, Maharashtra 411048
Veer Village in located around 50 km from Pune at south of a Sasvad village and the famous temple of Veer Mhaskoba is situated on the banks of river Purnaganga. Mhaskoba is an Avatar of Kaal bhairava worshipped by tribal people of village. Kamlaji Dhangar, a cowherd, lived in the village of Veer. He escorted his herd, regularly to graze the greener pastures of Sonari and Borban villages. Sonari village, in Belgaum district has been known for its ancient Bhairav Temple. At his sojourn in Sonari, Kamlaji who was an ardent devotee of Lord Bhairava, would secure his cattle in a pen and visit the Lord’s temple. He would perform the deity’s ablutions, decorate the deity with flowers and leaves from the tarwad shrub. After offering obeisance, Kamlaji would offer a piece of his bhakri to the god. This had become a ritual for Kamlaji. Later ahead in Borban, Kamlaji would secure the cattle in a barn. Find a quiet place to meditate and travel astrally to worship his deity at Sonari, thus continuing his worship without interruptions. After the worship Kamlaji would return to his place of meditation at dawn. Saswad-Veer-Lonand Rd, Veer, Maharashtra 412312
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwar temple is one of the biggest temples in Pune. The temple is also among the most ancient temples you will find in the city as it was built under the Peshwa rule. Complete with intricate domes and carvings, the temple’s architecture is one of the first things that will strike you and leave you in awe. Apart from the idol of Lord Shiva in the main temple, there are smaller temples as well which have idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Lord Shani, Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman. The airports closest to Omkareshwar are Indore (77km) and Ujjain (133km). The nearest railway station is 12 km away, but it is not on the mainline and is not connected to the major cities. The nearest major railway station is Indore (77 km). You can also board a bus from Ujjain, Indore or Khandwa. Balgandharva Bridge, 233 Near, Chandrashekhar Govind Aapte Rd, Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
Shri Narayani Dham temple located at Katraj in Pune came to existence in the year 1983. The temple houses various idols of deities like Lord Hanuman, Shri Shyam Baba Jot, Shiva Linga, Lord Ganesha and so on. The presiding deity of the temple is though Goddess Narayani. The temple performs various rituals and services on a daily basis. What’s rather great is that the temple also carries out various other activities to help the society at large. These include free medical check-ups, social awareness camps, gaushalas, laughing exercises for mind and body etc. It is just 2 Km away from Lonavala railway station. Pune-Satara Road, Narayani Nagar, Behind Katraj Milk Dairy, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra 411046
How about experiencing mythology and the divine alongside the beauty of nature? Neelkantheswar temple located near Pune is one of those lesser known places. One of the most tranquil temples around pune, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on a hillock 900 mt. above sea level. The place is gradually becoming a popular weekend getaway for locals of Maharashtra. However, the temple requires about an hour of a steep climb to the top of the hillock to reach the temple. In the evenings, one can experience a beautiful sunset as well. The location of the temple makes the environment absolutely mystical. Stunning mountain views and backwaters of khadakwasla dam cutting through the valleys shall leave you with a sense of divine serenity Located at Panshet which is approx. 55 km from Pune. You can take a cab or a state bus to reach there. 73/P/25/1, HH Prince Aga Khan Rd, Agarkar Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
You can also pay a visit to the ISKON temple in Pune. This religious site is located 12 km south of Pune city in a place called Katraj. The temple is spread in a huge area and even has a multilevel car parking available. Various celebrities have visited this temple including some high-profile politicians. You must plan your visit to also attend the aarti during the evenings when Kirshna bhajans are chanted with mridangas. You can go to this temple to feed some cows. This is called Go-Seva. You can also donate here for some causes for which ISKON is working. Some of the donation options are Go-seva, priti bhojan, deity dressing, and Gita daan. Govinda’s restaurant is also in the temple premises where you can relish great lacto-vegetarian food. There is Govinda’s bakery as well where you can buy various breads and cookies. If you want to buy some puja paraphernalia, idols of deities and lockets, you can reach out to the Matchless Gift Shop, which is also in the temple premises. From Pune, ISKCON NVCC is about 12 km away and it takes about half an hour to reach the temple by car. One can travel via Kondhwa Road, the Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road or by the Mumbai Highway – via Pandharpur road and Kondhwa road. Iskcon Nvcc Road Katraj-Kondwa Bypass, Tilekar Nagar, Kondhwa Budruk, Pune, Maharashtra 411048
The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is referred to as the deity of Pune, its protector. It is believed that it was the first deity of Pune city and is located near the Shaniwar Wada on Kasba Peth. There is a story behind this temple. It was built by Queen Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji after Dadaji Konddev, the teacher of Shivaji informed Queen Jijabai that an idol has been found. Later, different Ganesh festivals got celebrated here making this temple quite famous even during the period of the freedom struggle. Even until today, the Kasba Ganpati gets preference in every Ganesh festival in the city. Like other Ganesh temples, visiting this one during the 10 day Ganesh Chaturthi will be ideal.
A rock-cut temple, it was made during the 8-century during Rashtrakuta’s period. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is made of basalt rock. Lord Shiva in this temple is in the form of a Shiva Lingam. The temple entrance also has a Nandi Mandapa. The other idols in this temple include Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, Lord Laxman, and Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Sita. The construction of this temple is inspired by Elephanta Caves. However, its construction did not get complete and there is no proper entrance to this temple. An ancient temple it has been declared a protected monument by the government. From Pune railway station use Wellesley Road to reach Pataleshwar Caves. Head towards La Meridien Pune – RTO Office Pune – cross the Sangam Briedge – Sancheti Hospital – Engineer College Ground – Pataleshwar Mandir. angali Maharaj Rd, Revenue Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005
A famous temple of Pune, you should definitely plan a visit here. There are thousands of devotees who visit this temple every day. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It has a 7.5-feet tall statue of Lord Ganesha, which is also 4-feet wide. It is believed to be a 100-year-old temple where every Ganesh festival is celebrated with much excitement. There is also a Halwai Ganapati Trust, which is funded by the temple and it carries out philanthropic work. This temple gets a lot of funding and is visited by several celebrities, as well. If possible, you should plan a visit here during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This festival usually falls in the month of September and is a 10 days long affair. The CM of Maharashtra also visits this temple during the time of this festival. Even several celebrities visit here during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The festival gets celebrated with much gaiety. by road The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple is well-connected by road to all major cities including Mumbai. It is located on Shivaji road in Budhwar Peth in Pune. Distance from Mumbai to Dagdusheth Ganpati temple is 150 km and should take close to 2 hours 45 minutes to reach by road. Here is a map to guide you: by train The closest railway station to Dagdusheth Ganpati temple is Shivajinagar which is located around 3 km from the temple. Several trains like the Deccan Express, Sinhagad Express and Sahyadri Express ply between Mumbai and Shivajinagar in Pune. It takes close to 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Shivajinagar from Mumbai by train. by flight The nearest airport to Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple is the Pune airport which is around 11 km from the temple. There are several flights to Pune from Mumbai and it takes just around 45 minutes to reach Pune from Mumbai by flight. There are several cabs available to travel from the airport to Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple. Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rd, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002
Another ancient temple, it was built during the tenure of Maratha King, Shivaji. It is located on Senapati Bapat Road on the slope of a hill. The word Chaturshringi literally means “mountain with four peaks”. So, this is another temple providing a stunning view of the city of Pune. The temple is nearly 90-feet tall and 125-feet wide and is a place known for its faith and power. To reach this temple, you will have to climb 100 steps and the presiding deity is Goddess Chaturshringi. The other idols include Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, and 8 small idols of Asthavinayaka. Along with being a place of worship, this temple is also looked up as a place to promote India’s rich culture and traditions. Artists across the country come here to exhibit their talent. The religious and cultural trust put up different sangeet and kirtan programs here. Located on Senapati Bapat Road, the place is well-connected via all modes of local transport. Senapati Bapat Road, Near, Pune University Rd, Gokhalenagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411016
This temple is scenic and truly mesmerising as it is situated on the hilltop. There are 5 temples on the hilltop including Vishnu, Kartikeya, Devdeveshwar, Rama, and Vithai. To reach the temple, you will have to climb 103 steps. The main temple is made of black stone and is dedicated to Devdeveshwar. Along with the religious sentiments, it is the view from the temple that makes it worth a visit. It is surrounded by a lush green landscape and you can experience nature at its best when you visit this temple. Adding to the charm of this temple is that it dates back to the period of Peshwa dynasty. So, a visit here will help you see one of the oldest structures of Pune, which is a part of its rich heritage. Moreover, there is a classical music festival that happens here usually between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm every day. If you are a classical music enthusiast, then plan a visit to this temple around this time. First arrive at Pune by means of Air (Pune airport) or rails ( Punerailway station). From there the closest bus station to arrive at theParvati hill will be the Swargate Bus Station where regular buses ply. From here you can take auto rickshaw to reach this shrine
Ramdeojibaba is a local folk deity of Rajasthan, who worked for the welfare of society irrespective of cast and creed. Baba Ramdeoji is considered as incarnation of Lord Vishnu at Runicha in Pokhran (Rajastan) and around Vikram Samvat 1409, had devoted all his life to the uplift of the downtrodden. Muslims called him Pir and Hindus and other communities call him Baba. For Ram sa Pir, there is no difference between a Hindu or Muslim. Ramdevbaba believed in the equality of all human beings, both high and low, rich and poor. He helped the down-trodden by granting them their wishes. Baba Ramdev is often depicted on horseback. His worship crosses the Hindu-Muslim divide as well as crossing the caste line since his followers include caste Hindus and the casteless dalits. Katol Rd, Gittikhadan Road, Opp.Shree Ramdeobaba Collegeof Engineering & Management, Near Gittikhadan Police Station, Gittikhadan, New Mankapur, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440013
Arya Samaj Jaipur city provides you with the convenience that you look for at the time of Marriage. Arya Samaj carries out all the preparations keeping in mind the budget specified by the couple. The day you decide to tie the knot, discuss with your family and friends and decide on a date that you wish to choose as your wedding day. After this, you just need to make a call or pay visit to the nearest Arya Samaj Mandir In Nagpur to book the date. You can safely assume that a major part of your work for the wedding is over at this stage. After the date is booked, you just need to specify your requirements to the authorities in Jaipur with respect to decorations, catering, bridal make-up, sweets etc. The procedure m of arya samaj marriage is a very simple. Happy marriage is the greatest thing that a person can posses. Marriages can give a person the deepest and the happiest moments of his life. It is a harbinger of hope, of joy and of ecstasy. Being ecstatic would be an understatement if one gets to marry with the love of his life. We do accede that love is the defer of all the laws and conventions.
A major spiritual tourist attraction of the Nagpur city, Balaji Temple is located atop the beautiful Seminary Hills and is a shrine dedicated to Lord Balaji. It is one of the most famous cultural hubs of the city and it arranges spiritual and cultural activities that attract people from near and far. An architectural marvel, the Balaji Temple offers a beautiful blend of both Southern and Northern style of architecture and is a treat to the eyes. A Rajagopuram serves as the main entrance, an imposing structure commonly seen in temples in South India has been derived for South Indian style of architecture and the well-ventilated halls are a reminiscence of temples of North India. This is the only Vishnu-Shiva temple in the state of Maharashtra and archanas and abhishekams are performed everyday. To visit the Balaji Temple, Nagpur, one has to first travel to the city ofNagpur. Nagpur is easily accessible from the rest of the country. The closest airport is located at a distance of only 8 kms from the city. Seminary Hills Rd, Seminary Hills, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440006
Ayyappan is the Hindu god of growth, particularly popular in Kerala. He is a syncretic deity, the son of Shiva and Mohini – the female avatar of Vishnu. Ayyappan is also referred to as Ayyappa, Sastavu, Hariharaputra, Manikanta, Shasta or Dharma Shasta. The iconography of Ayyappan depicts him as a handsome celibate god doing yoga and as an epitome of Dharma, who wears a bell around his neck. In the Hindu pantheon, his legends are relatively recent but diverse. For some, he is also an incarnation of the Buddha. He is honored by some Muslims in Kerala, with legends wherein Ayyappan defeats and gains worship of the Muslim brigand Vavar. In the Hindu tradition popular in the Western Ghats of India, he was born with the powers of Shiva and Vishnu to confront and defeat the shape shifting evil Buffalo demoness Mahishasuri. He was raised by a childless royal couple, and grows up as a warrior yogi champion of ethical and dharmic living. In the South Indian version, Ayyappan images show him as riding a tiger, but in some places such as Sri Lanka he is shown as riding a white elephant. Ring Rd, Jafar Nagar, Anant Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440013
Sacred to the 16th tirthankar of Jainism – Lord Shantinath is an ancient temple in Rumtek. The idol of Bhagawan Shantinath installed in the Shantinath Mandir is believed to fulfill the desires of the devotees. Along with the main temple, there are 15 other temples and shrines. One can even see the traces of the temple in Kalidasa’s lyric poem Meghadūta (“cloud messenger”). It is believed that Ramchandra once had visited this place. The height of the temple shikhar itself is 31 feet. The Shantinath Jain Teerth temple is one of the few Jain temples in North India which is built by following a South Indian temple architecture pattern. The shape of the shikar is quadrangular and is golden in colour. As per the legends, the story of the temple goes like this – 4000 years ago, a ruler from Nagpur, Appasaheb Bhonsle, came to Ramteke with his minister, Vardhman Savaji to make a Ram Temple. One day, the minister came late. When asked the reason behind the act, he said, “oh king, I am Jain. I am bounded by the rule that of not eating food without worshipping Jain idol, so I went 30 km away (present day kamptee Jain mandir) for worship. Ramtek, Maharashtra 441106
Shri Bhavani Mata Mandir, is situated in Pardi village on Punapur road, 10kms east of Nagpur. This ancient and biggest temple has some historical importance and it is said that the idol of the Mataji is swayambhu (self- evolved) and shows miracles to the devotees. Navaratri is celebrated here with great zeal and during that time large number of devotees gather here to have the darshan of Bhavani Mata. Mahaprasad is also distributed among the devotees. Bhandewadi Halt Rail Way Station , Kalamna Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway station to Bhawani Nagar Punapur Road, Shiv Nagar, Pardi. Nagpur , Kalameshwar are the nearby by towns to Nagpur having road connectivity to Nagpur and Bhawani Nagar Punapur Road, Shiv Nagar, Pardi Bhawani Nagar, Pardi, Maharashtra 440035
Shree Videhi Sati Ansuya Mata was born on 5th of May 1926 as the fifth child to mother Aanai and father Ramji at Paradsinga. Mata lived with Paradsinga villagers, played song and showered enormous love and affection on them for six decades. Mata annihilated all the troubles and karma, fulfilled their desires and stood as the Head of the family for each of them. Their chaste love for her is so immense that they don’t requisite any other God except Mata so; there is no other temple in the village. In Katol and nearby areas, without offering her naivedhya nobody takes their food. Pujya Sri Sivanesan Swamiji, who familiarized Mata to devotees, spent his whole life in Sai Seva by Baba’s grace. Swamiji channelized and gave guidance to establish Sai Organizations and follow Sai Tatva. The most incredible gift Swamiji gave to devotees is tracing of real Avadhutas without seeing them and moving from Shirdi. Swamiji advised devotees to invite these Avadhutas to inaugurate Dhuni and Sai temples which increased the power and virtue of these temples. Many people are now being benefited from this all across the country. Kalambha Rail Way Station , Katol Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway stations to Paradsinga.Metpanjra Rail Way Station (near to Katol) , Katol Rail Way Station (near to Katol) , Narkher Junction Rail Way Station (near to Narkhed) , Tinkheda Rail Way Station (near to Narkhed) are the Rail way stations reachable from near by towns. Katol , Narkhed are the nearby by towns to Paradsinga having road connectivity to Paradsinga Sati Ansuya Mata Sansthan,State Highway 248,Paradsinga Village, Katol Tahsil,Nagpur District, Maharashtra State,India-441305
Surabardi Dam is located in Nagpur. With our world travel planner, Nagpur attractions like Surabardi Dam can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away. Kalmeshwar Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway station to Surabardi. Nagpur , Kalameshwar are the nearby by towns to Nagpur having road connectivity to Nagpur and Surabardi Drugdhamna, Nagpur – 440023
Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Jagdamba Mata, also known as Mahalaxmi. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from across India and the world, and it is renowned for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Located on the banks of Koradi Lake, it is ancient temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi. This religious is with 17 km from Nagpur. The main festival of the temple is Sharadiya Navaratra’is celebrated with full vigour and enthusiasm. Koradi is also known for Thermal Power Station which is one of the four major power plants in Vidharabha. Koradi Temple is situated on the Chhindwara Road in Nagpur and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Located on the banks of Koradi Lake, the shrine is the busiest during Dussehra and Navratri. It is one of the shakti-peeth and is thronged by lacs of pilgrims all through the year. Navratri is the most popular festival when the idol is dressed in three different avatars. Koradi Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir popularly known as Koradi Devi Temple Located in Koradi City near Nagpur. It is one of the famous devi temple in Vidarbha. There are 51 Shakti-peeths of Devi. The Koradi Devi Temple is consider as one of the Shakti-peeths. On Navratri more than 50,000 lamps were lighted at the temple premises. The history of the Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir dates back to the 18th century when the temple was built by the royal family of Nagpur. Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions, making it one of the most significant religious sites in the region. The Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir is known for its stunning architecture and design. The temple has a unique blend of traditional and modern architectural styles, which is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple is built in white marble, and it has intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir is an essential pilgrimage destination for devotees of the Hindu faith. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Jagdamba Mata, who is believed to be the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and fertility. Devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings from the goddess and to offer prayers and offerings. The Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir celebrates several festivals throughout the year, which attracts a large number of devotees. Some of the most significant festivals celebrated at the temple include Navratri, Diwali, and Holi. During these festivals, the temple is adorned with lights and decorations, and various cultural events and ceremonies take place. There are several local stories and legends associated with the Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir. One of the most popular legends is about the construction of the temple. According to the legend, the royal family of Nagpur wanted to build a temple dedicated to the goddess Jagdamba Mata, but they were facing several obstacles. Despite their best efforts, the construction of the temple was not progressing as planned. One day, a saint visited the royal family and advised them to perform a special puja to seek the blessings of the goddess. The royal family followed the saint’s advice, and miraculously, the construction of the temple started progressing smoothly. It is believed that the goddess herself intervened and blessed the temple. Another legend associated with the temple is about a demon who terrorized the people of Nagpur. According to the legend, the demon was invincible and could not be defeated by any mortal. The people of Nagpur sought the help of the goddess Jagdamba Mata, who appeared in the form of a warrior and defeated the demon. The people of Nagpur built the temple in her honor to express their gratitude. These legends and stories add to the mystical aura and spiritual significance of the Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir. The nearest airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur. Nagpur is a major junction on Central Railway. It is well connected by road transport to other cities. The Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir provides accommodation facilities for devotees who wish to stay near the temple. The temple also has a cafeteria that serves vegetarian food and refreshments. The temple authorities also provide medical and first aid facilities for the devotees. Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Sansthan, Koradi, Kamptee, Maharashtra 441111 The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the Navratri festival, which usually falls in September or October. No, there is no entry fee to visit the temple The temple is open every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Yes, non-Hindus are welcome to visit the temple and witness its beauty and spiritual significance.
Sri Poddareshwar Rama Mandir located in the heart of the city is a major tourist attraction. It’s a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Shiva and was constructed in the year 1923 by Late Shri Jamnadhar Poddar, famous businessman of the popular Poddar family hailing from Rajasthan. Its also known as the proud of Nagpur city. It is said that pilgrims visiting the place are guaranteed to gain peace of mind. The idols of the temple are in a Ram Parivar setup and posture including those of God Rama, Lakshman, Hanuman and goddess Sita. The temple itself is made in marble and sandstone and is exquisite, to say the least. Minutes away by walk from the railway station if taking the train to Nagpur. Otherwise, you can take public transport from any part of the city as the temple is in the heart of the city. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Sadoday Plaza, 110, Central Avenue Road, Near Mayo Hospital, Bajeria, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440018
Dragon Palace temple located in Kampti area of Nagpur is also known as Lotus Temple of the city because of its exquisite architecture and scenic beauty. It is a Buddhist temple and forms one of the major attractions of the city. The temple was inaugurated in the year 1999 and is the best place if you are seeking for peace and serenity. It has a huge prayer hall and sandalwood idol of Lord Buddha. It’s also politically significant as the temple marks the Indo-Japan friendship at the time. It was inaugurated by Nichiki Kato from Tokyo and also received financial aid for its construction from Japan. Vibrantly coloured walls and a pure, tranquil atmosphere alongside a great architectural design has made this a favourite for tourists alike. Its very near (less than 1 Km) to the Kamptee bus station so you can take a bus to the temple. You can also drive to the temple. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Dadasaheb Kumbhare Parisar, New Kamptee, Kamptee, Maharashtra 441001
Adasa Ganesha temple located 45 km away from the city of Nagpur is situated on a hillock. It’s an ancient temple to Lord Ganesha and is considered to be 4,000 years old. The temple is considered one of the eight Ashta-Vinayaks in Vidarbha. The presiding deity is an idol of Ganesha standing 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide and is made of a monolithic stone. This idol is also believed by some to have evolved on its own. During Pausha in winters, a major fair is organized in the village and many pilgrims flock to the place during that time. Its 40 Km from the city and a car can reach very close, say only around a 100 meters away post which there are about 40 steps to climb to the temple. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. MH SH 249, Ramtek, Maharashtra 441106
Ramtek temple or Ram temple located at Ramtek area of Nagpur is dedicated to Lord Rama. According to popular belief, Lord Rama rested in this place while he was in exile before he went ahead to win over Lanka. Tek in Marathi means vow and thus Ramtek signifies ‘Vow of Lord Rama’. The present temple is believed to be over 400 years old. It is away from the hustle bustle of city life and located inside a fort on a hill. Expect a tranquil atmosphere, the mystical surrounding of a fortress and a place of worship so very rich in Mythological value. It is also very popular and revered for its OM structure that is a whopping 350 feet long. The temple is also famous for its notorious yet super smart monkeys roaming around the premises. Cars can go up to the last step post which you need to climb around 60 steps to the temple. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Temple is it is 55 kilometres from the train and 50 kilometres from the bus from Nagpur. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. MH SH 249, Ramtek, Maharashtra 441106
Hazarat Tajjuddin Dargah located in the heart of Nagpur is dedicated to Hazarat Tajjuddin Aulia Baba who was one of the five masters or Sadgurus of his age. He was a Sufi master born in 1268 A. H. in Madras. He had to spend sixteen years of life in a mental asylum in confinement as he was declared as a lunatic before turning the same place into a place of worship. The Dargah is considered to be holy and spiritual by the Islamic people and is open to people of all religions and sects. The Dargah includes a large mosque and shrine, with simple yet elegant architecture that shall leave you inspired and at peace. Known as the universal place of worship, people following distinct religions come here for their mannats. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Temple is 9 Km/around 10 minutes from the airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Public transport is easily available and the temple is not very far from the city centre. Umreth Road, Near Dighori, Taj Bagh, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440009,
Swaminarayan temple located near Middle Ring road is the largest Swaminarayan temple among over 1,000 temples set up by Swaminarayan Sanstha across the world. It’s grand architecture and illuminating hues during the night forms the main attraction. The temple holds regular Satsang programmes and has idols of various deities such as Shri Shukhshaiya, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Akshar Puroshuttam, Shri Yogiji Maharaj and many more. The architecture is stunning so take some time out to just marvel at that. Beautiful carvings on the roof and if one goes just before sunset, the temple looks ever more glorious with the rays shining on it directly. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Temple is 12 Km from the airport and 8 km from the railway station. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Public transport is easily available. Swaminarayan Marg, Ring Rd, Wathoda Layout, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440030
Telankhedi Hanuman temple located in the western region of Nagpur is situated on the southern slopes of seminary hills and is devoted to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha who is also the presiding deity of the temple. It also shares the shore of Telankadi Lake. Thus this temple too is extremely tranquil and pleasing to one’s mind and soul. There are also life-size marble idols dedicated to Devi Durga, Lord Shiva, Radhakrishna, Lord Rama, Santoshi Mata, Devi Gayatri, and Lord Vishnu. The temple remains crowded with devotees on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is said that Lord Rama was relaxing at this hilltop in Nagpur, and hence came into existence this temple. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Autos and taxis can be hired from any part of the city to the temple. The temple is around 5 km from the main city. Seminary Hills, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440006
Shirdi Sai Baba needs no introduction. Not only in India but all across the globe is this saint and his powers revered. Although he is believed to be hailing from Shirdi (250 km East of India), temples in his name and devotion have been built all around the country. The Sai Baba temple located in Nagpur is a replica of the original Sai Baba temple located in Shirdi. The temple’s construction was completed in the year 1979. Around 2000 visitors visit the temple every day while on Thursdays, the number increases to around 2500. The idol of Sai Baba was brought to the temple by Shri Babulaji Warti and sculpted by Shri Talim of Mumbai. The special aspect of Sai Baba and his teachings include that of opposing religious rigidity and respect for all faiths and castes. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Autos and taxis can be hired from any part of the city to the temple. Wardha Rd, Chhatrapati Road, Vikas Nagar, Sawarkar Nagar, Gajanan Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440025
Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi is one of the oldest temples in the city of Nagpur and is one of the most famous too. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is situated at the top of a hill and thus the name of Tekdi Ganesh as tekdi in Marathi means hill. It is an extremely serene place, ideal for those who like to worship in solitude away from the noise of the city. The temple is believed to be constructed over 250 years ago. The idol of Lord Ganesha’s head is decorated with gold and has other silver ornaments. The devotees refer to the place as Jagruta Devasthan since pilgrims flock to the place from dawn till midnight. However, we would say visit this place late afternoon-ish to witness the beautiful setting of the sun and the lush greenery along with the cool air of the hilltop. Walk to the temple is also not very hard and quite a pleasant journey to soak in the wonders of nature around you. By flight, the nearest airport is the Dr Baba saheb Ambedkar International Airport. Nagpur is also well connected by rail to all major cities. Sitabuldi, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440001
Shri Swami Samarth (also called Sri Akkalkot Swami Samarth) is considered as extension of the fifteenth century incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, namely Shrimad Narasimha Saraswati. It is mentioned in the holy book of Shri Gurucharitra that Shrimad Narasimha Saraswati entered into mahasamadhi in Kardalivana in 1458. He stayed in Samadhi for over 300 years and emerged from samadhi because a woodcutter accidentally cut through a tree and hit Shrimad Narasimha Saraswati (or Sri Swami Samarth). This awakened Shrimad Narasimha Saraswati from the prolonged samadhi. That divine personality is now known as Shri Swami Samarth. After emerging from samadhi Shrimad Narasimha Saraswati (Shri Swami Samarth) traveled all over the country. Swami himself said that He came from the Kardali forest. He repeatedly visited places like Puri, Banaras (Kashi), Haridwar, Girnar, Kathiawad and Rameswaram as well as China, Tibet and Nepal, and stayed at Mangalvedha, a town near Pandharpur in Solapurdistrict, before settling down in Akkalkot. Shri Swami Samarth lived for over two decades (22 years) at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of his disciple Cholappa, where his Samadhi and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, the Vatavruksha Mandir, which also encloses the banyan tree beneath which the Swami would preach his message, is the hub of devotions for his followers; free accommodation and meals are provided to pilgrims by Shri Swami Samarth Annachhatra Mandal also. The other shrine is of Samadhi of Swami located at some distance from the main shrine. By Road: The temple present in Akkalkot. We can reach the Temple easily by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Maharashtra or from neighboring state. Maharashtra is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regulars bus service in the city. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Akkalkot which is 7 km from the temple By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Solapur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. Math Road, Budhwarpet, Akkalkot, Maharashtra 413216
Bhuleshwar is a Hindu temple of Shiva, situated around 45 kilometres from Pune and 10km from Pune Solapur highway from Yawat. The temple is situated on a hill and was built in the 13th century. There are classical carvings on the walls. It has been declared as a protected monument. Bhuleshwar has a mythological & historical significance. Originally, it was a fort which was called as ‘Mangalgadh’. It is said thatParvati danced for Shiva and from here they went to Kailash and got married. This place is crowded during Mahashivratri. The temple is also known for the folk-tale about it, when a bowl of sweet (pedhas) is offered to the Shiva Ling, one or more of the sweets disappear. Actor-travel writer Milind Gunaji writes about his experience with this in his book Mystical, Magical Maharashtra. Temple was built during the period of 1230 AD during Yadava Rulers. It is believed that the temple was ruined by Muslim invaders and reconstructed later because the entrance of the temple is hidden like Gaimukhi Buruj construction of Shivaji’s time. The fort on which the temple is situated is called as Daulatmangal fort, also at times referred as Mangalgad. By Road: The temple present in Bhuleshwar. We can reach the Temple easily by hiring bus or taxi from anywhere in the Maharashtra or from neighboring state. Maharashtra is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regulars bus service in the city. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Pune railway station which is 51.9 km from the temple By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Pune Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
The Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir is a very ancient shrine of Lord Shiva. This is a relatively small temple and is noted as the holy place where Swami Samarth performed dhyanam, pratiṣhṭha of a Ram Mandir near-by and blessed a śiṣhya who undertook a sajiva samadhi at this very place. People aren’t very sure of the time or era when the shrine was built, but most of them agree on the fact that the Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir is an extremely ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is not a huge one and stands on a small piece of land but it is far and wide well-known as the holy place where Swami Samarth performed his dhyan and pratishtha of a Ram Mandir (temple dedicated to Lord Rama) close by and subsequently he blessed a Shishya who went on to take a ‘SajivSamadh’ at this very place. By Road: The temple present in Nalasopara. We can reach the Temple easily by hiring bus or taxi from anywhere in the Maharashtra or from neighboring state. Maharashtra is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regulars bus service in the city. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Mumbai railway station. By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Mumbai Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai Bolinj-Sopara Rd, Samel Pada, Nalasopara West, Nala Sopara, Maharashtra 401203
The Dashabhuja Ganpati temple is situated on Karve road, at 5 minutes distance from the Mrutunjayeshwar temple. This temple was also owned by Sardar Haripant Phadke, a Sardar of Peshwa and was subsequently donated to the Peshwas as dowry. Dashabhuja Ganpati occupies an important place in the hearts of Ganesha devotees in Pune. This temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day and the number increases ten times during Ganesh Chaturthi. According to historical evidences, the temple of Dashabhuja Ganpati was built during the reign of Peshwas. The temple was founded when one of the sardars of Peshwa, Haripant Phadke was building a well on the plot he owned here. It has also been documented that this temple was further donated to the Peshwas as a part of dowry. Paud is the name of the village on the western side on the road and “Phata” means diversion. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Pune railway station. महर्षि, Karve Nagar Rd, Pandurang Colony, Erandwane, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
Yogeshwari is a Sanskrit name which means “Goddess Durga”. Sometimes even pronounced as Jogeshwari or Jogeswari. Shri Yogeshwari (Devanagari: श्री योगेश्वरी देवी ) is an ancient temple of Goddess Durga, located at Ambejogai one of Goddess Shakti Peeth. Yogeshwari Mata is kuldevi of Ahir (Yadav) community. Many Brahmins of Western India (Gujarat, Rajasthan) with surnames Vyas, Trivedi, etc also revere “Yogeshwari” as their Kuldevi. Yogeshwari Aai is Kulaswamini of many families in Maharashtra especially of Konkanastha Chitpavan Brahmins and Karhade Brahmins. Yogeshwari Aai is considered as matruka shakti of Lord Shiva. Her name is derived from words Yoga and Ishwari. It means she is controller of Yoga shakti. There is famous temple near Talbi road at Bhinmal, Rajasthan with mesmerizing idols of Yogeshwari and Varunachi Devi. Also are three famous temples of Yogeshwari Devi in Maharashtra. One is at Ambajogai, other is in Lanja near Ratnagiri in form of consort of Kalabhairava and third is in Pune as Tambadi Jogeshwari. Mandi Bazaar, Ambajogai, Maharashtra 431517
The Jagdamba Mata temple in Rashin comes in the Taluka Karjat in the district of Ahmednagar. The temple is to the east of Pune at a distance of 114 km. This is a very ancient temple well known for the Yamai and Tukai Deity, the Avatar Swarup of Mata Renuka. Rashin Devi is the Kuldevta of many people in Maharashtra. At present no known and detailed scripts or books are available giving more information of the place except for the locally published book in Marathi known as the “Shri Jagdamba Mata Rashin Charitra” which has been formulated by the devi bhaktas in Rashin. This book is available at Rashin with the Gurav Pujari of Rashin. As mentioned in the book, the legend behind the sthapana of the devi mandir in Rashin goes like this. As per the original legend in the Skanda Puran our beloved earth mother was being ruled over by dytyas and unholy powers. Everywhere it was the rule of adharm, torture and brutal killings of innocent people. Even the gods in the heaven were left helpless and powerless over the situation. With the rule of the daityas there was no faith, no sadachar rather the Brahmins, innocents creatures, and beings were made to live a miserable torturous life. The mukya diatya among these was the daitya named “Rakta Beej”.
The Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur, officially known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir (Marathi: श्री विठ्ठल-रूक्मिणी मंदिर), is a Hindu temple in Pandharpur in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the main centre of worship for Vithoba, a form of the god Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited temple in Maharashtra. The Warkaris start marching from their homes to the temple of Pandharpur in groups called Dindi (procession) to reach on Aashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi. A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga, on whose banks Pandharpur resides, is believed to have power to wash all sins. All the devotees are allowed to touch the feet of the idol of Vithoba. In May 2014, the temple became the first in India to invite women and people from backward classes as priests. Pandharpur city in Solapur District, Geographically it’s an western Maharashtra, Pandharpur Town is connected various roads, and the also railway network called central railway
Vithal Dayaji is a Hindu temple located in Sulewadi, a village near Piliv, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This temple is devoted to a Kuladevata, a family deity that is either a god or a goddess. This temple is on the land of Janardhan Sule. The fairy day event is celebrated 15 days after Diwali, the “festival of lights”, circa in October or November each year. The exact date is decided by the Hindu Lunisolar calendar.
Varadvinayak, also spelt as Varadavinayaka, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is located in Mhad village situated in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharashtra, India. The temple was built (restored) by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725AD. Legend has it that the childless king, Bhima of Koudinyapur and his wife met the sage Vishwamitra while they had come to forest for penance. Vishwamitra gave the king a mantra (incantation) Ekashar Gajana Mantra to chant and thus his son and heir, prince Rukmaganda was born. Rukmaganda grew up into a beautiful young prince. Village Mahad, Tal Khalapur Khopoli, Dist, Mahad, Maharashtra 410202
The Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshwari, located in the town Vajreshwari, 75 km away from Mumbai. The town, earlier known as Vadvali, was renamed Vajreshwari in honour of the presiding deity of the temple. The Puranas mention the region of Vadvali as a place visited by Rama and Parashurama, avatars of the god Vishnu. The legend says that Parashurama performed a yajna (fire offering) at Vadvali and the hills of volcanic ash in the area are its residue. The primary deity of the temple, Vajreshwari (vajreśvari), also spelled Vajreshvari, also known as Vajrábái and Vajrayogini, is considered an incarnation of the goddess Parvati or Aadi-Maya on earth. Her name literally means “the lady of the Vajra (thunderbolt)”. There are two legends about the goddess’ origins, both associated with the Vajra. The town of Vajreshwari, on banks of the river Tansa, lies in Bhiwandi city, Thane district, Maharashtra, India It is 31 km away from the nearest railway station of Virar. The temple is located near the post office of Vajreshwari town, on the Mandagiri hillock, which was formed out of a volcanic eruption and is surrounded by hills on all sides.
The Trivikrama Temple, also named Ter Temple, is a Hindu temple, originally Buddhist, in Ter, Maharashtra. The temple is original in that it was initially based on a free-standing apsidal structure, now located at the back of the building, which is characteristic of early Buddhist apsidal caityagriha designs.The apsidal structure seems to be contemporary to the great apsidal temple found in Sirkap, Taxila, which is dated to 30 BCE-50 CE.It would have been built under the Satavahanas, in the 2nd or 3rd century CE. The external flat-roofed mandapa structure is probably only an addition from the 6th century CE, when the temple was converted into a Hindu temple. A stone image of Trivikrama probably dates to the early Chalukyas.
Taljai is a hill right at the heart of Pune city that has been designated as a wildlife reserve. The road to this hill passes through the Shivaji Maratha College campus with a picturesque mountain path, with sharp turns.Near the entrance of the forest is a temple to Taljai, a Hindu Goddess.Vehicles are prohibited in this area. The reserve attracts migratory birds and is home to Peacocks. This place is therefore popular with amateur bird watchers. and ornithologists. A recent study concluded that the lake at Taljai is dying due to dumping of plastic waste.The park is open for visitors from 5 to 10 in the mornings and from 4:30 to 7:00 in the evenings.
Siddhatek is a town in the Ahmednagar district of the western part of India located on the Bhima River. The town is known for its temple to Sri Siddhi Vināyaka, the right-tusked incarnation of Ganesha as “Masterful Remover”. Legends surrounding the north-facing temple suggest it was built to commemorate the place where Lord Vishnu defeated the evil Asuras Madhu-Kaitabh with the blessing of Siddhi Vināyaka. The shrine is particularly popular during the festivals of Ganesh Jayanti, Vijayadashami and Somvati Amavasya
Shri Vaijnath Temple (Marathi श्री वैजनाथ मंदिर ) is an ancient Shiva temple, located at Parli in Beed district of Maharashtra, India. Parali is a taluka in Beed district and is primarily known for the temple. Known as the Vaijanath Temple, it is built out of stone on a small hill and is surrounded by a wall that protects it from all sides
Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple is located in village Rameshwar Wadi in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. It is a historic temple built in 16th century. Its chief interest is the approach about 250 yards long, cut through rock fifty feet deep. The idol, a four-armed figure seated on a bull, is of solid silver said to weigh a hundred kilograms and is in good condition at present. Talgoan, Maharashtra
Shri Aday Durgay Temple is located near village Rameshwar in Devgad taluka Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. This temple is dedicated to two Hindu goddesses Aday and Durgay. It is a historic temple that was built even before the 15th century, dedicated to the Clan Goddess or Kuladevata of the Pujare Clan. The temple building is very simple in appearance. It consists of a small room elevated to a height of 4 feet. The entire temple building is only 10 feet high. The main entrance faces east. Unlike other temples in the region, this temple does not have a wooden door. The temple is open to devotees all the time. The temple is located in a forest near MSH 115. Devotees have to walk for about 15-20 minutes to reach the temple from the state highway. The only access to the temple is a small stone pathway through the forest land. There are a few mango plantations around the temple premises which are owned by the local people including some Pujare.
Shree Kshetra Korthan Khandoba Devasthan is a temple situated at the height of 951 meters on the hills of Pimpalgaon Rotha, which is located 50 km from the city of Ahmednagarand 30 km from the city of Parner. Maharashtra 414303
Shri Kaleshwar Mandir ,Shree Kaleshwara Mandira (according to Marathi phonology § Vowels) or Shree Kaleshwara Devasthana( According to natives of Nerur village ) is a large Hindu temple in Nerur, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. It is dedicated to the village deity, Shree Kaleshwara, who is also called Kaloba. The temple dates back 700 to 800 years, when, according to legend, a brahmin dug into the ground and discovered a natural lingam, an emblem of Shiva. The temple was founded on that spot, and the lingam is now enshrined in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum
Shani Shingnapur or Shani Shinganapur or Shingnapur or Sonai is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. Shingnapur is 35km from Ahmednagar city. The best way to reach there is via road. Train route is also possible. The nearest railway stations to Shani Shingnapur are Rahuri (32 km), Ahmednagar (35 km), and Shrirampur (54 km), Shirdi Railway Station (75 km). You will have to find to check for trains and then again take some local transport from there.
Manudevi Temple is located near Adgaon village in Yawal Taluka in the scenic natural surroundings of the Satpura Range. Manudevi is the kuldevi of 70% of the people in the Jalgaon district. The front of the temple features a waterfall and is surrounded by hills on three sides and makes a popular picnic spot. School children and college students are frequent visitors. The temple also features a man made lake nearby. Satpuda Manudevi temple was discovered in 1252 AD/BC by Shri K Pandu Jeevan, a member of the Ingle family. From the excavations, it is believed that this is an ancient temple which reflects the culture and tradition of earlier times. The huge massive trees greet the devotees at the temple entrance. By Road: Satpuda Manudevi temple is accessible via road. It is located at the exit of the Yaval Chopda State Highway. The temple is around 9 km away from Adgaon-Kasarkheda. By Air: The closest airport is located at Jalgaon. By Train: Jalgaon and Indore are the closest railway heads. Ashok Nagar, Old MIDC, Jalgaon, Maharashtra 425003
Sarasbaug is a major landmark in the city of Pune in India. The place where the park now stands was once occupied by a small lake. However, the lake dried up and was later developed into Sarasbaug. The whole 25-acre (10 ha) complex is known as Sarasbaug. The Ganesh temple in Saras Baug is also known as Talyatla Ganapati (in Marathi:तळ्यातला गणपती ) which translates as the Ganapati in the lake. Located on Saras Baug road, this place is easily accessibly by the available means of transport. Sarasbaug is located within a km from Swargate Bus Station which is a ground transport station for Pune and around 6 km from Pune Railway Station.
Saptashrungi or Saptashringi (Marathi: सप्तश्रृंगी, Saptaśrr̥ṇgī) is a site of Hindu pilgrimage situated 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Nashik in Indian state of Maharashtra. According to Hindu traditions, the goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini dwells within the seven mountain peaks. (Sapta means seven and shrung means peaks.) It is located in Nanduri, Kalwan taluka, a small village near Nashik in India. The Marathas and some Bhil tribes worship the goddess from a long time and some worship as their kuldaivat. There are 510 steps to climb the gad. Devotees visit this place in large numbers every day. The temple is also known popularly as one of the “three and half Shakti Peethas” of Maharashtra. The temple is also one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati’s (wife of Lord Shiva) limbs, her right arm is reported to have fallen. Its half shaktipeeth among three and half shaktipeeth of Maharashtra. This temple is one among the 51 Shakti peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati’s limbs, her right arm is considered to have fallen when grief-stricken and agitated Shiva was carrying her dead body round the world on his shoulders, and Vishnu had cut her body into pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra. The story behind this event is that King Prajapati Daksha, father of Sati (the incarnation of Goddess Parvati , wife of Lord Shiva), was performing a yagna (yagna is defined as a Hindu fire ritual sacrifice when deities of the Vedic times like Agni, the fire god, and others were invoked by offering oblations such as ghee (clarified butter), milk, grains and so forth) called as Brihaspatirityadi. Sati (also called Shakti) who was Lord Shiva’s wife, attended the function without invitation. By Air. Nashik is the nearest airport to theSaptashrungi Devi Temple at a distance of about 60 kilometres from Vani. From Nashik, you can travel by road to Saptashrungi. MIDC, Satpur Colony, Nashik, Maharashtra 422007
Revansiddha Temple is a holistic devine temple dedicated to Lord Sri dev Revansiddha, (Renukacharya-the first panchacharya). It was built in the‘ 16th century and lies hardly three furlongs away from the village Renavi. Renavi is celebrated for an old temple dedicated to Revan Nath( Revan Siddh), a saint of repute, said to have been under the special favour of Lord Sri. Dattatreya and lil a great favourite of the Lingayats, because Lord Sri dev Revansiddhanath met Sri Siddheshwar Maharaj, main Saint of Lingayat at Gurubhet in Sholapur city & gave Diksha. at post Renavi,talk vita, Maharashtra
Rameshwar Mandir is a temple located in Chaul, Maharashtra, India. It is a very ancient temple of Lord Shiva. Being an ancient temple it had completed 275 years. The Chaul region is known for its temples. There are 360 temples in Chaul and also 360 lake or large pond called as POKHARAN in MARATHI. One Rameshwar Das Mandir is in Basai, Rajasthan. The date of construction is not known, but the temple has been renovated several times. In the front there is a large pond known as pokharan in Marathi. The Mandir has three tanks (called kund in Marathi): parjanya kund, agni kund, and wayu kund, representing three elements of nature—Rain, fire, and air. here are numerous ancient temples built in and around the borders of Alibaug. The temple of Rameshwar is one such ancient shrine built in Revdanda. The temple is more known for its unique Hemadpanthi style of architecture. By Air : Mumbai is nearest airport. By Rail : Roha nearest Railway station By Road : 109 km – Distance from Mumbai to Revdanda. 17 km from Alibaug are the twin villages of Chaul-Revdanda.
The Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is a Shiva temple located in the hill-station of Matheran in Maharashtra, India This temple is the oldest in Matheran and the deity Piśarnāth is the grama devata (village deity). The lingam here is swayambhū and appears in an extraordinary titled ‘L’ shape and is covered with sindoor. This ancient temple is located on the banks of a lake now known as “Charlotte”. The surroundings of the temple are extremely beautiful and secluded. The place is at an altitude of about 2516 feet above sea level. Matheran itself is a very famous hill-station and is an attractive tourist spot. Matheran, Maharashtra 410206
Patit Pawan Mandir is a Hindu temple in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India. It was built by Shriman Bhagojisheth Keer in 1931. Patit in Marathi refers to the lowest, humblest, downtrodden man in the society. Pawan becomes purified, enlightened, awakened and fulfilled. The temple took this name to refer which transforming the downtrodden to the pure form, restoring a worshipper’s rights as a human being. It aims to be a place where the untouchable, or dalit, can perform the puja, worship their god as everyone else does. The entry of untouchables in a temple was unthinkable in the 1930s. If even the shadow of an untouchable fell on an upper caste man he would bathe again. Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar saw this, thought that this was wrong and devoted a great part of his life to fight against it. Varachi Ali, Near Phatak high school, Subhash Road, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
Parshurama Temple (also known as Shree Kshetra Parshuram) is a temple of Lord Parshurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism located at Chiplun in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Sansthan Shri Bhargavram Parshuram At post, Taluka, Parshuram, Chiplun, Maharashtra 415605
Padmalaya (also known as “Prabhakshetra”) is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It lies 10 km from Erandol and 31.5 km from the district headquarters of Jalgaon . ‘Padmalaya’, a portmanteau word blending “Padmasya” and “Alaya”, means “Home of Lotus” in Sanskrit. The name is derived from a large lotus pond that is believed to have existed adjacent to a local temple dedicated to Ganesha.
Nala Sopara, associated with Shurparaka (lit. city of braves; Śūrpāraka) and formerly known as Sopara, is a town within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The town lies in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. The town gained a lot of popularity due its massive representation in dance, nationally and internationally. The population of the city is 5.5 lakhs. It also has railway station on the Western Railway Zone, approximately 57 km from Mumbai. It is governed by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC). Nala Sopara is accepted by scholars as the Suparaka or Supparak of ancient India and was a busy trade centre and an important seat of Buddhism By Rail. Nalla Sopara Rail Way Station , Virar Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway station to Nilemore, Nalasopara West, Nala Sopara, Palghar.
Known since 1700 AD, Matunga was a cluster of villages, which later on were brought under a single governing umbrella by the ruling British. The area was called Marubai Tekdi Gaon, which is said was shortened to MaTunGa (Matunga). Marubai is the traditional Gaondevi (village Goddess) of Matunga whose small temple existed under a peepal tree at King’s Circle. The then British Government planned to develop Bombay (Mumbai). Under the provisions of the City of Bombay Improvement Act, 1898, certain lands situated within the Island of Bombay were required for public purpose namely the Matunga Road Scheme, now the road is known as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Road. So the authorities then decided to shift the Marubai temple from the Kings Circle peepal tree to a different location as it came in the way of the road building plan. 022 2409 5690
Mandhardevi Kalubai temple is near Wai (Satara District, Maharashtra, India). Located on a hill 4,650 feet above sea level, the temple, some 20 km from Satara, overlooks the picturesque Purandar fort. Devotees attribute miraculous properties to a grove around the shrine. Local lore has it that the temple is more than 400 years old and was built during Shivaji’s Maratha rule; no definite date on the construction is available. The title of the land is in the name of Lord Mandeshwar and Kaleshwari Devi. Most of the year there is little tourist traffic. The nearest primary health centre is six kilometres away and a major hospital is at Satara town. Sangamnagar, Satara, Maharashtra 415003
Mahur or Mahurgad is a town and religious place in Nanded district of Maharashtra, India. Mahur is the birthplace of Hindu God Dattatreya. Atri Rishi and Sati Anusaya Mata lived here. Brahmadev, Vishnudev and Lord Shiva once got a news about Anusaya Mata that there is no one more pious and pure as her. To test her piousness they arrived under the garb of asking Alm (bhiksha). When she brought it, they asked to serve them while being naked, she realized by her power that she is under a test. She made them a three headed child & fed them. This became Dattatreya, the unified God.
The Shri Ambabai (mahalaxmi) Temple of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India, is one of the most famous temples of Hinduism of the state.Kolhapur and the temple is located on the banks of the Panchganga River,it is about 230 km south of Pune Kolhapur Railway Station is around 5 km away from the city centre. Regular train service from places like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Tirupati and Satara toKolhapur contributed to better transportation toKolhapur. Bus, auto or rickshaw can be availed from the railway station to reach the city centre. Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012
The Mahakali Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Adiware, Rajapur Taluka, Maharashtra state, India. It is 28 kilometres (17 mi) from Rajapur, 39 kilometres (24 mi) from Ratnagiri, 350 kilometres (220 mi) from Mumbai. Nearby Famous temple : Shree Aryadurga devi, Devihasol is famous temple. It is 14 km from Adivare, The fair of Aryadurga devi is also famous
Kukdeshwar Temple is located in Pune District of Maharashtra, India.It is about 15 km west of Junnar and lies on the banks of Kukdi River. It is a Shiv temple noted for its beautiful sculptures and carvings. The roof of this temple is in a dilapidated state. Chavand fort, also known as Prasannagad, is approximately 3 km from Kukdeshwar temple. Nearest Town is Junnar. Kukdeshwar Temple is located in the Pur village on the bank of Kukdi River at a distance of 15 Km from Junnar on its western side in the Pune district ofMaharashtra. It is a 12th century Shiva temple which has been built as per Hemadpanthi architecture.
Kopeshwar Temple is at Khidrapur, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. It is at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka It is also accessible from Sangli as well. It was built in the 12th century by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the Krishna river. Kopeswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Khidrapur, Sholapur District Maharashtra the superb ancient Indian Architecture of the finest class rare Example of Sculpureand carvings stunningly beautiful Here is Lord Shiva in the Sanctum As the ancient story goes : ‘ Sati ‘ the beloved wife of Lord Shiva went to her father’s place to attend the Yagnya along with Nandi. Her father’ Daksha Parajapati ‘ insulted her & used bad words for Lord Shiva. Humiliated ‘Sati ‘ jumped in the Yagnya fire and ended her life. Lord Shiva got very angry when he heard this news & he created Virbhadra the demon from his hairs & asked him to destroy Prajapati’s yagnya. Lord Shiva was very angry at the death of his beloved wife ‘ Sati ‘, so the name derived is ‘Kopeshwar Mahadev’. Due to his anger the whole world started shaking & was at the verge of destruction. Khidrapur, Maharashtra 416108
The Khidkali temple or the Khidkaleshwar Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Dombivli, Maharashtra, India. The present temple structure was probably rebuilt in the 17th century. Inside the main temple there are other ancient idols of Lord Ganeśa, Hanumān. The temple is situated on the banks of the Khiḍkali Lake. There are several small temples near-by: Dattātreya, Hanumān and other Gurūs. There is a small park inside the temple campus for children’s recreation. According to the legend, once when Pānḍavās visited this place during Araṇyavasām, Yudhiṣhṭhira wanted to perform Śiva pūja. So the Pānḍavās built this temple for Yudhiṣhṭhir‘s pūja. KALYAN SHIL ROAD, River Wood Park, Thane, Maharashtra 421204
The Kalaram Temple is an old Hindu shrine dedicated to Rama in the Panchavati area of Nashik city in Maharashtra, India. It is probably the most important Hindu shrine in the city. The temple derives its name from a black statue of Lord Rama. The literal translation of kalaram is “black Rama”. The sanctum sanctorum also houses the statues of the goddess Sita and the god Lakshmana. Thousands of devotees visit it every day. Panchavati Rd, Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003
The Kailasha (IAST: Kailāśa) or Kailashanatha (IAST: Kailāśanātha) temple is one of the largest Indian rock-cut ancient Hindu temples located in the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India. A megalith carved out of one single rock, it is considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment. The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is one of the 34 cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves. Its construction is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (r. c. 756 – 773). The temple architecture shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles. Kailasa Temple is situated at around 30 kms from Aurangabad city. Kailasa temple is a part of Ellora caves It is a beautiful rock-cut temple and considered as one of the best and popular heritage sites in the world. Aurangabad is the nearest city to Kailasa temple and it is well connected with them by road. From Aurangabad bus and taxi services available to reach Kailasa temple. Aurangabad is also well connected by state transport buses from major cities of Maharashtra like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur and Ahmednagar. Aurangabad is the nearest railway station to reach Kailasa temple which is situated around 30 kms from the temple. There are direct trains available from the major cities in Maharashtra; like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik etc. to reach Aurangabad. Ellora, Maharashtra 431102
Jyotiba Temple (Marathi: ज्योतिबा) is a holy site of Hinduism near Wadi Ratnagiri in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state in western India. The deity of the temple is known by the same name, and is held by the locals to be an incarnation of three gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha, and Jamadagni.An annual fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha. Jyotiba Dongar, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416001
Jivdani Mata is a Hindu Goddess. The main temple of the goddess is situated atop a hill, in Virar, Maharashtra, India. The temple is on the hill, almost 1500 ft from the sea-level. The Goddess rests in a temple situated about 1250 steps above the ground on a hill that forms a part of the Satpura Range in Virar, a northern Mumbai suburb, about 60 km away from Mumbai
Hanuman Temple is a temple of Lord Hanuman (also known as Lord Maruti). It is one of the oldest temples in the Beed district of Maharashtra state, India. The temple’s history dates to roughly 300 years ago or possibly earlier. It is located at Pangari (Marutichi) (in Marathi, Maruthichi means “something that belongs to Maruti”) close to Beed-Ahmadnagar Road, approximately 45 km from the Beed district towards Ahmadnagar.
The Lord Ganapati Temple is situated in the city of Tasgaon within the Sangli district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Most of the Ganapati idols have a left-sided trunk, while this temple’s idol’s trunk bends towards the right.The Ganapati idol with the trunk curved towards the right is said to be ‘active (jagrut)’. This Ganapati is regarded as a living idol, ready to bless communities with good luck, wisdom, prosperity and happiness. The idol is embellished with solid gold, weighing 125 kilograms (276 lb). Ganpati Mandir, Road, Sangli, Maharashtra 416416
The Ganapati temple of Redi is located approximately 30 km from Vengurla, in the small village of Redi. The town in which this temple is situated contains [[iron ore] mines and the Ganpati idol was found in one of the mines near Rewati port in 1976. A local person by the name of Sadashiv Kambli supposedly visualized a buried statue of Lord Ganesha in his dream and convinced local workers to dig out the statue from the seashore. Now, after an investigation it has been found that the statue was made by the Pandava during their rule. The statue is approximately 6 ft in height and 4 ft in width. The Ganesh idol is in a sitting position and is Dwibhuja (two arms) as compared to rest of the idols which are generally Chaturbhuja (four arms). The mouse idol (vahana) was found on further excavation after two months.
Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj is known to most of the people in Maharashtra. He stayed most of his life at Shegaon, near Akola district in Maharashtra and has taken “Samadhi” there. Therefore, Shegaon has got a special significance for Maharaj and his devotees. Shegaon hosts a magnificent temple. His devotees have constructed many Gajanan Maharaj Temples in different parts of Maharashtra, India. A small temple has also been constructed at Kanhor, Kulgaon, Badlapur, Dist. Thane.
In Hinduism Goddess Ekvira also worshipped as Renuka in different parts of India and Nepal is mother of Chiranjivi or immortal sage Parashurama. Mumbai and Pune airports are the closest airport to reach Ekvira Temple, Lonavala. From Mumbai or Pune one can reach lonavala by train or bus and hire cab to reach Ekvira temple.
Shri Durga Devi temple, Guhagar is an ancient templelocated at Guhagar, a taluka place in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra state in India. It is considered to be the Kuladevata or clan goddess of many Chitpavan families from the Konkan region. It is located in Warla Pat (Upper Side) of Guhagar Gaon. The Temple is old with full of greenery along with Bhakta Niwas in nearby location. It is considered to be oldest templeand has been renewed in the recent past During Navratri festival the temple is full of devotees who come to offer their offering to Shree Durga Devi from across India. This is one of the pleasant sea-side temples, to visit during summer and winter season. One can find all required amenities in the nearby location. Puja’s can be performed on request.
Aryadurga devi, Devihasol आर्यादुर्गा देवी देवीहसोळ, is a Hindu temple situated in Devihasol village and it’s very famous temple in Rajapur taluka, Maharashtra state, India. It is 18 km from Rajapur, 52 km from Ratnagiri and 380 km from Mumbai. Many devotees come to visit this temple, The fair of Aryadurga devi and Navadurga devi (bhalavli) is also famous, which occurs in October in navratri on eighth day. It is a historic religious and spiritual place in the hideout of nature covered area of Konkan.Goddess ARYADURGA is the Kuldevi of many Karahde Brahmin. Devi Hasol Road, Dist, Devihasol, Maharashtra 416713
Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple for Vithoba located in the vicinity of the Century Rayon Company in Shahad, Ulhasnagar Taluka, Maharashtra, India. It has also served as a shooting location for various Bollywood films like Tere Naam, Prem Granth, Suhaag (Old), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, etc. It is on the National Highway 61 (India) (Kalyan-Murbad-Nagar-Nanded-Adilabad) and is just 4 km from Kalyan city. Catch a train to Asangaon(An), Titwala(Tl) or Kasara(N) from Mumbai or kalyan, and alight at Shahad (Next to kalyan). There are rickshaws available from Shahad east and kalyan city to Birla mandir. Birla mandir is very scenic & peaceful place. Shahad, Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra 421001 088558 80114
The Shree Bhawani Waghjai Temple, Terav is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddesses Bhawani and Waghjai. It is located in village Terav, Taluka Chiplun, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The original temple was built circa 1860 Government of Maharashtra has declared this temple as one of the tourist places in Maharashtra. This temple is 123 ft in length with a width of 76 ft on south side and 36 ft on north side. Height of foundation is 4 ft with internal height of 22 ft. Temple houses goddesses Bhawani, Waghjai, Kalkai and Navdurga along with Lord Shiv Shankar At Post Terav, Taluka Chiplun, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415605 098707 54552
Bhavani (also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, Ambā and Jagadambā) is an avatar of the Hindu goddess Parvati . She is a form of Durga who is worshiped in Maharashtra, and also by Gurjars of North Gujarat, Northern Karnataka, Western Rajasthan and Punjab.Bhavani translates to “giver of life”, meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is considered to be a mother who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras. Lord Shiva as Bhava, Goddess Parvati as Bhavani. This temple is located in Tuljapur, Maharashtra. The nearest airport to Tuljapur is Chikkalthana Airport and the nearest rail head is at Osmanabad. You can easily get regular buses to Tuljapur from other major cities of the country.
Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khultabad is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman, located at Khuldabad, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The temple is located four kilometers from the Ellora Caves At this temple, the idol of Hanuman is portrayed in a reclining or sleeping posture.It is one of only three places where Hanuman is represented in a sleeping posture. The second noted place is a temple on the banks of Ganga at sangam in Allahabad and Uttar Pradesh and the third is at Jam Sawali, Madhya Pradesh The Bhadra Maruti Temple is considered one of the tourist attractions near Aurangabad and people gather in lakhs during auspicious occasions like Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami Khuldabad Rd, Khuldabad, Maharashtra 431101 02437 241 458
Ballaleshwar (lit.: “Ballal’s Lord”) temple is one of the eight temples of Lord Ganesha. Among Ganesha temples, Ballaleshwar is the only incarnation of Ganesha that is known by his devotee’s name. It is located in the village of Pali which is at a distance of 58 km from Karjat in the Raigad district. It is situated between fort Sarasgad and the river Amba. In the village of Pali lived a successful businessman named Kalyan with his wife, Indumati. Their son, Ballal, and the other children in the village used to play puja, using stones in place of murtis. Once, the children, going to the outskirts of the village, saw a very large stone. At the insistence of Ballal, the children worshiped the stone as Ganesha. Led by Ballal, the children became so engrossed in their worship that they forgot about hunger and thirst; day and night. Tal. Sudhagad, Dist. Raigad, Pali, Maharashtra 410205 02142 242 263
Balaji Mandir is a well-known Indian temple and landmark in Pashan, Pune. It was built by the Ahobila Mutt. Ward No. 8, Aundh Gaon, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra 411027
Aundha Nagnath Temple (Marathi औंढा नागनाथ मंदिर) is an ancient Shiva temple, 8th Jyotirlinga, located at Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district of Maharashtra, India. Aundha Nagnath (Nageshwaram) is supposed to be the eighth of the twelve jyotirlingas in India, an important place of pilgrimage.The present temple is said to have been built by the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty and dates to 13th century. The first temple is said to be from time of the Mahabharata and is believed to have been constructed by Yudhishthira, eldest of the Pandavas, when they were expelled for 14 years from Hastinapur. Nanded – Aundha Rd, Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra 431705
Ashtavinayak (Marathi: अष्टविनायक) literally means “eight Ganeshas” in Sanskrit. Ganesh is the Hinduism/Hindu deity of unity, prosperity & learning and removes obstacles. The term refers to eight Ganeshas. Ashtavinayaka yatra trip refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra state of India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesh, in a pre-ascertained sequence. The Ashtavinayak yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight ancient holy temples of Ganesh which are situated around Pune. Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the murtis in each temple. The form of each murti of Ganesh and His trunk are distinct from one another. However, there are other temples of eight Ganesh in various other parts of Maharashtra; the ones around Pune are more well known than the former.
Amruteshwar Temple is an intricately carved Shiva temple built in Ratanwadi over a thousand years ago. Amruteshwr temple, @-Ratanwadi near Bhandardara, Ratanwadi, Maharashtra 422604
The Allamprabhu is a unique temple. Situated on a beautiful hill near a magnificent lake, the uniqueness of this temple is that “both Hindus and Muslims pray in this temple This place is located at 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi) from Bhoom, a small town in Osmanabad district, Maharashtra. Historically, Bhoom was under Nizam of Hyderabad. On September 17, 1948, the forces of Nizam of Hyderabad surrendered to the Indian forces. This temple is a nice example of how “Hindu and Muslim population lived peacefully in India in the pre-British era Osmanabad is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airport is in Aurangabad at a distance of 198kms. There is no regular trains to Osmanabad from other major cities of the country. The nearest Railway station is at Solapur which is located at a distance of 59kms.
Shri Dev Vyadeshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to the God Shiva. It is located in Guhagar, Ratnagiri District of the Indian state of Maharashtra State.It is considered the Kuladevata (Clan God) of many Chitpavan families from the Konkan region. According to Hindu mythology, sage Parashurama created the land of Konkan by shooting his arrow into the sea and commanding the Sea God to retract the waters to the point where his arrow landed. This new land came to be known as Sapta-Konkana, meaning “piece of earth”, “corner of earth”, or “piece of a corner”, derived from Sanskrit words: koṇa (कोण, corner) + kaṇa (कण, piece). Guhagar Road, Guhagar, Maharashtra 415703
Veerabhadra Devasthan-Vadhav is a Hindu temple located in Vadhav, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India
Siddheshwar Temple is a temple in Solapur district, Maharashtra, India. It is sacred to Hindus and members of the Lingayat faith. There is a lake within the temple complex. Located amidst a lake further flanked by Bhuikot fort, Siddheshwar temple is sacred to Lord Siddheshwar, who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple is highly revered by the devotees as it is the place where Shri Siddheshwar attained Samadhi. In the main temple complex By Airport: Solapur Airport is the Nearest Airport which is 7 Km away from the Temple. By Railway Station: Solapur Railway Station is the Nearest Railway Station which is 3 km away from the Temple. By Road: The direct bus is available from the Solapur Bus Stand to the Temple; also many local and private vehicles ply directly to the Temple. 1, Railway Station Rd, Sidheshwar Peth, Solapur, Maharashtra 413001
Mhaswad is well known for Lord Siddhanath. Siddhanath is believed to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. Siddhanath is patron god of adjacent regions and one of among several regional protective (Kshetrapal) gods of Maharashtra.Mhaswad is situated on the bank of Manganaga river. Historically, this place was ruled by Mane(माने), a Maratha Kshatriya 07 Kuli clan. The Manes were Noblemen & were considered as pillars of Maratha Empire.Sardar Nagoji Mane was one of the famous ruler’s of mhaswad and ally of Chatrapati Rajaramajaram Bhonsle Maharaj. Sardar Subhanji Mane who was son of Nagoji Mane had taken part in the war of panipat against Abdali. A festival called Jatra of lord Shri Siddhanath is celebrated every year by the people here. In this festival, a chariot of Siddhanath is taken around the town by His devotees. Lord Shri Siddhanath Ratha Yatra is a great Festival . Shahada, Mhaswad, Maharashtra 415509
The Shiv Mandir of Ambarnath is a historic 11th-century Hindu temple, still in use, at Ambarnath near Mumbai, in Maharashtra, India. It is also known as the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple, and known locally as Puratana Shivalaya. It is situated on the bank of Vadavan(Waldhuni) river, 2 km away from Ambarnath (East) railway station. The temple was built in 1060 AD beautifully carved in stone. It was probably built by Shilahara king Chhittaraja, it may also have been rebuilt by his son Mummuni. Ambarnath is a central railway station and connected by local trains from Mumbai, Dadar and Thane. Tourists from outside Mumbai or Maharashtra can reach Mumbai or Thane by express trains and reach Ambarnath by local trains. The Shiv Mandir is located just 2 minutes away from the Ambarnath station.
Shede Dev is a very old Shiva temple in Madhukar Nagar, Saphale, Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. It is more than 100 years old. There is huge function near the Temple at every Maha Shivaratri. Nearest bus stand is Vasai. In the state of Maharashtra,Palghar is a must visit place.You can easily get regular trains to Palghar from other major cities of the country.Palghar does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport.There are no bus routes from other major cities to Palghar. Dahisar T. Mahim, Maharashtra 401102
Pateshwar is a village in Satara district of Maharashtra, known for rock-cut caves with shrines of Shiva. Pateshwar is located about 11.26 km South East of Satara on the Satara-Kolhapur state highway in Maharashtra. While there are two ways of approaching Pateshwar, the most popular route is through Degaon village by State Transport buses, autorickshaws apart from private cars. The other route is from the South through a village called Borgaon. This road is preferred by the locals, however tourists prefer the Degaon route. There are two ways to reach Pateshwar, one is through Degaon village and can be reached via state transport buses. This route is popular among tourists. The other route, which is popular among the locals, is from Borgaon village. From Degaon village, a 4 km drive takes to the road head 1 km before Pateshwar. Degaon, Maharashtra 415004
Muktidham is a marble temple complex honouring various Hindu gods. It is a popular tourist attraction situated in the Nashik Road suburb of the city of Nashik in the State of Maharashtra in India. It is privately operated through a trust and was built through a generous donation by the late Mr. J.D. Chauhan-Bytco, a local industrialist. The temple was founded in the year 1971 Further, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in the Muktidham complex. The walls of Krishna temple has paintings depicting scenes from life of Krishna and Mahabharata. These were painted by a noted painter Raghubir Mulgaonkar Nearest Railway Station: Nashik road railway station is the nearest railhead to reach. You can catch taxies and other private vehicles from the station. Nearest Airport: Nashik has its own airport which is about 9 km away from Muktidham Temple Nashik.
Kopineshwar Mandir (also Kaupīnēśvar Mandir) (Marathi: कौपिनेश्वर मंदिर) is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is considered as the patron god of Thane. The Shivalinga inside the temple is considered as one of the largest in Maharashtra. Kopineshwar Mandir is located at a distance of 0.8 km from theThane Junction. Buses, rickshaws and taxis are available from the railway station to the mandir. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is situated at a distance of 16 km from the temple.
Shri Dev Koleshwar is an ancient Shiva Temple located at Kolthare, a village from Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri District from Maharashtra state in India. A cave temple of Chankai devi is located at about 6 km at Dabhol. Ratnagiri is connected by road to Mumbai, Madgaon, Mangalore, Udupi, Cochin, Karwar by NH17 and these places are connected by direct flights via Delhi and Jaipur. So you can use both, public and private transport. It is also connected by Konkan railway, making it the most important station Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415712
Grishneshwar Temple sometimes referred to as the Ghrneshwar or Dhushmeshwar Temple, is one of the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva that is referenced in the Shiva Purana. The word Ghrneshwara means “lord of compassion”. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga (linga of light). This pilgrimage site is located in Ellora (also called Verul), less than a kilometer from Ellora Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of the city of Aurangabad, and about 300 kilometers (190 miles) east-northeast from Mumbai. The temple, which is believed to have been built in the 13th century, was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt during the reign of the Mughals, and was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century. Anyone can enter the temple premises and its inner chambers, but to enter the sanctum sanctorum core (garbha-ghrya) of the temple, the local Hindu tradition demands that men must go bare-chested. The Grishneswar temple is an illustration of the Maratha temple’s architectural style and structure. The temple, built of red rocks, is composed of a five-tier shikara. The temple was re-constructed by Maloji Bhosale of Verul, (grandfather of Shivaji) in the 16th century and later again by queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. This 240 ft x 185 ft temple is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple in India. Halfway up the temple, Dashavataras of Vishnu is carved in red stone. A court hall is built on 24 pillars. On these pillars, there are carvings summarizing various legends and mythologies of Shiva. The Garbhagriha measures 17 ft x 17 ft. . The temple complex comprises a sanctum sanctorum, which is a square room measuring about 289 square feet, and inner chambers. The Lingamurty faces eastward. There is a Nandi bull in the court hall. Ghrishneshwar Temple is a revered temple, situated in the state of Maharashtra. The temple houses carvings and sculptures of many Hindu gods and goddesses. Adorning the temple complex is a court hall and a sculpture of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull. Carved images of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu can also be seen in the temple. The shrine houses the revered Shiva Linga that faces eastward. – The temple complex has several attractions that draw the attention of visitors. These include: You can take a direct flight/Train from Delhi to Aurangabad. Grishneshwar is 30 km from Aurangabad and local taxi to reach. You can visit Ellora caves and Bhadra Maruti temple which is very close. For Bhimashankar you can again take a private taxi from Aurangabad. It is a 6-hour journey. The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, at a distance of around 36 km. The nearest railway station is in Aurangabad which is approximately 29 Kms away. Ellora Leni and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is 31 km from Aurangabad and can be visited by State Transport Bus or Private Taxi. Verul, Maharashtra 431102 Shri Grishneshwar Mandir Devasthan Trust, NH 211, Verul, District Aurangabad, State: Maharashtra, Pin: 431102 India. Phone: (+91) 02437 244585. Email: [email protected] FAQs The Grishneshwar Temple has situated about 30 km from Aurangabad, thus making it a 40-minute drive.
The Gondeshwar temple (IAST: Gondeśvara) is an 11th-12th century Hindu temple located in Sinnar, a town in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India. It features a panchayatana plan; with a main shrine dedicated to Shiva; and four subsidiary shrines dedicated to Surya, Vishnu, Parvati, and Ganesha. The Gondeshwar temple is built in the Bhumija style,in form of a panchayatana complex, which features a main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.The temple is situated on a rectangular platform that measures 125 x 95 feet. The plan of the temple is very similar to that of the Ambarnath Shiva temple, but the sculptures on its exterior walls are of inferior quality than those of the Ambarnath temple There are plenty of buses from Nashik to Shirdi. Drop down at Sinnar town (27 km from Nashik) take an autorikshaw to the temple. It is on the North-Eastern periphery of Sinnar town. Half an hour is sufficient for a proper visit.
Bhonda Mahadev Temple (also called as mumda deval) is an ancient Hindu temple located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Tekdi Rd, Behind Aurobindo Shrine, Sitabuldi, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440012
Walkeshwar Temple, also known as the Baan Ganga Temple, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva located in Walkeshwar, near Malabar Hill neighbourhood, in South Mumbai precinct of the city of Mumbai, India. It is situated at the highest point of the city,and close to the temple lies the Banganga Tank. Legend has it that Hindu god, Rama paused at that spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon king, Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. Then Lord Rama was advised to worship Shiva lingam and he is said to have constructed the original linga of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring an idol. The name is etymologically derived from the Sanskrit word for an idol made of sand — Valuka Iswar, an Avatar of Shiva.
Wagheshwari Temple is one of the famous temples of Mumbai situated near Gokuldham in Goregaon East. It is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Bhagwati. The deity is also known as Wagheshwari Mata who is supposed to be the 4th avatar or incarnation of Goddess Saraswati A-64, Sai Rd, Azad Nagar, Gokuldham Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063
Near, Shree Sahajanand Marg, 3rd Bhoiwada Ln, Panjarpole, Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
The temple of Shree Balaji Mandir is located at Charkop, Kandivali (West). It is claimed to be the second home place of lord venkateshwara after Tirupati Temple. Every month Moolavar Abhishekam is performed of shree balaji, The abhishekam is performed on Shravana Nakshatra. Lord Shree Balaji is offered arghyam, padhvam, etc. followed by applying scented oil (Attar) on Shree Balaji. Then turmeric paste is applied on Lord Balaji, then the idol is bathed with perfumed water. Meanwhile, Purusha Sukta, Sri Sukta, Bhu Sukta, Shanti Panchakam and brahma Samhita are sung by the priest of our Shree Balaji Temple, Charkop. Then the lord of wealth is dressed up and garlands are offered. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is the event celebrated at Lord Balaji Temple. Vaikunta Ekadashi is the ekadasi that is observed in the shukla paksha of dhanurmasa as per the Hindu Calendar. It is located at around 5 km from kandivali(west)near Charkop sec 7. Shree Balaji Mandir 3-289, Road No. RSC 69, Sector 7, Opp. Priyadarshani School, Charkop, Kandivali(West), Mumbai, India 400067 Landmark:- Beside Charkop Depot. 3-289, Opp. Priyadarshani School, RSC 69, Priyadarshani Vidyadhan Marg, Shivkrupa CHS, Sector 7, Kandivali, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400067
Shaneshwar Sansthan is the open temple of Lord Shree Shani in Dombivli near Mumbai city. Here Shani Sansthan means a spiritual organisation established for Lord Shree Shani. This Sansthan was established by the spiritual master Sadguru Shree Omkar Maharaj on 15 January 2008. Thousands of devotees from all over Mumbai city daily visit this temple to get blessings of the Lord Shree Shani. Omkar Mission, Shaneshwar Santhan, Manpada Road, Dombivli (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 421204
Prabhadevi Temple, also known as Prabhavati Devi Temple , is a Hindu temple located in the Prabhadevi area, near Dadar, Mumbai. The idol representing the main deity, Prabhavati Devi, dates back to the 12th Century. The temple itself, though, was constructed in 1715, making it only 300 years old. One can also reach the temple by taking local trains (Central, Western, Harbour) and reach Dadar. From Dadar Railway Station, you can either take shared cabs or regular taxis to reach Prabhadevi. People generally prefer to walk to the temple from the station as it is just 15 minutes away. Murari Ghag Marg, Century Bazaar, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400025
One can reach Mumba Devi Temple easily by boarding local trains from the city. The Charni Road Station is only 10 minutes from Bhuleshwar. Churchgate Station is also located close to Bhuleshwar. Mumba Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples situated in Mumbai and was built in the 18th century. Mumba Devi Marg, Zaveri Bazaar, Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mahalaxmi area. It is dedicated to Mahalakshmi the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam. The temple was built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji (1760–1846), a Hindu merchant. One can also visit the Haji Ali Dargah, which is another popular tourist and sacred spot in Mumbai. TheMahalaxmi Station is the closest station to thetemple and one can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from here to the Mahalaxmi temple. The Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Mahalaxmi West, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
Lalbaugcha Raja (Marathi: लालबागचा राजा, meaning: The King of Lalbaug) is the most famous Sarvajanik Ganapati kept at Lalbaug, a prominent locality in Mumbai during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The idol is kept for public display for 11 days; thereafter it is immersed in the Arabian sea at Girgaon Chowpatty on the auspicious day of Anant Chaturdashi. It is believed that this idol of Ganesha is Navasacha Ganpati (Marathi: नवसाचा गणपती) (which means the “one who fulfills all wishes”) and hence over 1.5 million people visit this Ganesh Pandal daily during the 10-day Ganesha festival. To reach here one can come from Chinchpokali or Byculla Station. (Depending upon the length of the line) The Mukh Darshan queue is also reachable from Cotton Green Station on Harbour Railway. Arrangements are made in both the queues so that the devotees are not faced with any inconvenience in the queue. 3, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Shree Ganesh Nagar, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
Kadeshwari Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bandra, Mumbai, India. The temple is dedicated to mother goddess Kadeshwari situated on the top of hill behind Bandra Fort in Land’s End, Banstand, Mumbai. The idol of mother goddess Kadeshwari is in the form of Shakti. It is approximately 2 kilometers from Bandra railway station. Due to the sea water constantly eroding the foundation of the temple and of the peripheral walls of the Bandra Fort, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had plans to construct a bund in 2006 Mumba Devi Temple is one of the most important tourist destinations in Mumbai. Located around 23 km away from the city center of Mumbai, one can easily reach the temple by using any public mode of transportation. But hiring an auto for the temple is the best option. Mumba Devi Marg, Zaveri Bazaar, Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
The Jogeshwari Caves are some of the earliest Buddhist cave temples sculptures located in the Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari, India. The caves date back to 520 to 550 CE. These caves belongs to the last stage of the Mahayana Buddhistarchitecture, which was later taken over by the Hindus . According to historian and scholar Walter Spink, Jogeshwari is the earliest major cave temple in India and (in terms of total length) “the largest”. The caves are located off the Western Express Highway, and are surrounded by encroachments. The caves are accessed through a long flight of stairs into the main hall of this cavernous space. By Train: One can catch a local train to Jogeshwarirailway station or Goregaon station from any place inMumbai. On reaching there, visitors can either take a cab, a rickshaw or an auto rickshaw to the caves. It is about 3 km away from Jogeshwari station and is 4 km from Goregaon Station. Gupha Tekdi, Jogeshwari, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400060
ISKCON Temple, Mumbai officially known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari ji Temple is a temple in Juhu area in Mumbai in India. It is set upon four acres of land and a stone throw away from Juhu Beach. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON (also known as the Hare Krishna Movement) inspired the construction of one of India’s most beautiful temple of Lord Krishna in Mumbai. The presiding Deities at the temple, Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman were personally installed by the founder of ISKCON.The temple is visited by thousands of people and devotees during festive occasions. The JVPD Bus Depot is the nearest Bus Depot to thistemple. One can also hire auto-rickshaws or taxis from Andheri Station or Ville Parle Station. Andheri Station is the nearest station to the ISKCON templeand from here one can hire auto-rickshaws or taxis toreach the temple. Juhu, Mumbai
Babulnath is an ancient Shiva temple in Mumbai, India. Situated on a small hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty, it is one of oldest temples in the city, Shiva in the form of the Lord of the Babul tree is the main deity in this temple. The faithful climb up to the temple and obtain Darshan of the shivling and obtain blessings of the Lord. It is also possible to take an elevator up to the temple. The temples is visited by lakhs of devotees on annual Mahashivratri festival You can reach this place by taxi/cab from Charni Road Station (West).Its just adjacent to Famous Girgaon/Girgaum Chowpatty and back side of Wilson College. Walking distance is around 20 to 30 mins from Charni Road Station 16, Near, Babulnath Rd, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
The Vigneshwara Temple or Vighnahar Ganapati Temple of Ozar (also spelt as Ojhar or Ojzar) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. The temple is one of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight revered shrines of Ganesha in Maharashtra, India. The Ganesha form worshipped here is called Vigneshwara (spelt also as Vigneshvar(a), Vigneshwar : “Lord of obstacles”) or Vignahar (spelt also as Vignahara, “Remover of obstacles”) and is associated with the legend of Ganesha defeating Vignasura, the demon of obstacles. The east-facing temple features a “spacious courtyard, a grand entrance, sculptural and mural work”. It is surrounded by a walled compound with a large gateway flanked by two large stone Dvarapala (gatekeepers) sculptures and a row of four musicians in bas relief on the lintel. One can view the Lenyadri shrine and Shivneri Fort standing on the wall. Two large stone Deepamalas (lamp towers) stand near the gateway in front of a fine corridor of seven cusped arches.
The Laxmi Narsimha Temple (Marathi: श्री लक्ष्मी नृसिंह देवस्थान) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an Avatar of Vishnu, located in western India, in Pune district of the state of Maharashtra. The temple is located at the confluence of Bhima river and Nira river, at the south eastern tip of Pune district, in Indapur taluka. Shri Narsimha of Nira Narsingpur is the family deity of many people from Maharashtra the prominent ones being the families of the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and the Vinchurkar family. The Temple is located at the ghat at confluence of Bhima river and Nira river. The construction of the ghat was completed in 1527. The current structure of the temple was built in 1787 with the help of Sardar Vitthal Shivdev Vinchurkar at a cost of about £45,000 (Rs. 4,50,000).
Ranjangaon Ganpati is one among the Ashtavinayak, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha. This temple’s Ganpati idol was inaugurated and donated by the “Khollam” family, a goldsmith family based in Ranjangaon. The temple was built between the 9th and 10th century. The main temple looks like it was built in the Peshwa period. Nagarkhana is situated above the entrance gate. The temple facing east has huge and beautiful entrance gate. Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the basement of the temple to keep the idol of lord Ganesh. Later on Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated it. The idol of these lord Ganesh is also named as ‘Mahotkat’, and it is said that the idol has 10 trunks and 20 hands. Pune – Nagar highway the route is Pune – Koregaon – then via Shikrapur; Rajangaon is 21 km before Shirur. From Pune it is 50 km
Shri Mayureshwar Mandir (Marathi: श्री मयूरेश्वर मंदीर) or Shri Moreshwar Temple(Marathi: श्री मोरेश्वर मंदीर) is a Hindu temple (mandir) dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. It is located in Moragaon (Marathi: मोरगाव) in Pune District, about 65 km away from Pune city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is the starting and ending point of a pilgrimage of eight revered Ganesha temples called Ashtavinayaka. Morgaon, Maharashtra 412304
Lenyadri (Marathi: लेण्याद्री, Leṇyādri), sometimes called Ganesa Lena, Ganesh Pahar Caves, or Suleman Caves, represents a series of about 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves, located about 5km north of Junnar in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Other caves surrounding the city of Junnar are: Manmodi Caves, Shivneri Caves and Tulja Caves. Cave 7, originally a Buddhist vihara, has been adapted as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Ganesha. It is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines, a set of the eight prominent Ganesha shrines in Western Maharashtra. Twenty-six of the caves are individually numbered. The caves face to the south and are numbered serially from east to west. Caves 6 and 14 are chaitya-grihas(chapels), while the rest are viharas (dwellings for monks). The latter are in the form of dwellings and cells. There are also several rock-cut water cisterns; two of them have inscriptions. The layout of the caves, in general, are similar in pattern and shape. They generally have one or two sides with two long benches for occupants’ use. The Ganesha temple is located in Cave 7, the largest excavation around Junnar, about 100 feet (30 m) above the plains. It is essentially a Buddhist Vihara (a dwelling for monks, mostly with meditation cells) in design, an unpillared hall with 20 cells with varying dimensions; 7 on either side and 6 on the rear wall. The hall is large, can be entered by a central door, under a pillared veranda According to the Ganapatya scripture Ganesha Purana, Ganesha incarnated as Mayuresvara or Mayureshwar (Mayūreśvara), who had six arms and a white complexion. His mount was a peacock. He was born to Shiva and Parvati in the Treta yuga, for the purpose of killing the demon Sindhu. Lenyadri is situated at a distance of 155 km from Mumbai and just 96 km from the city of Pune. It takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach by road fromPune via NH 60. Several state buses run from Puneto Junnar. Lenyadri is just around 7 km from Junnar. Lenyadri Ganapati Road, Junnar, Maharashtra 410502
Khandoba Temple, also known as Jejuri Temple, is located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Khandoba, also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand or Mylaralinga. Khandoba is regarded as the ‘God of Jejuri’ and is held in great reverence by the Dhangars. The town is known for being the venue of one of the revered temples in the state, known as the Khandobachi Jejuri. Khandoba is the prime deity of farming, shepherd, hunter, tribal, warrior, lingayat and some Brahmin communities. It is a strong belief that Khandoba married women from different communities to indicate the equality of various castes and communities. Khandoba’s fourth wife is said to be a gardener whereas his fifth wife was from oil presser caste. Though Khandoba is not a major deity of Brahmin communities, he is the Kuldevata (family deity) of some Deshastha Brahmin families. Jejuri is a city and a municipal council in the Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is famous for the main temple of Lord Khandoba. It is a famous temple town being the family deity of many houses in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Its economy is centred on businesses catering to the numerous devotees coming to worship the Khandoba Temple there. Recently the increase in property rates and the planning of an international airport near the town has seen a spurt of development happening there. Rituals Related to Khandoba Vaghya is a cult where boys wear a traditional costume and dance in the temple premise. Earlier, there was also a ‘Devadasi system’ where women courtesans called Murali were married to the Lord. Later, this system was abolished. Vegetarian dishes like Puran Poli and Bharit Rodga is given as a religious offering to the God. Goat flesh is offered outside the temple eventhough Khandoba is described as non-vegetarian. Six-day festival in the month of Margashira, Dasara and Chaitra Purnima are the famous festivals celebrated in Khandoba Temple. It is really interesting to visit this hill top temple at Jejuri in Maharashtra. Jejuri Khandoba Temple can be easily divided into two separate sections – the Mandap and Garbhagriha. In many oral traditions and other literary works, Khandoba is described to be a tribal king and a womaniser. However, some descriptions are derived from Oleographic evidences (kind of block paintings) which are similar to the concept of Shiva, Parvathi and Ganga! Some important paintings indicate to two women in Khandobas life. His first wife is Mhalsa and second wife is Bani or Banubai. The tales say that Mhalsa was not happy with Khadoba’s second marriage to Bani and they fought often over this issue. Many oral traditions also have songs describing their fight! So, Khandoba is said to have given the upper portion of the hill to his wife Mhalsa and gave the bottom of the hill to Bani. Interestingly, the temple of Bani is located at the foot of the hill. Sanskrit texts connect the trio of Khandoba, Mhalsa and Bani to Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganga. However, the folklore suggests that Khandoba was a womaniser, he had five wives and many concubines. The temple was the site of a historic treaty between Tarabai and Balaji Bajirao on 14 September 1752 Jejuri is around 50km from Pune. It is well-connected to other parts of the state. Visitors can take government-run buses from Pune or hire private cabs to reach Jejuri.
The Chintamani Temple of Theur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. Located 25 km (16 mi) from Pune, the temple is “one of the larger and more famous” of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight revered shrines of Ganesha in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple lore describes how Ganesha retrieved the wish-giving jewel Chintamani for his devotee, the sage Kapila from the greedy king Gana and how he pacifies the uneasy mind of the god Brahma, who meditated on him in Theur. The temple is associated with the Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi (dated between 13th to 17th century). Theur Road, Theur, Maharashtra 412110
Bhuleshwar is a Hindu temple of Shiva, situated around 45 kilometres from Pune and 10 km from Pune Solapur highway from Yawat. The temple is situated on a hill and was built in the 13th century. There are classical carvings on the walls. It has been declared as a protected monument. The temple is also known for the folk-tale about it, when a bowl of sweet (pedhas) is offered to the Shiva Ling, one or more of the sweets disappear. Actor-travel writer Milind Gunaji writes about his experience with this in his book Mystical, Magical Maharashtra Bhuleshwar Temple can be easily reached from Pune. It is situated close to the Malshiras Village which is about 3 Km from the temple. Direct busesare available from Pune Swargate till Malshiras and also from Saswad till Malshiras. Upon reaching the village, visitors can take private jeeps to reach thetemple. Bhuleshwar Road, Malshiras, Maharashtra 412104
Bhimashankar Temple is a Jyotirlinga shrine located 50 km northwest of Khed (alias Rajgurunagar), near Pune, in India. It is located 127 km from Shivajinagar (in Pune) in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri Mountains. Bhīmāshankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna river near Raichur. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Trimbakeshwarnear Nashik and Grishneshwar. Bhimashakar is the roots of the river Bhima which flows from the southeast and is integrated with the Krishna river near the city Raichur. Festivals celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple The holy shrine of Bhimashankar is a work of Naga-style architecture. The temple brilliantly showcases the intelligent work of Vishwakarma sculptors of ancient times. Bhimashankara temple is a composite of both the old and the new structures in the Nagara Style of architecture. The Nana Phadnavis are also responsible for building the shikhara. The endowments of the ancient temple are believed to be made by the great Maratha ruler, Shivaji to facilitate the worshipping of Lord Shiva. The sanctum is constructed at a lower level. A unique bell, made in Roman style is seen in front of the temple. It is a holy idol of Mother Mary with Jesus. Chimaji Appa presented the large bell as a token of his victory against the Portuguese on 16 May 1739. According to legend, a demon Tripurasura did penance in the Bhimashankar jungle ages ago in order to please Lord shiva. He hoped that by pleasing the Lord he would be given the gift of immortality. The Lord, pleased by Tripurasara’s devotion, blessed him with immortality on the condition that Tripurasara would use his boon for the welfare of the local folk and help them. In case Tripurasara forgot his vow, the Lord would be entitled to sue him in any way he deemed suitable. As time went on, Tripurasara forgot all about his vow and began harassing the local folk as well as other deities. Chaos reigned and the deities approached the Lord to help them. The Lord prayed to Goddess Parvati to help him. Together, in the form of “ardh-narya-nateshwar”, on the eve of Kartik Poornima, they killed Tripurasara and the day is now known as Tripurasara Poornima. After Tripurasara’s death, his wives Dakini and Shakini approached lord Shiva, questioning their existence without Tripurasara. The Lord blessed them both with immortality. Demon named Bhima – son of Kumbhakarna younger brother of demon king Ravana lived with his mother Karkati in the dense forest Dakini on the ranges of the Sahyadri hills. Once he got to know from his mother about his father and how Kumbhakarna was killed by the Lord Shree Ram – the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He had decided to take revenge and performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma. Demon Bhima was blessed with a superpower from the Lord Brahma and started using his power on Rishi, Gods, people etc. Once, Bhima imprisoned Kamrupeshwar – the true devotee of Lord Shiva. And order to worship him in place of Lord Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar refused to do as he said Bhima raised his sword at Shivlinga. Then Lord Shiva appeared from Shivlinga and reduced him to ashes. This is the place Bhimashakar Jyotilinga where Lord Shiva appeared and release all from the torture of the demon Bhima. The distance between the Bhimashankar temple and Pune is about 160 km. Government MSRTC buses (non-luxury) run from Pune to Bhimashankar every 30 minutes. They operate from 5:30 AM till 4:00 PM. The bus can be taken from Shivajinagar, Pune. The fare for the same is Rs. 132. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach the temple from Pune. Shree kshetra Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashakar, Khed, Pune Website: http://www.bhimashankar.in Email Id: [email protected] Bhimashankar temple Contact Number: 9130633033,9422883330 Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year and during festivals Activity: Daily Darshan, Rituals and Natural Environment
Baneshwar is a temple of Shiva located in the village of Nasarapur about 36 km southwest of Pune. It is a pleasant and calm place amidst a jungle. It was recently discovered and hence declared as a small bird sanctuary hosting a decent amount of rare birds with many crowned hornbills seen Baneshwar Temple Access Road, Nasrapur, Maharashtra 412213
Kunjal Mata Temple is known as the Kuldevi temple of the village which is named as Deh and previously known as Champawat. And it is believed that the existence Mother Goddess was reveled in the year 1089 AD. There are many stories about this temple is heard and that is why according to the local people it is said that the temple was previously just a stone platform and it the temple was built latterly by the people of the local area. Deh, Rajasthan 341022
Jain Glass Temple of Nagaur is a complete glass temple which is situated behind the Kamla Tower. This temple is a popular shrine of Jain community. Visitors get amazed by the magnificent glass works inside the temple. Its also represent the ancient art in the form of the Jain scriptures. By Road: Jain Glass Temple is located at the centre of Nagaur city near Oswal Bhavan. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Jain Glass Temple is well connected through nearest Nagaur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Jain Glass Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (137 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. Khas Bazar, General Ganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Dadhimati Mata Temple is known as the oldest surviving temples of Northern India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and the specialty of this temple is that it is one of the 52 shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati (Parvati). The temple is situated in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan and devotees in huge numbers come to this temple all through the year but in thousands during the occasion of Navaratri.This temple was built in the 4th century and believed to be built during the Gupta age. It is considered the most important and religious temple for Dadhich Bramhins and that is why there are many tales and mythological sagas are heard about the temple which make it more interesting and the pandits of the temple also tell the devotees about the significance and the sacredness of the mother Goddess
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra Shree Mahalakshmi Temple is located at the North of the Malbar Hill on Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400 026. The beauty of the temple, its mythological importance, its proximity to the seashore and its Dhwjstambha all combine together to make the place a wonderful tourist attraction, as well. Situated within the Municipal ’D’ ward, the Mahalakshmi Temple precinct is bound by the sea on the western and northen edges and Bhulabhai Desai Road on the east and south. This temple is dedicated to the three deities Shree Mahakali or Durga (Destroyer of Demon), Shree Mahalakshmi (Goddesses of Wealth) and Shree Mahasaraswati (Goddesses of Learning). In the month of March/April and September/October i.e.during Chaitra and Ashwin Navaratra , the Sun rays of rising sun fall on the deities for few minutes. On entering into the temple compound one sees about 10.60 meters high single wooden block covered with silver sheets Dhwajstambh and also Deepmala carved in stone. Then on entering the Sabhamandap one sees a Lion (covered with silver) fixed in the centre of the Sabhamandap facing the deities. The area of the Sabhamandap facing the deities is approximately 12.10 meters X 9.10 meters. There are 27 apex tops on the Sabhamandap, two wooden idols of Jay-Vijay covered with silver located on two sides of main door of Gabhara. Official Address Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Charities Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai-400 026.
Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir, Mumbai, Maharashtra Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture as he is the destroyer of obstacles (Vighnaharta). This is Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, a two-century-old Temple that fulfills the desires of the worshipers. The city of Mumbai is a mute witness to places of worship & historical interest, which are not only popular but also of archaeological importance.Arguably the most popular & significant places of worship are the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir situated at Prabhadevi.government records. The temple then was a small structure housing the black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, which was two and half feet wide. The outstanding feature of this deity is the tilt of the trunk to the right side. The idol has four hands (Chaturbhuj), which contains a lotus in upper right, a small axe in upper left, holy beads in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favorite with Shree Siddhivinayak). Flanking the deity on both sides are Riddhi & Siddhi, goddesses signifying sanctity, fulfillment, prosperity and riches. Etched on the forehead of the deity is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva. Official Address Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust, S.K.Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400028
Trimbakeshwar town is an ancient Hindu Pilgrim centre located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. Trimbakeshwar is the abode of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is the Linga in the temple is in the form of a three-faced embodying Tridev, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The present Trimbakeshwar temple was constructed by third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) on the site of an old temple. There are entry gates on all the four sides, viz. East, West, South and North. As per spiritual conceptions, the direction East denotes the beginning, West denotes maturity, south denotes fulfilment or completion and the North stands for the revelation. In the year 1954, the Sansthan was registered under public trust registration act. Shri Trimbakeshwar Sansthan takes care of daily three-time pooja, all the festivals and gala carnivals of the year. coming soon Trimbakeshwar is connected to Nashik by the four-lane road. One can also reach to Trimbakeshwar by leaving N.H.3 (Mumbai- Agra) near Ghoti village (next to Igatpuri while coming from Mumbai). Trimbakeshwar is also connected via road from Charoti Naka (90 Km) on Mumbai – Ahmedabad highway. (NH8) Shri.Trimbakeshwar Devsthan Trust. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra Trust Office: +91-2594-233215 Bhaktnivas: +91-2594-234251 Email Id: [email protected] & [email protected] Website: http://www.trimbakeshwartrust.com/
The Ambhora Shiv Temple is a holy pilgrimage site located in the Kuhi district of Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. This temple has been attracting devotees and tourists from all over the world for many years. The temple is a beautiful piece of architecture that reflects the rich cultural heritage of India. It is a perfect blend of the ancient and modern world, as it has been renovated and modernized over time to meet the needs of the devotees. The intricate carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses on the temple walls are breathtakingly beautiful and showcase the incredible craftsmanship of the artisans of that era. Shri Chaityaneshwar Shiv Mandir The Ambhora Shiv Temple is considered to be one of the oldest Shiv temples in Nagpur district. 5 rivers meet at this place. It is located at around 65 km from Nagpur city. The premises also houses Shri Harinath Temple. The attractions of Ambhira are the famous Chaitanyesvara Temple alias Harinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the tomb of Har Har Swami, a Hindu Saint. The temple attracts lots of devotees during festival times such as Mahashivratri. During Shravan month devotees queue up to perform water and milk abhishekam on the Shivling. The most auspicious day in the shrine is Monday. The small but beautiful temple is noted for a red spiral structure and swayambhu Shivling. The shrine is located in a scenic spot. The Ambhora Shiv Temple has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. According to legends, the temple was built by the Yadava king, Bhillama V, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The temple is said to have been built on the spot where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Linga, and hence it is considered a highly auspicious site. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations, thanks to the patronage of various dynasties that ruled the region. Today, the temple is a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. The Ambhora Shiv Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is believed that visiting this temple and offering prayers to Lord Shiva can bring peace, prosperity, and happiness in one’s life. It is also believed that the Linga at the temple has miraculous powers and can cure diseases and ailments. Apart from the spiritual significance, the temple is also a center of cultural activities. Various festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, are celebrated with great pomp and show at the temple, attracting a large number of devotees. The temple is located in the Kuhi district of Nagpur, which is well-connected by road and rail. One can reach the temple by taking a taxi or a bus from Nagpur city. The temple is open to visitors from early morning till late evening. Upon reaching the temple, visitors are greeted with a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The temple complex is well-maintained, and the staff is helpful and courteous. One can offer prayers at the main shrine, take a dip in the holy pond, and explore the various other smaller shrines and sculptures within the temple complex. Official Address:Ambhora, Maharashtra 441202
Markanda Mahadev Temple is located in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The temple is 1200 years old and is situated on banks of Wainganga river. The main temple has a Shiva Linga which can be seen by devotees. You can put your offerings outside the temple. The scenic beauty of the temple reveals ancient architecture which is well carved on the outside of the wall of the temple. The carvings on the temple walls consist of various Gods and Goddess. Various parts of the temple have worn out due to the passage of time but now the government is trying to restore this ancient site of pilgrimage. Lots of devotees gather during Shivaratri to do puja and get a darshan of lord shiva so that their life is filled with peace and prosperity. The environment is very peaceful and you will get a feeling of being at an ancient place. This temple complex is spread over 40 acres of land. This temple Complex is dedicated to lord Shiva. However, the Markanda name is derived from the Markandeya rishi of Haryana who was an ardent devotee of Shiva. Indian Archaeological Department first time had recorded this 120 years before in its survey. Some part of Stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata are connected with these group of temples. The record of this place is made in the gazetteer of Chandrapur district in 1973 as well as the information of Markanda is given on page 373 in part 13 of the encyclopaedia. In tramlines of the external part of the main temple there are many records of Gods, Goddess and hermits i.e. Vyal, Ashtadikpal, Apsara, Sursundari and Devangana. The records of many birds and ShivParvati are kept there in too. The courtyard of the temple is famous in the world for images of ladies engrossed in dance action. Every image of the God and Goddess here is ornate with various ornaments. Each god statue has the vehicle included thus making the process of identification easier. The experts say that the total statues counted so far are said to be 409. The art can be compared to that of Khajuraho. Surrounding of the fortifications of the group temples there is the temple of Dashavtar. There are 12 Pithas, there are shown extra 2 Pithas here. One of the experts of culture opinioned that these extra 2 Pithas influences the minds of the people more during this period and so more of the 2 Pithas might have been constructed. There are 12 Shivlingas in the temple and courtyard of the temple. Late Dr V.V. Mirashi says that this might be the work of the man who ruled from Himalaya to Srilanka during the 11th Century. In historical texts, there was no such king. On the contrary, Rashtrakutas ruled during 8th Century in Vidharbha. There was a formal copper inscription of them in Chandrapur and Akola. Their capital city was Mayurkhandi which is so far undiscovered. Rashtrakuta 3rd Govinda might have constructed the temples’ of Markanda, it is said by Dr Mirashi. In all the groups of temples might be built during 8th and 9th Century. There are seen constructions of Gajlakshmi, Garud etc. on the sculptures of Markanda. There is Mahal Amgaon at 12 Km distance towards the east. In the temple there are records of Gajlakshmi and Narsimha Avatar. Nowadays, our image of Garuda was found in the field. The Villagers installed the image in 2003. The image sculpture is in meditation and Anjali Mudra. The image is a wing. There is a script on a column found along a street leading to Rekhegaon. This column might be of soldiers killed in the war. The experts have read this script. The authorities of Vidarbha should save this temple. Markanda is middle place in India which is a place of matchless art and grandeur. The Markanda village is situated at 65 km away from Chandrapur and 184 km from Nagpur. It is at 40 km distance from Gadchiroli and 25 Kms from Mul in Chandrapur District. Bus services are available through out the year from Nagpur, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli to go to Chamorshi and then Markanda. Nearest railway station to the Gadchiroli / Markanda is Mul. The bus routes to go to Markanda are as follows
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple is located on the inner ring road at Wathoda in Nagpur. The temple was opened in 2013. The temple has been attracting a large number of devotees every evening. The Satsang is conducted regularly, and temple puts special emphasis on developing children. In 2004, the groundbreaking ceremony for the shikharbaddh mandir in the suburb of Wathoda was performed.The murti-pratishtha of the newly constructed shikharbaddh mandir was performed in 2013. In the year 1976, while on the Vidarbha tour, Pramukh Swami Maharaj started the Satsang in Nagpur. In the year a temple was opened in Vardhmannagar by Pramukh Swami Maharaj Ji and in 1997 The Swaminarayan School was inaugurated. List of Murti inside the temple BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirSwaminarayan Marg, Middle Ring road, Wathoda Nagpur 440 030, Maharastra, India Tel: +91 9561112403, 9561112489
The Changapur Naresh Hanuman temple is the very old and famous and “Jagurt” temple dedicated to Shri Lord Hanuman. The temple is located just 1 Km on the Amravati – Walgaon Road.
It is believed that Ramtek was the place where Rama, rested while he was in exile. Legend has it that the ashram of great Hindu sage Agastya was situated close to Ramtek. ‘Tek’ means vow in local language, hence the word Ramtek comes from ‘Vow of Ram’ The present temple is believed to have been built by the King of Nagpur Raghuji Bhonsale,after his victory over fort of Deogarh in Chindwara.
Manipur is a land of rich culture and traditions, and the state is home to numerous Hindu temples that date back centuries. These temples offer a glimpse into the state’s religious and cultural heritage, and attract devotees and tourists alike. From grand and ornate structures to small and humble shrines, the temples of Manipur are a testament to the devotion and faith of its people. One of the most famous temples in Manipur is the Govindajee Temple, located in the heart of Imphal city. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is an excellent example of Manipuri architecture, and features intricate carvings and colorful murals. The temple is particularly famous for its Ras Lila festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year. Another popular temple in Manipur is the Shree Gopalji temple, located in the small town of Wangjing. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and is believed to have been built by the King of Manipur in the 18th century. The temple is renowned for its beautiful frescoes and intricate woodcarvings. The Kangla Fort is another important site for Hindu devotees in Manipur. The fort was the ancient seat of power of the Manipuri kings, and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. The fort complex includes a number of temples and shrines, including the Shree Govindajee temple, the Shree Bijoy Govindji temple, and the Shree Vishnu temple. Other notable temples in Manipur include the Shree Hanuman Thakur temple in Bishnupur, the Shree Bijoy Govindji temple in Imphal, and the Shree Jagannath temple in Thoubal. Each of these temples has its own unique history and significance, and offers a fascinating glimpse into Manipur’s rich cultural heritage. Top Places: Imphal,
Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is located at Hiyangthang in Imphal West District. The is temple perched on a small hillock and is dedicated to the Goddess Hiyangthang Lairembi. It is an important place of worship of the Meitei community residing in Manipur. The temple is seven storied and faces eastwards with three rectangular doors of the same size, where resides the idols of the Goddess Hiyangthang.The mandapa in front of the temple is a matching structure to the beautiful and lofty temple structure. Both the temple and the manadapa have provided architectural harmony with respect to the commanding site on the hillock overlooking the valley. The stucture is raised on pilllars and roof given concrete sheet covering. There are some paintings decorated on the walls of the hall. To reach this temple, take the Mayai Lambi Road and the Hiyangthang Road after that. This temple can be easily reached by taking a bus or by hiring a cab. Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai, Hiyangthang, Manipur 795009
The Rasmancha is a historical building located at Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal, India. It was commissioned by Mallabhum king Hambir Malla Dev (Bir Hambir) in 1600 CE. Length and breadth of this temple is 24.5 meter and the height is 12.5 meter. The base or altar of the temple is made of laterite stone and upper part is made with bricks. Upper structure looks like a pyramid. Middle part resembles Bengali huts and the arches of the lower part resembles Islamic architecture. During the Vaishnava Ras festival, all the Radha Krishna idols of Bishnupur town used to be brought here to be worshipped by the citizens..The annual festival was held till 1932 College Road opp. Tourist Lodge Near Bishnupur High School, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122
Raghunath Malla Dev also known as Raghunath Singha Dev, was the fifty-first king of the Mallabhum (now in the Indian state of West Bengal). He ruled from 1626 to 1656 CE.Because Kalaram, son of Dhari Hambir Malla Dev, was unfit to become a king due to his physical inability, his mother, who was Dhari Hambir’s wife, enthroned her husband’s young brother Raghunath Malla Dev, who later got the title of Singha
Jor-bangla, also called Yorubangala, is a style of Hindu temple architecture that arose in Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. The style involves two skeuomorphic structures that reflect the traditional thatched huts of the region, one that serves as a porch, in front of the other that serves as a shrine. Each structure has a roof of the ek-bangla (or do-chala) style, with two curved segments that meet at a curved ridge
Durjan Singha Dev was the fifty-third king of the Mallabhum. He ruled from 1682 to 1702. Durjan Singha Dev (1682 – 1702), the son of Bir Singha Dev was opposite to his father. He was not at all cruel; on the contrary, he had a very gentle, polite character. He was logical, kind hearted and also pious. He established Madan Mohan temple. During his period several Portuguese, French, British traders came to this place. He was on the one hand a Vaishnava devotee and on the other hand a great warrior.
Hambir Malla Dev, also known as Bir Hambir(Beera Hambeera) & Veer Hambir, was the forty-ninth king of the Mallabhum.He ruled from 1565 to 1620 CE. Bir Hambir was a pious man who started following Vaishnavism. A story in two Vaishnava works (Prem-vilasa of Nityananda Das (alias Balaram Das) and Bhakti Ratnakara of Narahari Chakrabarti) recounts the manner in which Srinivasa and other devotees were robbed by Bir Hambir while travelling from Vrindavan to Gaur with a number of Vaishanava manuscripts. However, Bir Hambir was so moved by Srinivasa’s reading of Bhagavata that he converted to Vaishnavism and gave Srinivasa a rich endowment of land and money. He introduced the worship of Madan Mohan to Bishnupur
Shri Radha Krishna Chandra Manimandir is the centrepiece of the University of Bhagavata Culture, ISKCON in Manipur. This beautiful temple is constructed by Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Sripad Maharaj (founder-rector of the University of Bhagavata Culture and International) director of the Bhakti Vedanta Institute. Manipur is a place where Lord Krishna is held in very high esteem. He is the one Hindu deity who has a place in all Manipuris’ hearts. It was, therefore, no wonder that Imphal had its very own ISKCON mandir. Imphal, Manipur 795140
Shree Hanuman Thakur temple is a highly revered shrine of Lord Hanuman located in Imphal. It stands on the banks of the Imphal River among the groves, Mahabali forest. The temple enshrines a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman in human form. The idol is carved out on a big slab of stone. The temple is believed to have been built by King Garib Niwaj in 1725 AD. It conforms to the hut-type of Bengal style. The mandapam located in front of the temple has shadowed the structure of the main temple. Covered with a dome shaped hemi-spherical structure, the sanctum cube is raised as a rectangular structure up to roof. A double lotus in a criss-cross pattern rests at the top of the roof. Kalasas are placed over the crown. Above the kalasas, there is a vase which holds pinnacle with Nilchakra. Shree Hanuman Thakur temple is a memento of the Ramanandi cult of Hinduism in Manipur. The nearest airport is Tulihal airport. The nearest railway is Dimapur railway station. Located at the heart of Imphal Wangkhei, Imphal, Manipur 795001
The temple is located in Imphal town in the first Manipur Rifle Ground. It was patronised by king Kulachandra in 1891. The structure is raised on an octagonal base. The southern side has got flying steps. The facade carries a rectangular door. In the octagonal structure each component wall meets the double cornice. The cornice below and above has got a sequence arranged in a line over the octagonal structure. The roof structure is in pyramidal Gothic Style. The arches incline at 45 degree to form a tapering octagonal structure which is truncated by Amalaka-sila, on the top, in a form of a circular disc. It carries a pinnacle. The deity Lord Sanamahi is worshipped in the temple. The rituals are of typical Hindu style. The decoration of deity and puja system is based on Hindu methods. The dress of the priest performing the rituals is very similar to a Hindu priest. The puja performed by the priest daily in morning and evening at appropriate times of Ushakala and Samdhyakala. The structure is made in bricks. There has been a enough effort to explore the artistic designs in constructing the structure itself in a peculiar architectural design and by giving a stylish finish to the double cornice.
The temple is located in Imphal at Brahmpur Guru Aribam Leikai, on the banks of the Imphal River. The temple was patronised by King Charairongba and built in the year 1704 AD. The temple is built in bricks. It is given a thick cement coating from outside. The pedestal is raised in three layers of bricks. A sound panel of flying staircases in the south facing facade matches the sturdy structure of the temple base. The sanctum cube and the porch walls separately support the dome like hemispherical roof. The porch dome is shorter in height. The surface of the dome is decorated withthe floral motifs. Above the floral motifs it is shaped in to a short neck to rest the circular crown. The crown further carries two kalasas placed one above the other. The pinnacle above the top vase also carries a Nilachakra. The internal sanctum is interconnected to the porch hall through a small door.The porch hall is divided in to two chambers partitioned by an iron folding door. The porch door opens outside leading to the staircases. The artistic importance of the temple is that there are different idols of Lord Krishna showing different events from his childhood to adult stage. BY FLIGHT There are regular flights from other major cities of the country to Imphal. Airport(s): Municipal Airport (IMF) BY TRAIN Imphal does not have an train station. Nearest option is Daotuhaja. Daotuhaja (DJA), Daotuhaja, Assam Phiding (PDJ), Phiding, Assam BY BUS You can easily get regular buses to Imphal from other major cities of the country. Bus Station(s): Imphal
The temple is situated in Imphal town at the compound of Manipur State Road Transport Corporation. The whole structure of the temple is made in bricks. It is a rectangle cube and appears just rising from the ground level. Its pedestal is not raised above the ground. It is facing south. The facade wall is decorated and in front there is a semi-circular arch supported by three pillars on each side. Above the cornice is the railing. The outer jacket cube has got a row of arcades in its eastern and southern walls. There are no arcades in the western walls. The inner sanctum is square and the sanctum wall is provided with three doors. The circumambulatory path is approachable through arcades on east and north sides and through the arch gate from the front side. The floral motifs on the facade wall below the cornice and in the railing show advancement in art expression. The arrangement of pillars, the archivolt with multi-fold curves, the geometric modulation of arch holes, the foil arrangement inside arcades, etc show an architectural improvement as compared to that of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century temple construction. Sangjamei, Imphal, Manipur 795001 098622 75500
One of the biggest temples in Manipur worshipped by more than 10 lakh devotes every year. It is famous for the presiding deity Shree Gopinath, the idol of Lord Krishna. annual festivals like Holi, Diwali, Krishnashtami and Durga Puja are celebrated in a gala manner with locals participating in the events along with a large number of devotees who had flocked here from other parts of north-east India. The nearest airport is Tulihal airport. The nearest railway is Dimapur railway station. Located at the heart of Imphal
As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna, also known as Govinda. According to Hindu mythology, 3 supreme powers controlled and ruled the earth and one of them is Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In the temple of Shree Govindaji, visitors can see the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, who was his consort. The temple also has idols of Lord Jagannath, another form of Vishnu. Located in an easily accessible position in the state capital Imphal, the temple is visited by large numbers of tourists every year. The shining golden building of the temple attracts tourists, other than regular devotees. Originally constructed in the year 1846, the temple was built in the reign of the Manipur ruler Maharaja Nara Singh. The state faced severe earthquake in 1868, causing massive devastation. Shree Govindaji temple also suffered major damages and the temple building was damaged to a great extent. The temples idols faced damages and lost its original form and splendour.
Kanchipur, Imphal, Manipur Kanchipur is a town in the Indian state of Manipur, and a suburb of the city of Imphal. During the reigns of Joy Singh and Gambhir Singh, Kanchipur served as Manipur’s capital city. Currently, Manipur University is located within the town. Kanchipur contains the Shri Radha Raman Temple of Kanchipur at the old Langthabal place on Hill Ridge near the Manipur University campus. It was dedicated by Maharaj Churachand in 1917. The temple structure is raised on a square pedestal, facing south. It is not in use now. Official Address
Gopinath Mandir, Ningthoukhong, Manipur Ningthoukhong Gopinath Mandir is a Vaishnav Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Gopinath in Ningthoukhong town in the state of Manipur, India. It is the second largest temple in Manipur Official Address
Shree Govindajee Temple, Imphal, Manipur Shree Govindajee Temple is the largest Hindu, Vaishnav temple in Imphal city in Manipur. It is located next to the palace of the former rulers of the then Manipur Kingdom. The temple is simple in design with two gold plated domes, a paved court and a large, raised mantapa or congregation hall. The central chamber of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) has the main deity of Govindaji, stated to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna, and his consort Radha. In the other two chambers of the sanctum, on either side of the main deity, images deified are of Balabhadra and Krishna on one side, and images of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra on the other side. The temple was originally built in 1846 during the reign of Maharaja Nara Singh and rebuilt by Maharaja Chandrakriti in 1876. The temple management was earlier with the former king as per Article II of the Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949 when Manipur became a part of India after independence. However, on popular demand by the public, it is now managed by a Board with members drawn from the priest community and important people of the city.The Chief Minister of the state is the Board’s president. Maharaja Nara Singh (1844–50 AD) of the Manipur kingdom commissioned the temple on 16 January 1846 and dedicated it to Shree Govindaji, which was their royal deity. The temple and the deities were substantially damaged during an earthquake of 1868. Consequently, the temple was rebuilt to its original design during the reign of Maharaja Chandrakriti (1859-1886) and was consecrated on 26 April 1876.However, during the Anglo Manipur war of 1891 the idols of the temple were moved to Kongma. In 1908, after the Maharaja Churchand Singh took up residence at his new palace the idols were also moved and reconsecrated in the present temple. It is also said that ( Ching-Thang Khomba|Maharaja Jai Singh ) or Bhagya Chandra Karta (1763–1798), who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, received an epiphany from the Lord to build a temple for him. Accordingly, he formally initiated the carving of the idol of the Lord Govindaji, in 1776, which was then completed and consecrated in November 1779 on the full moon day in a temple built by him in his palace. On this occasion Ras Lila was performed for five days at Raas Mandal Pukhri at Langthabal Shree Govindajee Temple is located in Imphal (in its East district), the capital of the Indian state of Manipur, in the precincts of the royal palace.Imphal is accessible by road and air services. National Highway 39 (India) connects with Dimapur (Nagaland) on the north and with Myanmar on the east. It is connected to Silchar in Assam by National Highway 53 (India). National Highway 150 (India) connects with Mizoram. The nearest rail link is at Dimapur, 215 kilometres (134 mi) away, from where regular bus services operate to Imphal. Air services operate to Imphal from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar. Official Address
Meghalaya, located in Northeast India, is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and vibrant traditions. The state’s temples reflect this cultural richness and offer visitors a chance to explore their spirituality and connect with the region’s ancient religious practices. One of the most significant temples in Meghalaya is the Nartiang Durga Temple, located in the town of Jowai. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is believed to have been built during the 16th century. Its stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. Meghalaya is also home to several ancient Khasi temples, which date back to the pre-Christian era. These temples are believed to be dedicated to ancestral spirits and are an important part of the state’s cultural heritage. Some of the most notable Khasi temples in Meghalaya include the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church, the All Saints Church, and the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral. Other significant temples in Meghalaya include the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, which is believed to be the abode of benevolent spirits, and the Umiyam Lake, which is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. In conclusion, Meghalaya’s temples offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking to experience the vibrant traditions of Northeast India, Meghalaya’s temples are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Borghat Temple is a historical temple located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The temple is believed to have been built during the 16th century by the Jaintia kings. The temple is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva and is considered one of the most important places of worship in the region. The temple is known for its unique architectural style and the intricate carvings on its walls. The temple is also an important center for the study of the Jaintia culture and history. Visitors can see the beautiful sculptures and carvings that adorn the temple and learn about the history and culture of the Jaintia people. The architecture of the Borghat Temple is unique and reflects the traditional style of the Jaintia people. The temple is built of stone and is a fine example of the architectural style that was prevalent during the 16th century. The temple is a typical example of the ‘Khasi-style’ of temple architecture, which is characterized by a combination of traditional and modern architectural elements. The temple has a thatched roof and a small verandah in front. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and other religious motifs. The temple is also known for its unique architectural features like the ‘Mandap’ and ‘Garbhagriha’ which are typical of the Khasi-style of temple architecture. The temple also has a sacred pond, which is considered to be very holy by the devotees. The dome of the temple which is shaped like a cupola made of hard stone fell off during the earthquake and now rests on the side court of the temple. The Borghat Temple is steeped in legend and local stories. According to one popular legend, the temple was built by the Jaintia kings to honor a local deity, who was believed to have saved the kingdom from an invasion. Another legend states that the temple was built on the spot where a miracle occurred, and that the temple was constructed as a gesture of gratitude to the deity. Another story states that the temple was built by a devotee who had a vision of the deity in a dream, and was instructed to build a temple at that spot. The temple is also believed to have been built on the site of an ancient shrine, which was destroyed by the invading forces. The temple is considered to be a sacred site and is visited by many devotees, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. Additionally, it is also believed that, the pond inside the temple premise is having medicinal properties and many people come here to take a dip in it to cure ailments. The temple is an important part of the cultural and religious heritage of the Jaintia people and continues to be an important center of worship and pilgrimage. The Borghat Temple is located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The nearest major town is Jowai, which is well-connected by road, rail and air to other major cities in the region. By Road: The temple is located around 25 km from Jowai, which is well-connected by road to other major towns and cities in Meghalaya and the neighboring states. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Jowai to reach the temple. By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati which is around 195 km from Jowai. From the railway station, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. By Air: The nearest airport is Guwahati which is around 195 km from Jowai. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. It’s advisable to check the local transportation options and weather conditions prior to planning the trip, as the temple is located in a remote area and the road conditions may not be suitable for all types of vehicles during monsoon.
Maa Kamakya Temple at Thakuranbari was built by a Great Koch King, Narayana. This temple is located on a hillock about 1 km away from Mir-Jhumla’s Tomb. It is said that this temple has a connection to the famous Kamakhya Temple located at Assam. Legend has it that Maa Kamakhya’s body parts were divided into 52 parts and wherever her parts fell, temples are built to honour and worship her. Consequently as the story goes, Maa Kamakya’s navel fell at Thakuranbari and thus the temple came into existence. Apart from the deity of Kamakhya Devi, the compound also houses other temples namely Siva, Durga, Shakti, Hanuman, Santoshi and swammy. Though this temple is small and still unknown, it is an important pilgrimage destination as Hindu devotees and pilgrim from all over india visit the place during important occasions.
Nartiang Durga Temple is one of the famous 51 Shakti Peethas. In this holy place Shakthis’s (Goddess Sati) left thigh fell down. It is an historic and holy place for the devotees Shakti cult of Hinduism. It is believed to have completed 600 years. Umpteen pilgrims and tourists visit this temple are of Pnar origin. It is also said that human slaughtering were practiced in this temple, dates back. Nartiang-Khanduli Road, Nartiang, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya 793150, India
Mizoram, located in Northeast India, is a land of lush forests, rolling hills, and vibrant cultures. The state’s temples are a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and offer visitors a chance to explore their spirituality and connect with the region’s cultural roots. One of the most famous temples in Mizoram is Solomon’s Temple, located in the capital city of Aizawl. This temple is a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike, owing to its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Its tranquil ambiance and serene surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Another notable temple in Mizoram is the Mizo Hnam Run Temple, located in the town of Champhai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. Its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. Mizoram is also home to several other significant temples, including the Sibuta Lung Temple, the Ngengpui Lui Temple, and the Lamsial Pukri Temple. Each temple offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. In conclusion, Mizoram’s temples provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Mizoram’s temples are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Nagaland, located in Northeast India, is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and its temples are a reflection of its rich heritage. From the famous Dimapur Kalibari Temple to the serene Kachari Ruins Temple, Nagaland is home to several sacred temples that offer visitors a chance to explore their spirituality and connect with the region’s cultural roots. The Dimapur Kalibari Temple is one of the most famous temples in Nagaland. Located in the heart of Dimapur, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is considered one of the most important temples in the region. Its stunning architecture and intricate carvings make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. The Kachari Ruins Temple, located in Dimapur, is another notable temple in Nagaland. The temple is believed to have been built by the Kachari rulers, and its ruins provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. The temple’s serene ambiance and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Nagaland is also home to several other significant temples, including the Chumukedima Village Temple, the Naga Bazaar Temple, and the Catholic Church of Nagaland. Each temple offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and connect with their spirituality. In conclusion, Nagaland’s sacred temples provide visitors with a unique opportunity to embark on a spiritual journey and explore the region’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Nagaland’s temples are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Dimapur Kalibari is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali is located in the city of Dimapur of Nagaland in India. Built in the year 1956, the temple is dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of time, creation, destruction, and power. It is one of the most popular Hindu temples in the Nagaland state. The Dimapur Kalibari Temple is a 17th-century temple which is situated 27 km from Agartala. It is located on a hill overlooking the Kamalasagar Lake. This is the reason it is also called the Kamalasagar Kali Temple. Kamalasagar Lake is a huge lake near the border of Bangladesh. According to legend, the lake was excavated in the 15th century by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. The deity in the temple which is made of sandstone is similar to that of Durga but is primarily worshipped in the form of Kali. The temple organizes most of the Hindu festivals like Durga Puja for the residents of the region. The temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in North-East India and was built with major contributions from local philanthropists J.C. Das and M.M.Mazumder along with some contributions from other devotees. It is well maintained and a revered place of worship in the region for Hindus. The temple celebrated its 50th anniversary in the year 2006 with the launch of various community services like ambulance service and a library. Dusshera is one of the most celebrated festivals celebrated in the temple. One can read the temple easily from either airport, railway station or bus stand. Regular taxis are available for local visit. The distrance between the Dimapur Airport and the Kalibari temple is 7.8 km. The Dimapur Railway Station is just 550m from the temple. And the distance between Dimapur Bus Stand and the Kalibari temple is just 1.4 km and from N.S.T. Bus Station it is 550m. The Kalibari temple is located at Kalibari Road, Dimapur, NL – 797112.
Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a land of temples and is widely considered as the epicenter of Hinduism in Eastern India. The state is home to some of the most beautiful and historically significant temples in India, showcasing the finest examples of ancient Indian architecture and art. The temples in Odisha are not just places of worship but also an embodiment of the state’s rich cultural heritage. These architectural marvels reflect the exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and spiritual devotion of the artisans and architects who built them. The Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic temples in Odisha, featuring exquisite carvings and sculptures that depict the daily life of ancient India. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is another major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of devotees every year. Other notable temples in Odisha include the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, the Mukteswara Temple in Mukteswara, and the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, among many others. Each temple has its unique style, design, and historical significance that make them worth exploring. The temples in Odisha offer visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage, making it an ideal destination for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. Top Cities: Angul, Balangir, Balangir, Balasore, Banapur, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar, Boudh, Cuttack, Debagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kakatpur, Kalahandi, Kendrapara, Kendujhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Puri, Rayagada, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Subarnapur
The Varahanatha Temple, also known as Yajna Varaha Temple, is located on the left bank of the Vaitarani River on an island formed by the river, in Jajpur. The main shrine is dedicated to Varaha, the boar avatar of the god Vishnu. Built-in 15-16th century, the temple is constructed in Kalinga architectural style. Besides the central Varaha shrine, there are numerous subordinate shrines to deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Vimala, and others. On the basis of the architecture and structures enshrined in the temple, it is estimated to be built during the 15–16th century under the Suryavamshi Gajapati rule. Another legend attributes to the king’s head priest, Kasi Mishra. The Hindu saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534), who was instrumental in establishing the Chaitnaya Math and propagated Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu and related deities) visited this temple, on his way from Puri in 1510. The temple was refurbished by Raghoji I Bhonsle (reign: 1739-1755), the Maratha ruler of the Nagpur kingdom. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India The festivals held in the temple complex are the Chandana Yatra, Sunia, Kartika Purnima, Baula Amavasya, Maha Varuni Yatra, Mahashivaratri, and so forth. The temple faces east and is located in a 30-by-40-metre (98 by 131 ft) plot. The temple structure is built over a plinth of 25.30-by-12-metre (83.0 by 39.4 ft). The height of the temple is 22 metres (72 ft). Built in Kalinga architectural style, the temple has three components, namely the vimana (building containing the sanctum), the antarala (a small chamber between the sanctum and the hall) and the jagamohana (assembly hall). The vimana is a Rekha deula (a tall building with a shape of sugar loaf) and the jagamohana is a pidha deula (square building with a pyramid-shaped roof). The Vimana as well as the jagamohana are square in shape. The temple is built in ashlar masonry with Khandolite stone, the exposed surfaces are plastered and given a white wash of lime. The outer wall is panchanga bada, that is, divided into 5 parts (from base to top): pabhaga, talajangha, bandhana, upara jangha and baranda. The sanctum has two images of Varaha, a Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu) image and a Jagannath (a regional form of Vishnu) image. The Jagannath image is made of wood, while the rest are made of chlorite. The talajangha of the vimana exhibits erotic sculptures, mother and child, and amorous couples. Musicians, devotees and Yamuna (a river goddess) are carved on the upara jangha. The pinnacle is Pancharatha (containing five Pagas or segments) in nature and decorated with figures of the udyotasimhas (lion with lolling tongue) and gajasimhas (the lion riding an elephant), all on central pagas (raha), except the main paga which bears a Varaha image. The jagamohana and antarala have modern paintings with floral and animal or bird motifs. The jagamohana has a Garuda pillar. In the jagamohana, the sculptural images of dvarapala (gate keepers) of the Shaiva (related to the god Shiva) tradition, the head of Brahma and Astikajaratkaru (the goddess Manasa cradles her child Astika or a dead man who is revived) fixed to the walls. The niches in the talajangha of the jagamohana has images of the predominantly Buddhist deity Prajnaparamita, Vishnu, Kalyanasundara (marriage scene of Shiva and Parvati), Narasimha (avatar of Vishnu), Ganga (the goddess of the Ganges), Varaha, Parvati (consort of Shiva), Giridhari Govardhana (a form of Krishna – avatar of Vishnu) and dancing panels. The brackets supporting the gandi (temple pinnacle) have erotic sculptures of male and female figures and figurines of bharabahaka (goblins supporting the roof) and mother and child. The temple also has independent sculptures of different ages, fixed at random. Deity sculptures in the temple include Ganesha (god of wisdom), Vamana (avatar of Vishnu), Vishnu, Narasimha, Brahma, Uma-Maheshavara (Shiva with Parvati) and Dhyani Buddha (a Buddhist image). When Brahma was performing Ashvamedha yajna, he realised that the Vedas were stolen, he then requested Lord Vishnu to retrieve them. As soon as the yajna was completed, Lord Vishnu emerged from the yagna in the form of a boar – His Varaha avatar – with the stolen scriptures. Since then, the location of the yajna came to be known as Jajpur. This 15-16th century temple is located at the banks of Vaitarani River on an island formed by the river. This ancient Varaha temple once had 4 deities – while 3 deities of Varaha are still here (Yajna Varaha, Vishnu Varaha and Adi Varaha). The fourth Deity named as Lakshmi Varaha was taken by King of Aul across Vaitarani to Kendrapara, Orissa.
It is believed that the name Subarnapur came from the name of subarnameru temple.It is a shiva temple. Raipur, Bhubaneswar, are the nearest Air-Port. Balangir is the nearest railway station. Connected to Bhubaneswar and Raipur . NH-57 crosses across the district. Sonepur, Odisha 767017
Lankeswari Temple is located inside the river Mahanadi at Sonepur town, Subarnapur district, Odisha . Once upon a time Sonepur region was known as Paschime Lanka. Goddess Lankeswari was the presiding deity of Paschima Lanka. Now Maa Lankeswari is worshiped by the Kaivarta (fisherman) community of Sonepur and people of Subarnapur district. One can see this temple while traveling on the road connecting Ulunda, Dharmasala, Sonepur and Birmaharajpur. Raipur, Bhubaneswar, are the nearest Air-Port. Balangir is the nearest railway station. Connected to Bhubaneswar and Raipur . NH-57 crosses across the district. Sonepur, Odisha 767017
Pancharatha Temple is a highly revered shrine at Sonpur, in Odisha. This beautiful temple, constructed in a chariot size, resembles the Sun Temple at Konark. As many as five temples are built up on a single platform here. Lord Siva, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Rishava along with Goddess Parvati are worshipped here.Most noteworthy feature of the temple is that the idol of Lord Ganesh faces east; generally in all Shiva temples the idol faces south. It is believed that Pancharatha Temple was built by King Birmitra Singhdeo to commemorate the death of his son Prince Somobhusan. Raipur, Bhubaneswar, are the nearest Air-Port. Balangir is the nearest railway station. Connected to Bhubaneswar and Raipur . NH-57 crosses across the district. Sonepur, Odisha 767017
Rameswar Temple is situated on the confluence of river Mahanadi and Tel. The lingam of the temple is very old. Legend associates Lord Ram with its installation. Lord Kartik and Ganesh along with Goddess Parvati are worshipped here. A Durga temple is also found near the Rameswar temple where the image of a ten-armed Durga is enshrined. Here Durga is also worshipped as Shakti like Parvati. Outside the boundary of the Rameswar temple there is a Brisabha temple and a colossal image of Brisabha, black in colour is installed there. According to B.C. Majumdar the Rameswar temple was built by the Chauhans. But according to B.C. Rath the Somavamsis had built this monument. Raipur, Bhubaneswar, are the nearest Air-Port. Balangir is the nearest railway station. Connected to Bhubaneswar and Raipur . NH-57 crosses across the district. Sonepur, Odisha 767017 080182 08390
A village in the Sambalpur Subdivision, situated on the left bank of the Mahanadi, 23 kms. south of Sambalpur. The village contains the Leaning temple dedicated to Lord Siva, which was built in the reign of Baliar Singh, the fifth Raja of Sambalpur. The worship of Siva is said to have been initiated by a milkman(Gauda), who daily crossed the Mahanadi to a place on the bank where the underlying rock croped out. Here he daily offered his dole of milk, which was at once drunk up by the rock, and this miraculous circumstance led to enquiries, which ended in the construction of the present temple. Huma is a place of pilgrimage, and is also visited by strangers out of curosity to see the different kind of fish in the river. A great fair takes place at the foothill in March every year on the occasion of Sivratri. The presiding diety is Bimaleswar Siva. The special type of fish found here are called as Kudo fish. They are said to be so tame that they will eat sweets and other foods from the hands of those who bathe close to the temple. During auspicious days they are called by their names and given the prasad of the God. Here nobody tries to catch them as they are believed to be the assets of the God. Now about the main point of attraction i.e. the tilted structure of temple. From the investigation and interviews performed by our team, nobody able to give satisfying reply. The surprising thing is, the main temple tilted to one direction and other small temples tilted to some other direction. And within the temple complex i.e. within the boundaries of temple, everything found to be in tilted condition including the boundaries. Now again the angle of inclination is not changed since last 40/50 years as said by the villagers and priests. However the structure is tilted may be due to some geological reason, may be the earth crust is un-even in structure. About the inclination, its not possible to judge whether the angle is in a increasing trend or not. For that some sort of measurement mechanism should be given to analyse it very correctly as it is done in leaning tower of Pissa. The Nearest airports are Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (265 K.M) and Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (300 K.M). A new airport is being constructed at the industrial township of Jharsuguda (50 K.M) & Nearest Air strip is at Jamadarpali (10 K.M) Nearest railway station is Maneswar from there the Temple is around 25 kilometers Start your journey from ether Sambalpur city or Maneswar Station.Then Take the Sonpur-Sambalpur Road & reach Huma Village. This is where the Leaning Temple of Lord Shiva is located . Distance from Sambalpur to Huma Temple is around 25 KM.
Maa Ghanteswari Temple is one of the most holiest and beautiful place in Sambalpur. As the name indicates, there are bells (Ghanti) everywhere. People offer bell to Maa after their the fulfillment of their wishes. A large number of pilgrims visit this place everyday from acrooss the state. This is treated as Heart of Chipilima (a beautiful picnic spot). The specialty of this temple area is, thousands of bells hanging all around, the only place of its kind in Orissa. Maa Ghanteswari Temple is located at 33 kms south-west of Sambalpur and on the bank of river Mahanadi. It was playing an important role for navigation in the past. It was called a light house without light. The place got its name from goddess Ghanteswari. Earlier there were some big size bells on this spot and with the help of wind those were creating enormous sound which made the navigators aware of this trechorous spot and they never came near it. This area being the conglomeration of three streams of water of river Mahanadi, the water current here is very trechorous forming a whirlpool. Due to this many boats were drowned while nearing this spot. Here the wind blows quite heavily and with the help of it the bells were producing sound. Now after the construction of Hirakud dam, this spot became safer. The Nearest airports are Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (265 K.M) and Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (300 K.M). A new airport is being constructed at the industrial township of Jharsuguda (50 K.M) & Nearest Air strip is at Jamadarpali (10 K.M) Name of nearest railway station is Hirakud and it’s around 20 kilometers. Start your journey from ether Sambalpur city or Hirakud Station. Take the Bargarh-Sambalpur Road & reach Goshala. In Goshala you have to take Chipilma Road which is on the left side of Goshala. This is where Maa Ghanteswari temple is located
Famous Laxminarayan Temple situated at IMFA Factory, Therubali. The deities Laxminarayan, Hanuman, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and Lord Siva also worshiped by thousands devotees. Nearest air port is at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) 200 KMs away which is well connected with New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Nagpur by going flights. Well connected from other parts of India like Delhi, Chennai, Allepy, Bokaro, Raipur, Gujrat, Nagpur, Kolkata, Hyderbad, Bilaspur and Bhubaneswar. Convenient road transport facilities available as NH-43 is passing through Koraput,i.e. 109 KMs from Rayagada. Direct Express bus services are available from Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagarm, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Jeypore, Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani, etc. Therubali, Gujalpadu, Odisha 765018
Maa Majhighariani is famous in Southern Division of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Most of the devotees are coming from Madhyapradesh Chatishgarh, Andhrapradesh including undivided Koraput District. Only the face of the Maa MajhiGhariani is worshiped. During Sunday, Wednesday and Friday a large number of Devotees are coming to this place for worshiping the Goddess. The temple is famous for Chaitra-Parba i.e. March-April of every year. Nearest air port is at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) 200 KMs away which is well connected with New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Nagpur by going flights. Well connected from other parts of India like Delhi, Chennai, Allepy, Bokaro, Raipur, Gujrat, Nagpur, Kolkata, Hyderbad, Bilaspur and Bhubaneswar. Convenient road transport facilities available as NH-43 is passing through Koraput,i.e. 109 KMs from Rayagada. Direct Express bus services are available from Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagarm, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Jeypore, Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani, etc. 06856 235 361
At the foot of Sulia hills, 32 kms from Nayagarh stands the shrine of Sri Dutikeswar Mahadev. A centuries-old Banyan Tree popularly known as kalpabata stands magnanimously in front of the temple adjoining a pond. Temples dedicated to Goddess Bana Durga, the Sun God and Astabhuja (eight armed Goddess Durga) are found within the temple complex. Odagaon, at a distance of 5 kms is the nearest bus stop to reach Jamupatana. Tourists can avail medical facility at CHC, Odagaon which is nearest to the place. SBI Odagaon is the nearest Bank to the spot. Nearest Airport : Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar Nearest Railway Station : Nayagarh Railway Station (3 km) and Khordha Road Railway Station (69 km) Tourists can reach Jamupatana by choosing the state highway that is connected from Bhubaneswar to Odagaon. It is located approximately 120 kms away from state capital Bhubaneswar and 32 kms from district head quarter Nayagarh. It is only 6 kms from Odagaon. Nayagarh-Odagaon Rd, Jamupatna, Odisha 752081
Odagaon is known for the Temple of Lord Raghunathjew. It is one of the famous temples in Odisha dedicated to Lord Ramachandra. This temple has beautiful wooden idols of Sri Raghunath, Sita and laxman enshrined in it. The Kalash of the temple is made of pure gold. A popular legend associated with temple states that famous poet of 17th century, Kavisamrat Upendra Bhanja, had composed his magnum opus- Baidehisha Vilas, here at the feet of Sri Raghunath. Ramanavami is the most important festival celebrated here. Odagaon is 26 kms away from Nayagrah (town). It is said that the renowned poet of Odisha, Upendra Bhanja mediated here and attained perfection in the Rama Taraka Mantra. This temple was built around 1903.Tourists can avail medical facility at CHC, Odagaon which is nearest to the place. SBI Odagaon is the nearest Bank to the spot. Nearest Airport : Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar Nearest Railway Station : Nearest Railway Station : Nayagarh Railway Station (3 km) and Khordha Road Railway Station (69 km) ourists can reach Odagaon by choosing the state highway that is connected throurh Bhubaneswar,Nayagarh and Odagaon. It is located approximately 115 kms away from state capital Bhubaneswar and 26 kms from district head quarter Nayagarh.
Budhikomna houses the famous temple of Pataleswar made of bricks in pancharatha style unique in the state. A connoisseur of art and architecture finds immense pleasure in observing the different facets of this place. It is also a popular pilgrim centre in the locality, but due to lack of minimum infrastructure facility tourist as well as pilgrims suffer a lot. Raipur (Chhatishgarh) is the nearest airport which is 162 KMs For all train Khariar Road is suitable station to board and it is 48 KMs from Khariar Road. District Headquarters, Nuapada to Udyanbandh (32 KMs) & then Proceed to Budhikomna ( 06 KMs) 766106, Unnamed, Chikili, Odisha 761106
On the bank of river Jonk is place of uncommon scenic charms. Engirdled on all sides by green clad hills. It holds in its bosom and irrigation project and culture dating back to pre-Christian era at Manikgarh. This is the Dam site of the Upper Jonk Irrigation Project situated at a distance of 20Km from the Dist Hqr. This place is also famous for YOGESWAR TEMPLE. This place has the potential of a tourist centre in future. There is a lot of scope for Boating in the Reservoir of the U.J.I.P. On the left of the dam down the slopes of hill sprawls a replica of the Brundaban Garden. Recline on the velvety grass and enjoy nature in its aesthetic form. Just below the dam, a flora fountain in the making. The sprinkling water within a flowering ring presents a splendid sight. Colorful ling add its beauty at night and oldy goldy music gives immense relief to tired tourist. Raipur (Chhatishgarh) is the nearest airport which is 142 KMs from district head quarter ,Nuapada(Odisha) For all train,Khariar Road is the suitable railway station to board.Patora is 32 KMs away from Khariar Road railway station District head quarter,Nuapada to patora is 22 KMs
The ancient capital of the Bhanja rules, Khiching lies about 205 Km away from Balasore and 150 km from Baripada. Scores of temples dominate the place, some of which are still in active worship. The predominant deity of Khiching is Kichakeswari, the most scared Goddess of the Mayurbhanj chiefs. The temple dedicated to her is built entirely of chlorite slabs and unique of it kind in India. The sculptures are beautiful. A small museum here boasts of highly important historical specimens of sculpture and art. Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km) Nearest railhead is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains running on the South-Eastern sector. Regular bus services are available from Baripada and Keonjhar. Frequent trekker services are available too.
The temple of Lord Jagannath at Baripada is universally known as Haribaldev temple. It was built by Shri Baidyanath Bhanj in 1575 A.D. on the same architectural principles of Kakharua Baidyanath temple. The temple stands as a symbol of the religious favour of the Bhanja Rulers of Mayurbhanj and is regarded as the Queen Monad among the princely states during the pre-merger days.It is made of laterite stone with exquisite designs engraved in the walls. It has height of 84′-6″. A big boundary wall encirles the temple which is a replica of that of Lord Jagannath at Puri. An inscription on the temple wall states that in the year 1497 of the Saka Era this temple was built by Baidyanath Bhanj. This temple, like the Kakharua Baidyanath of Manatri is provided with Vimana, Jagamohan and Nata Mandira and is in a better preserved condition than the latter.Besides the presiding deities, there are as many as seventeen Bedha deities consecrated in the temple. The Jagannath temple compound is provided with small cells in which the images of different religions find place. Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km) Nearest railway station is Baripada well connected to the Balasore (60 km from Baripada) Baripada, the district headquaters of Mayurbhanj, on the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 170 km from Bhubaneswar, 240 from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore
The Ambika temple, Baripada is an ancient temple and the Bijesthali of the presiding deity. People of Baripada strongly believe her as ‘The Living Goddess’, who as a mother showers her blessings to all the mankind. Peoples come to worship here from different states like Jharkhand and West Bengal. Many festivals namely Durga puja, Basanti Puja, Pna Sankranti, Makar Sankranti etc. are observed here. Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km) Nearest railway station is Baripada well connected to the Balasore (60 km from Baripada) Baripada, the district headquaters of Mayurbhanj, on the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 170 km from Bhubaneswar, 240 from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore
Bhairavi Temple is situated at a distance of 3 Kms. from the Malkangiri Town.The hill deity of Malkangiri is worshiped by the people coming from Jeypore and People leaving Malkangiri for their safe journey. A number of religious visitors are attracted to this temple to worship throughout the day. The deity is believed to be worshiped by the King of Malkangiri whose castle s remnants are still found on the Raja Rani Hill just infront of Bhairavi temple. A famous Shiva Linga is found in the near by “Goi Hill” of Malkangiri Town. During the “Maha Shivaratri Festival” a large religious crowd is being gathered at this hill temple of Lord Shiva. Local people have put efforts in making a safe passage to the hill for the pilgrims. The height of the Shiva Linga is more that 6 feet.It has been observed that this Shiva Linga is gradually rising up. The famous “Tarini Temple” is situated at a distance of 2 Kms. from Malkangiri town on the way to Jeypore. The scenic beauty as well as the religious importance of this temple attract people of the entire District. Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest airport to reach Malkangiri and is 270 Kilometers away from Malkangiri by road. Jeypore (Koraput District) is the nearest railway station that is also connected by bus services to Malkangiri and about 110 Kilometers away from Malkangiri district HQ. It is only One Kilometer away from District Headquarter. Tourists traveling by bus can find direct bus services from Jeypore.
Shri Baldev Jew temple situated in Ichhapur, 5kms from Kendrapara Town. Here one can see the beautiful temple with other small temples in its side exhibiting the architectural marvel of the ancient Odisha. Lord Baladev is the main deity worshipped in the temple along with his brother and sister. An idol representing Tulasi as Goddess in a seated position is also present after the sacred seven steps. The deities wear different costumes and are decorated in different ways during various important festivals. The chariot on which the three deities mount during the Car Festival is known as “Brahma Taladhwaja Rath”. This is said to be the biggest chariot in the world. This was Built within 1700 by King of Kujanga and chhederabaranga Gopinath Narendra and Jagannath Mahapatra.The Manika Debi and Jagannath Temple was built by first mahanta Ramanuja Das .The total area of this temple is arround 3 acers.Height of the main temple is 75 ft ,middle temple is of 40 ft,height of Jagamohana is 65 ft and of BataMandir is 70 ft .Within the temple complex there is a Beautiful 45 ft height Sri Mahalaxmi Temple .The Flag on the main temple is knoen as “Brahma Chirala”or “Brahma Bana”,where as the flag at the top of the 5 ft high Nilachakra is known as”Brahma Nilachakra”.This place also known as Tulasi khetra,Gupta khetra,Gupta Brundabana,Sri Baladeba khetra and Manibigraha khetra . Nearest Air Port is Bhubaneswar 85 Kms Nearest Railway Station is Cuttack 60 Kms 5 kms from Kendrapara Town.
A village stands between Koraput and Sunabeda by the side of NH-26, the famous Sri Ram Temple situated in the locality is widely known for the highest kneeling Hanuman Statue in Odisha. Shree Ram Navami festival is popularly celebrated every year which attracts a large number of devotees. It is 12 Kms away from Koraput. Dumuriput is 12 Kms away from Koraput.
Subai a road side village 16 Kms from Sunabeda and 34 Kms away from Koraput has the relics of a Jain monastery, containing rare images of the Tirthankaras. Subai a road side village 16 Kms from Sunabeda and 34 Kms away from Koraput.
Gonasika Temple is surrounded by picturesque green valleys and up rolling hills of varying colour is famous for pilgrimage centre. The famous temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev is established by the side of river Baitarni by Creator Brahma himself . Perennial river Baitarni is originated here through two nostrils of a cow. As a strange to tourists, the river soon goes underground and re-emerges to be collected inside Brahma Kunda for which it is known as Guptaganga. The shrine of Lord Shiva was constructed by King Laxmi Narayan Bhanja during 1654-1688 AD. The beautiful spot is rich in exotic flora & fauna and rare place for study of tribal juang life. The spot is at a distance of 30 km from Keonjhar town Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is the only civil airport in the state connected to different parts of the country through regular flights Kendujhar Railway Station 40 km This spot is just 40 km away from Kendujhar Gonasika, Odisha 758018 082496 69728
Murga Mahadev Temple stands majestically at the foot of Thakurani Hills is an important tourist spot in the district. A picturesque perennial spring of Thakurani Hills with lush green forest has gifted a gorgeous waterfall to the natural lovers which flows nearby the temple area facilitating holy bath to the devotees. Huge crowd gather here during Makara Sankranti and Shivaratri. This spot is just 70 km away from Keonjhar town. Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport. Nearest Railway station is Keonjhargarh(7 km). It is just 50 km away from Keonjhar town. Deojhar, Odisha 758038 080185 43994
Kushaleswar Temple, Deogaon is sanctified owing to the presence of a shrine dedicated to Lord Kusheleswar Mahadev built in 900 AD. The temple located on the bank of river Kusei is an excellent pilgrimage centre of the area. Jagar mela & Sravan purnima are celebrated with great enthusiasm. This temple has corroborated the saga of Koshal empire of western Odisha. The temple is a unique treasure trove of chiseled sculptures of precious religious faiths. The superb craftsmanship of artist throw light on religious activities of Jainism, Buddhism,Vaishnavism, Saivism & Saktism. Even if it is a Saiva temple, it has accommodated a Mukti Mandap adorned with pictures of Vaishnavite incarnations. This spot is just 15 km away from Anandapur. Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is the only civil airport in the state connected to different parts of the country through regular flights Nearest Jajpur-Kendujhar Road Railway Station , Harichandanpur Railway Station. , Kendujhargarh Railway Station . This spot is just 15 km away from Anandapur.
Center of Tantric orded for the worship of 64yoginis carved out of black chlorite stone. The temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during 9th century. It’s built in a circular fashion, completely put together with blocks of sand stone. The inside of the circular wall has cavities, each housing the statue of a Goddess. There are around 56 such idols, made of black granite, inscribed within the wall cavities, centring on the main idol which is the Goddess Kali, who stands on a human head representing the triumph of the heart over the mind. The temple houses a central altar (Chandi Mandapa) which has the remaining 8 Goddess idols on all 4 sides. Some historians believe that an idol of Maha Bhairava was worshiped in the Chandi Mandapa. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhuwaneswar, which is 25 km away. Well connected by rail to all major tour destinations of the country. Nearest Railway Station is at Master Canteen Square,Bhubaneswar which is about 20 km. It is about 20 km away from Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway NH-203. balianta, Hirapur, Odisha 752100
Mukteshwara Temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The temple dates back to 950–975 CE and is a monument of importance in the study of the development of Hindu temples in Odisha. The stylistic development of the Mukteswara marks the culmination of all earlier developments and initiates a period of experiment which continues for an entire century, as seen in such temples as the Rajarani Temple and Lingaraj temple, both located in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city. The Jagamohana or the entrance merges seamlessly with the sanctum sanctorum. One can see the images of Lakulisa the saint who propagated the pashupata sect of Shaivism in the state during the 6th century AD. One can also see depictions of emaciated hermits or ascetics in meditative poses in the outer walls of the temple. One interesting carving depicts a woman writing a letter. Though innocuous, the carving gives an insight that woman did have a standing in the society during those days. The Mukteshvara Temple is found to be the earliest work from the Somavamshi period. Most scholars believe the temple is the successor to Parashurameshvara Temple and built earlier to the Brahmeswara Temple (1060 CE). Percy Brown puts the date of construction of the temple to 950 CE. The presence of a Torana, which is not part of any other temple in the region, makes this temple unique and some of the representations indicate the builders were starters of a new culture. Torana or the arched gate The signature of the temple is the Torana or the arched gate which is one of the most photographed architectural structure in India if not the world. The exquisitely carved pillars of the arched gate leaves tourists and visitors awestruck with its matchless precision and skill. This temple is built in Kalinga architecture. – The Mukteswar Dance Festival organized by Odisha Tourism is a big draw. The event is held each year from 14th Jan to 16th Jan. The festival has been graced by the doyen’s of Indian Classical Dance and draws huge crowds each year. The graceful moves, the symphony of music against the backdrop of the magnificent temple makes for a mesmerzing experience. There is no entry fee attached to the festival. Bhubaneshwar is well linked by air to Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by Indian Airlines. The Biju Pattnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar provides daily connections to Kolkata and Delhi. Indian, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, and Air Decan are the domestic airlines also flying to Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The airport is 4 km from the town center. Superfast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India. A major railhead on the East Coast Railway, it has fast and super-fast train links to Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other important centres of the country as well as within the state. The station is located in the center of town. Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways. The New Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar is on NH16, at Baramunda, about 6 km from the Town center. Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751019
Jhankad is the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Sarala, regarded as one of the most spiritually elevated expressions of Shaktism from time immemorial. Believed as a synthesis of divine figure of Durga and Saraswati, the culture of Sarala is an amalgamation of three principal Hindu cults namely Vedic, Tantrik and Vaishnavite. It is one of the eight most famous Shakta shrines of Odisha. The main idol, carved out of stone is of eight-armed keeping her right feet on the lion in Mahinsha Mardini posture. Constructed by the legendary Bhauma Kings in the 8th Century.The place has a legendary association with sage Parshuram, the song of sageYamadagni .Thus, this place is of high historical importance as a centre of Parshuram cult Puran describes that parshuram,the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu,engraved the deity by his arrow and worshiped her for wisdom & power.It is also associated with the first epic poet of Odisha,Adikavi Sarala Das of 15th Century AD. The accommodation facility to the place can be availed by booking rooms at Kuberaputa dhrmasala which is located at Kanakpur and managed by Temple trust.For better accommodation facility tourist can prefer Jagatsinghpur or Paradeep, where they can find better hotel and lodges.The nearest banks to the place are S.B.I Tirtol and U.B.I Tirtol which is located at Manijanga. The nearest ATM is available at Rahama, which is near about 10 k.m from temple. The nearest medical facility are available at PHC Manijanga and some local nursing homes. Bhubaneswar 02 Kilometer from Jhankad Sarala Road The temple is 18 k.m from district head quarters Jagatsinghpur,which is connected by bus service to the temple.Sarala temple is approximately 55 k.m from cuttack. 099380 05246
Famous for its presiding deity Kunja Behari, Garh Kujanga is also known as Subhadra Kshetra, The Raghunath Jew Matha located near the temple of Kunja Behari is an added attraction of this place. The tourists can avail accommodation facilities at Forest Rest House, Kujanga, RD Bunglow, Kujanga.The nearest banks are Alhabad Bank and SBI available at Kujanga.The nearest Hospital is P.H.C, Kujanga,which tourists can use for medical facilities Bhubaneswar Airport Badabandha The distance of Gada Kujanga is 84 k.ms from cuttack and 54 k.ms from Jagatsinghpur by road. Bus services available from Cuttack & Jagatsinghpur to the spot.Trekker, Auto rickshaw facilities are available to reach the spot.
At end of the Village Mahilo in a tipical rural atmosphere, the famous temple complex of Lord Raghunath Jew and Lord Chandrasekhar stands around 30 years back. One can find a rare combination of Sri Ram known as Raghunath Jew and Lord Siva known as Chandrasekhar in a single compound. A old temple of Lord Chandrasekhar was destroyed by the effect of time and new temple complex as taken its place by adding various new temple be the effort of the villagers. Now it become a important spot of Jagatsinghpur District. Tourists can avail the nearest accommodation facilities by hiring a few hotels and lodges which are available at the district head quarters of Jagatsinghpur. The nationalized banks like SBI, UBI etc with ATM facilities are available at Jagatsinghpur. Some private banks like ICICI , AXIS, HDFC etc bank are available to help the citizens at the time of need. The tourist can take the medical help from the district head quarters hospital, Jagatsinghpur. Bhubaneswar Airport Goraknath Railway Station The distance of Chandapur is 14 k.ms from Jagatsinghpur and 90 k.ms from Bhubaneswar by road.The Bus services are available from Jagatsinghpur to the spot. Tourists can also take the help of Trekker, Auto rickshaw to reach the spot.
Chandikhole is a town in Jajapur district, Odisha, India. The place has been named after Goddess Chandi worshipped by late monk Baba Bhairabananda Bramhachari who established the deity of Maa Chandi in one of the adjoining hills of Barunei full of dense forest and ferocious animals in 1932. The temple is named Chandikhole Chandi Temple. The accommodation facility can be availed at Chandikhol and Cuttack by hiring Hotels and Lodges. For financial purposes, the nearest bank located to this tourist place is S.B.I and a few nationalized banks are located at Chandikhol. The common languages spoken in the area are Odia, Hindi, and English. S.C.B Medical College Cuttack is nearer to the spot for accessing medical facilities. People wear light cotton in summer and woollen in winter. – – As this place is connected with well road systems, so you can reach this place through any medium. But hiring a taxi from Chandikhole market will be very good which will be very cheaper and the distance from Chandikhole Market to Chandi Mandir is just 5 kms. Bhubaneswar -70 KM Dhanmandal -3KM Chandikhole -0 KM
The Jhadeswar temple is located at a distance of about 1 km. from the Jharsuguda Railway station beyond the old town Purunabasti inside a small forest. There is a self appearing Sivalingam here the actual age of which is unknown. But during the reign of Govind Singh Jamindar of Jharsuguda the lingam was being worshiped inside a hut made up of leaves. In 1916 a Gujarati contractor named Mulju Jagmal erected a small temple here. The Jamindar of Jharsuguda arranged Savayats for daily worship and donated agricultural lands for maintenance of the temple and puja. The nearest Airport is at Jharsuguda. The nearest Railway station is Jharsuguda Railway Junction. One can reach by Bus from Jharsuguda Town to Jhadeswar Temple. Purunabasti, Jharsuguda, Odisha 768201
Pahadi Mandir is located at a distance of 3km from Jharsuguda Railway Station & 3.5 km from bus stand on a small hilltop.Lord Shiva is worshipped at the temple. A beautiful view of Jharsuguda town can be seen from the hilltop. The nearest airport is at Jharsuguda. The nearest railway station is Jharsuguda Railway Station. Through local conveyance. Badheimunda, Jharsuguda, Odisha 768201
It is located about 30 km from Jharsuguda Railway Station at Brajarajnagar. Goddess Chandi is worshipped here and the Chandipitha is located inside a natural rock cave on the banks of river IB. One can get down to the temple one can get down to the temple by the iron stairs. And from the temple one can have a beautiful view of the natural surroundings of the banks of the river Ib. It is a very nice picnic spot. The nearest airport is at Jharsuguda. The nearest railway station is Jharsuguda Railway Station (30 km.). It is connected through Bus from Dist. Head Quarter , Jharsuguda Maa Ram Chandi Mandir, Brajrajnagar, Odisha
At a distance of about 3 kms towards the north of Buguda is Buddhakhol, which is a scenic spot frequently visited by tourists and picnickers. Amidst natural surroundings there is a cluster of five temples on the top of a hill, dedicated to Lord Siva, popularly known as Panchu Mahadeva. At the upper most part of the hill a perennial stream forms a waterfal. A number of Buddhist remains have been found at the place which give the impression that it was a Buddhist settlement in ancient days. Not far from the place there are numerous caves one of which is called Siddha Gumpha where Buddhist monks were said to have performed meditation in old days. On Sivaratri and Kartika Purnima days a large number of people gather here to offer Puja at the temple. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Nearest Railway Station is Berhampur On Road it is 73 k.m. from Berhampur
The scenic splendor of Narayani on the lap of the celebrated Vallery Mountain is a famous place in the eastern ghats. Its romantic setting with a perennial spring and green mango groves attracts a good number of visitors every day. The holy shrine of Goddess Narayani (Durga) with six hands is a great attraction for the devotees and picnickers. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Nearest Railway Station is Balugaon On Road it is 15 k.m. from Balugaon
The place is named after the presiding deity Goddess Bhairabi at remote village Mantridi. Bhairabi now a days has become an important Shakti Pitha. Tourists from all most all parts of Odisha as well as northern Andhra Pradesh visit this holy shrine everyday. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Nearest Railway Station is Berhampur By Road it is 18 k.m. away from Berhampur Mantridi, Odisha 761008
It is a small village of Ganjam District. Here Lord Ganesh is worshipped in the groove of a large Pipal tree for ages. The actual age of the temple is not available on record. According to legend, the Lord Ganesh idol with its left facing tusk (otherwise known as Sidha Vinayaka) is some way related with Sri Purushottam Dev, the then Gajapati of Puri. On the eve of Vinayaka Sukla Chaturthi, lakhs of devotees especially from neighboring State throng the temple and offer worship to the God. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Nearest Railway Station is Berhampur On Road it is 15 k.m. from Berhampur
It is a famous religious place in Southern Odisha where the twin sister Goddess i.e. Tara & Tarini adorn the sanctum situated on the top of a hillock girdled by the waddling holy river Rushikulya. Taratarani attracts thousands of devotes, picnickers and visitors through out the year. Special auspicious dates connected with the rites and titular of the twin goddess i.e. the four Tuesdays in the month of Chaitra and that of the all Sankranties in Hindu Calendar. Walking over 999 steps from the foot of the hill, to the hill top under shadows of green plantation is very much amusing and pleasure making. Nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Distance is around 150 Kms. Dhenkanal is the nearest railway station. Then by road, Kualo is 70 km from Dhenkanal Station. By road, Kualo is 70 km from Dhenkanal Bus stand, 33 km from Kamakhyanagar Bus stand and 8 km from Parjang Bus stand.
Famous as the religious headquarters of Mahima Dharma, Joranda houses the samadhi of Mahima Gosain, the preacher and propounder of the Mahima Cult. The other sacred tamples are the Sunya Mandira, Dhuni Mandira and Gadi Mandira. Pilgrims in large numbers pour into the Joranda fair for celebrations. This fair is held on the full moon day of Magha, which falls in January, February every year. Nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Distance is around 106 Kms. Dhenkanal is the nearest railway station. Then by road, Kapilas is 26 km from Dhenkanal Station. By road, Kapilas is 26 km from Dhenkanal Bus stand. Mahimagadi, Joranda, Odisha 759014
The loftiest peak of Kapilas range enshrines the temple of Lord Shiva, i.e. Chandrasekhar, at a height of about 457 meters. The place is identified with Kailash, the legendary abode of Lord Shiva. A flight of 1,351 steps and a ghat road leads to the temple. Thousands of devout souls throng to Kapilas on Mahasivaratri, the night consecrated to Lord Shiva, in the month of February-March. The hill has several caves and as well as the ruins of a mediaeval fort which are regularly visited by pilgrims. Some of the caves are associated with the Pauranic episodes that have great appeal to the visitors. The great name of Shridhar Swami, the celebrated commentator of the Bhagabat and Mahima Gosain and the founder of Mahima Cult, is historically associated with Kapilas. Besides, the Deer Park and Science Park are two other added attractions of this place that lures the visitors. Nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Distance is around 106 Kms. Dhenkanal is the nearest railway station. Then by road, Kapilas is 26 km from Dhenkanal Station. By road, Kapilas is 26 km from Dhenkanal Bus stand. Kapilash Rd, Odisha 759027 094378 20111
The temple is easily accessible from Private Bus Stand of Deogarh. It is situated at a distance of 3 Kms to the left of N.H – 200 under the Chikini Ghati approachable by all season roads. The temple was constructed by Deba Durllav Deb, a scion of the royal family during the rule of Raja Brajasundar Deb in the year 1854 and is one of the oldest temples of Bamanda. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The Lingam or the phallic icon is “Swayambhu‟ (natural formation) and not implanted. The temple is constructed following the architectural pattern of Kalinga style of temples. There is a legend attached to this temple about discovery of the Lingam and has almost become folklore. It says, one day Deba Durllav Deb went to the forest for hunting. On sighting a herd of spotted deer he strung an arrow and shot. He missed the target. But surprisingly, the arrow struck a phallic stone and streams of blood oozed out nonstop. At night Deba Durllav Deb had a dream in which Lord Shiva appeared and ordained that the place is his abode and a temple may be erected for worship. A temple came up, being situated in the forest the presiding deity was named Jhadeshwar and this temple is considered a siddha-pitha, receiving people from all over Odisha to worship lord Jhadeswar and Maa Bhairabi for fulfilment of their desire. Nearest Aerodrome – Bhubaneswar – 290 K.M. Nearest Railway Station – Rairakhol – 90 K.M. Around 5 Kilometer from Deogarh Town. Deogarh, Odisha 768119
Located at Purunagarh, the old capital of Bamra State, this temple is one of the oldest among the series of temples in Deogarh town. It was built by Raja Pratap Rudra Deb in the year 1705. This is the first and foremost Jagannath temple in Bamanda State. It is a historical monument of artistic glory and heritage of the Ganga dynasty. The remarkable structures are replicated on the Kalinga style of temple architecture. The temple was divided into four major parts – Garbhagriha, Natyashala, Jagnyashala and Bhogamandap. There is a specious courtyard of cement flooring. Attractive shrines have been engraved which have a bearing to the Indian culture and tradition. The vicinity is surrounded by shrines of auxiliary deities. The most important festival of the Jagannath temple is the car festival, during the month of Ashadha (June-July) performed in the line of the famous car festival of Lord Jagannath of Puri and continues for six days on the Bada Danda, the main thoroughfare of Deogarh and culminates on the Bahuda Jatra day when the Lords Jaganath Lord Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra return from their sojourn. Nearest Aerodrome – Bhubaneswar – 270 K.M. Nearest Railway Station – Rairakhol – 90 K.M. Within Deogarh Town Deogarh, Odisha 768108
Sri SriPrasannaPurusottamDev Temple of Tigiria is the second highest temple of Odisha and one among the oldest temple. The site of the temple is memorizing. The temple was built in 1787 by Sri Sankarshan Mandhata & completed by Sri Banamali Champatsingh Mohapatra the then king of the Tigiria State. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport- 93 Km Nearest Railway Station is Cuttack- 63 Km From Cuttack to Tigiria Chhaka (60kms) by bus and for the remaining 3kms to be reached by hired auto. Tigiria, Cuttack, Odisha 754030 06723 225 629
It is a small island on the river Mahanadi. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, Shambunath. Besides, other temples like Raghunath and Dakshina Kali is situated in this small island. The Simhanth temple is ancient and thronged by devotees round the year. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport- 117 Km Nearest Railway Station is Cuttack- 96 Km The place can be reached by bus up to Gopinathpur via Badamba – 95kms. From Gopinathpur the waterway to Simhanath is 1km away by boat.
Sri Sri Swapneswar Dev Temple at Sankhamerilies on northern side of River Mahanadi built by BalabhadraMangaraj the King of BadambaGadajat in between 1690 AD to 1734 AD. This village Sankhamari was also the first village of BadambaGadajat and was established by Sri Hatta Kishore, the first King of BadambaGadajat on 1305 AD. The attraction of the temple is that the snake bite patients are cured through worshipping and dharana near Lord Shiva. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport- 117 Km Nearest Railway Station is Cuttack- 87 Km By bus from Cuttack to Badamba – 81kms and from Badamba to Sankhamari – 6kms to be travelled by hired auto.
Sri Sri Ramanath Jew and Baidyanath Temple, Banki Block are famous for ancient Temple. Situated in the Bank of River Mahanadi built by king Dahalia in 1460 A.D. But the legend says that MaryadaPurush Rama Chandra & Devi Sita were worshiped the Lord Shiva in this place during the exile. So both temples were named after Pravu Sri Rama & Devi Sita. The Ramanath Temple is situated in the top of Hill & Baidyanath Temple is situated at the bottom of Hatia Hill. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport- 75 Km via Khurdha Nearest Railway Station is Cuttack- 72 Km Bus service is available from Cuttack up to Baidyeswar (70kms) and the remaining 2 kms to be covered by hired auto.
Sri Biranchinarayan Temple is in Palia village, which is located 15 km south of Bhadrak, on the way from Bhadrak to Chandabali. It occupies a significant place in the cultural map of Orissa state of India. Today, the standing Biranchi Narayan Temple stands as evidence of the heritage of Surya Upasana in Orissa. Biranchi Narayan is another name for Lord Surya, the BIRANCHISun God of light and lustre. The existing temple is dedicated to Biranchinarayan, who is enshrined as a roughly four faced image of the Sun. A square stone slightly tapering towards the top contains four carved images of the Sun god in relief, on the four sides of a slab. The figures hold two lotuses in two hands, as usual, and are depicted standing on chariots drawn by seven horses. Architecturally, the temple can be dated to the 13th century. It was renovated and reconstructed in the beginning of the 20th century by the generosity of a local Jamindar. Bhubaneswar, the Capital Of Odisha is the nearest Air port which is 145 km away from Palia. The Nearest Railway Station is Bhadrak Railway Station, which is 16 km away from Palia. Bhadrak Town , District HQ of Bhadrak district is situated on side of NH 16 and Palia is 15 KM away from Bhadrak Town
The temple of the Goddess Dhamrai is at Dhamara a small coastal town-ship,where the river Dhamra meets the Bay of Bengal. The place is about 60 Kms from the district headquarters in the eastern direction. It is surrounded by Chandbali in the West, Basudebpur in the North, Kalibhanjadia in the South and Bay of Bengal in the East. There are a number of folk tales and legends regarding the deity and the temple. According to one of the historical legends, one merchant namely Dhaneswar who often traded with the Singhalies (Srilanka) had brought a deity namely “Pashana Mangala” from Srilanka and had established the same at Dhamara on his way back home. The said deity later on came to be known as MAA DHAMARAI. According to one MAA DHAMARAIof the folktales Maa Dhamrai had five sisters and was residing at a place called “Satabhaya”. Her five sisters were carnivorous in contradiction to her being purely vegetarian, which had angered her sisters and they pushed her deep in to the sea. Floating on the water Maa Dhamarai came towards Chandinipala and is believed to have been caught in the fishing net of one Sanatana Dalai and Bulei Behera who had rescued her and started worshiping keeping her in their house. Later on it is believed that on the same night the queen of the then King of Kanika, Sailendra Narayan Bhanjadeo saw a dream where in Maa Dhamarai ordered her to build a temple. The temple built by the then king Sailendra Narayan Bhanjadeo by the year 1953 got destroyed and the remains even was washed away into the sea. During the said period the people worshiped the deity keeping her inside a thatched roof house. Bhubaneswar, the Capital Of Odisha is the nearest Air port which is 230 km away from Dhamara. The Nearest Railway Station is Bhadrak Railway Station, which is 100 km away from Dhamara. Dhamara is 80 km. away from Jamujhadi square on the NH 16. 098533 86830
One of the famous temple of Goddess Bhadrakali is located in the outskirts of the revenue village Aharapada which is at a distance of 5 kms away from Bhadrak town in the south- west direction. One has to go via Santhia and Utarabahini in the south-west direction of Kacheri Chhaka of Bhadrak town to reach the shrine. The popular belief is that the name of the Town has been derived from the name of the deity. The statue of Goddess is of black granite and is seated in lotus posture on a lion. The temple remains open for visitors and devotees everyday from 6.30 am to 1pm and again from 3pm to 9.30 pm. As per the nomenclature of the goddess one tends to believe that it is the goddess Kali who is being worshiped in this Bhadrakali Pitha. However, since the deity is seated on a lion, one school of thought has opined that the goddess can be no other than the goddess Durga. Bhubaneswar, the Capital Of Odisha is the nearest Air port which is 130 km away from bhadrak. The Nearest Railway Station is Bhadrak Railway Station, which is 6 km away from Maa Bhadrakali. The Town Bhadrak in on side of NH 16 Haripur, Odisha 756128
On the bank of river Baitarani, the Akhandalamani Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva. The chief interest of the place is its Akhandalamanilegendary history for which it shares a significant position in the tourism of Bhadrak. As the history runs, king Niladri Samara Singha Mohapatra started worshipping the God Akhandalamani some 350 years ago, when the black glazed granite stone was found underground and the king dreamt of the god. However the religious and historical significance with which the place is invested, constitute it to be a center of special interest in the tourism of Bhadrak. Moreover the artistic carvings of the temple deserve special worth to the tourist. Akhandalamani Temple of Bhadrak Surrounding the temple many fairs and festivals are organized, the chief among whose is the Mahashivaratri. During this festival, tourists including a vast chunk of pilgrims flocked in the core of the temple. On the month of Sravana, akhapeople from nationwide assemble here to pour the holy water on the Siva Linga and to offer their worship to Lord Shiva. The Akhandalamani Temple is the principal source of the profitable development of the tourism industry of Bhadrak. The Nearest Air Port is Bhubaneswar which is 179 km. away from Baba Akhandalami. The nearest Railway Station is Bhadrak Railway Station which is 50 km away from Baba Akhandalami. Aradi is well connected by road. A number of Public Transport , i.e. Buses are running from Bhadrak Town to Aradi daily. It is 42 KM away from Bhadrak Town. Aradi, Odisha 756138 094392 88811
Chandaneswar is an acclaimed religious and cultural site of North Odisha which is famous for Lord Shiva temple. Chadak Mela is an important festival of this holy shrine. During Chadak Mela(month of April) and Shivarati lakhs of pilgrims, devotees of Odisha , West Bengal, Bihar and other places of India visit place to pay obeisance to Lord Chandaneswar. The Nearest Air Port is Bhubaneswar which is 302 km. away. The nearest Railway Station is Jaleswar (40km) and Digha(6km). Chandaneswar is connected with a good motorable road from Balasore ( 88 Kms.) and Digha ( 6 Kms.). Regular bus services are available to the spot from Balasore and Jaleswar(40km). near temple road Bhograi, Chandipur, Odisha 756085
It is famous as Vaishnab shirine. Also know as Remuna Gupta Vrindaban.It is surounded by another famous Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is situated in Remuna. It is a little town located 9 km east of Balasore, about halfway between Howrah and Bhubaneswar in Orissa . The name Remuna is resulting from the word Ramaniya which means very good looking.The nearest train junction to Remuna is at Balasore, which is the first major town in Odisha coming from Calcutta . One can get a night train from Calcutta that stops in Balasore in the early morning hours. From there one can get a taxi or bus to Remuna. If one has arrived Remuna in the morning, one can see the Deities and then catch a night train to Puri . The Nearest Air Port is Bhubaneswar which is 220 km. away from Remuna The nearest Railway Station is Balasore Railway Station which is 10 km away from Remuna. Remuna is well connected by road. A number of Public Transport, i.e. Buses,Taxi,Autorikswa are running from Balasore Town to Remuna daily. It is 10 KM away from Balasore Town. Khirochora Gopinath Mandir Road, Gouradanda, Remuna, Odisha 756019 06782 224 245
Emami Jagannath temple situated at a distance of 7 k.m. from the district headquarters of Balasore. The newly constructed Jagannath Temple is a wonderful architectural model which attracts a good number of visitors to this site. made in the year 2015 with a red stone having many side deities in the temple campus. all the rituals are being observed as per the Jagannath Temple Puri. The stone carving and the monumental artifact draw the attraction of visitors. Built by Emami Paper Mill Ltd., Shree Jagannath Temple is situated in Balgopalpur village of Balasore district ( Odisha ). It’s about 12 km from the main town of Balasore. The beauty and uniqueness of this magnificent temple lie in the combination of 2 world-famous temples, the Sri Jagannath Temple ( Puri ) and the Konark Sun Temple ( Konark ). You will get glimpses of both the temples here. The lower portion ( base ) is inspired by Konark Sun Temple, the Chariot with 8 Wheels, and the upper portion ( main Temple ) from Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. To reach the entrance of the main temple ( Garbha Griha ), you have to climb 22 steps, similar to the Sri Jannath Temple of Puri. This temple is designed by the famous architect & sculpture Padma Vibhushan Late Raghunath Mohapatra. Made with sandstone, the height of the main temple is about 61 feet. Completed in Nov. 2015, it took about 4 and 1/2 years to build with a cost of about 17 Crores. Apart from the main Temple ( Lord Jagannath with Devi Subhadra and Lord Balaram ), other temples of Lord Shiva, Devi Bimala, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Hanuman are also made with the same dedication. You will be amazed by the night view of this temple when each block of stone and corners of the temple glow with a beautiful lighting arrangement. The Nearest Air Port is Bhubaneswar which is 220 km. away from Remuna. The nearest Railway Station is Balasore Railway Station which is 10 km away from Remuna Remuna is well connected by road. A number of Public Transport, i.e. Buses, Taxi, Autorikswa are running from Balasore Town to Remuna daily. It is 10 KM away from Balasore town. Emami Paper Mills Limited,Balgopalpur,Balasore – 756020,Odhisa, India. 1) Administrative Officer – 94372673892) Sri Nikhil Samantaray (Puja & Prasad) – 94379600163) Sri B K Mohanty – 94374916974) Temple Gate Security – 9438551183. Phone: +91 6782 275 726
The historically famous village Ganiapali belongs to the block Gaisilat of the district which is 75 kms away from the DHQ. Historians opine that it was a Buddhist spot in the past. A rare Budha statue sitting in Lotus Posture with a snake on his head with its hood expanded used to attract tourist. But this rare monument was stolen from the spot in 2007 and it is yet to be traced. The Nearest airports is Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (300 K.M). The Nearest Railways station is Bargarh Road . National Highway 6 connecting Mumbai to kolkata passes through Bargarh.
Amidst picturesque landscape on the southern slope of Gandhamardan hills stands Harishankar, a place of pilgrimage with uncommon scenic charms. A perennial stream bursting into droplets rushes on its hard granite bed to form cascades at different stages. As a cool resort in the lap of nature, Harishankar is a ideal place for the heat of the summer season. A cool bath with sliding on the streaming rock brings the visitors uncommon happiness. It is believed that one can refrain from all his sins with having a bath in the stream and worship the Lord Harishankar for which the devotees from various part of the country come here to fulfill their wishes. Harishankar as a amazing variety of flora and fauna. A deer park adjoining to the Gandhamardan hill is of huge tourists importance. Tourists from far-flung places flock to Harishankar on the occasion of Baishankha Mela. It is also a very popular picnic spot. Tourist can stay in the panthanivas to enjoy the picturesque scenic beauty of Harishankar. On the Northern slope of the Gandhamardan hills lies Nrusimhanath in Bargarh district. Both the places are connected by a hilltop road of 16kms distance. The pilgrims cover this distance within a day on foot during Nrusingha Chaturdasi Mela. Mountain trekkers and adventurists also find the journey an interesting one. The Nearest airports are Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (201 K.M) and Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (248 K.M). A new airport is being constructed at the industrial township of Jharsuguda (179 K.M) & Nearest Air strip is at Jamadarpali (135 K.M) One can reach Balangir by bus or train. One can reach Balangir by bus or train. From Balangir one can visit Harishankar by bus or taxi.
Situated 40kms. away from Balangir to the west Patnagarh, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Patna stands proudly with the shrines of ancient time. The modern Patnagarh is the combination with happy synthesis of mythic past and modern present. Abounding in natural beauty, this town is famous for many historical ancient temples. The shrines of Goddess Patneswari – the presiding deity – Shakti Peeth in the Chalukya style and that of Someswar Shiva witnessing the 12th century are the monuments of great architectural importance. The sculpture of the temples shows the reminiscence of the earliest group of temples built during the Chauhan rules in western part of Odisha. The Nearest airports are Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (201 K.M) and Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (248 K.M). A new airport is being constructed at the industrial township of Jharsuguda (179 K.M) & Nearest Air strip is at Jamadarpali (135 K.M) One can reach Balangir by bus or train From Balangir one can visit Patnagarh by bus or taxi.
38kms away from Balangir to the South, Saintala stands proudly for its shrine of Goddess Chandi in Mahisamardini form is presently installed in a small mound. The Dasavatar (ten incarnations) image of Vishnu and broken door jamb with figures of Ganga and Yamuna are among the remarkable things which are mentioned in sculpture. The temple Chandi is now stands in dilapidated condition. The Nearest airports are Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (201 K.M) and Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (248 K.M). A new airport is being constructed at the industrial township of Jharsuguda (179 K.M) & Nearest Air strip is at Jamadarpali (135 K.M) One can reach Balangir by bus or train. One can reach Balangir by bus or train. From Balangir one can visit Saintala Chandi Temple by bus, train or taxi.
Located 25km away from Balangir to the east Jogisarda is eminent for its Jogeswar Temple. It is believed that all wishes are fulfilled who worship the Jogeswar Mahadev. The Linga of Jogeswar Mahadev arouses spontaneously for which it is known as the living God. Devotee from far-flung came here on the occasion of Mahashivaratri to fulfill their wishes during Sital Shasthi Yatra the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parbati also celebrated with great pump and gaiety. The Nearest airports are Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur (201 K.M) and Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (248 K.M). A new airport is being constructed at the industrial township of Jharsuguda (179 K.M) & Nearest Air strip is at Jamadarpali (135 K.M) One can reach Balangir by bus or train. One can reach Balangir by bus or train. 25 Kms from Balangir and 7 Kms. from Loisingha, Jogisarda is noted for the Jogeswar Shiva Temple. 084560 89914
Purunakatak, situated at a distance of 30 km. from Boudh on Boudh-Daspalla road, is a trading centre of some importance. Goddess Bhairabi is the presiding deity of the place. Previously the deity was being worshipped in a thatched hut, but recently a local businessman has constructed a temple.GoddessBhairabi was the presinding deity of the then Samanta Raja SarangadharaMahapatra, who was the Samanta Raja of the last King of Brahmin dynasty of the 10th century AD, late Raja Gandhamardana Dev of Dhrutipura of Gandharadi.Durga Puja festival is observed here for 16 days. Just oppoiite to the Bhairabi temple is the newly constructed temple of MaheswarMahadev. A large number of people from the locality congregate here during the Sivaratri festival. The Sevayatsmanage the affairs of both the temples and enjoy lands for their services. Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar – 169 km. Nearest Railway station is Rairakhol – 30km. From Rairakhol to Boudh By Bus or Taxi – 30km Bhubaneswar To Boudh Via Nayagada – 230km . Bhubaneswar to Boudh Via Angul – 240km
This village is situated at a distance of 28 Kms, on Angul- Bagedia road. The village is known for its shrine dedicated to Goddess Ramchandi. She is believed to be possessed of great powers. It is believed that by worshipping Goddess Ramchandi sterile women will obtain children. On the foundation of the old temple one magnificent temple was constructed. A Yatra is held here on the second day of Krushna Pakshya Bhadra. This Yatra is known as Ramchandi Yatra or Kaduali Yatra (July- August). This Yatra is celebrated with big ceremony every year. Thousands of people attend this Yatra. Nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Distance is around 188 Kms. Angul is the nearest railway station. Then by road, it is 28 km from Angul Station. Kosala is 28 Kms away from Angul. One can reach Angul by bus or train. There is regular bus service available to Kosala from Angul.
Deuajhari is the ancient citadel of Saivism, located at 6 Km away from Athamallik and 90 Km away from Angul. The Temple has been constructed amidst dense indigenous Jasmine forest (locally known as Kaibana) that stands as the high walls around the temple. The uniqueness of the place lies in its hot springs that surround the temple. As per the ancient records there were eighty four such springs, but many of these have been overshadowed in the jasmine forest. Now twenty four springs are alive. Among these, the springs bearing the names like Agnikunda, Taptakunda, Himakunda, Annantakunda and Labakusa Kunda are prominent ones. The temperature of water in these springs varies from 40 degree Celsius to 62 degree Celsius. The Temple complex covers an area of 24 acres of land. The presiding deity Sidheswara Baba adores the main Temple Nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Distance is around 250 Kms. Nearest Railway Station is Boinda which is 44 KMs from Deulajhari. Angul Railway Station is 90 KMs from Deulajhari. Deulajhari is 90 Kms away from Angul & 6 KMs from Athamallik. Distance to Deulajhari can be covered by bus from both Angul or Athamallik.
The Jagannath Temple at Angul is known as “Saila Srikhetra” situated on the top of Sunasagad hill. The foundation of this grand temple was given on 21.2.1996 to build the temple like the model of world famous Lord Jagannath Temple of Puri . Then the construction work was progressed day by day with the help of administration and local people of Angul. Then the dream came true when the temple work was finished. At last, the District administration formed a trustee for the temple and the temple was opened for all public after completion of Pratistha Utsav on Dt.22.02.2002. It was a historic moment for the people of Angul. Now this place is called as Sailashreekhetra and people not only from Angul but also from whole State & other parts of India are coming to have a darshan of Lord Jagannath in this magnificent grand temple at Angul Nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. Distance is around 160 Kms. It is around 160 KMs from State Capital and well connected by Rail. From Angul Railway Station, it is about 4 KMs. It is around 160 KMs from State Capital and well connected by Road. The temple is situated in the road side of National Highway on Sunasagad Hilltop.
Yamesvara Tank (Nala Kunda), Bhubaneswar, Odisha Yamesvara Tank is located in Yamesvara Patna, Old Town Bhubaneswar. It is located in the left side of the Yamesvara Patna lane branching from Badheibanka Chowk to Kapilesvara. The tank is under Bharati Matha and it is now abandoned because the sewage water of the locality is discharging into the kunda. Hence it is also known as Nala kunda (Drain Tank). The tank is enclosed within a masonry embankment made of dressed laterite blocks. Official Address
Yameshwar Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha Yameshwar or Jameshwar Temple is a very old temple dedicated to Shiva being worshiped by Yama. It is situated in Bhubaneswarnear Bharati Matha, in Jameshwar Patna Yameshwar Temple constructed during the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th-14th century. It is mainly made of sandstone but the outer Prakara is made of laterite. The central vimana is built in Rekha Deula style. The main vimana is in Rekha Deula style while the Jaga mohan has been constructed according to the Pidha Deula style. The temple also has a separate mandapa. Several motifs such as Dikpalas, Nayikas, Erotics, Amarous couple, Vidalas adorn the beauty of the temple. However, few parts of the temple are in ruined state due to the damage caused by natural calamities. A Shivalinga has been installed within the garbhagriha of the temple. Yameshwar Temple celebrates the Jiuntia festival also known as Puajiutia festival and Dwitvahana osha during the month of Ashwin. Other than this, festivals such as Shivaratri and Kartik Purnima are also celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour. Devotees flock the temple premises during the Bharani nakshatra and on other festive season. The main Vimana is in Rekha Deula style, Jaga mohan is in Pidha Deula style and there is a detached mandapa.Many portions of the temple have been damaged by natural calamities as the temple is built by sandstone. The outer Prakara is built by laterite. The icons around the temple include many motifs like Dikpalas, Amarous couple, Nayikas, Vidalas, Erotics, elephant procession etc….The inner Garbhagriha houses Shivalinga within a circular yonipitha.The temple was built in the 13th-14th century during the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Official Address
Yajna Nrisimha Temple, Puri, Odisha The temple is facing towards west and the height of the temple is about 60 ft. Local people also called this temple as Nrusingha Temple and Nrusimha Temple.The presiding deity is Lord Narasimha. There are two images of Lord Narasimha inside the temple, one behind the other. The image in front is called Shanta Narasimha. In local language ‘Shanta’ means ‘Calm’ or ‘Sober’. Anyone who sees this image of Lord Narasimha will have his anger, frustration, and anxiety will vanish. The Deity in the back is called Ugra Narasimha. In local language ‘Ugra’ means ‘Angry’.He is the internal mood of Narasimha. Narasimha Temple’ (Oriya: Narasinha Deuḷa) is situated in Puri, to the western side of Gundicha Temple and to the east of the Indradyumna pokhari. The temple is facing towards west and the height of the temple is about 60 ft. Local people also called this temple as Nrusingha Temple and Nrusimha Temple.The presiding deity is Lord Narasimha. There are two images of Lord Narasimha inside the temple, one behind the other. The image in front is called Shanta Narasimha. In local language ‘Shanta’ means ‘Calm’ or ‘Sober’. Anyone who sees this image of Lord Narasimha will have his anger, frustration, and anxiety will vanish. The Deity in the back is called Ugra Narasimha. In local language ‘Ugra’ means ‘Angry’.He is the internal mood of Narasimha. As depicted in the Skanda Purana once King Indradyumna stayed near Nilakantheswar temple to make arrangements to perform Ashwamedha Yajna (Horse sacrifice) for one thousand years. On the advice of Sage Narada, King Indradyumna made a Nrusimha image out of black stone and placed the image under black sandal wood tree and worshipped Him. It is believed that in front of this temple the Ashwamedha Yajna took place and hence He known as ‘Yajna Narasimha’. Devotees will earn more punya if they make a darsana of Sri Nilakantheswar, Yagna Narasimha and Panchamuki Hanuman (Lord Hanuman image with five faced) after the sacred bath in Indradyumna Tank. Festivals like Narasimha Janma, Satapuri Amavasya etc. are observed in Nrusingha temple with great devotion. When Kalapahad attacked Puri and was smashing Deities of various temples, he saw Shaanta Narasimha image and his anger subsided; hence he could not break the Deity as he had planned. Santa Narasimha’s features are human-like. He has a sharp human nose, a large curly mustache, and an outstretched tongue. Non-Hindus are not permitted in the temple, but the Deities are visible from the door. As per Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa the central idol of Vishnu should be surrounded by four side icons, whether be it Purusha,Satya, Achyuta, Aniruddha (Vaikhanasa) or Vasudeva, Samkarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha (Pancharatra). Here also similar pattern is followed where the main deity Nrisimha faces west direction,and other deities are surrounded as follows. Festivals like Narasimha Janma, Satapuri Amavasya etc are observed in Nrusingha temple with great devotion.Kalapahad attacked Puri and was smashing Deities of various temples, he saw Shaanta Narasimha image and his anger subsided; hence he could not break the Deity as he had planned. Santa Narasimha’s features are human-like. He has a sharp human nose, a large curly mustache, and an outstretched tongue. Non-Hindus are not permitted in the temple, but the Deities are visible from the door. As depicted in the Skanda Purana once King Indradyumna stayed near Nilakantheswar temple to make arrangements to perform Ashwamedha Yajna (Horse sacrifice) for one thousand years. On the advice of Sage Narada, King Indradyumna made a Nrusimha image out of black stone and placed the image under black sandal wood tree and worshipped Him. It is believed that in front of this temple the Ashwamedha Yajna took place and hence He is known as ‘Yajna Narasimha’. Devotees will earn more punya if they make a darsana of Sri Nilakantheswar, Yagna Narasimha and Panchamuki Hanuman (Lord Hanuman image with five faced) after the sacred bath in Indradyumna Tank. Festivals like Narasimha Janma, Satapuri Amavasya etc. are observed in Nrusingha temple with great devotion. The temple is located at a distance of 60 km from Bhubaneswar, on the coast of Bay of Bengal.There are many ways of getting to India and then to Puri. There are regular bus service from other main cities of the country to Puri. Puri is linked with Bhubaneswar by state highway no.8 and Bhubanaswar is situated along the National Highway no.5 connecting Chennai and Kolkata. The best way to go from Bhubaneswar to Puri is on one of the State Govt. buses, mini buses and tourist buses. For reaching around puri – cycle rickshaws are available all over town and also available auto rickshaws. Puri is well connected by Railways. The Railway Station of Puri is in The heart of the town and near to all hotels. The nearest airport is located in Bhubaneswar the capital city of Odisha. Bhubaneswar is connected by air to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad. Official Address
Vaishnodevi Temple, Rourkela, Odisha Vaishnodevi Temple at Rourkela is a replica of the original Temple of Vaishnodevi of Jammu (Trikuta Hills) and is situated on the top of the Durgapur Hill facing towards Rourkela Steel Plant. Bhairabanath Temple is situated near Vaishodevi Temple on the hill. In 2007, the Temple of Goddess Durga, located on the top of the hill, was opened for visitors. During Durga Puja, in the spring and autumn seasons, the Navaratri Festival is celebrated, hundreds of Hindu worshippers come here. A replica of that of original one in Jammu, Vaishno Devi Temple in Rourkela was established back in the year 2000. Perched atop of Durgapur Hill, this shrine is engirdled by thick green forests and scenic surrounding. Since it has a connection with that of in Jammu, Vaishno Devi Temple in Rourkela is reckoned amongst the highly revered Hindu temples in Odisha. Just like the original one, there is also a Bhairavnath Temple located in the near proximity to the temple. During the festival of Navratri, the temple receives a heavy footfall of devotees from round the country. The temple of goddess Durga is another religious site, established in 2007, located on the top of the hills. Besides Navaratri, oodles of devotees also mark their presence during the auspicious festival of Durga Puja. A climb of around 600 stairs takes tourists to this sacred site in Rourkela. Pilgrims can be seen enchanting prayers and holy verses while climbing up to the temple. Since the temple comes under Vaishno Devi Temple trust, it includes incredible facilities and smooth arrangements to ascertain the comfort of pilgrims. These include water and sanitation arrangements along with electricity facility Vaishno Devi Temple, arranged around 3 kms from the downtown area adjoining Indira Gandhi stop on the highest point of the Durgapur slope, is an imitation of unique Vaishno Devi sanctuary of Jammu. Built in the year 2003, Vaishno Devi sanctuary houses excellent icons of managing divinities in particular Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Consistently on sixth February, a celebration named ‘The Avirvav Day’ is seen here with awesome happiness. The sanctuary is situated in a grand encompassing and a close by give in pulls in part of traveler to this place. From here, one can have a beautiful perspective of Rourkela township. Another sanctuary named Badrinath Temple is additionally situated close to the Vaishno Devi sanctuary. Official Address
Varahi Deula, Chaurasi, puri, odisha Varahi Deula is an ancient 9th century built temple situated on the eastern coast of Odisha in Puri district. The Varahi temple of Chaurasi is unique in more than one way. The image enshrined in this temple is considered to be one of the masterpieces among the images of the deity found all over India. Viewed from architectural point, the temple of Varahi in Chaurasi is the most beautiful monument in the Prachi Valley. This temple marks a significant deviation from the usual tradition of Rekha and the Bhadra type and exhibits a novel style which according to Orissan nomenclature is of Khakhara or Gaurichara variety. The ground plan of it somewhat resembles that of the Baitala Deula in Bhubaneswar, but while the plan of the latter admits of no regular ratha protection, this temple presents a pancharatha type both in plan and construction.4 The Vimana is rectangular in cross section and with its elongated vaulted roof and other architectural features it resembles more with the Gauri temple of Bhubaneswar than with the Vaital temple. The vase of the Vimana measures 18 ft by 22 ft and height of it is 27 ft. The Jagamohana which is also rectangular in shape like that of the Parsuramesvara is a pidha temple with seven distinct tires of pidhas. The walls of both the Vimana and Mohana are beautifully decorated with the figural and arabesque motifs and maintain a high order of balance and rhythm. The noteworthy reliefs are found on a single board that surrounds the whole jagamohana just below the baranda where scenes from Ramayana such as killing of the illusory deer, the abduction of Sita, the murder of Jatayu, the uprooting of seven palm trees, the murder of Vali, the construction of the bridge over the sea are depicted with grace and precision. The majestic moulding, designs and carvings of the entire temple are found in remarkable varieties and profusion not being overdone and accentuated the singular beauty and richness of the monuments in a manner that was hitherto unknown in the Prachi Valley. The main temple is like the Khakhara style belonging to Kalinga Kingdom architecture. Other such example is Vaital Deula, in Bhubaneshwar. Spreading over about 2 acres of land, this shrine is Shakta and the presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Varahi, locally called as Matsya Varahi. She sits in lalitasana on a cushion placed on a plain platform with her right foot resting on the buffalo mount carved on the pedestal. She is presented as the pot-bellied goddess with the face of a boar. She has two arms and holds a fish in her right hand and a bowl in her left hand. A third eye is tightly engraved into her forehead. Here Barahi is worshipped in accordance with the tantric rituals. Goddess Varahi is offered fish every day. The semicylindrical shape of the temple shows the variation from the medieval temples of Odisha. Daily the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath comes to this temple. This temple was built in honour of Varahi in the first quarter of 10th century A.D. during Somavamsi rule. The temple is east facing and built with Sand stone. The area dimension (L x B x H) of the temple is 15.84 m x 8.23 m x 8.40 m. Varahi is believed to be the Sakti of Varaha. In the Tantric text ‘Varahi Tantra’ mention has been made of five forms of Varahi i.e., Svapna Varahi, Canda Varahi, Mahi Varahi (Bhairavi), Kruccha Varahi and Matsya Varahi. The description of Matsya Varahi closely corresponds to the image enshrined in the temple. She has two arms and she is shown seated in lalitasana on a pedestal. Following the iconographic canons, the image bears the face of a boar and body of a divine woman. Her right hand holds a fish while the left hand holds a kapala. She has kept her right foot on her vahana (vehicle) buffalo which is seated on the pedestal at the bottom. Varahi is represented with a third eye on her forehead which is not clearly visible at present. Her hair is decorated in the form of spiral coils. The beauty of this image lies in her big belly to indicate her as holding the universe in her womb. On the back slab two vidyadharas are represented each on either side. In addition to the main deity in the sanctum two more images of Varahi which are smaller than the main image are placed in the Jagamohana. Both of them are seated in ardhaparyankasana. Among them the image in the right niche is shown with a fish in her right hand and a kapala in her left hand. At the bottom a figure of naravahana is placed on the pedestal. The four-armed Varahi in the left niche holds a kapala in the lower left hand and is shown with Varada mudra in the corresponding right hand. The upper right hand holds a fish and left hand holds a rosary. Varahi temple of Satabhaya (Cuttack) Banchua (Keonjhar district), Narendrapur (Balasore district) are the other places in the state where she is worshipped. Images of Varahi have also been found from Puri, Jajpur, Dharmasala Ayodhya, Danagandar, Kisenpur, Tarapur, Padagadi, Kantilo, Garudapancana, Bayalishbati, Chatesvar, Bhubaneshwar, Pallur Kanchipuram. Chaurasi is situated between Nimapada-Kakatpur road and is at a distance of 30 kilometers from Konark and 14 kilometers from Kakatpur village with easy transport available from Puri and Konark. The easiest way to reach the temple is to drive 29 km to Charichhaka, take a right turn and drive 3 km to Amareshwar village and then take a left turn and drive 1.8 km. Best route BHUBANESWAR to Kakatpur by bus. Get down next to Thulasipur. Bus driver will guide you to Vaarahi temple. From main road you can find a autoriksa to temple which is 2 Km away. Only early morning hours Pooja. The person in charge will allow you inside the temple. BHUBANESWAR to temple nearly 56 Km. Official Address
Vaitāḷa deuḷa, Khurda, Odisha Baitāḷa deuḷa or Vaitāḷa deuḷa is an 8th-century Hindu temple of typical Khakara style dedicated to Goddess Chamunda located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, India. It is also locally known as Tini-mundia deula due to the three spires on top of it, a very distinct and unusual feature. The three spires are believed to represent the three powers of the goddess Chamunda – Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Baitaḷa Deuḷa Temple’s striking feature is the shape of its sanctuary tower. The semi-cylindrical shape of its roof is a leading example of Khakhara order of temples— which bears an affinity to the Dravidian Gopuram of the South Indian temples. Its gabled towers with a row of Shikharas reveals unmistakable signs of southern intrusion.The plan of the deuḷa is oblong and the jagamohana is a rectangular structure, but embedded in each angle is a small subsidiary shrine. Baitala deuḷa boasts of some figures, although executed in relief, are however characterized by delicacy of features and perfect equipoise. The outer walls are encrusted with panels of Hindu deities, mostly Shiva and his consort Parvati in her Shakti form, hunting processions, capturing of wild elephants and the occasional erotic couples. The facade of the deuḷa above the left of the jagamohana is dominated by two chaitya windows—the lower one having a beautifully carved figure of Surya the Sun God noted for its facial expression, with Usha (Dawn) and Pratyusha shooting arrows on either side and with Aruna in front, driving a chariot of seven horses. The medallion in the upper Chaitya window houses a 10-armed Nataraja or dancing Shiva. In front of the flat roofed Jagamohana is a stone post relieved with two Buddha like figures seated in Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana mudra. Another striking feature is temple’s Tantric associations, marked by eerie carvings in the sanctum and the image enshrined in the central niche, eight armed Chamunda, locally known as Kapaḷini, is the terrifying form of goddess Durga. Thus, Baitāḷa Deuḷa is a Shakti shrine. Official Address
Vishnu Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The Vishnu Temple, Bhubaneswar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated on the eastern embankment of Bindu Sagar at Talabazar, on the right side of the Talabazar road leading from Lingaraj temple to Kedara-Gouri lane in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, India. The temple faces west and the Sanctum is used for storage purposes. The sculptural embellishment on the outer wall and the parsavadevatas in raha niche suggests that the temple was originally dedicated to Vishnu. The talajangha is carved with a series of khakhara mundi pilasters and bandhana has three mouldings without any carvings. The upara jangha is carved with a series of pidhamundi. The baranda has five mouldings and Gandi is plain except udyota simha in the central raha and dopichha simha at the above the kanika paga. The doorjambs are carved with three vertical bands of puspa sakha, nara sakha and lata sakha. At the base of the jambs there are two pidha mundi dvarapala niches that house unusual kind of doorkeepers of male and female figures. At the lalatabimba there is a Gajalaxmi panel sitting in lalitasana over a lotus pedestal. While her left hand is holding lotus the right hand is in varada mudra. The deity is flanked by two full blown lotuses. Inside the Sanctum, the eastern wall is carved with two large sized pidha mundi niches, which was originally enshrining the presiding deity, which is now missing.[ The temple is estimated to have built during the 12th century AD with Rekha deul topology. Official Address
Uttaresvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Uttaresvara Siva Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. Architectural features like pabhaga mouldings, rectangular flat roofed jagamohana and sculptures with 7th century iconographic traits reveals that it was established on 7th century A.D. but later construction might be on 19th century. It is a temple type building with Vimana and jaga mohan. Vimana is Rekha Deula whereas jagmohana is a rectangular flat roofed hall. The temple is surrounded by the lesser shrines of Bhimesvar in north Sahadevesvara in south and the compound wall on the eastern and western sides. Kartikeya standing in a tribhanga pose is holding a spear(sula) in his left hand and the right hand rests over his thigh. He has jatamukuta, and wears beaded necklace and a female attendant is standing in his lefts. The northern raha niche houses a six armed Mahisamardini. She holds a wheel in lower left, a bow in second lower left and the third left hand rests over the demon Mahisasura. The deity holds a sword in lower right, a spear in the middle and an arrow in the third right hand. Her left leg is resting over the hip of the demon. The body of the demon is a buffalo whereas the face is that of a human. This image of Mahisamardini appears to be a later installation as Mahisamardini is not the parsva devata in a Siva temple. The southern raha niche enshrines the image of a four armed Siddhivinayaka Ganesha. He holds a nagapasa in upper left and parasu in upper right hand, modakapatra in lower left, and a staff in lower right hand. The jagamohana is a plain structural. It has three niches in the southern wall. The temple is devoid of ornamentation, but the pabhaga portion line drawings of chaitya design are noticed. At the lalatabimba there is a four armed Gajalaxmi seated in lalitasana over a lotus pedestal. The architrave above the doorjamb is carved with the traditional Navagrahas(nine planets). Uttareswara Siva temple is located within a precinct in the northern embankment of Bindusagar tank near the Nalamuhana Sahi, Kedara-Gouri Chowk, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. The enshrining deity in this temple is a Uttareavara Siva (Hiranyagarva type) is only a circular yoni pitha at the centre of sanctum. Apart from that, statue of Bhairaba and Bhairabi are there on the both side wall while entering to Garbha Gruha. Another attraction of the temple is the statue of Lord Nrusingha. Which is located inside the main temple, facing to lord Uttareawara at the right side of entrance to main temple. The original temple has collapsed, as evident from the renovation work above the pabhaga and presence of cult images of earlier phase in different parts of the temple walls without conforming to the canonical prescriptions. It is the main temple within the precinct along with nine lesser shrines. There are few more temples and a pond Godavari is also located inside the campus. The second biggest temple is Lord Bhimeswara. Siva Linga with a circular yoni pitha at the centre of sanctum. Another deity with major importance for this temple is Maa Uttarayani. She is the Parshwa Devi of lord Uttareswara facing to south on the outer wall of Uttareswara main temple. She is known as one of the Asta Chandi of Lord Lingaraj. (Asta Chandi of Lingaraj are – Bindhya Bashini at Tala Bazar, Mohini at South embark of Bindusagar, Ramayani or Rabani at Pujapanda Sahi on Ratha Road, Kapali of Tinimundia/Vaital Temple, Uttarayani, Gouri of Kedar-Gouri Temple, Ambika near Kotitirtheswara Temple and Dwara Bashanti on Bindusagar Road) During the month of Chaitra offering of Pana to Uttarayani is famous at this place. Official Address
Upper Bagh Devi Temple, Ganjam, Odisha Upper Bagh Devi Temple is an ancient shrine at Kulada, Ganjam District in the state of Orissa in India. The temple is about 8 km from Bhanjanagar, 102 km from Chhatrapurand 140 km from Bhubaneswar. The nearest railway station is at Berhampur, 88 km away. Upper Bagh Devi Temple houses the idol of Goddess Bagh Devi. Pilgrims need to climb almost 210 steps to reach the temple. The foot of the hill houses another temple dedicated to Goddess Bagh Devi. The temple celebrates the Sankranti day on a grand scale. After every three years the Thakurani Yatra is celebrated with much pomp and show. The Rath Yatrais also organised by the temple in grand way. In the vicinity of the temple few other shrines dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Mausimaa and Ratneswar Mahadev have been built. Upper Bagh Devi Temple is well connected with different modes of transport. The nearest railway station is located at Berhampur at a distance of 88 kms. According to a legend there were three sisters, Bada Raula, Upper Bagh Devi and Bagh Devi. Bada Raula was the eldest among the sisters while Bagh Devi was the youngest. It is said that the three fought among themselves for coconut. One day they decided to divide the region into three parts. They threw three pots in different directions. One of them got fixed at a spot where the Bada Raula temple is located, the second pot got stuck in another location where the Upper Bagh Devi Temple has been constructed but the third pot descended into a pond. Later a notable poet Upendra Bhanja was instructed in his dream by the Devi to build temples in the three locations. He followed the instructions and gradually built temples for Bada Raula and Upper Bagh Devi. However, the temple for Bagh Devi could not be constructed. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Bagh Devi. This hilltop temple is accessed by 285 (approx) steps. Another shrine of Goddess Bagh Devi has been built at the foot of the hill. Its people’s believe that there were three sisters (including Upper Bagh Devi). One is more upper of current Upper Bagh Devi Temple is also called as Bada Raula (may be means big sister) and there is another temple simply called as Bagh Devi (youngest sister) near to Jagannath Temple. People say that these three sisters always fought each other for Coconut and then once decided that they can divide the region who will stay where. So they throw three Lotta (type of rounded drinking container widely used in Orissa for drinking water). One stuck in the same place where Bada Raula is staying currently, second one stuck in the place where today called as Upper Bagh Devi and the third one was fallen into a Pond which currently a temple which is below the ground level. Then Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja got indication from devi (through dream) that he may need to build temple in these places. Gradually the temple were built and renovated but the Bada Raula’s Temple was never built since it is very difficult to go there as there is no steps to go there till now. The temple celebrates the Sankranti day of every month. Thakurani Yatra, celebrated every three years, and Rathyatra are also held in grand manner. A temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Mausimaa Temple, and Ratneswar Mahadev temple are nearby worship places. Official Address
Leaning Temple of Huma, Sambalpur, Odisha The Leaning Temple of Huma in India is one of only two leaning temples in the world.It is located in Huma, a village situated on the bank of the Mahanadi, 23 km south of Sambalpur in the Indian state of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is not known if this structure is leaning by design or from another reason. While the edifice leans, the pinnacle of the temple is perpendicular to the ground. Apart from the main temple the Bhairavi Devi temple is situated to the left of the main temple and Bhairo temple is situated to the right of the main temple. According to historical records Ganga Vamsi Emperor Anangabhima Deva-III built this temple. The temple was rebuilt or renovated by King Baliar Singh (1660–1690 A.D.), the fifth Chauhan king of Sambalpur. The rest of the temples were built during the rule of King Ajit Singh (1766–1788 A.D.) of Sambalpur. The temple is positioned on the rocky cradle just on the bank of the river Mahanadi. The basis of leaning cannot be assumed to be the technical flaws at the time of construction. It is also not easily acceptable that weak foundation might have caused leaning attitude of the temple. There may have been interior displacement of the rocky bed on which it stands, either due to flood currents in the river Mahanadi or earthquakes, thus affecting the straight posture of the original temple. In other words, the plinth of the temple has deviated slightly from its original arrangement and as a result, the body of the temple has tilted. There is no denying the fact that this has fascinated the attention of historians, sculptors and other researchers. The surprising thing is, the main temple is tilted to one direction and other small temples are tilted to some other directions. Within the temple complex i.e. within the boundaries of temple, everything found to be in tilted condition including the boundaries and the angle of inclination is not changed since last 40/50 years as said by the villagers and priests. The reason of the tilt can be due to some geological reason, may be the earth crust is uneven in structure. The angle of inclination is yet to be measured. The worship of Shiva is said to have been initiated by a milkman, who crossed the Mahanadi daily to a place on the bank where the underlying rock cropped out. Here he offered his dole of milk, which was immediately consumed by the rock. This miraculous circumstance led to inquiries, which ended in the construction of the present temple. Official Address
Tirthesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The Tirthesvara Siva temple is a Hindu template located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, India. The architectural features of the temple resembles with the Ganga period so it is believed that it was established in the 14th century A.D. It is owned by multiple private parties. It is looked after by a committee of Talabazar under the leadership of Deven Samantaray and Govinda Samantaray. They lived in Talabazar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. The Tirthesvara Siva temple is located in 20◦ latitude and 14’ 36″N, 85◦ longitude and 50’ 10″E, in an elevation of-85feet. It is located in Talabazar road, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is situated on the left side of road leading from Bindusagar to Lingaraja temple. The temple is facing towards west. The enshrining deity is a Siva lingam within a circular Yonipitha which is located at a depth of 0.94 metres below the door level. It is a living temple. Official Address
Talesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The Talesvara Siva temple is a Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.It is a living temple, which means people use it for worshiping purposes. Its past use could not be ascertained as it was in ruins until the recent renovation. The temple is owned by a single private owner and it is presently look after by Sri Sudarsana Panda and his family members, his lives in Kedar Gouri chowk, Old Town, Bhubaneswar.Because of the features like the graha architrave, which is carved with eight grahas; pabhaga with three mouldings of khura, kumbha, pata, which have archaic features it is believed that it was established in the 8th century AD. Talesvara Siva Temple – I is situated on the left side of the Kedar Gouri road leading from the Parasuramesvara temple to the Vaital temple at a distance of 60 metres. North-east of Parasuramesvara temple in Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is 90 metres east of Kedargouri temple, 200 metres south of Anantavasudeva temple and 50 metres. west of Uttaresvara temple. The temple is facing towards east. The presiding deity is a Siva lingam with a circular Yoni pitha inside the sanctum, which is 0.20 metres below the chandrasila of the entrance doorway. The present shrine was entirely renovated in the past. The superstructure is non-existent. It is a living temple. Official Address
Sureswari temple, Subarnapur, Odisha Sureswari temple or Sursuri temple is located at the left bank of Tel River towards the south-west of the confluence of Mahanadi and Tel River. This temple is located in the temple town of Sonepur, Subarnapur district, Odisha, India. The presiding deity is maa Sursuri, and it is well known as one of the oldest Shakti shrine. The word Sureswari is the sanskritised version of Sursuri. west of the confluence of Mahanadi and Tel River. This temple is located in the temple town of Sonepur, Subarnapur district, Odisha, India. The presiding deity is maa Sursuri and well known as one of the oldest Shakti shrine. The word Sureswari is the sankritised version of Sursuri.Sureswari Temple is regarded as the oldest Shakti shrine in Sonpur. Devi Sureswari is also the presiding deity of Sonepur. A six handed standing image of Kali is worshipped in the sanctum of the temple as Sureswarai. It is situated on the left bank of Tel River towards the south-west of the confluence of Mahanadi River and Tel. The main gate of the temple faces towards east but Devi Sureswari looks towards north. SevenPonds are found by the temple side of Sureswari. According to many scholars these ponds were the fort moats of the Kalachuri rulers. Devi Sureswari was the presiding deity of the fort of Chauhan ruler Achal Singh Deo who was the builder of that historic temple. But after that Maharaja Biramitra Singh Deo constructed many images of parsvadevatas. In the parsvadevata niches, there are images of tenhanded dancing Durga, four-handed Devi sitting in lalitasana and eight-handed Ganesa all on the Visvapadma pedestals. Standing image of Bhairav and tantric Buddhist goddess named Tara are kept here and there all around the temple. It is also believed that Lord Parashuram, on request of his mother, performed a sacrificial yagna here. There is an ancient and big altar in the temple which is believed to be that of Lord Parashuram. The present temple was built by the Chauhan king, Achal Singh Deo. Official Address
Subarnameru Temple, Subarnapur, Odisha Subarnameru Temple is situated in Sonepur town in Subarnapur district of Odisha.It is a shrine for the worshipping of Shiva and commonly known as Second Varanasi of India. Popular story of Gold coin Rain is associated with this Place, with this Temple when an ardent devotee asked lord for help, so the name is Sonepur or Subarnapur.The Place attracts thousands of visitors and Pilgrimages for its scenic beauty as this temple is situated just on the Bank of Tel River.Major festivals are Shivaratri and Kartik Purnima. Official Address
Sakshigopal Temple, puri, Odisha Sakhigopala Temple formally known as Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple is a medieval temple dedicated to Lord Gopinatha located in the town of Sakhigopala onthe Puri Bhubaneshwar highway in Odisha, India. The temple is built in the Kalinga style of temple architecture. It is said that a poor young man of the village, later named it as Sakhigopala, fell in love with the daughter of the village headman. However, being of a higher economic status, the headman opposed marriage between this young man and his daughter. The villagers, including the headman and the young man, went on a pilgrimage to Kashi. The village headman fell ill and was abandoned by fellow villagers. The young man tended to him so well that he soon got well and, in gratitude, promised his daughter in marriage to the young man. As soon as they returned to the village, the headman went back on his promise, asking the young man to produce a witness in support of his claim. Lord Gopala, impressed by the young man’s devotion, agreed to come and bear witness to the promise on one condition: that the young man lead the way and he would follow, but the young man must never look back. He led the way to the village, passing a mound of sand. As they passed, the man could not hear the Lord’s footsteps and turned back. Immediately the Lord turned into a statue of stone rooted to the spot. The villagers were still so impressed that God himself came to back the young man’s claim that the youngsters were married off; they were later appointed as the first priests of the temple built in Lord Gopala’s honour who came to bear witness Official Address
Simhanath Temple, Cuttack, Odisha Simhanath Temple is dedicated to Shiva who is worshipped by Nrisimha, an avatar of Vishnu. The temple has a rekha deula and terraced roof jagamohana of traditional phase of temple style of Kalingan order. The temple is unique for its sculptural embellishment of both the Saivaite and Vaishnava sects. It is located in the Gopinathpur village, Baramba tehsil of Cuttack district. It can be easily approached by road from Cuttack, Chaudwar and Athgarh. The garbhagriha has a Shivalinga with yonipatta attached to earth. The temple is of Panchayatana style practised by Adi Shankara.Temples dedicted to Vishnu, Ganesh, Suryaand Mahishamardini are found around the temple. The temple represents early development of Pancharatha Deula of Kalingan Architecture. On the basis of survey, the temple can be assigned to early 9th century AD. Official Address
Swarnadhisvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The Swarnadhisvara Siva temple is located in the northern side of the road leading from Lingaraj Temple to Kedar Gouri. in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state of Orissa. The temple is facing towards east. The enshrined deity is a Siva lingam within a circular yoni pitha. The Sanctum measures 1.5 square m which is 2 m below the present ground level. The temple is made of laterite. It is an abandoned and a non-living temple. The temple was built in the Late Ganga period in the 13th Century CE. Official Address
Sundaresvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Sinduresvara Siva temple is located in village Sundarpada, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is on the right side of the road leading from Lingaraj temple to Sundarpada. The enshrined deity is a circular yonipitha facing towards the north. The Siva lingam decayed in course of time. In April 2013 the villagers raised funds and reestablished new Shiv Linga. There are two entrances on the south-west and northwest corners provided with seven flights of steps leading down to the temple. Sunduresvara Siva temples is located in village Sundarpada, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is on the right side of the road leading from Lingaraja temple to Sundarpada. The enshrined deity is a circular yonipitha facing towards the south with a drain to release sacred water of Lord Sunduresvara to a pond named ‘Sunduresvar’ on the south of the temple. The drain is beneath the road. The Siva lingam replaced in April 2013 by villagers. The temple precinct is 1.15 metres below the present road level. There are two entrances on the south-west and northwest corners provided with seven flights of steps leading down to the temple. The temple face is towards west and the ‘snan mandap’ of Lord Patitapaban. Lord Patitapaban temple is on south-west direction of the entrance of Sunduresvara temple. Each year on Deva Snana Purnami i.e. Jyestha Purnami Lord Patitapabana is physically pulled to this mandap for ‘snan’ – i.e. annual bath ceremony. It is worthwhile to mention that Pandit Anam Nanda who was a great devotee used to take care of the puja archana. He died on Snan Purnima day. His two younger brothers Pandit Achyutananda Nanda and Pandit Lingaraj Nanda are also great devotees of Sunduresvar, Lord Patitapaban. They all died long ago. Facing this idol ‘nrusimha avatar’ on the hind wall of ‘lord Patitapaban’ is Gokhibaba temple which is the samadhi pitha of Gokhi Das. Makar Sankranti ( mostly fall on 14 January each year) is the day of great function of Gokhi baba. People from far and near come here to celebrate the week-long function. The function is widening year after year. Presently Kuma Kaka, Shri Prafulla Kumar Nayak, Shri Krushna Parida and Shri Bipin Bihari Mohapatra take lead to manage the function. While talking about Lord Sundaresvar, Lord Patitapaban and Gokhi Baba are to be taken together as they are in the same location.According to the local tradition the village is named after the enshrined deity Sundaresvara. Since the environment of the village was beautiful the enshrined deity of the village temple was named as Sundaresvara. Similarly the tank adjoining the temple was named as Sundresvara tank. Another tradition held that the temple in the village was dedicated to Sundaresvara, the royal preceptor of lord Lingaraja. Hence the deity is Sundaresvara and the name of the village is Sundarapada. Official Address
Sukutesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Sukutesvara Temple located in the old town of bhubaneswar serves as purpose for community gathering. The preceding deity in this temple is a Siva- lingam (Lord Shiva) situated at the centre. The temple observes various religious sacraments like Mahasivaratri, Chandipatha and Rudrabhisekha. The temple is situated behind the Lingaraja market complex, right side of the Ganges–Yamuna road branching from Gouri Sankara Temple. It is south west of the Ganges-Yamuna precinct, west of Lakshesvara. The presiding deity is a Siva-lingam at the centre of a circular yoni pitha. It is a living temple facing towards east. Official Address
Suka Temple, Khordha, Odisha Suka Temple is abandoned and not in use. The temple is devoted to saptaratha and the presence of female counterparts of the dikpalas in the upara jangha. This was built in the matured phase of temple building tradition of Orissa. Suka temple is located in the Sankarananda Street, Uttaradaraja Badu Sahi, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is situated on the southern embankment of Bindusagar tank at a distance of 50.00 metres. The temple is facing towards west. The temple is not in use but sculptural embellishments on the exterior walls of the temple suggest that the temple was originally dedicated to Lord Siva. Though the temple is architecturally and sculpturally sound, it is abandoned and not in use. The temple is 1.80 metres below the present ground level. Official Address
Subarnesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The temple is so named because of its association with the goldsmiths in close vicinity. Architectural features and scheme of decoration including the building materials bears strong resemblance with the 10th century temples of Bhubaneswar. The temple stands over a low pista measuring 6.90 metres in length, 6.30 metres in width and 0.23 metres in height. On plan, the temple is pancharatha with a square vimana and a frontal porch extending towards east. The vimana measures 5.45 square metres and the frontal porch 0.50 metres. On elevation, the temple is in rekha order measuring 11.58 metres in height from khura to kalasa with usual bada, gandi and mastaka. The bada measuring 3.48 metres in height has five vertical divisions namely pabhaga with four mouldings (0.92 metres), talajangha (0.86 metres), bandhana of single moulding (0.20 metres), upara jangha (0.75 metres) and the baranda with four mouldings (0.75 metres). The gandi above the baranda measuring 6.10 metres in height is distinguished by a central raha and a pair of anuratha and kanika pagas on either side of the raha, which is a curvilinear spire, and devoid of ornamentation. The mastaka as usual in Orissan temples has components like beki, amlaka, khapuri and kalasa that measures 2.00 metres in height. The parsvadevata niches located on the raha paga of the talajangha on three sides of north, west and south measures 1.00 metres in height, 0.53 metres in width and 0.38 metres in depth are empty and devoid of ornamentation The base of the gandi is decorated with a series of miniature rekha deul as angasikharas on the pagas arranged in descending order from raha to the kanika paga. The baranda moudings above the raha niche are relieved by chaitya motifs. Both the upara and tala jangha are decorated with a series of pilaster motifs in relief udyota simha finds place on the raha paga of the eastern wall doorjamb, except the dvarapala niches at the base the doorjamb are of recent additions made of plain sand stones. The doorjambs measure 2.20 metres in height and 1.60 metres in width. The dvarapala niches house Saivite dvarapalas holding trident in their left hand along with river goddess standing on their respective mounts. Yamuna in the right niche is provided with a parasol held by a diminutive female attendant. While the niches are crowned by stylized chaitya motifs at the top, beneath are figures of gaja kranta Lintel- The architrave above the doorjambs measuring 1.80 metres. is carved with navagrahas, each housed in a niche. They are all seated in padmasana except Rahu and Ketu. The grahas are flanked by two atlantid ganas on both ends of the architrave. Official Address
Sivatirtha Matha, Old Town Bhubaneswar, Odisha Sivatirtha Matha a Hindu Matha (monastery) in the outskirts of old town of Bhubaneswar and is known for Chandan Yatra and Dola purnima. Dola Purnima is celebrated in the belief that Lord Lingaraja arrives to this Matha to take pankti bhogo (community lunch) on Dola Purnima. The temples are located within the Matha precinct in the eastern end. The matha is situated in front of the northern entrance of Lingaraj temple across the Ratha road. There are thirteen burial temples arranged in one and half rows. In the rear row there are nine temples, of which four temples from the northern side have been encroached upon by a private compound wall. The temples on the south are partially buried. Of the four temples in the front row three are buried up to the gandi while the fourth one is buried up to the bada. The burial temples are square on plan. On elevation these temples are of pidha order having bada, gandi and mastaka. The gandi of these temples have three receding tiers. The matha faces east and is located in the Rathagada Chowk, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. One can approach this monastery on the right side of the Ratha road leading from Lingaraj temple to Mausima temple at a distance of 30 meters from the northern gateway of Lingaraja. The Endowment Commission took over the matha in 1970. The Matha belonged to Sankaracharya Sampradaya. The wooden logs used for preparing the chariot of Lord Lingaraj are consecrated here in the monastery before used by the carpenters. Official Address
Sarala Temple, Jagatsinghpur, Odisha The temple is reachable by road from Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Paradeep. Bhubaneshwar is approximately 80 km from Jagatshingpur, and it is well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Cuttack; though, there is a small Passenger Halt at Sarala Road, which is near Tentulipada. Maa Saarala is a Hindu goddess. As per historical clue, it is believed that this famous temple of Sarala Chandi was built in Sarola Grama in 8th Century. The Goddess “Maa Sarala” was being worshiped in this temple till the end of Hindu rule in 1568 A.D. History and literature remained as the witness to the existence of Sarola Chandi in the Sarola grama (village). In this situation one among the great verses of Oriya Mahabharat may be quoted here. The Maa Sarala Temple is a Hindu temple in the district of Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, India. The temple is accessible by road from Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Paradeep. The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar, which is approximately 80 km, and is well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Cuttack; however, there is a small Passenger Halt at Sarala Road, near Tentulipada. The temple can be reached via Jagatsinghpur, or Tarapur by road, from Cuttack. Maa Saarala is a Hindu goddess who patronizes the cultures of Vaishnav and Shakta. Rarely does one find the use of Vilva Patraand Tulasi patra in any temple, as they are symbols of two distinct divisions of Hindu culture. There is also some controversy regarding the deity, where it is suspected that the deity may be a Buddhist tantric figure, as she holds a book, Veena and hand bell – known Mahayana symbols. It is said that Huen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, visited Odisha and he had taken a ship from Chilitolo Port to Sri lanka, which historians attribute to modern day Tirtol. This may be a possibility as geography shows that Paradip was an island and the land in and around Kujanga was under water – Sea/River. There is geographic evidence to support this. To be at a safer side, we may conclude that Sarala represents the Shiva-Shakti worship which evolved from an amalgamation of Shaivism (worship of Shiva), Shaktism (worship of the Mother Goddess) and/or Tantric form. Goddess Sarala is known as Vak Devi, the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. It is well documented that Sidheshwar Parida – a small-time farmer and part-time Oriya Paika – was an ardent follower of the Goddess and it was after her blessings that Sidheshwar Parida became Sarala Das, the author of the Oriya Mahabharata. Folklore goes back to thousands of years, to the age of Parashurama. It is said that it was God Parashurama who had carved the goddess with the tip of his arrow. Even this temple survived the ravages of Kala Chand (legendary Kala Pahada). The new temple- 500 years old – was built by the Raja of Manijanga. The remnants of the old temple is not visible, but folklore goes that it was at Badasarol, a place where the Ganesha Temple, (generally adorns the south gate of all Oriya temples) (Nanda Deula, now renovated) stands as witness, where the old temple once stood. Although there are many festivals that are celebrated in the temple, the major ones are: Parbana, Sharadiya Utsav, Pana Sankranti, Dola Purnima, Chandan Jatra. The people of the Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack districts are so attached to the goddess that they make it a point to visit the temple every year – at least once. The temple is very well connected with roads network, which is accessible by road from Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Paradeep. At least everyday three buses are plying from Cuttack (Badambadi bus stand) to Sarala peetha. The nearest railway station is Cuttack, however there is a small Pessenger Halt at Sarala Road, near Tentulipada. Two trains are plying daily between Cuttack and Paradeep and one can avail this facility to visit Sarala Temple. The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar, which is approximately 80 km, it is well connected by road. Official Address
Sanisvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Sanisvara Siva Temple is a Mandir situated at Gosagaresvara Precinct southern of Paradaresvara Siva Temple, Orissa, India. The temple is facing towards the east, enshrined deity is a circular Yoni Pitha at the center of a 1.00 square meter sanctum. According to the local legend, during Ganga’s rule around 14th-15th Century AD, Lord Siva once killed a calf inadvertently. In order to cleanse sin of killing the calf, he had to take a bath in the Gosagaresvara pond and worship the lord Gosagaresvara. Thus the tradition began up to the present. People keep the practice of taking ritual bath in the temple tank and worship Gosagaresvara to cleanse the sin of killing cow. This temple is once used as a worshiping shrine. But at present, people consider it as a public living temple and classified as Pidha Deul typology. The temple is located in Kapilaprasad, Khordha district, Bhubaneswar City, the capital of the Indian state of Orissa. It is surrounded by Paradaresvara Siva Temple in the north, Gosagaresvara tank in west, Minor Temple V in east and entrance gate is in the south. Official Address
Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha Shree Shree Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is a strong religious force in the western part of Orissa and Chhattisgarh state of India. On the bank of the river Mahanadi the mother goddess Samaleswari is worshipped from ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati. The region in which the temple is situated has a rich cultural heritage. Sambalpur region is popularly known as Hirakhanda from ancient times. Ptolemy has described the place as Sambalak, According to Tavernir, the French traveller, and Edward Gibbon, the English historian, diamonds were exported to Rome from Sambalpur Sambalpur is located in the eastern county of India at a distance of 320 k.m. from the capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. The Samaleswari Temple is situated in the central area of the city Sambalpur, Whereas it used to be known for its importance as a diamond trading centre, nowadays it is mainly known for its textiles. It’s a good place from which to explore the surrounding forests and spot some of the rare species still roaming the area in one of the wildlife sanctuaries, such as the well-known Badrama sanctuary. Although Sambalpur does take a prominent place in Indian history, it does not have that many historical sights. The most important temples in the district, such as the Budha Raja or the Samaleswari temple, are located at a few kilometres’ distances from Sambalpur. The Hirakud Dam, the longest dam in the world, is some 15 kilometres from Sambalpur and can be easily visited on a day trip. Sambalpur is famous for Sambalpuri songs, dances, forest and world-famous Sambalpuri handloom fabrics. The rhythmic beats of Sambalpuri drums are heart-pounding and pulse racing and create profound joy. Maa Samaleswari temple is positioned on the reservoir of the river Mahanadi, Sambalpur district, Orissa। It is a famous Shakti Peetha. It is very well-known among the people of Orissa and Chhatisgarh state. Maa Samaleswari is worshipped as a form (deity) of Goddess Durga. The Goddess is famously known as ‘Shree Shree Samalai Devi’ or ‘Maa Samalai’. The icon of Maa Samalai is made out of granite rock. A few decades before, animal (buffalo) sacrifices were done in the temple, which has been stopped now. Local people have a strong belief in ‘Maa Samaleswari’. See other Temples in Odisha. Samaleswari Temple is a Hindu temple in Sambalpur, Western Odisha, India dedicated to the goddess known as ‘Maa’, also known among the natives as samalei maa, meaning Mother[Samaleswari]]. Shree Shree Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is a strong religious force in western part of Odisha and Chhattisgarh state of India. On the bank of the river Mahanadi the mother goddess Samaleswari is worshipped from ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati. The region in which the temple is situated has a rich cultural heritage. Sambalpur region is popularly known as Hirakhanda from ancient times. Ptolemy has described the place as Sambalak, according to Tavernir, the French traveller, and Edward Gibbon, the English historian, diamonds were exported to Rome from Sambalpur. The temple is of Sandhara order( These types of the temples have a square sanctum enclosed by a gallery of pillars meant for Pradakshina). Thus, the Sandhara temples have a Pradakshinapatha is built of a kind of stone durable as granite, cemented with lime mortar, the whole building is plastered, but in the course of time the surface has become mouldy. The temple comprises two separate structures. The square sanctum sanctorum enshrining the deity is four step below the 10-foot-wide (3.0 m) covered circumambulation, which is supported by 12 stone pillars. Eleven parswa devis (side Goddess), are embedded on the outer wall of the sanctum, so that the devotees can worship those deities during parikarma through the vaulted circumambulation. The Idol of Shree Shree Samalai Devi consists of a large block of Granite rock with an inverted, trunk like projection at the bottom. A shallow cut on her “Baraha” like face symbolises her mouth. Traditional Sambalpuri nose ornament of pure gold hangs down from her imaginary nose Beaten gold leave fixed on two disproportionate golden eye like depression on the face acts as substitute for her eyes in an attempt to define the face of the mother deity on a mass of self shaped rock, the devi’s idol inspires sublime sentiments of awe, fear, reverence, devotion, love and affection towards all-pervading motherhood. She is worshiped with a great care and devotion by the natives in her temple, famously known as the samaleswari temple. Among the varieties of festivals observed before the goddess throughout the year three festivals are observed prominently. The first two are navaratra puja during the months of March and April and during the months of September and October. Among these two navaratra pujas (nine days continuous worship of the goddess) the second one is observed with a great splendour and devotion. The third festival which is said to be the chief festival of the whole western Orissa (sambalpur ) region is nuakhai. In this festival the farmers offer the first produce from their lands to the goddess before using it for his personal use. There are direct trains to Sambalpur from Delhi, Kolkata, Bombay, Chennai, and Ahmadabad. Buses from main cities also run to Sambalpur in National Highway. The nearest airport is in Raipur (270 km). From Bhubaneswar airport the distance is 320 km. There are hotels and guest houses available near the temple for accommodation. Official Address
Rameshwar Deula, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The Rameshwar temple is very old temple in Bhubaneswar and known as the Mausi Maa temple of Lingaraj Temple.It is located from 2 km distance from Lingaraj shrine.The Rameshwar Deula or the Rameshwar Temple is located about 2 kms from the Lingaraj Temple. It is situated in Bhubaneswar city in the Indian state of Orissa now known as Odisha. The Rameshwar Temple is built in the honour of Lord Shiva and is worshipped by the Hindus belonging to Saivism. Another name given to the temple is Mausi Maa. It is a revered temple and thus devotees from across Orissa and from various other cities of India come to offer prayer to the deity. The Rameshwar temple is an important and a very holy temple as Lord Rama himself installed the Lingam in the temple. Most of the temples in and Bhubaneswar city are dedicated to Lord Shiva and devotees visit in large numbers. The most important festival celebrated in the Temple is Shiva Raatri which usually falls in the month of February or March. Followers of Tantric tradition also flock the temple as they are ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. During Shiva Raatri a large number of devotees fast and stay wake all night honouring Lord Shiva singing his glories, praying to him and offering food and water. After the auspicious day the devotees receive immense bliss along with showers of blessings. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the creator as well as the preserver of the universe and anything happened is an act of God. We should please the Lord but if the Lord is displeased he will appear in a ferocious form and punish the wrong doer. The Rameshwara Temple is open throughout the year for all Hindus. The temple bores the name Rameshwara as it was established by Lord Rama dedicated to Lord Shiva. The available records of the Rameshwar temple tells that it was constructed aoround 9th centurt. According to a myth the Lingam in the Rameshwar Temple was installed by Lord Rama an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama incarnation in the earth during the Dwapara yuga in order to kill the Demon King Ravana of Lanka. Ravana abducted Lord Rama’s wife Sita. After a fight with Ravana Lord Ram defeated and killed him. On their way back from Lanka to their Kingdom Sita asked Rama to install a lingam and worship him thanking Lord Shiva for their victory. Accepting her request Lord Rama did the needful. It is also said that a day before Rama Navami in Chaitra which falls during Ashokaasthami Lord Shiva comes to visit the temple by a beautiful enormous chariot known as Rakun Rath and stays for four days. The Rameshwara Temple belongs to the ancient Kalinga architecture and categorised in the Rekha order and has a touch of Odissi art and tradition. The temple is a sandstone structure with ashlars dry masonry but unlike other temples it lacks many divisions. A unique feature present in the temple which is not seen in any other temple is an additional pidha structure standing before the temple independently. The temple is built facing the east so that the first ray of the sun falls on the temple. The temple consists of a single hall with a pyramidal Shikhara. A Shikhara is a typical feature of any Hindu temple and without it look incomplete and does not look like the house of worship. The Shikhara or the spire is high and is similar to any other spire of temple. It has numerous tiers and carved with many fascinating designs. The single hall consists of the main deity that is the Shiva Lingam made up of black stone. The hall is square and utilised as the hall of worship for the devotees. The Lingam is placed on a yonopitha and is 1.24 diameters and 0.35 metres in height and is made up of Chlorite. An image of Goddess Durga is also seen. The Jagamohana is not a part of the main temple. The temple is decorated with intricate sculptures on the 16 pillars present outside the temple. The carvings include motifs and guardsman as bhairava also known as the dwarapala. The surrounding of the temple is green and well maintained. It offers a holy environment radiating peace and bliss to the devotees from near and far. Official Address
Ramachandi Temple, Puri, Odisha Ramachandi Temple, is on a beautiful spot on the banks of the Kusabhadra River where it flows into the Bay of Bengal. It is only 5 km away from Konark in the Puri District of Odisha. Goddess Ramachandi, the deity of Konark is thought by some to be the presiding deity of this temple, while others thought it to be the temple of Mayadevi, wife of Surya(Sun God). A legend regarding the deity is popular among the locals. Kalapahad, the rebel Hindu Brahmin youth who got converted to Islam, vowed to destroy all the temples of Hindu worship during the 17th century. After destroying the Sun temple, Kalapahad approached Ramachandi temple to destroy it. Then Goddess Ramachandi dressed as a Maluni (a maid servant) asked Kalapahad to wait at the door till she brings water from the river for the Goddess. Kalapahad anxiously waited for a long time to get some cold water. When it was too late and the Maluni did not return he was exhausted and entered inside the temple and found the throne empty. Then he thought the Maluni took away the deity with her and with anger he followed the Maluni. When he reached the bank of the Kushabhadra river he found the goddess Ramachandi floating in the middle of the river. At that time the river was outpouring, so he came back without being able to reach the middle of the river. Then Goddess Ramachandi came in dream of a Panda (priest) and told him to build a temple on the bank of the Kushabhadra river. This place is now known as Ramachandi. Throughout the year many visitors come here to get the blessing of Goddess Ramachandi and to enjoy the scenic beauty of river Kushabhadra and Bay of Bengal. Now the temple has collapsed leaving remains of its broken walls and the empty throne. There is no historical evidence to conclude about its presiding deity. The temple of Goddess Ramachandi on the river mouth of Kushabhadra river is a splendid scenic picnic resort. It is situated 7 km before Konark on the Marine drive road from Puri to Konark. Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark, and the most benevolent Chandi known. It is certainly more ancient than the Sun Temple at Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Shakti pithas of Orissa. A graceful Chandi, seated on a Lotus flower in a small temple half hidden by sand mounds, on the river mouth of Kushabhadra and the endless Bay of Bengal stretched to eternity, and a thick growth of Casuarina plantations around is the scenic maginificence of the place. Before construction of the Marine Drive road, the place was not accessible to outside visitors. However it attracted a large number of local devotees to offer sacrifices or ‘Bali’ in the month of Ashwina. The pleasant sight has always fascinated young lovers, students and picnickers from far and wide. However, after the construction of the Marine dive road, the place has become very easily accessible. Regular crowd of pleasure seekers both from the state, neighbouring states and distant places come here. Official Address
Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Official Address
Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha (Orissa previously), India. The temple is believed to have been known originally as Indreswara. It is locally known as a “love temple” because of the erotic carvings of women and couples in the temple. Rajarani Temple is built in the pancharatha style on a raised platform with two structures: a central shrine called the vimana (sanctum) with a bada (curvilinear spire) over its roof rising to a height of 18 m (59 ft), and a viewing hall called jagamohana with a pyramidal roof. The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called “Rajarani”. There are no images inside the sanctum, and hence it is not associated with a specific sect of Hinduism but broadly classified as Saivite based on the niches. Various historians place the original construction date between the 11th and 12th centuries, and have placed it roughly belonging to the same period as the Jagannath Temple at Puri. The architecture of other temples in central India is believed to have originated with this temple, the notable ones being the Khajuraho temples and Totesvara Mahadeo temple in Kadawa.There are various sculptures in the walls around the temple, and the vimana depicting scenes of the marriage of Shiva, Nataraja, Parvati, and include tall, slender, sophisticated nayikas in various roles and moods such as turning her head from an emaciated ascetic, fondling her child, holding a branch of tree, attending to her toilet, looking into a mirror, taking off her anklet, caressing her pet bird and playing a musical instrument. Rajarani Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a ticketed (pay to enter) monument. The Orissan temples have two parts namely the sanctum (deul or vimana) and the other is place from where pilgrims view the sanctum (called jagamohana). The initial deul temples were without the jagamohana as seen in some of the older temples in Bhubaneswar while the later temples had two additional structures namely nata-mandapa (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). The vimana is square in plan, and the walls are variegated by ressaults (called rathas or pagas).Amalaka (also called mastaka), a stone disk with ridges on the rim, is placed over the bada (tower) of the temple. Rajarani Temple stands on a raised platform. The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called “Rajarani”. It is pancharatha in plan with a curvilinear superstructure (rekha shikhara) 18m(55 ft) tall. The vimana (tower) is surrounded by a cluster of miniature towers with double crowning elements and appears round, unlike other temples in Bhubaneswar but like the towers of Khajuraho temples. The temple stands on a plinth with three mouldings. The bada consists of five divisions instead of the three divisions usually found in other temples. The vimanarises to a height of 17.98 metres (59.0 ft) from the basement.The vimana (sanctum) measures 10.25 ft (3.12 m)*10.25 ft (3.12 m) from the inside, 31 ft (9.4 m)*29 ft (8.8 m) from the outside.[10] Its spire is decorated with clusters of turrets (replication of the spire itself) emerging from the rib of the spire. The temple has panchanga bada, or five divisions, namely, pabhaga, talajangha, bandhana, uparajangha and baranda. The lowermost division, called the pabhaga, has five decorative mouldings, namely, khura, kumbha, patta, kani and basanta. The superstructure (gandi) of the temple has a number of miniature turrets (angashikharas). The superstructure is crowned with a fluted disc-shaped architectural piece called an amalaka, and a vase (kalasa) surmounts it as the crowning finial. The sculptures have a depth that was lacking in the Mukteswara Temple sculptures.[11] The slightly projecting entrance is flanked by round thick columns entwined by naga on the left. Guardians of the eight directions project from the base of the temple in the eight directions, starting from the gateway in a clockwise direction around the porch and the deul, ending at the torana (entrance).[11] The other noted sculptures are naga-nagi sthambha, saiva dwarapalas on the entrance doorjambs, and lakulisa on the lintel of entrance, above which is the architrave of Navagrahas.[clarification needed] The best-preserved sculptures of the temple are the standing astadikpalas on the central façade of kanika, appearing on the jangha portion of the bada clad in diaphanous drapery. The image of Varuna is intact and notable for its body ornamentation, coiffure and facial expression. Scenes of the marriage of Shiva, Nataraja, and Parvati are the cult images present in the temple. There are tall, slender, sophisticated nayikas gracing the walls of the sanctum depicted in various roles and moods in amorous dalliance with actions such as turning her head from an emaciated ascetic, fondling her child, holding a branch of tree, attending to her toilet, looking into mirror, taking off her anklet, caressing her pet bird and playing instrument. There are also erotic (mithuna) figures carved in high relief on the projecting portions of the uparajangha. The other decorative motifs are carved in the shape of vyala, jagrata and gajakranta. The scroll motifs are of foliage, creepers and vines (vanalata), each containing lush foliage independent of any stalk or vine. Based on the sculptural architectural style, the temple is dated to the mid-11th century.Brown groups the temple along with Anant Vasudev Temple and places it around the 11th–12th centuries. Another survey of Orissa temples carried out by S. K. Saraswati in 1953 yielded a similar date. Panigrahi, who did a comprehensive analysis of Orissan temples, gives an unspecified date between Lingaraj Temple and Mukteswara Temple.Fergusson believes construction of the temple was begun by around 1105.George Michell believes the temple was built during the same time as Lingaraja Temple.Rajarani Temple roughly belongs to the same period as the Jagannath Templeat Puri. The architecture of other temples in central India originated from this temple. The notable ones in the category are the Khajuraho temples and Totesvara Mahadeo temple in Kadawa. Scholars believe based on the style that the temple might have been built by Somavamsi kings who migrated from Central Indis to Orissa during the period. Rajarani temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a ticketed monument. Official Address
Parashurameshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Parashurameshvara Temple (IAST: Paraśurāmeśvara) also spelt Parsurameswara, located in the East Indian city of Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is considered the best preserved specimen of an early Orissan Hindu temple dated to the Shailodbhava period between the 7th and 8th centuries CE. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is one of the oldest existing temples in the state. It is believed to have been built around 650 CE in Nagara style and has all the main features of the pre-10th century Orissan-style temples. The temple is one among the Parashurameshvara group of temples. Decorations outside the temple consisting of engravings of divine geese (hamsa) as well as flowers, at the lower part it can be apreciated the symbol of the Purna-Kalasha and on the left the image of a Lingam that represents Shiva. Parashurameshvara Temple has a vimana, the sanctum, and a bada, the curvilinear spire over its roof, rising to a height of 40.25 ft (12.27 m). It is the first temple to have an additional structure called jagamohana, compared to the earlier temples that had only the vimana. Though the temple is dedicated to Shiva, it contains sculpted images of Shakta deities, which are otherwise normally part of Shakta temples. The temple is the first in Bhubaneswar to contain depictions of Saptamatrikas, namely, Chamunda, Varahi, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Kaumari, Shivani and Brahmi. The temple is maintained and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a ticketed monument. Parashurashtami is the major festival celebrated in the temple during June–July every year. The temple is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the state of Odisha. The Kalingan temples have two parts: the sanctum, called vimana, and a place from where pilgrims view the sanctum, called the jagamohana (hall of worshippers). Parashurameshvara Temple is the first to have this additional structure. The initial deultemples were without the jagamohana as seen in some of the older temples in Bhubaneswar, while the later temples had two additional structures namely nata-mandapa (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). The vimana is square in plan and the walls have sections called rathas or pagas. The vimana has a curvilinear tower (called bada) in the form of a pyramid composed of horizontal planes. The sanctum of the temple measures 9.88 × 9.75 ft (3.0 × 3.0 m) from the inside, 19.75 × 21 ft (6.0 × 6.4 m) from the outside and has a height of 40.25 ft (12.3 m).Amalaka, a stone disk with ridges on the rim, is placed over the bada of the temple. Pediment outside of the temple, which depicts vampires and demons (vetala) as well as several animals The jagamohana is rectangular in shape and has a two-element sloping roof with clerestory windows between them.The jagamohana measures 24.94 × 18.33 ft (7.6 × 5.6 m) from the inside and 29.33 × 28.58 ft (8.9 × 8.7 m) from the outside.The latticed windows are classified as pata jaliwhere perforations are square or rectangular in shape. In addition, there are trellised windows with slabs of stone sculptures depicting dancers and musicians. Light enters the interior through doors and the latticed windows. The junction of the vimana and the jagmohana is not cleanly built, leading some scholars to postulate that the porch was added at a much later date; however, the primitive connection is attributed to the building technique. The temple was constructed by burying completed portions in inclined layers of earth up which heavy pieces of stone were dragged. Decorated window on the temple with sculptures of dancers (top) and musicians (below)The temple is one of the earliest examples of the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture that emphasises vertical structure, as seen in subsequent temples like Mukteshvara, Lingaraj and Rajarani in Bhubaneswar and the Sun Temple at Konark. Six armed Mahisamardini Durga image in a gavaksha on the towerThe temple contains the earliest representation of a six-armed Mahishamardini (Durga) image, shown inside a gavaksha frame from the chest upward with a headdress, karna kundala (ornament), mala (garland) and kankana (anklet). Durga is seen holding a sword in the upper left hand while in the upper right hand, she is seen pressing the face of the demon buffalo. In her left middle hand, she is seen piercing the neck of the demon with a trishula(trident), while in her lower left hand she holds a pointed weapon. In her right middle hand she holds Khetaka while in her lower right hand she holds a bow. A similar image of Durga is found in the Vaital temple, which is a famous Shakta center. Though the temple is a Shaiva shrine, it contains the images of numerous Shakta deities as Parsvadevatas sculpted on its walls. The temple is the first among Bhubaneswar temples to contain Saptamatrika images, a group of seven goddesses.These images are located in between representatioof Ganesha and Virabhadra. Except for Ganesha, all other images are depicted with their respective vahanas(vehicles). An eight-armed dancing Ardhanarishvara, an image of Siva-Parvati and the images of Ganga and Yamuna are also found on the wall of the temple.There are also images of Vishnu, Indra, Surya and Yama in the rectangular niches around the base of the porch. A sculpture of Kartikeya riding on his peacock vehicle is present on the southern wall. Other noteworthy carvings are those of Shiva subduing the demon-king Ravana, who is seen trying to uproot Mount Kailasa, the abode of Shiva.Shiva is sculpted as Nataraja invarious tandavas (dance poses) in the temple. As with other Odisha temples, the interiors are not sculpted but left plain. Other carvings on the temple depict a variety of fruits, flowers, birds and animals in scenes and parts of designs. A floral motif trailing from the tail of a bird is common between this temple and the ones in Vaital Deula, while a motif of vase and flowers is common between it and the ones in Mukteshvara Temple.various tandavas (dance poses) in the temple. As with other Odisha temples, the interiors are not sculpted but left plain. Other carvings on the temple depict a variety of fruits, flowers, birds and animals in scenes and parts of designs. A floral motif trailing from the tail of a bird is common between this temple and the ones in Vaital Deula, while a motif of vase and flowers is common between it and the ones in Mukteshvara Temple. Parashurameshvara Temple is one of the Parashurameshvara group of temples, considered to be the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar.Some historians believe Parashurameshvara Temple to have been built in the early 8th century CE., subsequent to the construction of the Satruguneswar, Bharateswar and Lakshmaneswar temples in the late 7th century, although K.C.Panigrahi places the date as 650 CE.Fergusson believed that the temple might have been initiated at around 500 CE.A mid-7th century date is agreed by most scholars based on style and the presence of the eight planets which appear over the door to the inner sanctum as the later temples portray nine.Parashurameshvara Temple was built by the Shailodbhavas, who had Shiva as their family deity.The Shailodbhavas also respected the Shakta deities and depicted Shakta images on the walls of the temple.The temple was repaired in 1903, with some changes in the roof of the inner sanctum, whilst retaining most of the original structure. Being located in the eastern coast, Parashurameshvara, like other Orissan temples, was not much affected by Muslim invasions of the 12–13th centuries.In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a ticketed monument Official Address
Panchalingeshwar, Balasore, Odissa Panchalingeshwar Temple is in Balasore district of Odisha. It named after the five Shivalinga that are enshrined inside. The temple is on top of a hillock near the Nilagiri hill (not to be confused with that of Western Ghats). The Shivalingas are said to have been enshrined by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile. Another story holds that King Banasuraworshiped the Swayambhu Lingas at this place given its beauty. A perennial stream, which is the main attraction of the area, regularly washes the Shivalingas as it flows over them. To reach to the temple one has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingas inside the water stream. Panchalingeswar is 27.7 km south west from Balasore. Geographical co-ordinate is 21.41 North 86.71 East. Official Address
Parvati Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odissa The Parvati Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. The Parvatti temple was built in the Kalingan style, with grey sandstone using a dry masonry construction technique. The temple typology, pidha deul, contains significant decorative features including doorjambs measuring 1.74 by 0.78 metres (5.7 ft × 2.6 ft). The temple, which stands on a pista, has a vimana and a front porch. The vimana has typical Dravidian features, including bada, gandi and mastaka. The base of the pabhaga is constructed of five moulds including khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta. The gandi has seven receding tiers that are separated by two potalas. The lower potala has four tiers and the upper potala has three tiers. The raha niches are decorated with talagarbhika of a typical khakhara style, complimented by three plain vertical bands. The tala jangha and upara jangha are decorated with khakhara mundi and pidha mundi. Analysis of the materials used to construct the Parvatti temple suggest it was built in the 14th century. Architectural features are typical of South Indian temple complexes constructed in the 14th century. The temple is located within the Orissa Municipal Corporation Hospital compound, Sriram Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. The east-facing temple, whose enshrined deity is the Goddess Parvatti, has been operational since construction. Another significant Hindu place of worship, the Lingaraja temple, is nearby. Official Address
Papanasini Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odissa The temple is surrounded by Banesvara Siva temple in east, Maitresvara temple in south and the Papanasini compound wall in north and west. Architectural features (Plan and Elevation): On plan, the temple has a square vimana that measures 2.50 square metres. On elevation, the vimana is of pidha order measuring 4.16 metres in height. With fivefold divisions of the bada the temple has a panchanga bada that measures 2.06 metres in height (pabhaga 0.55 metres, talajangha 0.40 metres, bandhana 0.23 metres, upara jangha 0.42 metres and baranda 0.46 metres). Gandi 1.15 metres and mastaka measures 0.95 metres. Raha niche & parsva devatas: The parsvadevata niches in north, west and eastern walls measure 0.40 metres in height x 0.28 metres in width x 0.10 metres depth. All the niches are empty. The Papanasini Siva temple is located in the Papanasini precinct, Badheibanka Chowk, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, at an elevation of 45 feet (14 m). The temple faces towards the south. It is an abandoned temple and the sactum is empty. The temple is made of laterite. Official Address
Patali Srikhetra, Subarnapur, Odissa Patali Srikhetra is a famous place with significant historical importance for Subarnapur district and Odisha. This religious place is associated with Shaktism, Buddhism and Vaishnavism. It is located in the foot of Trikut Hill at Kotsamalai of the Birmaharajpur subdivision of Subarnapur district, Odisha, India.It widely believed that the idol of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were kept hiding in the caves of the Trikut for a period of 144 years. Official Address
Patalesvara Siva Temple – III, Bhubaneswar, Odissa Patalesvara Siva Temple – III is a Siva temple located on the Mandir Chowk of Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The temple dates to the 13th century AD. Patalesvara Siva Temple – III is situated on the left side of the Lingaraja temple eastern gateway and it is situated on the Mandir Chowk of Old Town area in Bhubaneswar. The temple is facing towards east and the presiding deity is a circular yonipitha with a Siva-lingam. The temple is made of sandstone. The sanctum is 2.59 m below the present road level which is provided with seventeen steps leading down the sanctum. Official Address
Patalesvara Siva Temple – II, Bhubaneswar, Odissa Patalesvara Siva Temple – II is a Shiva temple located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. This temple dates back to the 10th/11th century and is partly buried and broken. Patalesvara Siva temple is located on the right side of the Talabazar road leading from Kedara-Gouri temple to Lingaraja temple.The geographical coordinates are Lat. 20°14’41″ N., Long. 85° 50’ 06″E., The temple is at an elevation of 75 feet. Official Address
Patalesvara Siva temple – I, Bhubaneswar, Odissa Patalesvara Siva Temple – I is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Old Town, Bhubaneswar. This temple dates back to 13th century, and belongs to the Ganga era. At present, this temple is situated inside the compound wall of a private residence. The geographical location of the temple is Lat-20° 14’48” N, Long 85°51’28” E. The elevation is 70 ft. Patalesvarasiva temp-I is situated on the left side of the Kedara-Gouri road (leading from Parsuramesvara temple to Bindusagar) at a distance of 200 m westof Parsuramesvara and 50.00 m north-west of Champakesvara temple in Old Town, Bhubaneswar Official Address
Paschimesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odissa The Paschimesvara Siva Temple is located in Badu Sahi, Old town Bhubaneswar- the temple city of India. This temple dates back to the 8th century AD, and belongs to the Bhauma Epoch. The superstructure of the temple has collapsed since long. However, information about the temple can be gathered from the stylistic features of the detached sculptures of Karttikeya, Ganesa,Parvati and Narsimha. What is present now, is a lingam over a heap of stones.A flight of steps leading to the lingam from the west suggest that the temple originally faced the west. The temple is surrounded by the Markendesvara Siva Temple in the west at a distance of 15.5 meters, Akhdachandi in the northwest corner at a distance of 2 meters, Bindusagar in the east at a distance of 1.5 meters and private residential buildings in the south. The stones that make up the temple remnants are mostly sandstone and laterite. The construction style is dry masonry. It is situated on the south-western embankment of the Bindusagar lake, hence the locals call the shrine Paschim(meaning west)esvara Siva. The geographical coordinates of the temple are Lat-20°14’46, Long-85°50’02. The elevation is 61 ft. Official Address
Pabaneswara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odissa Official Address
Nilkantheswar Shiva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Nilakanthesvara Shiva Temple is a temple in Orissa, India, located on the western embankment of the Bindusagar tank. It is situated on the left side of the lane branching from the road leading from Kedar Gouri chowk to the Vaitaḷa deuḷa in Bhubaneswar, the capital state of Orissa. The temple faces east. The temple’s enshrining deity is a circular yoni pitha with a chlorite Siva lingam. The temple is made out of sandstone. The present temple is a recent construction over the remains of an earlier one. The building material is old but the entire structure now has cement plaster and an enamel point. Nilakanthesvara Shiva Temple was built in the 10th century according to the Kalingan architectural design. Sandstone has been chiefly employed for construction of the temple. The interior of the temple is made of dry masonry with cement plaster. The temple facing the eastern side enshrines the deity is a circular yoni pitha with a Shivalingam made of chlorite. The Shivalingam has been installed on the northern side of the temple. The temple is adorned with a square vimana of 4.30 square metres. The frontal porch of the shrine measures 4.90 metres. The vimana is a pidha deul consisting of a bada, gandi and mastaka. From the pabhaga to the mastaka the temple measures almost 4.55 metres in height. The bada consists of threefold division and measures 2.05 metres in height. The pabhaga measures 0.63 metres, the jangha is of 1.18 metres and the baranda measures 0.24 metres. The temple has been kept simple excluding the Udyota simha above raha pagas of each wall that has been decorated elaborately. Three horizontal tiers have been used to build the gandi measuring 1.50 metres. The mastaka comprises of ghanta, khapuri, beki, amlaka, kalasa and trisula. The Jagamohana has been erected in front of the vimana on the eastern side of the wall of the temple. Nilakanthesvara Shiva Temple is enclosed by a compound wall measuring 9.50 metres in length, 1.48 metres height and 0.40 metres thick. It is made of laterite and has two entrance doors. The temple has been decked with raha niches measuring 1.47 metres in height, 0.32 metres wide and 0.12 metres deep. An idol of a four armed Lord Ganesha has been erected in the raha niche on the southern side. The image stands on top of a lotus pedestal in tribhanga pose. With his upper right hand he holds a nagapasa and his lower right hand is in varada mudra. The other two hands are broken. A four armed idol of Lord Kartikeya standing over a lotus pedestal is built in the western raha niche. With his lower left hand he holds a damaru and with his upper left hand he holds a cock. The upper right hand is kept on the beak of his mount peacock and the lower right hand is broken. The raha niche on the northern side houses the idol of Parvati with a four arms. With her lower left hand she holds a conch shell and with her lower right hand she holds a nagaphasa. With her upper right hand she holds a baranda while with her upper left hand she holds a mace. Apart from these structures the temple has been further embellished with decorative doorjambs that measure 1.70 metres in x 0.90 metres. An image of Gajalaxmi seated in lalitasana is erected in the lintel. The deity is four armed and carries a lotus in her left arm. Her right arm depicts varada mudra. Nilakanthesvara Shiva Temple celebrates the festival of Sankranti and Shivaratri on a grand scale. Devotees from far of places visit the temple during the festive seasons. The temple can be reached from Keonjhar by road. One can travel in a private or hired vehicle to reach there. Keonjhar is connected to all major cities of Orissa through roads and railways. Nilakantheswar’ is one of the several names of Lord Shiva. The word Nilakantheswar means ‘someone whose throat is blue in colour.’ It has been derived from two words ‘Nila’ and ‘Kantha’. In Oriya language ‘Nila’ means ‘blue’ and ‘Kantha’ means ‘throat’. According to a legend during ‘Samudra Manthan’ i.e. churning of the ocean several objects were drowned in the river. Lord Shiva is said to have drunk the poison from the ocean to save the world from its effect. The poison remained in this throat which turned blue in colour. Hence, he is known as Nilakantheswar. Official Address
Nagesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Nagesvara Temple is an abandoned Hindu temple located in the village of Bhubaneswar. It is situated on the western right bank of the Lingaraja West Canal at a distance of 10.35 metres (34.0 ft) west of Subarnesvara Siva Temple, located across the canal. Nagesvara Temple is located in the midst of a residential/agricultural area within the village of Bhubaneswar. It stands facing east on a platform that is 5.6 metres (18 ft) wide by 5.0 metres (16.4 ft) deep by 0.4 metres (1.3 ft) high. The temple itself rises to a height of 8.15 metres (26.7 ft). The garbha griha of the temple is empty.Nevertheless, the sculptural embellishments on the outer wall of the temple suggest that the temple was originally dedicated to lord Siva. The temple incorporates numerous niches for statuary, although the statuary itself is no longer extant. The exterior of the temple is made from ochrous sandstone (resembling the material of the Mukteshvara Temple) that is ornately carved in the style of the Kalinga Kingdom. Official Address
Narayani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Narayani Temple is dedicated to ten armed goddess Narayani or Lakshmi and is located in Narayani village situated near Khalikote, Orissa, India. The temple is popular for Durga Puja and a fair held in the Indian month of Chaitra. The temple was renovated by the zamindars of Khalikote in the early 18th century. The style of the temple is a Khakhara Deula, like Vaital Deula. It is supposed to have existed before 12th Century AD. The temple is known for the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside’ including Chilika Lake. The visible parts of the temple measure 6.75 metres in length and 4.35 metres in width. The bada that is visible has threefold division namely pabhaga with three mouldings (0.85 metres), Jangha (1.55 metres) and baranda (0.33 metres).The khura is inscribed in south wall decorated with four decorated vertical pilasters with chaitya medalions as similar with south wall bada of the vaital temple. The eastern wall is decorated with two vertical pilasters on either sides of raha niche. Within the pilaster there is a subsidiary niche with scroll works measures 0.35 metres height x 0.22 metres width and 0.05 metres in depth decorated with elephant and lion heads surmounted by lotus design. The niche crowned with a vajramundi at the center of which a peeping human face. Above the niche there is a stylised chaitya. The baranda portion decorated with muktalobhi hansa flanked by two stylised chaitya. The jagamohana is a rectangular hall in shape decorated with three baluster windows, one measures 1.20 metres in height and 1.00 metres in width except this the jagamohana is devoid of ornamentation. The jambs of niche is decorated with three vertical bands of scroll works like lotus leaf, beaded design and floral motif from exterior to interior flanked by two vertical pilasters. At the base and top of the pilaster decorated with ghata pallava with scroll design. The temple is totally buried from three sides only eastern side excarated which is visible originally temple has doorjambs but at present it was buried. Lat. 20014’35″ N., Long. 850 50’ 06″E., Elev. 75 ft Narayani temple is situated within the precinct of Bhabani Sankara temple which is located on the left side of the Tala Bazar road leading from Lingaraja temple to Bindusagar. It is 15.00 metres east of Sari deul, 20.00 metres north-east of Suka temple, 5.00 metres Northeast of Arjuneswara temple and behind the Bhabani Sankar temple. The temple was totally buried and was partly exposed by an excavation conducted by Debala Mitra Official Address
Nilamadhav Temple, Nayagarh, Odisha Sri Nilamadhava Temple is very old and famous Vishnu temple which is near to the bank of Mahanadi, in Kantilo. which is present near to the twin hills with a surrounding forests. A permanent flow of holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava. Lord Siddheswar is also present which are the highlights of the place.Lord Nilamadhav occupies a central position in the cult of Lord Jagannath.Even now also Lord Nilamadhava shrine is present on the right side of Lakshmi temple in Puri Jagannath Temple. It all initiated in a small cave in the Brahmadri hills situated on the banks of Mahanadi, which is known as Kantilo of Nayagarh district today. Here, Biswabasu the local Sabara Chief worshipped Kitung, as the God was known in the Sabara dialect. According to the Puranas, the deity was originally worshipped in the form of an Indranila gem image known as “Nilamadhava”. The daru murty came much later.Located near the confluence of three rivers Mahanadi, Kuanria and Kusumi the temple structure is like the Jagannath temple of Puri. It stands on the right bank of Mahanadi. It is called triveni sangam of Odisha. As there is Beni-Madhava in Prayag, so as here Nilamadhava. Kantilo is situated near the river bank of Mahanadi which comes in a block called Khandapada, in Nayagarh District.Nearest railway station is Nayagarh Town and nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. It is advisable that if you are planning to come by train its better get down at Bhubaneswar station because from there you will get frequent buses to Kantilo. Roads are connected to Kantilo which offer regular bus services. It is 73 km from state capital Bhubaneswar and 33 km from Nayagarh District. Official Address
Narayana Gosain Temple, Jajpur, Odisha Narayan Gosain Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Singhapur Village in Jajpur district of Orissa, India which is dedicated to the god Vishnu (Narayana Gosain). The idol of Lord Narayana is kept in a pond known as Madhutirtha Kshetra throughout the year except for three days. Devotees from far off places visit the temple during the annual ceremony known as Singhapur yatra. During the festival the King of Madhupurgarh first worships the Lord on the bank of the pond. Following this the devotees partake in the ceremony. Earlier the rituals were carried out by the Raja of Madhupurgarh. It was last carried out by the Late Raja His Highness Krishna Prakash Dhir Narendra Singh. However, since 2007 the rituals are conducted by the saints of the temples. Narayana Gosain Temple is well connected by all modes of transport. It is located at a distance of 20 kms from NH5 that runs between Chennai and Howrah. Buses plying from Bhubaneswar to Jajpur halt at Jaraka and Kuakhia stoppage. Tourists can avail suitable transport for the temple from there. The nearest railhead is at Jajpur Keonjhar Road or Byasanagar. As per a legend, a Muslim invader, after destroying numerous temples and Hindu images, reached the region in the 16th century. The then King of Madhupurgarh, hid the central image in the pond to save the idol from Kalapahad. A few years later, Vishnu appeared to the King and asked him to take the image out of the pond and worship and then to be kept back safely. This happened during Mahavisuva Sankranti or Pana Sankranti period. Since then annually, the image is taken out of the pond on the Pana Sankranti day and worshipped for three days. The icon of Narayana Gosain is kept underwater in a pond near the temple, Madhutirtha Kshetra, except for three days in a year. People gather on these three days to ctach its glimpse. This annual ceremony is known as Singhapur yatra. This has been a practice here for more than four centuries. According to the tradition, first the King of Madhupurgarh comes and offers prayers to the Lord on the bank of the pond as Narayan Gosain is the presiding deity of the king. After the King’s puja and prayer, thousands of devotees take part in the ceremony every year. Since the Raja Birbar Krishna Prakash Dhir Narendra Singh had no son, he had made a public announcement near the pond that, in future, his elder heir and daughter, the Queen of Madhupurgarh, Rani Aparna Dhir Singh will offer the seva puja and pushpanjali to Narayana Gosain. In April 2007, the seva puja was offered by her in his presence and after his death in December 2007, the seva puja and the administration of the deity is being done by Rani Aparna Dhir Narendra Singh and her team of pujaris. Official Address
Nrusinghanath Temple, Bargarh, Odisha Sri Nrusinghanath, the great temple of Odisha in India, is situated at the foot hills of Gandhamardhan Hill near Paikmal, Bargarh. The King of Patnagarh, Baijal Singh Dev, laid the foundation of this historic temple in 1313 A.D. It is only 45 feet in height, divided into two parts: the first being the seat of the Lord Nrusinghnath, the second allotted to Jagamohan (antechamber having 3 gates and each supported by 4 pillars. Around six hundred years ago, a woman Jamuna Kandhuni as referred in the book “Nrusingha Charitra” composed a Kavya that sings the glory of Marjara Keshari in regard to suppression and repression of torture and tyranny of Musika Daitya. According to the legend, when people were greatly afflicted by Musika Daitya (the incarnate Mouse Demon), Vishnu Mani in the appearance(Incarnation) of Marjara Keshari, in His Feline Form, ran to eat the demonic mouse form – Musika Daitya who never came out from the tunnel and Marjara Keshari waited from that day. The temple is reputed from that day with this mythological history. This story is symbolic of the grounding the demonic evil power of tyranny and torture that never dared to come out further and Lord Nrusinghnath alias Marjara Keshari has been guarding it since then. According to Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, this place was a centre of Buddhist scriptural learning. Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity of Orissa and a great fair is held in his honour on the 14th day of bright fortnight in the month of Vaisakha. According to Oriya and Devnagari inscriptions, the temple was built by Baijal Dev in the early 15th century AD. The temple is constructed in Orissan style of architecture. Official Address
Mahavinayak Temple, Jajpur, Odisha Mahavinayak Temple is a major pilgrimage center in Chandikhole in Jajpur district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the oldest Ganesha temples in the state. Five gods – Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Sun and Ganesha – are worshiped as one deity in a single Garbhagrihaor sanctum sanctorum there.Lord Ganesha’s one other name is ‘Binayak’.For this the temple name is Mahavinayak,but this place is popularly known as a Shiva Khestra.So this is a different place from others. The Mahavinayak temple is a place of mythological and historical importance. This temple was constructed by the kings of the Keshari Dynasty of Odisha during the 12th century. Rati Devi, the wife of Kamadev, is worshiped there for her devotion that led to the release of her husband from the curse of Lord Shiva. While she was praying to Lord Ganesh, five hands simultaneously stretched out towards her to receive her offering, putting her in a dilemma. She then prayed to Bramha who clarified that the five Gods, Ganesh, Sun, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga, had been pleased with her prayer and simultaneously stretched their hands to receive her offering. Kamadev was released thereafter, and that day a large granite stone emerged from the earth, containing the divine power of the five Gods. This place is also related to Mahabharat legends. The Baruna hill area was the capital of Yudhisthira. From this place, he left for heaven by handing the royal charges of his empire to a teli (an oilman whom he saw first before dawn) who later became the king. His palace was named as Teligarh and the remains of his palace can still be seen on the opposite side of the temple. During the Mahabharat battle, mother Kunti also offered Golden Champa flower to Lord Shiva from this place for the victory of her sons.It is also said that the detached head of Lord Ganesha fell at this location. According to a legend when Lord Shiv cut the head of Lord Ganesha,his detached head fell in this place so the another name is called Vinayak Khestra.An another legend tells that at the time of Mahabharata battle, Mata Kunti also offered one lakh swarna Champa flowers to Lord Shiva from this place for the victory of her sons. The Mahavinayak Temple is located in Chandikhole, in Jajpur district.The first adjoining foothill base, hosts the temple of Goddess Chandi, and in the second foothill base is the temple of Mahavinayak. Both have perennial springs (named Golden Spring) with pucca swimming ponds for bathing. In the middle of the hill, just above the Mahavinayak temple, is another temple dedicated to Maa Banadurga. Reaching Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur by road Way Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole is 4 k.m from Chandikhole Chhak and Chandikhole is 40 k.m far from the old city Cuttack and 61 k.m from the capital city Bhubaneswar. The road is from Cuttack towards Bhadrak on NH-5(A). Distance of Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole from Cuttack is thus 40 Km Distance of Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole from Bhubaneshwar is 61 Km Nearest main Railway station from Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur is Cuttack Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole is 44 k.m away from Cuttack main Railway station and 6 k.m away from two small stations Railway station Haridaspur and Dhanamandal. Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur by Air Way Nearest airport from Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur is This place is 65 k.m far from Bhubaneswar Air port (Biju patanaik International airport). Official Address
Maa Ugra Tara,Khordha, Odisha The Goddess Ugratara (Odia: ମା ଉଗ୍ରତାରା)is the tutelary deity of Eastern Ganga dynasty Gajapati kings. Her ancient temple lies 65 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. The icon of Mother Tara is Chaturbhuja, holding potent weapons in her hands. She is very popular as Ugratara due to her fierce aspect, but benevolent to the adorers. There is a railway station named Bhushandapur in Khordha district. This temple is located in between Rameswar Chowk and Chandpur(Tangi Block) in NH 5 and 55 km from Bhubaneswar towards Balugaon and 35 km from Balugaon towards Bhabanewar. It is beautiful natured location for picnic and also for movie shooting. Maa Ugratara is the deity of entire Tangi block. Nearby, there is a village named Bhusandpur is the largest village among Odisha.This place is famous for fisherman’s ground,because Chilika lake is nearby to this village. The icon of Mother Tara is Chaturbhuja, holding potent weapons in her hands. She is very popular as Ugratara due to her fierce aspect, but benevolent to the adorers. Ugra Tara was the presiding and the protecting Goddess of the fort of Mulajhargarh, which was just in the border of Chilika lake. Even though in course of time this fort of Odisha has been lost to oblivion still then Goddess Ugra Tara, the deity of the fort, worshipped by Brahmin priests under Tara Mantra and offered with cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, preserve Her glory and popularity and still continues as the presiding Goddess of coastal Odisha. Tara is synonymous with Omkar, the five components of Omkar are – A, U, M, Nada and Bindoo. The Mantra propitiating Tara has also five Bijas (seed words). Her companion is Aksobhya, Sri Sadasiva. The visionary of the Mantra is Aksobhya Rsi, the Mantra is metered in Brihati Chanda, its presiding deity is Sri Tara Devata, its Bija is Hum and Phat, the remaining alphabates are the Kilaka, the Viniyogah is linked to the achievements of four Purusarthas i.e Artha, Dharma, Kama and Mokhya. According to another Tantric procedure, Hrim is the Bija, Hrum is the Sakti and Strim is the Kilak. Official Address
Mausimaa Temple, Ganjam, Odisha Mausimaa Temple is an ancient shrine in Ganjam District of Orissa. The temple can be approached by road from Bhubaneswar (140 km) and Chhatrapur (102 km). The nearest railway station is at Berhampur (88 km). It is about 8 km from Bhanja Nagar.The presiding deity of the temple is aunty (Mother’s Sister) of Lord Jagannath. The temple celebrates its festival during the Rath Yatra held in the Jagannath Temple (Puri). Upper Bagh Devi Temple and Ratneswar Mahadev temple are important shrines nearby.This temple is located in Kullada, a village also famous for its Bagdevi temple in Ganjam district. Puri is one of the majestic places. The serene land is ornamented with gorgeous beaches, rolling surf of Bay of Bengal, and the temples, which make Puri one of the sacred places. The Shree temple is quite known to the world. With Lord Jagannath adorning the throne of the Shree temples with his siblings, it is one of the most sought after pilgrimage site in India. However, along with this, there is another famous temple- Mausi Maa Temple. It is situated in the midway at Grand Road in Puri, the temple is dedicated to Mausi Maa. The literal meaning of Mausi means ‘Aunt’ (mother’s sister) and ‘Maa’ means mother. This could be stated that it is the temple of Aunt mother of Lord Jagannath. There is another name for the Goddess Mausi Maa- Ardhasini. According to a tale, she drank half of the seawater to save Puri from drowning in floods. And therefore got the name Ardhasini. According to another belief, Ardhasini along with Kapalmochna Shiva are the day and night guardians of Shree Temple and Puri Town. The temple is closely associated with Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival. Mausima temple is facing towards south and closely associated with the Car festival of Lord Jagannath. As per the rituals of Car Festival, on the day of Bahuda Jatra (return car festival day), the chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra are pulled directly to the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate of Jagannath Temple), whereas the chariot of Jagannath stops in front of Mausima temple for a while. Here, Lord Jagannth accepts his favorite rice cake known as ‘Poda Pitha’ from his aunt. Other festivals like Mahasaptami, Mahasaptami, Mahanavami are also observed in Ardhasini temple. Official Address
Markandeshwar Temple, Puri, Odisha Markandeshwar Temple is a place where sage Markandeya meditated on lord Shiva. He saw a small child on a banyan leaf floating on the sea and wondered upon. Finally lord Vishnu assured him from the doubt. The ancient Markandeswar Shiva Temple is situated in the Markandeswar street by the side of the Markandeswar tank, to the north of the Jagannath temple, Puri. This place can be approached on the right side of Markandeswar road leading from Markandeswar chowk to Puri-Brahmagiri road. Markandeya tank is an open structure and it enclosed within a stone wall made of dressed laterite blocks. Bathing ghats are provided for the tourists in southern side of the tank. The tank is used for rituals as well as for normal bathing. Rituals like Pinda Dana, Mundan Kriya etc. are observed on the steps of the tank. Both Markandeswar temple and Markandeswar tank can be dated back to the 12th century AD. Puri became an important center of pilgrimage by the 12th century. The history in Puri also proves that Sri Ramanuja visited Puri during 1107 and 1117. The ancient Markandeswar Shiva Temple is situated in the Markandeswar street by the side of the Markandeswar tank, to the north of the Jagannath temple, Puri. This place can be approached on the right side of Markandeswar road leading from Markandeswar chowk to Puri-Brahmagiri road. Markandeya tank is an open structure and it enclosed within a stone wall made of dressed laterite blocks. Bathing ghats are provided for the tourists in southern side of the tank. The tank is presently used for rituals as well as for normal bathing. Rituals like Pinda Dana, Mundan Kriya etc. are observed on the steps of the tank. Both Markandeswar temple and Markandeswar tank can be dated back to the 12th century AD. Puri became an important center of pilgrimage by the 12th century. The history in Puri also proves that Sri Ramanuja visited Puri during 1107 and 1117. Markandeshwar Temple is a place where sage Markandeya meditated on lord Shiva. He saw a small child on a banyan leaf floating on the sea and wondered upon. Finally lord Vishnu assured him from the doubt. Markandeswar temple is also known as Markandesvara Temple, Markandeya Shiva Temple and Markandeswara Mahadeva Temple. This temple is facing towards east and the presiding deity is a Sivalinga. This temple is connected with the rituals of Chandan yatra, Balabhadra Janma, Ashram Bije, Sital Sasthi, Kaliyadalan etc. of the Jaganath temple. Festivals like Janmastami, Risi Panchami, Rakhi Purnima, Sivaratri Amabasya, Sankranti, Narasimha Chaturdasi etc. are also observed with great devotion at this temple. This place is one of the Pancha Tirthas of Puri and also one of the fifty two sacred Shiva places of the country. Official Address
Manikeshwari Temple, Bhawanipatna, Odisha Manikeswari is one of the popular Hindu deity in Orissa. There are many Manikeswari temples present in Western and Southern part of Orissa.Manikeswari temple in Bhawanipatna is well recognized in Orissa. Manikeswari is also the primary deity associated with the royal family of Paralakhemundi in Gajapati. Chhatar Jatra is one of the most popoular festival of Manikeswari at Bhawanipatna.Khandasadhaka is a festival associated with Manikeswari in Paralakhemundi.Bhawanipatna is a city and district headquarter of the Kalahandi district in the Indian state of Odisha. Bhawanipatna is a city of numerous temples dedicated to different deities of Hindu pantheon. It is named after the presiding deity, Bhawani-Shankar. Bhawanipatna municipality is the administrative head of the city, which is divided into twenty wards with different sub-areas called para (pronounced “padaa”). Originally, these paras were inhabited by people of different communities, but over the last few decades, these Paras have become homogeneous. Bhawanipatna has more than forty-two paras. It is one of the biggest urban areas of western part of Odisha. Manikeswari is one of the popular Hindu deity in Orissa. There are many Manikeswari temples present in Western and Southern part of Orissa. Manikeswari temple in Bhawanipatna is well recognized in Orissa. Manikeswari is also the primary deity associated with the royal family of Paralakhemundi in Gajapati. Chhatar Jatra is one of the most popoular festival of Manikeswari at Bhawanipatna. Khandasadhaka is a festival associated with Manikeswari in Paralakhemundi. The deity of Chakrakotamandala comprising present days Kalahandi, Koraput and Bastar was Manikya debi or Manikeswari around 10th century A.D. Later on Kalahandi king Harichandra Deo struggled and died because of which his pregnant queen left for her father’s house in Gadapur, Phulbani. Some part of Phulbani was part of Mahakantara in ancient time and Chakrakota Mandala. Though capital of Chakrakotamandala is still being debated, it is clear that it has many similar with Kamala Mandala, another ancient name of Kalahandi, Manikya Devi came to Gadapur perhaps due to influence of Chakrakota Mandala. Later on, queen along with her son, Ramchandra Deo returned with Manikya Debi or Manikeswari as per Kalahandi’s public request that time. Manikeswari was brought from Gadapur (Phulbani) around 1200 A.D and it was located in Kalahandi. Manikeswari was also popularized by Suryabansi Gajapati in 15th -16th century in Puri region. Purushottam Dev Gajapati considered Manikeswari as consort of Lord Jagannath and made a shrine of Manikeswari at Chilika, now doesn’t exist. Manikeswari is royal family deity of Parlakhemundi. Manikeswari was installed in Bhawanipatna much later around 1849 AD during shifting of the capital from Junagarh. Some people also mention Manikeswari in Thumaul Rampur as Adipitha and Devi was brought to Bhawanipatna from there. Uditnarayan Deo laid the foundation of the present modern temple in Bhawanipatna and it was completed in 1947 by Brajamohan Deo. Manikeswari was associated with Kalahandi history as a goddess of wealth, Manik, since 10th century. There is some debate to relate Manikeswari with Stambeswari temple in Asurgarh-Narla around 5-6th century as well as Maningeeswari in Banapur in Puri. There are many Manikeswari worshiping locations in many place of Orissa and Chhattisgarh, especially in undivided districts of Koraput, Phulbani-Boudh, Bolangir-Sonepur, Ganjam-Gajapati, Angul-Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, etc. due to influence by various rulers. Though Manikeswari has lots of historical significance in Orissa and Chhattisgarh, it is not yet fully come to lime light. BY FLIGHT Instead of Bhawanipatna you can a get flight to Raipur Airport on regular basis.218 km away Raipur Airport (RPR), Raipur, Chhattisgarh249 km away-Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ), Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh BY TRAIN There are no regular trains from other major cities to Bhawanipatna. Nearest train station is Bhawanipatna. 3 km awayBhawanipatna (BWIP), Bwip, Odisha 7 km away-Depur P.H. (DPUR), Dpur, Odisha BY BUS Bhawanipatna is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular busesBus Station(s): Bhawanipatna , Bhawanipatna Official Address
Manibhadresvara Temple – II, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Manibhadresvara Temple – II is an abandoned Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. Its elevation is 74 feet (23 m). Its typology is Rekha deul in the Kalingan style. The temple is surrounded by Paramaguru temple, shops, a well and residential buildings. The temple faces east. On plan, the temple has a square vimana that measures 2.20 square meters. On elevation, the temple is a triratha that measures 4.20 m in height. Pabhaga is buried, jangha 1.00 m, gandi 3.00 m, mastaka 0.20 m. The amalaka stone is broken. Decorative features include door jams that measure 1.20 m in height x 0.90 m in width, a plain lintel. It is built with grey sandstoneusing dry masonry. It is privately owned by Rabindra Kumar Paramaguru. Its architectural features indicate that it was formed in the 8th century. It is situated on the left side of the Rath Road branching from Mausima (Ramesvara) temple to Badheibanka Chowk. The temple now stands on private land. Official Address
Manibhadresvara Siva Temple – I, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Manibhadresvara Siva temple is located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. It was built around 14th century A.D. and is located at Latitude of 20 degree 14’ 45″ N., Longitude of 85 degree 50’ 14″ E.,and Elevation of 55 ft and is situated in the eastern embankment of Bindusagar tank. It is on the right side of the road branching from Kedara-Gouri to Lingaraja temple. The enshrined deity is a Siva-lingam within a circular yoni pitha at the centre of sanctum. The temple is facing towards north On plan, the temple has a pidha Vimana measuring 1.70 square mtrs and stands on a low pista with a height of0.38 mtrs. On elevation, the vimana has bada,gandi and mastaka measuring 2.42 mtrs in height from bottom to thetop. With threefold division of the bada the temple has a trianga bada measuring 1.26 meters height. Thepabhaga,jangha and baranda measures 0.38 mtrs, 0.71 mtrs and 0.17 mtrs in height respectively. The gandimeasures 1.00 mtrs and mastaka 0.16 mtrs in height. Official Address
Mangalesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Mangalesvara Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. It is located at Lat- 20◦ 14’ 38″ N., Long- 85◦ 50’ 38″ E., and at an elevation of 45 ft. It is a Precinct and the typology is rekha and pidha. Earlier it was used for worshipping but now it is a living temple. It is surrounded by Papanasini tank in north at a distance 6.70 metres, the compound wall of Papnasini tank in west and south and a shop in east. Orientation: The temple is facing towards east the temple has a square vimana measuring 3.30 square metres and a square jagamohana measuring 4.50 square metres. The ganthiala measures 0.40 metres in length. The sanctum of vimana measures 1.20 square metres and that of jagamohana measures 2.50 square metres. On elevation, the vimana is of rekha order that measures 8.14 metres in height form pabhaga to mastak. The temple has a bada gandi and mastaka. With fivefold divisions of the bada of the vimana it measures 2.44 metres. At the bottom the pabhaga has five base mouldings of khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta that measures 0.61 metres in height, talajangha measures 0.45 metres, bandhana 0.21 metres, upara jangha 0.58 metres and baranda measures 0.59 metres. The gandi of the vimana measures 3.70 metres in height with a central raha and a pairs of anuratha and kanika pagas are either sides of raha. The mastaka of the vimana measures 2.00 metres in height. The bada of the jagamohana also has fivefold divisions measuring 2.20 metres in height. Pabhaga has five base mouldings of khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta measuring 0.57 metres in height, talajangha 0.53 metres, bandhana 0.13 metres, upara jangha 0.52 metres and baranda 0.45 metres. Gandi and mastaka of jagamohana measures 1.60 metres and 1.85 metres respectively. While the vimana has a curvilinear spire, the jagamohana has a pyramidal gandi has two potalas separated by a recess kanthi. The lower potala has three tiers whereas the upper potalahas two tiers. There are two balustrared windows in the bada of northern and southern walls of jagamohana. Raha niche & parsva devatas: The parsvadevata niches are located on the raha paga of the talajangha on the three sides of north, west and south measure 0.60 metres in height x 0.30 metres in width x 0.15 metres in depth. All are empty. The doorjambs have three plain vertical bands that measures 1.60 metres in height x 1.28 metres in width. At the base of the doorjambs there are dvarapala niches with pidhamundis measures 0.22 metres in height x 0.11 metres in width holds tridents. At the lalatbimba Laxmi is in Padmasana holding lotus in her both hands. The doorjamb of Jagamohana measures 1.63 metres x 1.12 metres. It has three plain vertical bands in each side and at the base of the doorjamb there are Saivite dvarapalas. The dvarapala niches measuring 0.20 metres in height x 0.10 metres in width. The dvarapalas hold trident in their left hand and their right hand is in varada mudra. At the lalatabimba Laxmi isseated in Padmasana and the deity holds lotus in her both hands. The temple is public property. Taranisen Batu is the priest of this temple and its architectural features suggest that it was built in the 14th century AD. The temple is located in the precinct of the Papanasini River and on the southern embankment. The temple faces east and the enshrined deity is a circular yonipitha. The Lingam is absent. The temple is 1.60 metres below the present street level. cultural functions such as Sankranti, Sivaratri and Jalabhiseka are performed. Official Address
Mahakala-Mahakali Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Mahakala-Mahakali Temple was built around 11th century A.D. and is located at Latitude of- 20 degree 14’ 26″ N., Longitude of- 85 degree 50’ 05″ E and Elevation of- 71 ft. It is situatedted beyond the eastern compound wall of Lingaraja temple on the right side of the temple road leading to Hatasahi, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is a shrine without a superstructure. The presiding deity is a Siva-lingam within a square yonipitha at a depth of 4.00 m below the present ground level. The shrine with stone walls is open to the sky. Close to the main deity is another small Siva lingam within another yonipitha which is known as Mahakali, while the central lingam is known as Mahakala. .According to the local tradition they are the parents of Lord Lingaraja. Official Address
Madneswar Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Madanesvara Siva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva built around 12th century CE. It is situated on the left side of the Mahavir Lane branching from Garage Chowk in Santarapur to Sisupalgarh. The enshrined deity is a Siva lingam within a circular yonipitha(basement). It is a broken shrine, and at present, only the Pabhaga portion is available. The temple is surrounded by residential buildings on three sides of north, west and east and the road in the south. The temple faces east and has a square sanctum. The superstructure has collapsed since long and the renovated pabhaga with five mouldings which include khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta is currently in existence. Official Address
Taratarini Temple, Ganjam, Odisha Taratarini Temple on the Kumari hills at the bank of the River Rushikulya near Brahmapur city in Ganjam District, Odisha, India is worshiped as the Breast Shrine (Sthana Peetha) and manifestations of Adi Shakti. The Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of the Mother Goddess and is one of four major ancient Tantra Peetha and Shakti Peethas in India. The mythological texts recognize four major Shakti Peethas: Tara Tarini (Stana Khanda), near Brahmapur; Bimala (Pada Khanda) inside the Jagannath Temple, Puri; Kamakhya (Yoni Khanda), near Guwahati; and Dakshina Kalika (Mukha Khanda) in Kolkata. There are 52 other sacred Shakti Peethas, which originated from the limbs of Mata Sati’s corpse in the Satya Yuga. The shrine is considered as one of the most revered Shakti Peethas & Tantra Peethas and major pilgrimage centres of Shakta(Shaktism)sect of Hinduism. It is believed that the shrine is a Shakti Peetha.Shakti Peethas are holy abodes of Parashakti. This is believed to have originated from the mythological story, of falling of the body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Shivacarried it and wandered. There are 51 Shakti Peethas and 26 Upa Peethas spread across the Indian sub-continent. 51 Shakti Peethas are believed to be representing the 51 letters in Sanskrit alphabet. Sati Devi’s breasts are believed to have fallen here in Tara Tarini. The Shakti of the shrine is addressed as Maa Tara Devi. The origin of Shakti Peethas are related to the mythology of Daksha yagna and Sati’s self-immolation. The Shakti Peetha shrines lead to the development of Shaktism in India. Official Address
Lokanatha Temple, Puri, Odisha The Loknath Temple of Puri has been put up to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Therefore, this temple of Puri is also referred to as the Shiva temple of the region. According to popular belief, Lord Rama established this lingam with the help of a pumpkin. This temple of Odisha is supposed to have been established in the 11th century or the 12th century AD. The believers of the Hindu religion often come to this temple to get a glimpse of Lord Loknath. It is widely believed that he has the power to cure the common people from all types of problems related to health. The Loknath Temple at Puri is located at a distance of about 1 km from another very well reputed temple of the town called the Jagannath Temple. There are a number of popular mythical stories that are closely associated with this temple. The most well known of all the myths and legends about the Loknath Temple in Puri is related to Lord Rama, one of the most popular epic figures linked with the religion of Hinduism. The Lokanatha temple has four parts such as Vimana (Main Temple), Jagamohana (Entrance Hall), Natamandapa (Dancing Hall) and Bhogamndapa (Offering Hall). This temple is built in sand stones. The maintemple is about 30 feet from the ground level. Most portions of the main temple have been covered with marbles, so the detail architectural features of the main temple are not visible. The outer walls of the maintemple housed images of different Deities. The image of Shiva-Parbati is carved on the northern side wall. There is image of Lord Kartikeya on the eastern side wall. The image of four handed Lord Ganesha is carved on the southern side wall. All these side wall images are housed inside small temples. Many small temples are there inside the premises of Lokanatha temple. There is a small temple to the left of the inner courtyard which preserves images of Surya-Narayana and Candra-Narayana. The Satya-Narayan temple within the premises preserves images of Vishnu, Laksmi and several brass idols. On the right side of the entrance to the inner courtyard you will find a figure of Lord Hanuman. The compound of the Lokanatha temple is about 10 feet below the road level. When one enters the lokanatha temple compound by climbing down the stairs from the main road, will find a big pond (known as ParvatiSagara in local language) at your right side. Devotees wash their hands and feets in this pond before entering into the temple. This pond houses a lot of fishes. Devotees enjoying a lot by offering foods to these fishes. Lord Lokanatha’s representative image is in the Sri Jagannatha temple, known as BhandaraLokanatha. He is the guardian deity of the Ratnabhandara (treasure house) of Sri Jagannatha temple. Lokanatha is associated with Lord Jagannath in several festivals like Sivaratri, CandanYatra and SitalSasthi. The festival of Shivaratri is observed in the temple of Lokanatha with great devotion. A meeting of Hari and Hara (Siva and Vishnu) takes place on the day. On the Mahashivaratri lot of devotees arrive near the temple to offer their prayer to Lord Lokanatha with great devotion. Official Address
Lingaraja Temple, Khurda, Odisha Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is 180 ft (55 m) tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar.The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Gangarulers. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor. The temple complex has 50 other shrines and is enclosed by a large compound wall. Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra) as noted in Ekamra Purana, a 13th-century Sanskrit treatise. The temple is active in worship practises, unlike most other temples in Bhubaneswar and Shiva is worshipped as Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. The temple has images of Vishnu, possibly because of the rising prominence of Jagannath sect emanating from the Ganga rulers who built the Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century. Lingaraja temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple has an average of 6,000 visitors per day and receives lakhs of visitors during festivals. Shivaratri festival is the major festival celebrated in the temple and event during 2012 witnessed 200,000 visitors. The temple compound is not open to non-Hindus, but there is a viewing platform beside the wall offering a good view of the main exteriors. This was originally erected for a visit by Lord Curzon when Viceroy. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. James Fergusson (1808–86), a noted critic and historian rated the temple as “one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India”. It is enshrined within a spacious compound wall of laterite measuring 520 ft (160 m) by 465 ft (142 m). The wall is 7.5 ft (2.3 m) thick and surmounted by a plain slant coping. Alongside the inner face of the boundary wall, there is a terrace to protect the compound wall against outside aggression. The tower is 45.11 m (148.0 ft) high and the complex has 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard. Each inch of the 55 m (180 ft) tall tower is sculpted.The door in the gate of the entrance porch is made of sandalwood. The Lingaraja temple faces east and is built of sandstone and laterite. The main entrance is located in the east, while there are small entrances in the north and south. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana(assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), with all four in axial alignment with descending height.The dance hall was associated with the raising prominence of the devadasi system that existed during the time.The various units from the Hall of offering to the tower of the sanctum increase in height. The bhogamandapa (Hall of offering) measures 42 ft (13 m)*42 ft (13 m) from the inside, 56.25 ft (17.15 m)*56.25 ft (17.15 m) from the outside and has four doors in each of the sides. The exterior walls of the hall has decorative sculptures of men and beast. The hall has a pyramidal roof made of up several horizontal layers arranged in sets of two with intervening platform. It bears an inverted bell and a kalasa in the top.The natamandira(festival hall) measures 38 ft (12 m)*38 ft (12 m) from the inside, 50 ft (15 m)*50 ft (15 m) from the outside, has one main entrance and two side entrances. The side walls of the hall has decortive sculptures displaying women and couples. It has a flat roof sloping in stages. There are thick pylons inside the hall.The jagamohana (assembly hall) measures 35 ft (11 m)*30 ft (9.1 m) from the inside, 55 ft (17 m)*50 ft (15 m) from the outside, entrances from south and north and has a 30 metres (98 ft) tall roof. The hall has a pyramidal roof made of up several horizontal layers arranged in sets of two with intervening platform as in the Hall of offering. The facade to the entrances are decorated with perforated windows with lion sitting on hind legs. The inverted bell above second unit is adorned by kalasa and lions.The rekha deula has a 60 m (200 ft) tall pyramidal tower over the sanctum and measures 22 ft (6.7 m)*22 ft (6.7 m) from the inside, 52 ft (16 m)*52 ft (16 m) from the outside over the sanctum. It is covered with decorative design and seated lion projecting from the walls. The sanctum is square in shape from the inside. The tower walls are sculpted with female figures in different poses. The temple has a vast courtyard mired with hundreds of small shrines Lingaraja, literally means the king of Lingam, the iconic form or Shiva. Shiva was originally worshipped as Kirtivasa and later as Harihara and is commonly referred as Tribhuvaneshwara (also called Bhubaneswar), the master of three worlds, namely, heaven, earth and netherworld. His consort is called Bhuvaneshvari. The temple in its present form dates back to the last decade of the eleventh century. There is evidence that part of the temple was built during the sixth century CE as mentioned in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts.[5] Fergusson believes that the temple might have been initiated by Lalat Indu Keshari who reigned from 615 to 657 CE. The Assembly hall (jagamohana), sanctum and temple tower were built during the eleventh century, while the Hall of offering (bhoga-mandapa) was built during the twelfth century. The natamandira was built by the wife of Salini between 1099 and 1104 CE.By the time the Lingaraja temple was completely constructed, the Jagannath (form of Vishnu) sect had been growing in the region, which historians believe, is evidenced by the co-existence of Vishnu and Shiva worship at the temple. The kings of Ganga dynasty were ardent followers of Vaishnavism and built the Jagannath Temple at Puri in the 12th century. As per some accounts, the temple is believed to have been built by the Somavanshi king Yayati I (1025-1040), during the 11th century CE. Jajati Keshari shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was referred to as Ekamra Kshetra in the Brahma Purana, an ancient scripture. One of the Somavamsi queens donated a village to the temple and the Brahmins attached to the temple received generous grants. An inscription from the Saka year 1094 (1172 CE) indicates gifts of gold coins to the temple by Rajaraja II. Another inscription of Narasimha I from the 11th century indicates offer of beetel leaves as tambula to the presiding deity.Other stone inscriptions in the temple indicate royal grants from Chodaganga to the nearby village people. K.C. Panigrahi mentions that Yayti I had no time to build the temple and it should have been initiated by his sons Ananta Kesari and Udyota Kesari (believed to be other names of Yayati II as well). The argument provided against the view is that is his weak successors could not have constructed such a magnificent structure. Official Address
Lankeswari Temple, Subarnapur, Odisha Lankeswari Temple is well known for its amazing natural beauty and it is counted as one of unique tourist destinations in the Sonepur/Subarnapur district, Odisha. Lankeswari temple is a delightful shrine. Lankeswari Temple is located inside the river Mahanadi at Sonepur town, Subarnapur district, Odisha, India. Once upon a time Sonepur region was known as Paschima Lanka. Goddess Lankeswari was the presiding deity of Paschima Lanka. Now Maa Lankeswari is worshiped by the Kaivarta (fisherman) community of Sonepur and people of Subarnapur district. One can see this temple while traveling on the road connecting Ulunda, Dharmasala, Sonepur and Birmaharajpur. It is believed that the King of Lanka, mighty Ravana brought the goddess Lankeswari from Lanka to Sonepur as he had an army base in Sonepur. Sonepur is often described as Paschima Lanka or Swarnapuri Lanka or Dwitiya Lanka or Subarnapur. This is further evidence that Sonepur is a strong hold of Tantric and Shakti culture.As this area belonged to the Dakshina Kosala Kingdom, the evidence is there in Ramayana that Ravana used to attack this part frequently. Formerly the rock was worshiped as the deity, but now a structure is built. A deep gorge is formed near the hillock and it is known as Lankeswari Darha. The view of the river and town from the temple is picturesque. Sailing and fishing in the Lankeswari Darha with the local fishermen is a pleasurable experience. Official Address
Konark Sun Temple, Puri, Odisha Konark Temple is one of the famous Sun temples of Odisha. Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Odisha. It was constructed from oxidized and weathered ferruginous sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is an example of the Orissan architecture of the Ganga dynasty. The temple is one of the most renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the Seven Wonders of India (as per the poll collected by NDTV). Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna. It is said that Samba was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father’s curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honor he built the magnificent Konark Sun Temple. Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometers (22 mi) northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE. Dedicated to the Hindu ‘god Surya, what remains of the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone. Once over 200 feet (61 m) high,much of the temple is now in ruins, in particular the large shikara tower over the sanctuary; at one time this rose much higher than the mandapa that remains. The structures and elements that have survived are famed for their intricate artwork, iconography, and themes, including erotic kama and mithuna scenes. Also called the Surya Devalaya, it is a classic illustration of the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga Architecture. The cause of the destruction of the Konark temple is unclear and remains a source of controversy.Theories range from natural damage to deliberate destruction of the temple in the course of being sacked several times by Muslim armies between the 15th and 17th centuries.This temple was called the “Black Pagoda” in European sailor accounts as early as 1676 because its great tower appeared black. Similarly, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the “White Pagoda”. Both temples served as important landmarks for sailors in the Bay of Bengal.The temple that exists today was partially restored by the conservation efforts of British India-era archaeological teams. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984, it remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February. The Konark Sun Temple was built from stone in the form of a giant ornamented chariot dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. In Hindu Vedic iconography Surya is represented as rising in the east and traveling rapidly across the sky in a chariot drawn by seven horses. He is described typically as a resplendent standing person holding a lotus flower in both his hands, riding the chariot marshaled by the charioteer Aruna.The seven horses are named after the seven meters of Sanskrit prosody: Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha, and Pankti.Typically seen flanking Surya are two females who represent the dawn goddesses, Usha and Pratyusha. The goddesses are shown to be shooting arrows, a symbol of their initiative in challenging darkness.The architecture is also symbolic, with the chariot’s twelve pairs of wheels corresponding to the 12 months of the Hindu calendar, each month paired into two cycles (Shukla and Krishna). The Konark temple presents this iconography on a grand scale. It has 24 elaborately carved stone wheels which are nearly 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter and are pulled by a set of seven horses.When viewed from inland during the dawn and sunrise, the chariot-shaped temple appears to emerge from the depths of the blue sea carrying the sun. The temple plan includes all the traditional elements of a Hindu temple set on a square plan. According to Kapila Vatsyayan, the ground plan, as well the layout of sculptures and reliefs, follow the square and circle geometry, forms found in Odisha temple design texts such as the Silpasarini. This mandala structure informs the plans of other Hindu temples in Odisha and elsewhere. The main temple at Konark, locally called the deul, no longer exists. It was surrounded by subsidiary shrines containing niches depicting Hindu deities, particularly Surya in many of his aspects. The deul was built on a high terrace.The temple was originally a complex consisting of the main sanctuary, called the rekha deul, or bada deul (lit. big sanctum). In front of it was the bhadra deul (lit. small sanctum), or jagamohana (lit. assembly hall of the people) (called a mandapa in other parts of India.). The attached platform was called the pida deul, which consisted of a square mandapa with a pyramidal roof.All of these structures were square at their core, and each was overlain with the pancharatha plan containing a variegated exterior.The central projection, called the raha, is more pronounced than the side projections, called kanika-paga, a style that aims for an interplay of sunlight and shade and adds to the visual appeal of the structure throughout the day. The design manual for this style is found in the Silpa Sastra of ancient Odisha. Twice as wide as they were high, the walls of the jagamohana are 100 feet (30 m) tall. The surviving structure has three tiers of six pidaseach. These diminish incrementally and repeat the lower patterns. The pidas are divided into terraces. On each of these terraces stand statues of musician figures.The main temple and the jagamohana porch consist of four main zones: the platform, the wall, the trunk, and the crowning head called a mastaka.The first three are square while the mastaka is circular. The main temple and the jagamohanadiffered in size, decorative themes, and design. It was the main temple’s trunk, called the gandhi in medieval Hindu architecture texts, that was ruined long ago. The sanctum of the main temple is now without a roof and most of the original parts. On the east side of the main temple is the Nata mandira (lit. dance temple). It stands on a high, intricately carved platform. The relief on the platform is similar in style to that found on the surviving walls of the temple. According to historical texts, there was an Aruna stambha (lit. Aruna’s pillar) between the main temple and the Nata mandira, but it is no longer there because it was moved to the Jagannatha at Puri sometime during the troubled history of this temple. According to Harle, the texts suggest that originally the complex was enclosed within a wall 865 feet (264 m) by 540 feet (160 m), with gateways on three sides. The stone temple was made from three types of stone. Chlorite was used for the door lintel and frames as well as some sculptures. Laterite was used for the core of the platform and staircases near the foundation. Khondalite was used for other parts of the temple. According to Mitra, the Khondalite stone weathers faster over time, and this may have contributed to erosion and accelerated the damage when parts of the temples were destroyed. None of these stones occur naturally nearby, and the architects and artisans must have procured and moved the stones from distant sources, probably using the rivers and water channels near the site. The masons then created ashlar, wherein the stones were polished and finished so as to make joints hardly visible. The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum (vimana), which is estimated to have been 229 feet (70 m) tall. The main vimana fell in 1837. The main mandapa audience hall (jagamohana), which is about 128 feet (39 m) tall, still stands and is the principal structure in the surviving ruins. Among the structures that have survived to the current day are the dance hall (Nata mandira) and the dining hall The Konark Sun Temple is located in an eponymous village about 35 kilometers (22 mi) northeast of Puri and 60 kilometers (37 mi) southeast of Bhubaneswar on the Bay of Bengal coastline in the Indian state of Odisha. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport (IATA: BBI). Both Puri and Bhubaneswar are major railway hubs connected by Indian Railways’ Southeastern services. Official Address
Khirachora Gopinatha Temple, Balasore, Odisha Over 500 years ago Madhavendra Puri was going to Puri to get some sandalwood for his Sri Gopal deity in Vrindavana. After a few days in Navadvipa, Sri Puri started for Orissa. Within a few days he arrived at Remuna where Gopinatha is situated. Seeing the beauty of the Deity, Madhavendra Puri was overwhelmed. In the corridor of the temple, from which people generally viewed the Deity, Madhavendra Puri chanted and danced. Then he sat down there and asked a brahmana what kinds of foods they offered to the Deity. Madhavendra Puri thought: “I shall inquire from the priest what foods are offered to Gopinatha so that by making arrangements in our kitchen, we can also offer similar foods to Sri Gopala.” When the brahmana priest was questioned in this matter, he explained in detail the types of food that were offered to the Deity of Gopinatha. The brahmana priest said: “In the evening the Deity is offered sweet rice in twelve earthen pots. Because the taste is as good as nectar, it is named amrta keli. This sweet rice is celebrated throughout the world as gopinatha-kheer. It is not offered anywhere else in the world.” While Madhavendra Puri was talking with the brahmana priest, the sweet rice was placed before the Deity as an offering. Seeing this Madhavendra Puri thought “If, without my asking, a little sweet rice is given to me, I could then taste it and make a similar preparation to offer my Lord Gopala.” Then immediately Madhavendra Puri realised his mistake in desiring to taste the sweet rice, and he immediately repented, “I have committed an offence. I have desired to taste the preparation before it was offered to the Lord.” Thinking in this way Puri Gosvami left and went to a nearby vacant marketplace. Sitting there he began to chant. Official Address
Kedareswar Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Kedareswar Temple, one of the eight Astasambhu Temples, is near the Mukteswar Temple, in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, referred to locally by the name ‘Kedareshwar’. It is in the precinct of Kedara-Gouri on the right side of the road leading to Puri from Bhubaneswar and at a distance of 40 metres south of Muktesvara. It is one of the ten monuments within the precinct. It is the main temple of the complex. The temple is facing south and the enshrined deity is a circular yonipitha made of sandstone. The linga at the centre is missing. The sanctum is 2.5 square meters which is 0.8 meters below the present ground. It stands near the yard of the Mukteswar Temple. On plan, the temple has a vimana and jagamohana measuring 20.40 metres in length and 9.60 metres in width, with the ganthiala measuring 0.60 metres. While the vimana measures 9.60 square metres, the jagamohana measures 10.80 metres in length and 9.60 meters in width. The temple is pancharatha. On elevation, the vimana is in rekha order that measures 13.50 metres in height from pabhaga to kalasa.. With fivefold divisions of the bada, the temple has a panchanga-bada measuring 5.40 meters. At the bottom the pabhaga has five base mouldings khura, kumbha, patta, kani and basanta that measures 1.24 meters. Tala jangha measures 1.18 metres, bandhana 0.50 metres, upara jangha 1.18 metres and baranda 1.30 metres in height. The bada of the temple is decorated with beautiful sculptural embellishments. The gandi measures 5.30 metres. The mastaka is composed of usual beki, amlaka, khapuri, kalasa, and ayudha that measures 3.00 metres. The sanctum measuring 2.50 square metres is 0.70 metres below the present ground level. On elevation, the jagamohana is in pidha order. With threefold divisions of the bada, pabhaga has five base mouldings of khura, kumbha, patta, kani and basanta, measuring 1.20 metres, jangha 1.55 meters and baranda 0.75 meters. The bada is relived with niches surmounted by pidha mundis.The gandi of the jagamohana is set with eleven receding tires measuring 4.00 meters in height. Mastaka consisting of beki, ghanta, amlaka, khapuri, kalasa and ayudha measures 3 meters. There lived a couple named Kedar (male) and Gouri (female). They loved each other and decided to marry. The society was against the union, so it led them to flee from village. During the journey Gouri felt hungry, so Kedar went for food and was killed by a tiger. Later Gouri hearing this at this place jumped into the pond. The king of Utkal, Lalatendu Keshari, knowing this raised a temple named Kedareshawr or Kedargouri Temple. Still lovers come here to pray for a happy wedlock without any obstacles. The pond here is said to have some medicinal property. Official Address
Khiching, Mayurbhanj, Odisha Khiching is an ancient village Under Sukruli Block.Sukruli Is The One Of famous Place In Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, India. It is the location of the Kichakeshwari Temple made from black stone. Khiching is located about 50 km east of Keonjhargarh city 27 km west of Karanjia.There are several villages in the vicinity, including Sukruli, Kesana, Naupana, Kakharupana, Salabana, Viratagada, Kichakagada. Another nearby village is Singda. The major festival in Khiching is Sivarathri, which is celebrated over seven days. The major tourist attraction of Khiching is the Temple Of Maa Kichakeswari. The temple was constructed during the year 920/925. Goddess Kichakeshwari, which was not only ishtadevata and kuladevi of Bhanj dynasty but also the State deity of Princely State of Mayurbhanj ruled by them. The temple suffered in the hand of Vandals. King of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanjdeo reconstructed the temple in the year 1934 spending an approximate amount of ₹ 85,000.00. Height of the temple is 100 ft (30 m) and total area is 1764sq.ft. Main temple remains closed between 12 noon to 3 PM. There is a museum constructed by Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanjdeo in the year 1922. Official Address
Maa Mangala Temple, Kakatpur, Odisha Maa Mangala Temple is a Hindu temple in Kakatpur, in the state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India. This is a 15th-century temple and a symbol of the ancient heritage of Kalinga. The holy Bay of Bengal is situated in the eastern side of the temple, the temple is situated at the eastern bank holy river “The Prachi” ,the Holy river Prachi was named as swaraswati before. The temple is reachable by the roads from cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Jagtsinghapur and paradeep which are approximately 69 km,60 km,55 km,38 km and 83 km respectively and is well connected by roads.The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar and the nearest airport is also Bhubaneswar.”Maa Mangala” is a Hindu goddess who is the manifestations of “SHAKTI”.The worship of the goddess is a part of the culture of odisha.Before she was worshiped as goddess “Tara” by Buddhist monks. But when the deity was established at kakatpur, she was worshiping as the manifestations of Goddess “Durga”.She is worshiping in the hymn of the goddess “Banadurga”. The curving style of the deity Mangala is typical odiya style,having khilana & prava back to her sitting place.Also the style of temple is “Utkaliya Vimana Style” The temple is built in typical Kalinga style and is a major pilgrimage for devotees of Shakti cult. Pilgrims frequent the temple seeking boons from Maa Mangala. There is a bed made of solid stone on which it is said Maa Mangala rests after touring the entire universe every day. As if to attest to this, the bed looks worn out in just the same way it would if it were in use for centuries. Evolution of the name of the deity as ‘Maa Mangala’ hails from a legend believed by the locals of Kakatpur village. Goddess Managla kept herself hidden under the deep water of river Prachi. Once a boatman was sailing his boat across river Prachi. At that time the river was outpouring and flooded so he was unable to sail his boat to the middle of the river. He spent whole day and night but not able to sail his boat and during early morning, before the dawn, Goddess Mangala came in his dream and asked him to recover her from the water and to establish her in nearby Mangalapur village. The boatman dived into the water and able to find the deity from the bed of the river. Then as per the direction of the Goddess he established the figure of the deity in a temple in Mangalapur village. After this the boatman saw a black crow dived into the water and did not come out of the water for hours and days, the crow detained inside the water of river Prachi exactly in the same place from where he recovered the figure of Goddess Mangala. In local oriya language ‘Crow’ means ‘Kaka’ and ‘Detained’ means ‘Atka’. So by combining the two words it becomes ‘Kaka-Atka’, so during the course of time the Mangalapur village is known as ‘Kakata’ (Kaka-Atka) pur and the Goddess is known as Kakatpur Mangala. That time before 500 years ago Local Jamindar Roychudamoni family has made the mandir at Kakatpur with all the Sebak arrangement. This Mandir was Made by Panchanan Mitra(Roychudamoni) on 1548A:D. This goddess is very famous with all the qualities of peace, power, happiness, love, purity, knowledge & truth. [1] Official Address
Kalabhairavi Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Kalabhairavi Temple is located (Location Lat- 20°21’ 40″, Long- 85° 50’ 77″, Elev- 76 ft) within the Jaleswar Siva Temple Precinct, Kalarahanga. The enshrined deity is a four armed Chamunda sitting over a dead body. The deity holds a khatuanga in her upper right hand, a snake in upper left hand, a severed head in lower left hand and the lower right hand is broken. The deity is crowned with jatamukuta and wearing a garland of skull. The whole image rests over a pedestal measuring 0.50 metres in height. Official Address
Kapilesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The Kapilesvara Siva temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva located in the south western outskirt of the village Kapilesvara, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. It is located at the end of Kapilesvara road leading from Lingaraj temple to Kapilesvara Village. The presiding deity is a Siva-lingam at the center of a circular yonipitha inside the sanctum. It is a living temple, facing towards east and maintained by Kapilesvara Temple Trust Board. The temple is situated within the precinct along with 33 other monuments. The precinct is located on the northern embankment of Manikarnika tank over an area of 44.00 square metres. The entire temple was renovated at a later date with the building materials of the original one. The temple has a vimana (shrine), jagamohana, nata-mandira and bhoga-Mandapa. The vimana is in rekha order, jagamohana is pidha and nata-mandira and bhoga mandapa (hall) are flat roofed and of later constructions. The vimana (shrine) measuring 11.40 metres in height has usual bada, gandi and mastaka. The lower potala has five tiers and the upper poatala has four tiers in pyramidal elevation. The parsvadevata (other deities) niches located on the raha paga of the tala jangha on the three sides of north, west and south and enshrine Parvati, Kartikeya and Ganesha respectively. The Talagarvika below the niche is decorated with a series of Khakhara mundis flanked by naga nagi pilasters. The niche is flanked by two pilasters that are carved with Kirtimukha at the center of the pilaster and the niche is crowned by Urdhagarvika. The western raha niche houses four armed Kartikeya standing in tribhanga over a lotus pedestal with his upper left hand is holding a cattle drum, the upper right hand is holding a trident and while the major left hand is holding a cock and right hand is in varadamudra. The image is crowned by jatamukuta and at the corners there are flying Vidyadharas and diminutive male worshipers at the base of the pedestal. The northern raha niche houses a four-armed Parvati standing over a lotus pedestal. The image is partly damaged. She is holding lotus in her major left hand and naga pasa in the uplifted left hand, major right hand is in varada mudra and the uplifted right hand is broken. Flanked by two diminutive female attendants holding sakti, the image has jatamukuta. The southern raha niche enshrines a four-armed Ganesha standing in tribhanga over a pedestal. His right hand is holding an akhyamala (rosary), left hand a Parasu while the uplifted left hand is holding a Modaka patra the uplifted right hand holds a tusk. The image has a Jatamukuta. At the Lalatabimba there is a Gajalakshmi seated in lalitasana over a lotus pedestal. She holds lotus in her both hands; above the lotus two elephants are pouring water over the deity. At the base of the doorjambs and beneath the dvara sakhas there are two pidha mundi niches that house Saivate dvarapalas along with river goddesses of the Ganges and Yamuna mounted over their respective mounts. The dominant feature of the temple is the 60 foot high temple and its adjacent pond, surrounded by stone steps. The temple is a satellite of the main temple in Bhubaneswar, the Lingaraj temple. Both these temples, like other temples in India are centres of social, political, and educatioal activities. Until the middle of the 20th century, the temple dominated the economic, political and ritual life of the place. The temple was built during 14th Century A.D. during Suryavamsi rule of Kapilendra Deva. Inscription of Kapilendra deva and other architectural sculptural fragments suggest the original temple could be earlier than 11th Century A.D. Official Address
Jaleswar Siva Temple Precinct, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Jalesvara Siva Temple Precinct is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Siva situated on the southern outskirt of the village Kalarahanga at a distance of 2.00 km from Patia and 6.00 km south of Chudangagada in the northern outskirt of Bhubaneswar. The presiding deity is a Siva-lingam within a circular yonipitha inside the sanctum, which is 1.15 meters below the chandrasila. The sanctum measures 2.00 square meters. The temple has a vimana, an antarala, a jagamohana and at a short distance a nata-mandira. The vimana measures 5.40 square meters, antarala 1.30 meters and the jagamohana 9.00 square meters extending the projections of the balustraded window. On elevation, the vimana is of rekha order having usual bada, gandi and mastaka measuring 12.35 metres from khura to kalasa. The bada of the vimana measuring 2.87 metres in height has five vertical divisions of pabhaga (0.87 metres) with of five mouldings, tala jangha (0.50 metres), bandhana (0.10 metres) upara jangha (0.80 metres) and baranda (0.60 metres) with three thin mouldings. A thick bada moulding measuring 0.15 metres in thick runs around the vimana above the baranda separating the bada from the gandi. The curvilinear gandi of the vimana measuring 6.48 metres in height is distinguished by a central raha and a pair of anuratha and kanika pagas on either sides of the raha. The mastaka measuring 3.00 metres has as usual beki, amlaka, khapuri and kalasa. The gandi is otherwise devoid of ornamentation. Above the antarala is a sukanasa designed after a khakhara-mundi, which is flanked by two miniature rekha deuls. Above it there is a stylized chaitya motif flanked by two conches and crowned by a kirtimukha which is surmounted by a gajakranta. Above the gajakranta is a Hanumana in flying posture and carrying a hillock in his right hand. The base of the gandi is decorated with a series of miniature rekha deul as angasikharas on the pagas arranged in descending order from raha to the kanika paga as noticed in Subarnesvara. The gandi is also devoid of ornamentation. The jagamohana of the temple appears to be a later construction like the Parsuramesvara because the first and the last grahas are concealed by the back wall of the jagamohana. On elevation, the jagamohana is a pidha deul having usual bada, gandi and mastaka measuring 7.35 metres from khura to kalasa. The bada measuring 3.00 metres in height has three vertical divisions of pabhaga (0.90 metres) consisting of five mouldings (khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta) of conventional designs mostly devoid of ornamental detail as in the vimana jangha (0.150 metres) and baranda 0.60 metres. The bhadra deul gandi, measuring 2.05 metres in height, is designed with five receding tiers. The mastaka, measuring 2.30 metres in height, has components like beki, amlaka, ghanta, khapuri and kalasa. iv) Raha niche and Parsvadevata: The raha niches on three sides of north, south and east uniformly measuring 1.08 metres x 0.56 metres with a depth of 0.40 metres enshrined Ganesa in the south, Kartikeya in the east and Mahisasuramardini in the north. Beneath the niche is the tala garvika designed with khakharamundis while above the niche is an urdhva-garvika, with two pilasters carved with kirtimukhas on either side of raha niches as usual in the 10th–11th-century temples of Orissa. The northern niche is enshrining a Mahisasuramardini image rather than Parvati is a departure of the standard parsvadevata arrangement. Mahisasuramardini is ten-armed; most of the arms and attributes are now damaged. The demon is in human form attempting to escape from the decapitated carcass of the buffalo. The demon is depicted in a running stance, moving from right to left. Two demons, Sumbha and Nisumbha, are addorsed on the pedestal, depicted in running pose with weapons in their uplifted hands. Two Katyayanis holding daggers are delineated behind these demons. Ganesa in the southern niche with four arms is standing in tribhanga pose over a lotus pedestal. His lower left arm is resting over the shaft of a Parasu and his lower right arm is holding an akhya mala (rosary). While his upper left arm is holding a modaka patra the upper right arm is holding a broken tooth (tusk). The image is crowned by jatamukuta and flanked by flying Vidyadharas. The whole image stands in front of a makara Torana. The mouse mount is there in the pedestal. The eastern niche enshrines a four-armed Kartikeya image standing in tribhanga over a decorated pedestal. He is holding a cock in his upper left arm and spear in his lower left arm. While his lower right arm is resting over the beak of the peacock, the upper right arm is broken. According to the prevalent legend the king of Chudangagada was a devout worshipper of lord Lingaraja. He used to visit Lingaraja every day. Since it was not possible to commute to Lingaraja during the rainy seasons the lord advised him in a dream to construct a temple in the centre of a neighboring lotus pond where the lord himself dwells as a Jalasayi. The King complied with the desire of the lord by constructing the present temple, which is located on the western embankment of the Jalesvara pond. To conduct the rituals and other associated activities of the temple the King gave land grants to the Brahmins of Rahanga sasan and other Sevayatas. Hence the place is known as Kalarahanga. Official Address
Jagannath Temple, Nayagarh, Odisha Jagannath temple at Nayagarh, was erected by Vinayak Singh Mandhata in between 1788 and 1808 AD. It is unfinished, the architect of this temple was the father of the poet Yadumani. Jagannath temple at Laxmi Prasad area was erected by Jadunath Mangaraja, a king of Khandapada. It was reconstructed in 1972 by one Sri Nilakantha Sahu. Jagannath temple at Khandapada was erected by the king of Khandapada. The temple is in pancharatha Rekha Deula style, while the Jaga mohan and Natamandapa are in Pidha Deula style. The idol of Jagannath called DadhiVanana was brought from the temple at Tikiripada and installed here. The idols from this temple were installed there. Jagannath temple at Tikarapada was constructed with the stones of the tomb of Gosanga Daitya, a demon ruling in this area in the past. The first temple was constructed in 1850. It was due to the flood of the Mahanadi in that year. The Jagannath temple at Ranpur was erected by King Udhaba Singh in 1324-1363 AD. The Jagannath temple at Daspalla is also an old one and Rajapratisthita. Jagannath temple at Sikharpur (Saranakul) is a unique one where bread (Roti) is offered to the Lord, his queen built the Mukhashala. Main festival here is Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra. Official Address
Jagannath Temple, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha Sri Jagannath Temple (Odia: ଶ୍ରୀ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର) is a famous Hindu temple located in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, in the state of Odisha, India.The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of). The shikhara is a pancharatha one. This temple is known as the second Srikhetra of Orissa. The Jagannath temple of Baripada is one of the oldest temples of Orissa. Its Rathayatra is the oldest one after Puri and second biggest after Puri ratha yatra. It is being celebrated for last 500+ years. The rituals of Baripada Rathayatra are special. It gives priority to the female devotees to pull Maa Subhadra’s ratha, which is unique and attracts female devotees from the neighbouring states also. Official Address
Jagannath Temple, Koraput, Odisha Sri Jagannath temple (popularly known as “Sabarasrikhetra”) is a temple located in Koraput, Odisha. It is not only built as an altar for worship, but also as a multipurpose area for Jagannath consciousness. Jagannath consciousness is the main theme of Jagannath which can not be confined within the limits of a traditional religious theological order, because it is a cult (or even a philosophical system). It is originated from the tribal culture, and it has no antagonism towards any religion, caste or creed, Practice of tolerance in the real life of the individual and the society wedded to this ideal, is one piece used in the cult. This is practiced at Sabarasrikhetra in letter and spirit. Everybody has free access to this shrine, which virtually demonstrates the very concept of Jagannath consciousness having tribal bias. Official Address
Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha The Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of lord Vishnu, located on the eastern coast of India, at Puri in the state of Odisha. The temple is an important pilgrimage destination The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. These gave their name to the English term Juggernaut. Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or nineteen years by an exact replica. The temple is sacred to all Hindus and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions. Many great saints, such as Ramananda and Ramanuja were closely associated with the temple. Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple and the Govardhan Mutt, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavismwhose founder Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years. According to legend, the construction of the first Jagannath temple was commissioned by King Indradyumna, son of Bharata and Sunanda, and a Malava king, mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. The legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later Odia works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Neela Madhaba by a Savar king (tribal chief) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the deity, King Indradyumna sent a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the deity, who was worshipped secretly in a dense forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu’s daughter Lalita. At repeated request of Vidyapti, Viswavasu took his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Lord Neela Madhaba was worshipped. Vidyapati was very intelligent. He dropped mustard seeds on the ground on the way. The seeds germinated after a few days, which enabled him to find out the cave later on. On hearing from him, King Indradyumna proceeded immediately to Odra desha (Odisha) on a pilgrimage to see and worship the Deity. But the deity had disappeared. The king was disappointed. The Deity was hidden in sand. The king was determined not to return without having a darshan of the deity and observed fast unto death at Mount Neela, Then a celestial voice cried ‘thou shalt see him.’ Afterward, the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu. Sri Narasimha Murti brought by Narada was installed in the temple. During sleep, the king had a vision of Lord Jagannath. Also an astral voice directed him to receive the fragrant tree on the seashore and make idols out of it. Accordingly, the king got the image of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan made out of the wood of the divine tree and installed them in the temple. Official Address
Harihara Deula, Boudh, Odisha Harihara Deula or the Twin Temples are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. They are situated near the bank of Mahanadi, in Gandharadi village in Boudh district, Odisha. The 10th century stood as the witness to the construction of the religious edifice, Harihara Deula. The temple, built by the Somavamsi Kshatriya Kings, stands as an illustration of the Kalingan style of architecture. The pilgrimage centre dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu marks the harmony between Shaivaite and Vaishnavite cults. The central vimana of the temple confirms to the rekha deula order while the Jagamohana is flat roofed. The Siddhesvara Temple located within the temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva enshrining a Shivalinga within a circular yonipith. Another shrine, Nilamadhava Temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a black chlorite. The idol possesses four hands holding weapons. Official Address
Harishankar Temple, Balangir, Odisha Sri Sri Harisankar Devasthana(Odia: ଶ୍ରୀ ହରିଶଙ୍କର ମନ୍ଦିର), is a temple on the slopes of Gandhamardhan hills, Odisha in India. It is popular for its scenes of nature and connection to two Hindu lords, Vishnu and Shiva. As a holy place, along with a stream passing on the granite bed, it has given some visitors a feeling of peace. On the opposite of side of the Gandhamardhan hills is the temple of Nrusinghanath.The plateau between the two temples has been found to have ancient Buddhist ruins, which are considered to be remnants of the ancient Parimalgiri University. The deity of Harisankar was discovered by a Chauhan dynasty king of Western Orissa, during the 14th century. From that time, the deity has been worshipped. A dancing Ganesha image has been found, which can be traced to the early 12th century. The temple was constructed by the order of then queen Durlabha Devi of Maharaja Vaijjal Dev Chauhan. Amidst picturesque landscape on the southern slope of Gandhamardan hills stands Harishankar, a place of pilgrimage with uncommon scenic charms. A perennial stream bursting into droplets rushes on its hard granite bed to form cascades at different stages. As a cool resort in the lap of nature, Harishankar is a ideal place for the heat of the summer season. A cool bath with sliding on the streaming rock brings the visitors uncommon happiness. It is believed that one can refrain from all his sins with having a bath in the stream and worship the Lord Harishankar for which the devotees from various part of the country come here to fulfill their wishes. Harishankar as a amazing variety of flora and fauna. A deer park adjoining to the Gandhamardan hill is of huge tourists importance. Tourists from far-flung places flock to Harishankar on the occasion of Baishankha Mela. It is also a very popular picnic spot. Tourist can stay in the panthanivas to enjoy the picturesque scenic beauty of Harishankar. On the Northern slope of the Gandhamardan hills lies Nrusimhanath in Bargarh district. Both the places are connected by a hilltop road of 16kms distance. The pilgrims cover this distance within a day on foot during Nrusingha Chaturdasi Mela. Mountain trekkers and adventurists also find the journey an interesting one. Harishankar is connected by an all-weather good motorable road 81kms away from Balangir. Regular bus services operate to and fro from Balangir. But visitors are advised to take their own transport from Balangir town. Official Address
Gupteswar Cave, Koraput, Odisha Gupteswar Cave is a city shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.It is a pilgrim site situated about 55 km away Jeypore, Koraput District in the state of Odisha, India. It is a limestonecave, and its main attraction is the gigantic Shiva Linga which is said to be increasing in size. Pilgrims from all over the country come here during the Sravana period, because the yearly Bol Bam yatra is held at this place. Devotees walk to the Gupteshwar during Bol Bam yatra to bath in the maha kund, and then chant near the Shiva Linga. Surrounded by a dense forest of sal trees and flanked by the Kolab river, a 2m high lingam stands in the cave. The shrine is called “Gupteswar” which means the “Hidden God”. It is so named because it was lying hidden in the cave for a very long period. One can reach it by climbing the 200 steps flanked with rows of champak trees. The entrance of the cave is about 3 m wide and 2 m in height. There are also several other caves nearby. Inside the second cave there is a large stalactite. People worship it as the udder of God Kamadhenu (the divine cow) and wait under it with outstretched palms to collect drops of water which fall only at long intervals. Popularly known as “Gupta Kedar” in the vicinity, this sacred place is associated with Shri Rama of the epic Ramayana. The nearby hill has been named “Ramagiri”. According to mythology, the lingam was first discovered by Lord Rama when he was roaming in the then Dandakaranya forest with wife Sita and brother Laxman, and later worshipped it calling it “Gupteswar”. The poet Kalidas too, described the scenic beauty of Ramgiri forest where the cave temple is referred to in his famous Meghadutam. However, with the passing of time, the temple was abandoned. Later, in the last part of the 19th century, a hunter of the Ramgiri area found the lingam. Since then the lingam has been worshipped by the tribes of Koraput region. In Shivaratri (a Hindu festival) Gupteswar Temple draws over 200,000 devotees from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. People suffering from incurable diseases come here to worship the God and remain here for months in the hope of getting cured. Official Address
Dharakote, Ganjam, Odisha Dharakote is a block in Ganjam district in the Indian state of Odisha. The Jagannath Temple and Dharakote Maharaja Palace are located here.Dharakote is famous for Lord Sri Jagannath temple. The Dharakote Temple looks similar to Puri Temple. Ekadasi Cart festival is famous among in this district as all well known about this. Around 40k-70k people visit this festival. This is a 600-year-old palace of the King of Dharakote. The palace is situated just beside the Jagannath Temple. Rani Sulakhyana Gitanjali Devi is the present Rani Saheb of Dharakote since 28 May 2010. It is said that Raja Jaganath Singh (1788/1830) on returning to his Palace after a hunt, saw a ray of light coming from inside a hut. The Raja entered the hut and saw a holy man meditating in front of a fire. The Holy man told the Raja that this was the place where Rani Chandama Devi had committed Sati. The Raja was impressed and immediately ordered the construction of a Math over that place, and later descendants of the Dharakote Royal family have kept the flame burning ever since, with the task of keeping the flame alive being entrusted to the Head Priests of the Math. The fire, known popularly as Sati Chita (Sati’s Pyre) is tended to by a Mahant (Head Priest) at Sathi Math which is built on 9 acres of land at the entrance of Dharakote fort. Official Address
Durga Temple, Motia, Cuttack, Odisha The temple of Durga is located near Krushnaprasad village in an area called Nua Satanga and Motia in Cuttack district, Orissa, India. The temple is dedicated to Mahishamardiniand Chamunda. The central icon which is worshipped is a four-handed goddess slaying Mahishasura. In her upper two hands she holds Shankha and Chakra, while the lower hands have a trident and a hand on the buffalo-headed demon. Several sculptures were discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India here which demonstrated that the shrine belongs to the era of Somavamsi rule during the 10th century. An image of Surya is worshipped here. It can be approached from Phulnakhara square near Niali in Cuttack district. Regular bus service runs from Bhubaneswar to Niali, which is 65 kilometres (40 mi) away. Official Address
Dhabaleswar, Cuttack, Odisha Dhabaleswar Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is situated at a distance of 27 km from the city of Cuttack, in the exotic island of Lord Dhabaleshwar. It is one of the famous weekend tours from Cuttack. The temple, located in an island on River Mahanadi, is embellished with stone carvings that date back to the early 10th and 11th century. The serene ambiance, in which the temple is situated, inspires spiritual feeling among one and all. After entering the temple, you can see various beautiful images in the compound of the temple. Various images of Nrasimha, Varah, Katikeya and various identified and unidentified Gods of Hindu religion are present in the temple. Most images are beautifully chiseled out from black chlorite stone. The temple can be reached by bus via Chowdwar, Nuapatana, Mancheshwar. it can also be reached via Bidanasi through boating on river Mahanadi. Odisha’s first ever foot hang bridge is connecting the exotic island with mancheswar which is the major way to reach the temple. Being situated on an island, the temple can be reached by boats leaving from ferries in or near Cuttack. There is also a foot bridge which devotees or visitors can use on paying a nominal fee. People from the nearby villages have set up a number of shops leading to the bridge and the temple’s entrance. A big fair is held on the shukla paksha chaturdashi of the month Kartika called Bada-osha. Various functions like Shivaratri, Pausha purnima, Dola purnima, and Kartika purnima are also celebrated here. Dhabaleswar Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is situated at a distance of 27 kilometers from the city of Cuttack, in the exotic island of Lord Dhabaleshwar. It is one of the famous weekend tours from Cuttack. The temple, located in an island on River Mahanadi, is embellished with stone carvings that date back to the early 10th and 11th century. The serene ambiance, in which the temple is situated, inspires spiritual feeling among one and all. The hanging bridge is about 245 feet long. Another attraction of the Dhabaleswar temple is the Suspension Bridge which connects the temple. It was built in 2000. There are two such bridges at Risikesh- “Laxman Jhula’’ & “Rama Jhul’’ having the length of 140 metres and 200 metres respectively. However, the length of DhabaleswarJhula is 254 metres. It is the longest suspension bridge in our country. This bridge facilitates for the coming of the devotees to pay their reverence to lord Dhabaleswar. Now it is a great place of pilgrimage for the people of Odisha and also out side states. The name Dhabaleswar ( Dhabala or White + Eeswar or God ) is attributed to a miracle performed by Lord Shiva. Once a thief stole a black bull calf from a village and fled to a Shiva temple. He hid himself with the calf in the sanctum while the angry crowd waited outside the temple. The crowd could clearly hear the calf calling out. The thief prayed fervently to Lord Shiva to deliver him from the crowd. Taking pity on him, the Lord appeared as a Sanyassin before the crowd and asked them the cause of their agitation On being told that they suspected the thief of hiding in the sanctum along with the black calf, the sanyassin brought the calf outside to dispel their doubts. The calf turned out to be white, seeing which the crowd let the thief go. The sanyassin disappeared and the thief realized who had come to his aid. He confessed and apologized to the crowd. He took a vow to spend the rest of his life in the service of the Lord. The act of turning a black calf to white caused Lord Shiva to be also known as Dhabaleswara. The present temple structure was constructed by Bir Kishor, ruler of Khurda. It is said that once he set out on a hunt with his personal bodyguards and attendants. During the course of the hunt, they discovered the original temple which was in a derelict state.The king ordered the renovation of the temple, granted an area of land measuring 314 maana .He also entrusted the care and service of the temple to one Mali.The family of Mali later on found the village of Malisahi which falls on the way to the temple. This was done in 1153 of the Saka era which would be 1232 AD. The present day temple was renovated and repaired by Bhubaneswar Development Authority. The Padma Purana and the Linga Purana also gives references to this Saivite centre. According to Padma Purana , Lord Indra killed Demon Namuchi and in order to get rid of the sin of killing a Brahmin (Namuchi was a Brahmin) took bath near this Iceland. Indra founded a Siva Linga on the Iceland and the same is said to be the present Dhabaleswar. Popular stories are also prevalent among the people of Odisha about Dhabaleswar. Official Address
Dishisvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Dishisvar Siva Temple is located in Bhubaneswar. The presiding deity is a Siva-lingam within a circular yoni pitha installed inside the sanctum. This 15th-century, privately owned temple is situated within a private compound surrounded by private residential buildings on three sides of east, west, south and the road on the north.Laterite has been used as the building material with the dry masonry construction technique and the kalingan style.The temple is in a dilapidated state, due to the growth of vegetation all over the superstructure and the surrounding area. Cracks are noticeable in the roof and in the conjunction of the pagas.The temple was repaired by State Archaeology during X and XI Finance Commission Award. Official Address
Chateshwar Temple, Cuttack, Odisha It is a living temple and the presiding deity is a patalaphuta Shivalinga within a circular yonipitha.It is located in the Kishinapur village (Sauri Village Panchyat) near Bahugram in Cuttack district.Chateshwar Temple, an ancient pilgrimage centre in the South east coast of India, is situated in the Krushnapur village in the vicinity of Bahugram in Cuttack district. The temple, located in Orissa, enshrines a patalaphuta Shivalinga within a circular yonipitha On the basis of a number of detached sculptures of different faiths like Saivite and Sakta, the original temple can be assigned to the Eastern Ganga dynasty rule during 12th Century AD. A miniature four- armed Vishnu, broken images of Chamunda, Surya and Buddha, Udyotasimha, Nandi, miniature temple and other architectural members.The temple is pancharatha on plan and the bada has multi-segmented horizontal mouldings in elevation.The architectural pattern and the craftsmanship of Chateshwar Temple states that the shrine had been constructed in the 12th Century A.D. during the reign of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Besides the Shivalinga, the temple also houses idols of Goddess Chamunda, Lord Surya, Lord Buddha and Udyotasimha, all in ruined state. A small image of Lord Vishnu possessing four arms and a Nandi is also installed in the temple. The temple, pancharatha in plan, comprises a bada embellished with multi segmented mouldings horizontal in nature. The temple celebrates several festivals every year attracting pilgrims from different corners of the country. Shivaratri, Kartik Purnimaand Margashirsha Purnima, Sankranti are some of the important festivals observed and organised by the temple on a grand scale. Devotees can visit the temple accessing the road from Cuttack via Jagatpur. Official Address
Charchika Temple,Cuttack, Odisha Charchika Temple is one of the oldest Shakta places in Orissa. It is located in a small town of Banki of Cuttack district in Odisha. The presiding deity is an eight-armed goddess Chamunda, locally known as Maa Charchika Devi. She is seated on a prostrate human body and wearing a garland of human skulls. She displays khadga, shula, katari and varadamudra in her four right hands whereas the four left hands represent severed head, blood-cup, ‘’damru’’ and leaving a finger of the remaining hand soaked in blood. This temple is situated on the top a small hillock Ruchika Parvata on the bed of the Renuka river in the small town of Banki in Cuttackdistrict of Orissa. The present temple was reconstructed in the 19th century. But the remarkable point is the enshrining deity Maa Charchika on iconographical point of view can be assigned to the 9th – 10th centuries A.D. i.e. Bhaumakara rule in Orissa. It is believed that the Charchika idol was created by Parashurama. The temple has a pidha vimana, jagamohana and a wooden mandapa known as “sunyavahini mandapa” of impoverished Kalingan order. Stone is used for the construction of the temple and the entire surface is thickly lime plastered and white washed. The ceiling of the mandapa is made of wood whereas the pillars are in stone. The ceiling of the mandapa is profusely carved and painted. The wooden ceiling of the mandpa is relieved with episodes from Bhagavata Purana with intervening decoration of animals and birds like – elephant, duck, parrot, peacock, etc.; floral motifs, lotus medallions, scroll and jali works, animal hunting, horse rider, gaja-vidalas, makaramukha,mithuna and maithuna images. Besides, the parsvadevata niches enshrine four-armed Chamunda, four-armed Mahisasuramardini Durga and an eight-armed Chamunda on the north, west and southern side respectively. The Renuka river was recreated by the flood of 1982. It’s believed that one devotee who worshiped Maa Charchika after pleasing her took away all ornaments of Maa Charchika and build a house where River Renuka is currently flowing. As Maa Charchika was not happy so she created this River Renuka to punish him and to make him home less. This temple is situated in the heart of Banki. It’s good to visit the temple at the time of Durga Puja, a Hindu festival in the month of October thousands of devotee used to come to get the blessing. Kumar Purnima a Hindu festival celebrated 5 days after Dusshera is very famous here. One more Temple of Maa Charchika is at Mathura Near River Yamuna. Official Address
Maa Chandi Temple, Cuttack, Odisha The Katak Chandi Temple (in Oriya କଟକ ଚଣ୍ଡୀ ମନ୍ଦିର ) is an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of Cuttack, Orissa. The temple is located nearby the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is famous for the annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The Durga Puja festivities are prominent in Maa Katak Chandi temple which takes place for 16 days starting from dark fortnight of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami till Ashwina shukla navami and Vijayadashami. The goddess popularly called as Maa Katak Chandi, sits and rules on the heart of the ancient city. She has four hands holding Paasha (noose), Ankusha (goad), gestures dispelling fear (Abhaya), and granting boon (Varada). She is worshiped as Bhuvaneshvari Mahavidya (the queen of universe) by Sevayatas belonging to Utkala Brahmins every day. Maa Chandi is worshipped in various incarnations of Durga during the puja. In Cuttack, people strongly believe Maa Katak Chandi as ‘The Living Goddess’. According to legend, the present piece of land, where the holy temple is located, was lying fallow before. Late Sri Hansa Panda, who happens to be the Purohit of the then King of Kanika, used to graze cattle’s and sheep’s in the land. One day Sri Panda was feeling tired and took rest on a heap of dry mud present there. While taking rest, he experienced a strange unusual feeling within himself. Surprisingly on the same night, The Goddess “Chandika” appeared in his dream and requested him to take her out of the land. There after he went to the King and told everything about the strange experience he had that night. With the help of the king, Late Hansa Panda dug up the same piece of land. It is being said that around forty numbers bullock carts of Red Sindoor came out while digging and then emerged The Deity of Maa Katak Chandi. Then the temple was built on the same land. Here in Cuttack, the residents strongly believe Maa Katak Chandi as The Living Goddess. The temple of Maa Katak Chandi, the presiding deity of the city is visited by hundreds of devotees every day. The image of the deity is older than the temple. It is believed that she was the family deity of Gajapati Kingdom in the medieval age, due to Islamic invaders’ attacks she was buried while the kings migrated to Puri. Late Sri Hansa Panda started worshiping the Deity with utmost Niti, Nistha, and Sraddha. As per the scriptures related to Goddess Chandika or Bhuvaneshwari has four hands, showing weapons and gestures as Paasa, Ankusha, Abhaya, Varada. She is worshipped as Bhuvaneswari while chanting Bhuvaneswari Mantra. After Late Sri Hansa Panda, his only son Late Sri Lakshmana Panda started worshipping The Goddess in the same process and procedure. He was blessed with four daughters, named Champa, Tulasi, Mali and Malati. Those daughters were also helping their father Late Sri Lakshmana Panda, in the rituals (Seva Puja) of the Deity. Late Lakshmana panda always prayed Maa Chandi to have a son and after praying so many days, he was blessed with a son, named Sri Dayanidhi Panda, who also followed the footprint of his predecessors. The temple came to lime light during Sri Dayanidhi Panda. Number of devotees increased during his period. He has six sons, who are presently performing rituals (seva puja) of deity. They are namely Sri Narayan Panda, Sri Narahari Panda, Sri Somnath Panda, Sri Chakradhar Panda, Sri Loknath Panda and Sri Ratnakar Panda. The above hereditary sevaks along with their fourteen sons are presently performing the Seva Puja (Rituals) in the Temple. The fourteen sons are Jagabandhu, Dinabandhu, Bikram, Gopal, Sarat Kumar, Sukhadeva, Bhagadeba, Manoj, Trilochan, Susant, Biswaranjan, Ramachandra, Pramod, Ranjit. It was established in the year 1946. Official Address
Chakresvara Tank, Bhubaneswar, Odisha The tank is square on plan with laterite embankments. The tank is fed by a natural spring which keeps the water level constant throughout the year. There is an outlet channel in the south west corner to discharge the excess and waste water. The tank was supposed to be built around early part of 20th century A.D. The tank is under the private possession of Sri. Arakhita Behera who is residing in the same Hatiasuni lane in front of the Chakresvara temple. Official Address
Chakreshvari Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chakresvara Shiva temple is a living Hindu temple built in 10-11 AD dedicated to Lord Shiva at Hatiasuni lane, Rajarani Colony, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The deity, lingam, is in a circular yonipitha inside the sanctum. The temple is surrounded by private residential buildings on its eastern and northern side and chakresvara tank in the west. It is of great significance as rituals like Sivaratri, Diwali, and Sankranti are observed here. Also this temple serves as a purpose of a sacred place for ‘Thread Ceremony, Rudrabhiseka, Chandrabhiseka.’ Chakreshvari Shiva Temple is a famous Hindu temple. This temple is devoted to lord Shiva. Based on the temple plan, the temple has a Vimana (Shikara) and a renovated frontal porch. The Vimana (shikara) is of Pancharatha type. On elevation, the vimana is of Rekha order extends from pabhaga to kalasa. From bottom to the top, the temple has a bada, gandi and mastaka. With three-fold divisions of the bada the temple has a trianga bada. At the bottom, the pabhaga has four base mouldings of khura, kumbha, pata and basanta. In the Lalatabimba, four-armed Lord Ganesha which is found in place of the usual Gajalakshmi. Another departure is noticed at Kalarahanga where the Lalatabimba is occupied by images of both Ganesha and Saraswathi. In front of the temple, there are images of Parvati and Kartikeya and an amlaka stone in the southern side of the temple. Official Address
Bhattarika Temple, Cuttack, Odisha Bhattarika Temple is located on the Mahanadi River, in Sasanga village in the tehsil Baramba, (formerly Athgarh), Cuttack district, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Maa Bhattarika worshipped as a manifestation of Shakti. As per the Puranic tradition, Parashurama, facing certain defeat at the hands of Saharasjuna, prayed to Durga who appeared on this spot to impart her divine power to his aid. The festival Pana Sankranti is celebrated here in April, Akshaya Tritiya in May and Dussehra in October. Official Address
Brahma Temple, Bindusagar, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha The Brahma Temple is located in the eastern embankment of the Bindusara River, on the left side road leading from Lingaraj Temple. The temple is surrounded by the Bindusagar Tank on the west in Bhubaneswar. The main temple is of late Kalingan style dating back to 15th century.The present temple was built during the Gajapati Rulers. The temple features a four-handed black chlorite image of Brahma.He is holding Veda and water vessel in upper two hands and rosary, abhaya mudra in lower two hands. A visit to Lingaraj Temple is incomplete without visiting this temple and Ananta Vasudeva Temple. Currently the daily worship is done by Brahmins belonging to Panda family. Lord Brahma came to Bhubaneswar to attend the coronation of Lingaraj Deva. Here he was requested to stay forever, but he assured that he will come every year on the month of Chaitra for the Ashokashtami festival. Again he assured that he will be the charioteer (Sarathy) of the Rukuna Rath of Shri Lingaraja. So a temple was erected in honour of him near Bindusagar. Official Address
Brahmeswara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Brahmeswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, erected at the end of the 9th century CE, is richly carved inside and out. This Hindu temple can be dated with fair accuracy by the use of inscriptions that were originally on the temple. They are now lost, but records of them preserve the information of around 1058 CE. The temple is built in the 18th regnal year of the Somavamsi king Udyotakesari by his mother Kolavati Devi, which corresponds to 1058 CE The temple is classified as a panchatanaya temple where apart from the main shrine, there are four subsidiary shrines in the four corners around the temple. The temple on account of its later origin, has perfectly developed structure compared to its predecessors. The vimana of the temple is 18.96 m (62.2 ft) tall.The temple is built with traditional architectural methods of wood carving, but applied on stone building. The buildings were built in a shape of full volume pyramid, and then they would be carved inside and outside. The basic structure of the Orissan temple has two connecting buildings. The smaller is the Jagmohana, or assembly hall. Behind it is the Shikhara, the towering sanctuary. Later temples have two additional halls in front—one for dancing, and the other for banquets.[3] The Brahmeswara shows quite a bit of affinity with the much earlier Mukteswar Temple, including the carved interior of the Jagmohana, and in the sculptural iconography such as the lion head motif, which appeared for the first time in the Mukteswara, and is here evident in profusion. There are quite a number of innovations, however, including the introduction of a great number of musicians and dancers, some holding lutes, on the exterior walls. For the first time in temple architectural history iron beams find their first use. On sandstone walls there are symbolic decorations and the notion of godlike figures that helps the believer in his meditation. The carvings over the door frame contain beautiful flower designs as well as flying figures. Like the Rajarani, there are images of the eight directional Guardian Deities. There are also quite a number of tantric-related images, and even Chamunda appears on the western facade, holding a trident and a human head, standing on a corpse. Shiva and other deities are also depicted in their horrific aspects. One of the lost inscriptions stated that a Queen Kolavati presented ‘many beautiful women’ to the temple, and it has been suggested that this is an evidence of the ‘Devadasi’ tradition, which assumed such importance in later Orissan temple architecture and temple life. Historians place the temple to belong to the late 11th century as ascertained from an inscription carried to Calcutta from Bhubaneswar. The inscription indicates that the temple was built by Kolavatidevi, the mother of Somavamsi king Udyota Kesari. It was built with four Natyasalas at a place known as Siddhatirtha in Ekamra (modern day Bhubaneswar). The inscription was recorded during the 18th renal year of Udyotha Kesari, corresponding to 1060 CE. Since the inscription is not in its original place, historians indicate the possibility of the reference to another temple, but based on the location and other features specified, it is ascertained that the inscription belongs to the temple. Also, another issue raised by Panigrahi is that the four cardinal temples are Angasalas (associate temples) and not Natyasalas (dance halls) as indicated in the inscription. Official Address
Biraja Temple, Jajpur, Odisha Maa Biraja Temple is an historic Hindu temples located in Jajpur (about 125 kilometres (78 mi) north of Bhubaneswar), Odisha, India. Biraja or Viraja Temple is one of the important Maha Shakthi Peetas. Here the main idol Durga Devi is worshipped as Girija (Viraja) and Lord Shiva as Jagannath. Sati’s navel fell here. Adi Sankara describes the goddess as Girija in his Ashtadasha shakti peetha stuti. Here Maa Biraja Devi is worshiped as Trishakti Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The Maa Biraja Temple covers a large area, and has several shrines to Shiva and other deities. According to the Skanda Purana it cleanses pilgrims, and it is called the Viraja or the Biraja kshetra. Jajpur is believed to have about one crore of Shiva lingams. The primary ritual in the temple is Sharadiya Durga Puja, which begins on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami. This falls before Mahalaya, and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. The puja, known as Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja, lasts for 16 days. The ratha (chariot festival) is known as Simhadhwaja, and its flag bears a lion. During the lunar transition from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami an animal sacrifice, Bali Daanam, is performed. Navratri is celebrated as Aparajita Puja. Other festivals include Nakshatra, Shravana, Prathamastami, Pana Sankranti, Raja Parva and Navanna. Devi is worshiped daily in accordance with Tantra and Agama traditions as Mahishasuramardini by the Brahmins of Jajpur. No historical record is available about the pristine glory of the great mother goddess Biraja before the great epic the Mahabharata was written. There is a reference to Virajah-Tirtha in the Vanaparva of the Mahabharata in chapter 85. Moreover the said epic reiterates that the Virajah-Tirtha was a sacred place for Vedic sacrifices where Dharma, the God of Righteousness had performed a great sacrifice. During the performance of sacrifice Rudra -Siva is said to have been accepted as an Aryan God by other Gods and the mother Earth had appeared in the form of altar. Therefore, it is but natural that the goddess Earth was worshipped as goddess Biraja of the Virajah-Tirtha, Later on. The Ṛigvedic earth goddess was a vaishnavite deity and so became goddess Biraja of the Virajah-Tirtha. The Mahabharata is as old as 7th-6th century B.C. as determined by the scholars. The historicity of goddess Biraja goes back to the days Mother Goddess worship of the Atharva Vedic period i.e. 13th century B.C. She was originally worshipped in the form of an altar and later on in the form of Stambhesvari (pillar Goddess) as was the primitive practice when carving of stone; metal or wooden images were yet to come about. Most probably she was vindhyavasini and Biraja as they named her. During the Gupta rule in India in the 4th century AD, Goddess Biraja was metamorphosed in the theriomorphic form and a stone image of two-armed Mahisamardini was installed in a temple after a great Vedic sacrifice beside the river Vaitaraṇi. Since then she is being worshipped on the pedestal as the symbol of paramavaiṣnavi Sakti icon. Simultaneously Nabhigaya, a great Pitṛ Tirtha, Isanesvara, lord Varaha and many ancillary deities were added to the Biraja tradition. We are apprised of her greatness from several copper plate grants of Durjaya, Vigraha, Dutta and Maṇa royal dynasties who patronised and revered the deity. During Bhaumakara rule in 10th -11th century AD, a beautiful temple for Goddess Biraja had been built by Candihar Yayati II. Biraja Kṣetra was made a full-fledged Sakti piṭha with the association of Aṣṭa Candi, Aṣṭa-Bhairava, Navadurga, Sapta Matṛka, Trayodasa Rudra, Dvadasa Gaṇesa, Sixty eight Tirthas and Causaṭhi Yogini during Bhaumakara and Somavamsi period. The Somavamsis added a car festival or Rathayatra with the Biraja tradition like that of the Goddess Vindhyavasini and Sthambhesvari of mid-India. Though during the Mughal Afghan rule the Sakti worship relating to Goddess Biraja faced the ups and downs, the tradition continues undeterred till today. According to Brahmanda Purana, once Brahma (the creator of the Universe) performed a Yajna (great sacrifice) on the river Baitrani. Parvati emerged from the Garhapatya fire as a result of Brahma’s invocation and advised Brahma to name her as Biraja. Brahma prayed to Parvati and asked her to stay at the Kshetra as the divine consort of Siva. Parvati agreed and created Nine Durgas, Sixty Four Yoginis, Eight Chandikas and asked them to remain in the Kshetra permanently. Due to the presence of these deities, this land was well known as Shakti Peetha. At Biraja Temple, Lord Vishnu is in Varaha incarnation. Jajati Keshari, a ruler of Kesari dynasty built the Biraja temple in Jajati Nagar (now Jajpur) in 13th century during the Kalinga time. The deity, Maa Biraja which stands 70 ft from the floor is said to be worshipped from 5th Century. The temple is named after the King Jajati Keshari. According to the legend, the place is also known as ‘Gadakhestra’, as Bhima’s Gada (mace) was lying in this holy place. In front of the temple stand two lions above elephant. This is indicative of the greatness of Keshari dynasty (Symbol of Lion) than Gajapati dynasty (Symbol of elephant) in Orissa. A great Yagna (sacrificial oblation) was performed over the body of Gayasur, (the great demon devotee of Lord Vishnu) by the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu to kill the demon. Gayasur’s feet were in Pada Gaya (a place in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh), nabhi (Navel) in Biraja Kshetra or today’s Jajpur, known as Nabhi Gaya and head at Shiro Gaya. The exact spot is in a well that lies inside the Biraja temple just close to Maa Biraja. The nearest railway station is Cuttack and Jajpur Keonjhar Road. From there regular buses can be availed to Jajpur town. Mostly private buses run regularly in Orissa. Autos connect Cuttack railway station to Barabati bus stand, which is hardly 3 km away. The bus from Cuttack to Jajapur town takes 2 to 2+1⁄2 hours. From Jajpur road to Jajpur town travelling time by road will be more than one hour. Also buses are available from Bhubaneswar. Buses which have express written on the buses are quicker than local buses. A couple of lodges are next to the temple and another is being constructed. Official Address
Byamokesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Suresvara Mahadeva temple, also known as Byamokesvara temple, is located in the Tala bazaar market complex, Old Town of Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state of Orissa. The temple is located in front of the Lingaraj Temple across the road in the left side of the eastern gateway at a distance of 10.00 m. The temple faces towards the west. It is a living temple and the enshrined deity is a Siva lingam with a circular yonipitha at the centre of the sanctum. At present the sanctum is 1.50 m below the present road level. It is a recently recovered temple that had been buried. It was built in 10th century AD. The temple is maintained by the local shopkeepers. The temple is surrounded by shops on the northern and southern sides, residential buildings to the east and the road to the west. Except the entrance on the west the entire temple is buried up to the baranda portion of the bada. Hence the ground plan of the temple could not be ascertained. However it is pancharatha in plan with a central raha and pairs of anuratha and kanika pagas on either side of the raha. There are five flights of steps leading down into the sanctum which is 1.50 m below the present road level. In elevation, the vimana is of rekha deul and measures 7.00 m in height from baranda to mastaka. The gandi measures 5.00 m and the mastaka measures 2.00 m in height. The gandi is devoid of any sculptural embellishment. During the renovation work red coloured wash has been given to the temple. The doorjambs are decorated with three vertical bands and the river goddesses are usually found in the upper part of the door frame on either side of the navagraha slab. The doorjamb measures 1.72 m high x 1.30 m wide. Ganga is found on the right side of the doorframe and Yamuna in the left. They stand over their respective vehicles with their outside hand on the thigh and the uplifted inside hand holding a vase as in the examples in the Muktesvara compound. Their hair is stylistically depicted and their faces are illuminated by an identical soft and warm smile. Both are associated with dwarf-attendants. At the base of the doorjamb Saivite dvarapala are found on either side, whose upper parts only are visible. In the lalatabimba there is a Gaja-lakxhmi image. The deity is holding two lotuses in her two hands over which elephants are standing on either side. The architrave above the doorjambs measuring 1.85 m is carved with the navagrahas. Ketu is depicted as a full figure on his knees as seen in the Tirthesvara temple. The building material used for the construction of the temple is coarse grey sandstone. The construction technique is dry masonry and the style is Kalingan. The river goddesses are found in the upper part of the doorjamb. This is an exception in the temples of Bhubaneswar. Generally they are found at the base of the doorjamb along with the dvarapalas. Official Address
Bharati Matha Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Bharati Matha Temple is a temple of the Hindu God Siva in Bhubaneswar Orissa, India, The temple is a Hindu monastery with three stories which was built in the 11th century AD. It is currently used for living Matha purposes and earlier it was used as a Hindu pilgrimage centre.The Bharati Matha Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva however the primary deity installed in the temple is of Lord Vishnu. Hence people from both the sects of Hinduism worship in the temple. The Bharati Matha Temple is situated in the old town of Bhubaneswar city of the Indian state of Orissa now known as Odisha. Bhubaneswar is popularly known as the temple city of India which houses the most number of Hindu temples especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of the Bharati Matha dates back to the 12th century by Yajati Kesari who also constructed the famous Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar. The Matha or the monastery was built as residents for the artisans of the beautiful Lingaraj Temple. There was called from far off places so were given a house to live in until the Lingaraj Temple was finished. Later its work as a monastery was over it was converted into a very holy temple of Lord Shiva. Having links with Lingaraj a myth tells us that that during the celebration of Prathamasthami Lord Lingaraj comes every time to visit his uncle in the temple.The Bharati Matha is not an exception from the Kalinga style architecture commonly seen in Bhubaneshwar. The technique used to build the temple is masonry type. The height of the monument measure 26 metres. The Temple is facing toward the western side and is made up of coarse grey sandstone. It is a three storied structure and measures at height of 11.50 metres. The Bharati Matha Temple is square in shape occupying and area of 26 square metres. The temple is built on an elevated platform of 1.50 metres with seven mouldings. There are three living rooms measuring 6.15 by 3.45 metres. The temple is surrounded by a wall having a height of 2.52 metres. The temple is simple with no extreme decorations but has Doorjamb with a length of 8.84 metres and 0.35 metres thick. It has a height of 1.70 metres. The wall of the temple encloses a courtyard but the temple is not well maintained. There is an urgent need for restoration as these historical monuments form a pride from the past. Bharati Matha is located in the Badheibanka Chowk, Old Town Bhubaneswar. One can approach the Matha on the left side of Ratha road leading from Lingaraja to Ramesvara Goswami is the present Mahanta of the Matha. It is one of the oldest Hindu monasteries of Bhubaneswar. The Matha is surrounded by Ratha road in east, Jamesvara Patna road in south, private buildings in north and Bhrukutesvara temple in west.The Matha is facing towards the west. Official Address
Bhagabati Temple, Banapur, Odisha The temple of the goddess Bhagabati, the presiding deity of the Indian town Banapur has earned celebrity as a centre of religious activities.Once Banapur was the capital of the Sailodhvaba dynasty, responsible for the construction of the early group of temples at Bhubaneswar. The large number of Buddhist images discovered at Banapur relate the place to the Vajrayana cult of Buddhism. Bhagabati,the presiding deity of Banapur,is one of the twelve famous Saktipithas as as mentioned by sarala dasa in his Odia Mahabharat. The Present temple and his Jagamohana are said to have been constructed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri. The Teample stands on the Edge of a deep pool within a high enclose wall.Temple and Jagamohana are built in Pidha Order and thickly plastered with lime mortar later a newpillared mandap has been added to the front of jagamohana for convenience of the devotees. The niches of the inner wall of the Compound Contain loose scuptures of Ganesha,Kartikeya And Parvati And Chamunda.An image of Mahisamardini Durga locally known as Bhagabati Is worshiped in the sanctum of the main temple. Official Address
Bhringesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha The Bhringesvara Siva temple is situated on the foothills of Dhauli and the left bank of the river Daya, in the southeastern outskirts of Bhubaneswar in the village Khatuapada. The temple is facing towards west and the presiding deity is a circular yoni pitha with a hole at the centre. The temple is made of light grey sand stone. The temple is renovated one from bottom to the top by employing the earlier materials. This temple is now under the protection of Orissa State Archaeology. Official Address
Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, Odisha Baladev Jew Temple is situated in Ichhapur (Tulasi Khetra), Kendrapara, Odisha. Baladevjew Temple is a very famous temple of Odisha and Balarama is its main divinity. However, Jagannath and Subhadra are also worshipped in the Ratna Sinhasan in the main temple. An idol representing tulasi as a goddess in a seated position is also present after the sacred seven steps. Baladev jew Temple is constructed over an area of 2 acres of land. There are 2 parts in the total area, in one part, different temples are located and another part is a beautiful garden. There is a big boundary around the temple, which is 14 meters high. There are four main parts of Baladev Jew Temple which are Sri Mandir, Natya Mandir, Bhoga Mandap and Mukhashala. The main temple height is 75 feet and width is 40 feet. The main temple has a 7 steps and heavy baulamalia stone are used in this temples construction. The other important parts of the temple are Garuda Stambha, Ratna Bhandar, Snana Mandap, Mukti Mandap, Jhulan Gruha, Laxmi Mandira, Anand Bazar, Bhairabi Mandir, NabaGraha Mandir, Kasi Biswonath, Astasambhu Mahadev, Sri Ram mandir, Sidheswar Mahadev, Mukti Mandap, Ganesh mandir, & adhistati Devi Tulasi Temple There are several stories surrounding Lord Baladeva Jeu at Kendrapara. Kandarasura, a demon king, destroyer of Yajnas (sacrifices) , was ruling over the area surrounding Lalitagiri and Assia mountain ranges. Tulasi kshetra Mahatmya reveals that he lived near Lalitagiri – Alatigiri and was terrifying people. Lord Balabhadra defeated him in a fight as a result of which he left the place, went to Kapilas mountain near Dhenkanal and lived in disguise in the nearest mountain ranges as he was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva. Lord Balabhadra thoroughly searched every nook and corner of the hill and lastly ploughed the hill with his plough (hala) as a result of which one perennial spring emerged from the hill, which is now called ‘Langal Siar Jharana’ (spring of the plough). After persuading him from Kapilas, Lord Balabhadra killed the wicked demon Kandarasura in a fight and threw his slain body all over nearby places by cutting it into pieces. It is a popular belief among the local people that the scattered body was fallen at Asureswar, Balagandi, Kamar Khandi, Navi Khanda which places are named after the head (Aswa Sira), trunk (Gandi of Aswa) waist (Kamar-Khanda) and Naval (peice of Navi) of the demon Kandarasura respectively. It is also believed that the Siva temples of Swapneswar at Kantia, Lankeswara of Gualisingh, Bileswar of Kagal were founded by Baladeva over the face, neck and waist of the demon respectively, Balagandi, the place where the trunk of Kandarasura had fallen is called Kandara padi (Kendrapara). According to his name, the place name ‘Kandharapara’ or ‘Kendrapara’ has been derived. Before killing the demon, Lord Balabhadra at first killed Madhudaitya, the chief military general of Kandarasura at Lalitagiri through his war weapon plough. The blood gushing out from the body of the general formed a river named Madhusagar (now Gobari river) which flow towards east by the side of Kandarasura Menhir and ultimately meet the sea. Lord Balaram married Tulasi, the only daughter of Kandarasura on the 12th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha which is observed with pomp and ceremony every year as ‘Tulasi bibaha day’ (marriage day of Tulasi) in the Baladeva Jeu Temple, Kendrapara. The place where this marriage was performed is renamed as Tulasi Kshetra. The deity of Tulasi Devi is worshipped in a temple near village Gochha on the northern side of the road from Kendrapara to Ichhapur. The Deity of Baladeva Jeu– It is said that after the departure of Lord Balarama to his own abode, he established himself as a deity to be worshipped here. This deity was worshipped by Devatas (demigods) at the door of Patalpuri which is identified with Lalitagiri in Dwapar Yuga. When Kali yuga appeared Buddha Dharma (Buddhism) spread over the area. At this time, this deity of Baladev jeu was hid in water of Madhusagar (river Gobari). After many years, a great devotee of Lord Balaram of the name Gopal Siddha Das, who was a cowherd boy discovered this deity of Balabhadra near Siddha Sarobar. Since then, this deity is worshipped at Kendrapara. The deity is also worshipped as Siddha Baladev Jeu after the name of Gopal Siddha Das, who discovered the deity first for all people to worship. The present shrine of Siddha Baladeva Jeu was constructed during the Maratha rule in Orissa (1761 AD) by Maratha chief Janoji. The stone Deity of Lord Balabhadra and wooden deities of Jagannath, Subhadra and Sudarsan are all worshipped here according to the rituals of the temple in Lord Jagannath at Puri. The Ratha Chariot The chariot on which the three Deities of Baladev Jew Temple go out on Their yearly car festival is known as Brahma Taladhwaja Ratha. This is said to be the biggest chariot in the world. Every year, some parts of the chariot are built anew, unlike the chariots of Puri Car Festival, which are completely rebuilt each year. When Sri Brahma Taladhwaja Ratha rolls out, it appears like a grand temple on wheels. Car festival (Rathyatra) of Lord Balabhadra in the Tulasi Khetra is celebrated on the 2nd day of bright fortnight in the month of Asadha just like the Car Festival of Pur. Official Address
Annakoteshvara Temple, Dhenkanal, Odisha Annakoteshwara Temple, Annakoteswar Temple, or Annakotisvara Siva Temple is located in Latadeipur in Gondia tehsil in Dhenkanal district, Odisha.The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with a stone shivalinga.Annakoteshwara Temple also known as Urnakoteshvara temple is a Shaivite temple situated in the enchanting Latadeipur close to Gondia tehsil in Dhenkanal district in the Indian state of Orissa. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva installed in the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha in the form of a Shivalingam within a circular yonipitha. The temple is a Pancharatha temple having Rekha deula (Vimana) and a Pidha deula. The temple is decorated with Khakharamundi and Pidhamundis along the main Vimana. Several detached sculptures are kept in care. On the basis of construction the temple can be said to be built around 16th century during Suryavamsi Gajapati rule. The Garbhagriha houses a circular Yonipeetha only. The Lingamurthy is displaced by attacks of Kalapahad who was a Muslim invader from the nawabs of Bengal near Murshidabad.Annakoteshwara Temple, an ancient Hindu temple echoing the fascinating legends of Lord Shiva, stands as an exquisite example of the artistic skills of the craftsmen. Pancharatha in plan, the temple is of the Rekha deula (Vimana) and a Pidha deula order. The religious centre is adorned with Khakharamundi and Pidhamundis by the side of the main Vimana. Magnificent sculptural work has been carved on the walls of the temple that augment its beauty. Based on the architectural work, the construction and the stylistic development of the temple, it can be stated that the temple had been constructed in the 16th century during Suryavamsi Gajapati rule. The Shivalingam enshrined in the garbhagriha of the temple was said to have been displaced during the invasions of Kalapahad, a Muslim invader hailng from the nawabs of Bengal near to Murshidabad. Annakoteshwara Temple visited by thousands of pilgrims from different destinations can be easily approached from 22 kms north of Dhenkanal Township via Joranda Gadhi. The temple is listed as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Official Address
Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple, Jagatsinghpur, Odisha Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple is dedicated to Ekapada Bhairava – an aspect of Shiva – present in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha, India. The current temple is a small Pidha deula reconstructed during the early 20th century but the Garbhagriha houses the image of Bhairava and a Shivalinga. The bhairava has one feet and four hands, of which the lower two are broken. The upper two hold disc-shaped structures. The Ajaikapada Bhairava is the ruling deity of the star Pūrva Bhādrapadā. It is evident that someone who was expert in astrology and tantra established this temple. The archaeological survey has established that the temple was built during the early 10th century by the Somavamsi Keshari Kings of Orissa. Later it was destroyed due to flood and attacks by non-Hindu rulers. The present temple was rebuilt during the 20th century. The temple is located 6 km from Alanahat, Sathalapada, in Jagatsinghpur, near River Alaka (a branch of Mahanadi). Direct transport is available from Nuagaon, too. Official Address
Astasambhu Siva Temples, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Astasambhu Siva Temples is a collection of 8 Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Siva located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, India.In the Uttaresvara Siva Temple precinct there are eight temples of identical size and dimension locally known as Astasambhu. Ashtameans eight and Sambhu refers to another name of Lord Shiva. Five of them are arranged in one alignment are also known as Panchu Pandava. The temple is under the private ownership and is maintained by the Ratnakara Gargabatu and family. According to architectural features like bada division and pabhaga mouldings, this temple was built around 10th Century A.D. This is a building made up of stones and its typology is Rekha Deul. The temple is surrounded by Godavari tank in the east, Uttaresvara Siva Templecompound wall in west, and Bindusagar tank in south beyond the compound wall. The temple has an east facing shrine The temple has a square vimanam (shrine) measuring 2.45 metres with a frontal porch of 0.53 metres. Its pancharatha(five chariots) as distinguished by a central raha and a pair of anuratha and kanika pagas on either sides of the raha. On elevation, he vimana is of rekha order that measures 5.72 metres in height from pabhaga to kalasa. From bottom to the top the temple has a bada, gandi and mastaka. With three fold divisions of the bada the temple has a trianga bada measuring 1.72 metres. At the bottom the pabhaga has four base mouldings of khura, kumha, pata, basanta that measures 0.47 metres. Jangha measures 0.90 metres and barandameasuring 0.35 metres thick has three mouldings. The gandi measuring 3.00 metres in height is devoid of any decoration and mastaka measures 1.00 metres with components like beki, amlaka, khapuri and kalasa. The parsvadevata niches are located on the raha paga of the jangha on the three sides of north, west and south measuring 0.50 metres x 0.32 metres and with a depth of 0.20 metres. Except the southern niche the rest two are empty. The niches are decorated with talagarbhika and urdhagarbhika of khakhara order. The southern niche houses a four armed Ganesha holding a parasu in his lower left, a rosary with varadamudra pose in lower right hand. His upper hands are broken. The deity is flanked on the top by two flying vidyadharas holding garlands in their hands. This temple is made up of coarse grey sand stone, construction technique is dry masonry type and construction type is Kalingan Official Address
Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Khordha, Odisha Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India.The temple was constructed in the thirteenth century, and the complete murties of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are worshipped there. Balarama stands under a seven hooded serpent, Subhadra holds Jewels pot and lotus in her two hands keeping her left foot over another jewel pot, while Krishna holds a mace, chakra, lotus and a conch. The temple dates back to the period of Chandrika Devi, the daughter of Anangabhima III, during the reign of the king Bhanudeva. In form, the temple resembles the Lingaraj temple, but includes vaishnavite (Lord Vishnu related) sculptures.The temple has longitudinal bands of miniature shikharas (shrines), exactly like those in Lingaraj temple, with the minor difference that the number of the shikharas forming one longitudinal band in its case is only three.The sculpture in the exterior walls varies in character in each temple in Bhubaneswar. Most of the female sculptures in the temple walls are overly ornamanted and lack originality. It appears that the original image of Vishnu was worshipped on the spot where the great temple of Ananta Vasudeva was built in the 13th century A.D. Thus in the 13th century, Queen Chandrika of Eastern Ganga dynasty was prompted to construct a new temple – the temple of Ananta Vasudeva in this place. There must have been an old temple where this Vishnu image was installed. The Marathas, who extended their empire up to river Mahanadi, were responsible for renovating the Vishnu temple at Bhubaneswar in the late 17th Century. Official Address
Temples in Puducherry: Exploring the Spiritual and Cultural Legacy of the Union Territory Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry, is a Union Territory located on the east coast of India. The region has a unique cultural and historical legacy that reflects its French colonial past and its rich spiritual heritage. Puducherry is home to several ancient temples that attract devotees and tourists alike, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers. One of the most famous temples in Puducherry is the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is renowned for its exquisite architecture and elaborate rituals. Another popular temple in the region is the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. Apart from these two temples, Puducherry is home to several other ancient temples that are equally impressive. The Thirukameswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and the Vedapureeswarar Temple are some of the other popular temples in the region. Visiting these temples in Puducherry is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore the region’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy. These ancient temples offer a glimpse into the unique traditions and history of the region, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the spiritual and cultural diversity of India.
Of those various pilgrimage sites in Pondicherry, Kamatchiamman Temple is a significant name as this shrine is an important place of worship in the city. Located in the Heritage Town, Kamatchi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. With more than 500 years of age, this holy shrine in Pondicherry receives a significant footfall of devotees every day. Devotees come here to offer their prayers and to seek blessings of the Goddess of the temple. Apart from its sacred significance, the temple is also famed for its magnificent construction which is a fine exemplar of Tamil architectural design. Though the temple has a conventional design with bereft of any embellishment like that of other Hindu temples in Pondicherry, yet, the temple has its own place in the hearts of devotees. Since its inception, Kamatchiamman Temple has been one of the prime tourist attraction in Pondicherry, and hence, attracts a lot of tourists every year. Besides, on the festival days of Navratri, Pongal and Deepavali, the temple remains dotted with innumerable tourists that come to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga from different parts of the country. A visit to this stunning temple is a blissful experience for every visitor that indeed one could not afford to miss while in Pondicherry.
If you think that it’s just the town of Auroville where you can head out in Pondicherry for that enduring spiritual experience, think again! Kanniga Parameswari Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Pondicherry because of the high sacred significance the temple has in the hearts of devotees. On M.G. Road, the Kanniga Parameswari Temple is devoted to Goddess Shakti – the goddess of power in Hindu Mythology. Goddess Shakti is the manifestation Goddess Durga who is counted amongst the prime deities of Pondicherry. Besides the significance, the temple is also known for its unique architecture which boasts a perfect blend of both traditional Deccan architecture of India and French style of design. Kamatchi Amman Kovil St, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001
Not far from Irumbai Shiva Temple stands another shrine that is equally famous, if not more – the Panchavati Anjaneya Temple. As the name indicates, it is a Hanuman temple in Pondicherry and houses a 32 feet tall idol of the presiding deity. Along with this gigantic idol, the splendid temple architecture draws a large number of tourists and followers to this place on a regular basis. The shrine sees a huge footfall of devotees on Saturdays, which is considered to be the ideal day to worship Lord Hanuman. Sprawling across 12 acres of area, Panchavati Temple, Pondicherry is where you can spend some tranquil moments appreciating the vibe and beauty of the place.
Hailed as one of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalas, this ancient Shiva temple commands much respect from the devotees. It is counted among those few temples near Pondicherry where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Mahakaleshwar. Believed to be built in the 7th century by King Kulothungan III, one of the rulers from the Chola dynasty, this shrine exhibits features reflecting the Ekadala style of architecture. A peculiar aspect of this shrine is that here, you can see broken pieces of Shiva Linga woven together by copper threads. Located in picturesque surroundings, the temple complex includes a large water tank. Coconut trees and banyan trees line the pathway leading to the temple and add to the tranquil ambiance.
A prominent name in the Pondicherry temple list, Sithananda Swamy Temple isn’t one of your regular shrines dedicated to the worship of celestial beings. Rather, it is built to honor the memory and teachings of a saint, Guru Sithananda Swamigal. In fact, it is the Jeevan Samadhi of the saint and dates back to the 19th century. A Shiva Linga has been erected at the very spot where the Samadhi of the saint exists. Though located in one of the busiest areas of Pondicherry, Sithananda Swamy Temple exudes a certain serenity that is hard to describe. Once you step inside the premises, it feels as if you are transported to a different place altogether. The colorful main hall comes across as a lovely sight that refreshes your sore eyes. Beautifully crafted sculptures adorn the pillars of the hall even as the ceiling boasts of intricate paintings. The sprawling 44670 sq. ft. area of the temple includes trees, shrubs, and a pond
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple is also known as Villianur Temple. One of the famous temples around Pondicherry, this shrine is not just a religious destination but a major tourist attraction as well, thanks to its marvelous architecture. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of Thirukameswar (Shiva Linga). Gokilambal refers to the goddess worshipped with Shiva in this temple. It is an ancient temple that dates back to the 12th century when this place was under the rule of the Chola dynasty. If legends are to be believed, a Chola king once suffered from leprosy. He worshipped Lord Shiva and got cured of his ailment. As a mark of his gratitude for the Lord, he built this temple. It is believed that whoever pulls the chariot will get their wishes fulfilled by Lord Shiva, attracting thousands of devotees from all parts of Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu to this place at that time. If you are interested to know more about the famous religious destinations of the town, you can read our blog on the famous churches in Pondicherry Villianur railway station, Villianur Railway Station, NH 45A, Sulthanpet, Puducherry 605110Airport Address Pondicherry Airport, Lawspet, Puducherry, 605008. E-Car St, Villianur, Puducherry 605110 0413 266 6396.
The brightly painted gopuram of this temple attracts instant attention of the visitors, but there’s more to Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple than its vibrant exterior and stunning architecture. Built more than 350 years ago, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and draws devotees from all over Pondicherry and beyond. One of the unique aspects of this Ganesh temple in Pondicherry is that the deity here is seen in the company of his two consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi, which is a rare thing to witness. As per the Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha’s name is chosen from the 16 types of his forms. As such, the idol in this Pondicherry temple is named Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy. However, due to the location of the temple near the sea, it came to be known as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar. Manal means sand and Kulam means pond in Tamil. Later, it was named as Manakula Vinayagar. An imposing structure, the architecture of this Pondicherry Ganesh temple follows the Dravidian style, as is commonly seen in the temples of South India. Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
This temple has a small main tower (Rajagopuram) and a single corridor. It is east facing and is believed to have been built by the kings of Chalukyas. The legend is that Sage Vamadeva visited many Shiva Sthalams seeking relief from a curse he had incurred. When he came to this place, he was taking rest for a while under a peepal (Arasu) tree. Mesmerized by the beautiful surrounding and atmosphere, he started imagining how pleasant it would be to have a temple for Lord Shiva built under this tree. 15 kms away from Puducherry on the Puducherry to Tindivanam route. After crossing Morattandi, there is a small road on the right going to Ozhindiyapattu village. Travel along that road for about 1.5 kms to reach the temple. Two more Paadal Petra Sthalam – Kiliyanur and Irumbai Maakaalam are located very near to this place. Sri Arasaleeswarar Temple, Ozhindiapattu, Vanur Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu – 605 109.
This temple is around 1500 years old and was built in the Chola period. “Killi” is the surname of Chola kings and there are historical references to kings from the Chola period like King Nedungkilli and King Killivalavan. It is possible that this place’s name “Kiliyanur” might have been derived from its connection to the Chola dynasty. It is said that the lingam (Moolavar) was installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiyar, so the lord is named Sri Agastheeswarar. Kiliyanur is at a distance of about 25 kms from Pondicherry on the Pondicherry to Tindivanam route. After crossing Morattandi, there is a small road on the right going to Kiliyanur village. Travel along that road for about 3 kms to reach the temple. The temple is near the village Brammadesam and at a distance of about one km from Kiliyanur bus stand. Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Thiru Kiliyanur, Thindivanam Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu – 604001. 09976440754.
It is believed that this temple was built in the 7th century by Chola King Kulothungan III. As per the inscriptions on the stone walls of the temple, the village’s name is mentioned as “Iruncheri”. Another reasoning behind the name Irumbai is that this place was once densely populated by Iluppai trees and so the village got the name Iluppai. Over a period of time this name got changed to Irumbai. According to the legend, a saint called Mahakala Rishi, during his pilgrimage, installed three lingams – one in Ujjain in North India (Vada Naadu), one at Ambar Makalam near Mayiladuthurai in the south (Then Naadu) and the third one at this place (Nadu Naadu). Hence the Lord here is named Sri Mahakaleshwarar. Irumbai is about 10 kms from Puducherry and 2 kms away from Morattandi on Puducherry to Tindivanam route. After Morattandi, there is a small road on the right side leading to Irumbai village where the temple is located. Also, the temple is in the vicinity of Auroville International Township. Two more Padal Petra Sthalam, Kiliyanur and Arisili are located very near to this place. Shri Mahakaleswarar Temple, Irumbai Mahalam, Vanur Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu – 605 111
The temple is located on the banks of river Varaha. As per the information displayed at the temple, it is more than 2000 years old and was built by King Adithya Chola. According to legend that there was once a Demon King called Vakrasuran, who, being a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and had performed rigorous penance here. Pleased by his penance, Lord Shiva granted him the boon of immortality. Empowered with immortality, he started terrorizing the celestial gods (Devas). The Devas pleaded with Lord Shiva to save them from Vakrasuran’s atrocities. Lord Shiva asked Lord Mahavishnu to kill Vakrasuran, In the fight between Lord Vishnu and Vakrasuran, as soon as Vakrasuran’s blood touched the ground, demons started forming in its place. Thiruvakkari is situated at a distance of about 25 kms each from Pondicherry, Tindivanam and Villupuram. On the Pondicherry to Mayilam route, there is a village called Perumbakkam. An arch (Entrance) of this temple is erected at Perumpakkam and from here this temple is at a distane of about 6 kms. Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Tiruvakkarai Post, Vanur Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu-604 304.
This temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Kulothungan-I. It is believed that once this place was densely populated with palm trees. This place is called “Puravaar Panangkatur” because “Puravaar” in Tamil means forest and Panangkatur means full of palm trees. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar has also mentioned this place as Puravaar Panankatur in his hyms. Of the 276 Paadal Petra Shivasthalams, very few temples have Palm tree (Panai) as their Sthala Viruksham. This temple is one of them. The legend is that Dakshan (father of Goddess Parvathi) once performed a yagna where he invited all the devas (celestial gods) but intentionally left out Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was angered by this slight and all the devas who attended the yagna and consumed the yagna-food (avirbhaagam), became the object of his fury. Panayapuram is at a distance of about 12 kms from Villupuram and 3 kms from Mundiambakkam. It is on the Pondicherry to Mundiambakkam route. The temple is hardly one km away from the Vikravandi tollgate on the Panruti / Kumabakonam route. Other Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near Panayapuram are: Thiruvamathur (13 kms), Thiruthuraiyur (24 kms) and Thirumundeeswaram (Gramam) (29 kms). Sri Panangaateeswarar Temple, Panaiyapuram Post Mundiyampakkam Via Villupuram District Tamil Nadu – 605 601.
This temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Paranthakan-I. It is constructed in a style that is similar to that of Tanjore temple but it is much smaller in size. The historical name of this place is Vadukur and that of the temple is Andarkoil. However, over a period of time, this place’s name has been changed to Thiru Andarkoil. The legend associated with this temple is that of a demon called Mundasuran. After rigorous penance, he was blessed with a lot of powers by Lord Shiva. He also obtained the power that he could not be killed by other demons or devas. Thiruvadukur is at a distance of about 22 kms from Pondicherry on the Pondicherry to Villupuram route. From Villupuram it is about 20 kms. Nearest railway station is Chinnababu Samudram (4 kms) on the Villupuram to Pondicherry railway line. Sri Vadukeeswarar Temple, Tiruvandar Koil Post Kandamangalam Via, Puducherry – 605 102.
Vedapureeswarar Temple, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu Vedapureeswarar Temple in Puducherry, in the South Indian union territory of Puducherry, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple was demolished by the French troops in 1748. Shiva is worshipped as Vedapureeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Tiripurasundari. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower. A Dewan named Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar expanded the temple with the help of public contributions in 1788. The temple is open from 6 am – 12:30 pm and 4:30 – 8:00 pm on all days. Four daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June), Annabishekam during Aipassi (October – November) and Sivarathri during Masi (February – March) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Department of Hindu religious institutions and Wakf of the Government of Puducherry. Vedapureeswarar temple has a seven-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower raising to a height of 75 ft (23 m) . The presiding deity Vedapureeswarar, in the form of Lingam is housed in the sanctum. The sanctum is approached from the main entrance through the flag staff hall, Maha mandap and Artha mandap. The flag staff is located in the flagstaff hall axial to the sanctum. An image of Nandi faces the main shrine in the Maha Mandap. There are shrines of Vinayaga and Muruga before the Mahamandap and the sanctum is guarded by Dwarapalas. The shrine of Tiripurasundari is located in the second precinct. There also shrines of Shani, Durga, Chandikeswara, Dakshninamurthy and Navagraha around the sanctum. The rectangular temple tank is located inside the temple and has 35 steps to the basement. Puducherry or Pondicherry was originally called Podouke(This was mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.). This old port town Podouke( Now it is called Arikamedu) is 4 km from the present Puducherry. As per investigation by Vimala Begley, this port city Podouke was at the peak between from the 2nd century BCE to the 8th century CE. This port city enjoyed extensive trade relations with Imperial Rome. François Martin the first Governor General of French India founded the modern Pondicherry, the future capital of French India in 1674. The Varadaraja temple housed the images of the Vedapureeswarar Temple during the destruction by the French troops during 1748.It is believed that the temple was totally destructed by the invading French troops and earlier by Muslim invaders. Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar, with the help of public contributions, reconstructed the temple in 1788. The details of the demolition has been recorded in the diary of a chronicler of a period named Ananda Rangam Pillai. The presiding deity in the temple is believed to have been migrated from the Samba Easwaran street to the temple during the later part of the 19th century.[2]The temple is maintained and administered by Sri Vedapureeswarar Sri Varadaraja Perumal Devastanam under the Department of Hindu religious institutions and Wakf of the Government of Puducherry Official Address
Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the ancient temples in Puducherry, a Union Territory situated in the southern part of the Indian sub-continent. The temple is 400 meters West of the Bay of Bengal, 165 km South of Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu State), 23 km of North of Cuddalore and 35 km East of Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu. The main deity of this temple, “Manakula Vinayagar” (Pranavamurthy), is facing east. The temple was once bordered on the east side by Orlean Street (Now Manakula Vinayagar Koil Street), south by Jawaharlal Nehru Street, north by Law-de-Louristhon street and west by a canal running north-south. Official Address
Panchanatheeswarar Vadugurnathar Temple, Thiruvandarkoil, Puducherry Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and this temple is praised in the hymns of saint Thirugnana Sambandar. This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 16th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Saint Arunagirinathar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. This is beautiful temple under the control of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and has several inscriptions dating back to the period of Parantaka Chola and other great Chola kings like Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola. The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Devotees believe that worshiping the lord of this temple would bless them with better job opportunities and promotions in works. Majority of people pray for promotion in jobs and to conquer arrogance and ego. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord. There are 8 pillars in the Artha Mandapa before Lord’s shrine. Worshipping Lord at this spot would bring royal honours and benefits to the devotee. Special abisheks are performed to Lord Vadukeeswarar and Lord Bhairava on Ashtami days for removal evil effects. Those facing problems in wedding matters and suffering from illnesses perform abishek to Lord Bhairava with honey and sugarcane juice and feed the dogs. Lord Muruga on his peacock vehicle turning left graces with His six faces, 12 hands and weapons. Saint Arunagiriar in his Thirupugazh hymns ensures that the devotee would be relieved of all his/her sins if they worship Muruga in this form. Mother Durga graces from wall around the sanctum with her hands ready for a war. Devotees pray here for success in their efforts. Special abisheks are performed to Lord Vadukeeswarar and Lord Bhairava on Ashtami days for removal evil effects. The Temple is located at about 12 Kms, Villianur, 19 Kms from Puducherry, 20 Kms from Villupuram, 4.5 Kms from Chinnababusamudram, 179 Kms from Chennai and 183 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located on Pondicherry to Villupuram Route (NH 45A). All the buses from Villupuram to Pondicherry and vice versa pass through Thiruvandarkoil. The temple is located on the road side opposite to Food Corporation Godown. Nearest railway station is Chinnababu Samudram (4 kms) on the Villupuram to Pondicherry railway line. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Villupuram and Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai. Panchanatheeswarar Temple (Vadugurnathar Temple), Thiruvandar Koil Post Kandamangalam Via, Puducherry – 605 102 Mobile: +91 99943 05874 / 9042154182 / 99941 90417
Vedapureeswarar Temple, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu Vedapureeswarar Temple in Puducherry, in the South Indian union territory of Puducherry, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple was demolished by the French troops in 1748. Shiva is worshipped as Vedapureeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Tiripurasundari. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower. A Dewan named Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar expanded the temple with the help of public contributions in 1788. The temple is open from 6 am – 12:30 pm and 4:30 – 8:00 pm on all days. Four daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June), Annabishekam during Aipassi (October – November) and Sivarathri during Masi (February – March) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Department of Hindu religious institutions and Wakf of the Government of Puducherry. Vedapureeswarar temple has a seven-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower raising to a height of 75 ft (23 m) . The presiding deity Vedapureeswarar, in the form of Lingam is housed in the sanctum. The sanctum is approached from the main entrance through the flag staff hall, Maha mandap and Artha mandap. The flag staff is located in the flagstaff hall axial to the sanctum. An image of Nandi faces the main shrine in the Maha Mandap. There are shrines of Vinayaga and Muruga before the Mahamandap and the sanctum is guarded by Dwarapalas. The shrine of Tiripurasundari is located in the second precinct. There also shrines of Shani, Durga, Chandikeswara, Dakshninamurthy and Navagraha around the sanctum. The rectangular temple tank is located inside the temple and has 35 steps to the basement. Puducherry or Pondicherry was originally called Podouke(This was mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.). This old port town Podouke( Now it is called Arikamedu) is 4 km from the present Puducherry. As per investigation by Vimala Begley, this port city Podouke was at the peak between from the 2nd century BCE to the 8th century CE. This port city enjoyed extensive trade relations with Imperial Rome. François Martin the first Governor General of French India founded the modern Pondicherry, the future capital of French India in 1674. The Varadaraja temple housed the images of the Vedapureeswarar Temple during the destruction by the French troops during 1748.It is believed that the temple was totally destructed by the invading French troops and earlier by Muslim invaders. Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar, with the help of public contributions, reconstructed the temple in 1788. The details of the demolition has been recorded in the diary of a chronicler of a period named Ananda Rangam Pillai. The presiding deity in the temple is believed to have been migrated from the Samba Easwaran street to the temple during the later part of the 19th century.[2]The temple is maintained and administered by Sri Vedapureeswarar Sri Varadaraja Perumal Devastanam under the Department of Hindu religious institutions and Wakf of the Government of Puducherry Official Address
Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the ancient temples in Puducherry, a Union Territory situated in the southern part of the Indian sub-continent. The temple is 400 meters West of the Bay of Bengal, 165 km South of Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu State), 23 km of North of Cuddalore and 35 km East of Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu. The main deity of this temple, “Manakula Vinayagar” (Pranavamurthy), is facing east. The temple was once bordered on the east side by Orlean Street (Now Manakula Vinayagar Koil Street), south by Jawaharlal Nehru Street, north by Law-de-Louristhon street and west by a canal running north-south. Official Address
Punjab, a state in northern India, is a land of rich cultural heritage and is known for its historic and religious significance. The state is home to several magnificent temples that showcase exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and ancient history. One of the most famous temples in Punjab is the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, which is the most important religious site for the Sikh community. The temple is made of marble and copper gilt, and its dome is covered with pure gold. Devotees from all over the world come to pay their respects and seek blessings at this holy shrine. Another famous temple in Punjab is the Durgiana Temple, located in the city of Amritsar. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple’s architecture is inspired by the Golden Temple, with its dome and walls covered in gold leaf. The Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara is another important religious site in Punjab. It is the birthplace of the Khalsa, a Sikh warrior community. The gurudwara is situated on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial in Amritsar is not a temple, but it is a significant site for Indians, especially Sikhs, as it commemorates the tragic incident of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. The memorial has a beautiful garden and a memorial tower that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian people for their independence. Other notable temples in Punjab include the Vaishno Devi Temple in Kangra, the Mata Chintpurni Temple in Una, and the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala. All of these temples have their own unique stories and legends associated with them. In summary, Punjab is a state with a rich history and culture that is reflected in its magnificent temples. From the Golden Temple to the Durgiana Temple, these holy shrines are not only religiously significant but also showcase some of the finest examples of architecture and craftsmanship.
Around 40 kms from Hoshiarpur, this temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakshi. It was known by her name as Kamakshi Devi Temple. It is located in the village of Beh Nangal. It is said that the Pandavas built this temple. Airports are Adampur,Chandigarh and Amritsar. Hoshiarpur/ Jalandhar railway station Hoshiarpur city bus stand.
This ancient temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is situated in village Attewali on Sirhind-Chandigarh Road . The legend has that during the times of Raja Prithvi Raj Chauhan, a large number of pilgrims from Rajasthan were going in bullock carts to the ancient Jain Temple of Kangra (situated still in Kangra Fort) to have the blessings of Lord Adi Nath. The pilgrims had also brought an idol of Mata Chakreshwari Devi, an ardent worshipper (known as Rakshak Devi or Lord Adinath) of Lord Adinath. On their way , the carvan halted for the night at the present site. Next morning when the caravan was all set to move , the Rath (Chariot) carrying the idol of Mata Shri Chakreshwari Devi did not move inspite of the best efforts of the pilgrims. The devotees were at a loss to know the reason and were perplexed. Then all of a sudden, there was flood of light inside the Palki carrying the idol and there was an AKASHWANI `Let this be my place of Abode’. The pilgrims said `Mother, this is all sandy area, there is no water, around here, we had a miserable night yesterday’. The voice replied, A few yards towards north of this p_lace dig the land and you will get water’. To the astonishment of pilgrims, they just dug a few feet and a fountain of water started flowing. The fountain of water has been converted into a small well Even today, the water of this tank is held sacred by the devotees and they carry home to preserve the same considering it as sacred as water of Ganga. The pilgrims were very much pleased and they installed the idol of Mata Chakreshwari Devi at this place and built a beautiful temple there. Every year an annual function is organised here after four days of Dushera in which hundered of pilgrims visit The nearest airport is International Airport Mohali/Chandigarh about 50 KM from Fatehgarh Sahib The District has Sirhind Junction Railway Station on the Delhi-Amritsar section. This junction links the country with the Ropar and Nangal Dam. On the Sirhind-Nangal railway line, there is a railway station at Fatehgarh Sahib. Many Express and Super fast trains halt at Sirhind Railway station. By road Fatehgarh Sahib is 250 Kms from National Capital Delhi. The National Highway No.1 (Sher Shah Suri Marg) passes through it at Sirhind and Mandi Gobindgarh situated in the district. All buses traversing the Delhi-Amritsar section halt here. For those wishing to visit Fatehgarh Sahib after landing at the Delhi Airport, the Indo-Canadian Bus service runs regular Delux bus services from the Airport to Amritsar and these buses halt at Sirhind and Mandi Gobindgarh. There are also regular bus services to Fatehgarh Sahib from Chandigarh, Patiala and Ropar.
The Maisar Khana mandir is 29 km from Bathinda on Bathinda-Mansa Road. According to a legend, the Jyoti of Mata Jawala appeared to give darshan to a poor devotee who could not reach durga temple at Jawala Ji. Every year, Two Melas are held where lacs of devotees come to have Darshan of Jawala ji. Nearest Airport is Bathinda Airport at a distance of of approximately 56 km. Maisar Khana Rail Way Station , Kot Fatteh Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway stations to Maisar Khana Temple. Motorable roads connect the Temple from various important cities. From Bathinda city the distance is approximately 30 KMs. Unnamed Road, Maiser Khana, Punjab 151509 094644 78515
One of the 52 major Shakti Peethas, the Tripurmalini Shakti Peeth is situated in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Tripurmalini Shakti Peeth is dedicated to Devi Sati or Shakti, who is worshipped by a large number of Hindu devotees. It is believed that Devi Sati’s Left Breast fell here. This Peetha is situated in Jalandhar (1 km from Jalandhar Railway Station) in the state of Punjab in India. Here Sati is called Tripurmalini and Lord Shiva is called Bhishan. The city of Jalandhar is located at Hawrah-Amritsar main line of Indian railways.Different sages like Vashishtha, Vyasa, Manu, Jamdagni, Parshuram etc., worshipped Adhya Shakti here, in the form of Tripura Malini. Shaktipeeth is worshipped for the blessings of son. Direct trains are available to Jalandhar Railway station and most famous train is Shatabadi and play directly from Delhi to here.Several deluxe bus services are available toJalandhar and they are worth trying, if you are not getting reservation in the train.Nearest airport is in the Amritsar and national as well as … Tanda Rd, Shiv Nagar, Industrial Area, Jalandhar, Punjab 144004 0181 229 1252
Punjab is a land blessed by saints, an ancient land yielding archaeological treasures, a land of palaces and temples. Situated outside the Lohgarh Gate, Durgiana Temple is built after the design of the Golden Temple and attracts sages and scholars in Hindu scriptures from all over India. A walk away from the Golden temple complex through the narrow passageways brings the visitors to the 16th century Hindu temple of Durgiana. In its present form the temple echoes of not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden Temple. It rises in a similar manner from the midst of a tank and has canopies and a central dome. Its foundation stone was laid by one of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures. Located near the Hathi Gate in Goal Bagh, Amritsar,Durgiana Temple is can be reached without any hassle from within, and outside the city. People from within the city can use any type of local transport such as a taxi, bus, or a tuk tuk to reach the temple. Hathi Gate, Goal Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab 143001 0183 255 0800
Julfa Mata Temple is situated in a small town of Nangal, in the district of Rupnagar, in the state of Punjab, in Northwest India. It is one of the fifty one Shako Peethas. According to the local legends and religious scholars, it is strongly believed that the hair of the deity fell at this particular spot It is an ancient Hindu temple that has a lot of religious significance related to North India. This shrine is located atop the hill range of Nangal — Hambewal road in the Shivalik hills. It is just five kilometers away from Nangal Township. This temple is well-connected with road facilities so large number of adherent devotees and tourists visit daily for the deity’s blessings for their better personal and professional life. The temple is situated on the hills of Nangal – Hambewal road. The temple is around five kilometers away from the Nangal township. In early days there was no road to the temple. People used to go by foot. Contractors Colony, Nangal, Punjab 140124
One of the consecrated place of worship for the Hindus, the Kali Devi Mandir in the city of Patiala, Punjab, is devoted to the Hindu goddess Durga – an incarnation of Kali Mata (Mother Kali). Located on the Mall Road of this city, the magnificent temple lies just in front of the Baradari Garden next to the Rajendra Tank. The Patiala Kali Mata Mandir was built by the late Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1936. The Maharaja brought the six-foot idol of Kali Devi and the “pawan jyoti” (sacred flame) from the East Indian city of Calcutta. The temple is an architectural wonder from the great days gone by when the city was ruled by the great Patiala Maharajas, who were great promoters of art and culture. Manjit Nagar, Sidhu Colony, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Suraj Kund Sunam is a famous Hindu temple It is a large Sun temple, located to the east of Sunam city (dated to the Vedic period), about 1.5 kilometres away in the Thashil and Sub division of the Sangrur District, was destroyed by Timur or Mohammad Ghaznavi. It is also said that Saraswathi River was flowing nearby. The Suraj Kund is now in a dilapidated condition. It is situated on the Ludhiana-Hisar railway line. Suraj Kund Sunam, Sunam. Suraj Kund Sunam is a famous Hindu temple It is a large Sun temple, located to the east of Sunam city (dated to the Vedic period), about 1.5 kilometres away in the Thashil and Sub division of the Sangrur District, was destroyed by Timur or Mohammad Ghaznavi. Khadial – Sunam Rd, Khadial Ramgarh Jawanda, Sunam, Punjab 148030 0167 622 4565
Ram Tirath Temple is located at a distance of 11 kilometers to the West of Chogawan road in Amritsar. The Ram Tirath Temple dates back top the period of Ramayana. There is a very good ancient tank near this temple.
Ludhiana, a historical and a heritage city, having a definite identity, houses the famous Gurudwara Manji Sahib. This Gurudwara is exactly located at Alamgir in Ludhiana. This particular gurudwara is one of the renowned Gurudwaras in Punjab and here the 10th Sikh Guru, known as Guru Govind Singh spent a few days to refresh himself. Guru Gobind Singhji was very much tedious and was the strongest in the inexorable fight against the Machiavellian enemy. Further it is known that the Mughal Army followed Guru Govind Singh and as a result, he took shelter in this Gurudwara, which is consecrated as a holy place for the Sikhs. 56, Gurudwara Rd, D-Block, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab 141001
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib was built between the years 1778-1784 and is situated to the south of the Golden Temple, about 185 metres from Sarai Guru Ram Das. The nine-storey octagon tower stands 40 metres high, and is the tallest building in Amritsar. Originally a samadhi which is enshrining the remains of Atal Rai (1628), a son of Guru Hargobind, it was transformed into a gurudwara later on. According to legend, Atal Rai, at the age of nine, restored his close friend Mohan to life after his sudden demise. Guru Hargobind had rebuked him on displaying one`s spiritual power. Atal Rai chose to take a samadhi for breaking the law. Although he died at the age of nine, he was honoured with the title of Baba. The nine-storeys represents the nine years of his life. Clock Tower Building, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab 143006
Devi Talab Mandir is located about 1 km from the railway station of Jalandhar City. The Mandir is situated in the heart of Jalandhar City. The famous Devi Talab Mandir, is near the Doaba College and Doaba Chowk, Jalandhar City, Punjab While the old Devi Talab has been renovated and in its centre, a new temple has been built. Recently a model of Amarnath Yatra has been built in the premises of Devi Talab Mandir. An old temple of goddess Kali also stands to the side of the Devi Talab. Tanda Rd, Shiv Nagar, Industrial Area, Jalandhar, Punjab 144004
Alamgir Gurdwara is situated only 11 kilometers south of Ludhiana along the Ludhiana-Malerkotla highway. It is constructed in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh ji who had spent a few days to refresh himself of the tedium of an unrelenting fight against the Machiavellian enemy. The Guru in those times arrived here in the robes of Pir of Uchch. Bhai Daya Singh, Dharam Singh and Man Singh and two Afgan brothers Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan carried him in a palanquin. The Guru discarded the palanquin at Alamgir and took a horse which was presented to him by Bhai Naudha, a resident of Alamgir. Gurdwara Manji Sahib was then later constructed where the Guru had stayed. The shrine is now called Gurdwara Manji Sahib Alamgir which is the most frequently visited Gurdwara in Ludhiana district. Alamgir Rd, Punjab 141122
Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab The Golden Temple, also known as Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib is a Gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India.It is the holiest Gurdwara and the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism. The temple is built around a man-made pool (sarovar) that was completed by Guru Ram Das in 1577. Guru Arjan – the fifth Guru of Sikhism, requested Sai Mian Mir – a Muslim Pir of Lahore to lay its foundation stone in 1589.In 1604, Guru Arjan placed a copy of the Adi Granth in Harmandir Sahib, calling the site Ath Sath Tirath (lit. “shrine of 68 pilgrimages”).The temple was repeatedly rebuilt by the Sikhs after it became a target of persecution and was destroyed several times by the Muslim armies from Afghanistan and the Mughal Empire.The army led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, for example, demolished it in 1757 and again in 1762, then filled the pool with garbage.Maharaja Ranjit Singh after founding the Sikh Empire, rebuilt it in marble and copper in 1809, overlaid the sanctum with gold foil in 1830. This has led to the name the Golden Temple. The temple is spiritually the most significant shrine in Sikhism. It became a center of the Singh Sabha Movement between 1883 and 1920s. In the early 1980s, the temple became a center of conflict between the Indian government led by Indira Gandhi, some Sikh groups and a militant movement led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale seeking to create a new nation named Khalistan. In 1984, Gandhi sent in the Indian Army as part of Operation Blue Star, leading to deaths of over 1,000 militants, soldiers and civilians, as well as causing much damage to the temple and the destruction of Akal Takht. The temple complex was rebuilt again after the 1984 damage. The Harmandir Sahib is an open boat of worship for all men and women, from all walks of life and faith. It has a square plan with four entrances, has a circumambulation path around the pool. The temple is a collection of buildings around the sanctum and the pool. One of these is Akal Takht, the chief center of religious authority of Sikhism. Additional buildings include a clock tower, the offices of Gurdwara Committee, a Museum and a langar – a free Sikh community run kitchen that serves a simple vegetarian meal to all visitors without discrimination.Over 100,000 people visit the holy shrine daily for worship.The temple complex has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its application is pending on the tentative list of UNESCO. According to the Sikh historical records, the land that became Amritsar and houses the Harimandar Sahib was chosen by Guru Amar Das– the third Guru of the Sikh tradition. It was then called Guru Da Chakk, after he had asked his disciple Ram Das to find land to start a new town with a man made pool as its central point. After Ram Das succeeded Guru Amar Das in 1574, and given the hostile opposition he faced from the sons of Guru Amar Das,Guru Ram Das founded the town that came to be known as “Ramdaspur”. He started by completing the pool with the help of Baba Buddha (not to be confused with the Buddha of Buddhism). Guru Ram Das built his new official centre and home next to it. He invited merchants and artisans from other parts of India to settle into the new town with him. Ramdaspur town expanded during the time of Guru Arjan financed by donations and constructed by voluntary work. The town grew to become the city of amristsar , and the pool area grew into the Golden Temple complex.The construction activity between 1574 and 1604 is described in Mahima Prakash Vartak, a semi-historical Sikh hagiography text likely composed in 1741, and the earliest known document dealing with the lives of all the ten Gurus.Guru Arjan installed the scripture of Sikhism inside the new temple in 1604.Continuing the efforts of Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan established Amritsar as a primary Sikh pilgrimage destination. He wrote a voluminous amount of Sikh scripture including the popular Sukhmani Sahib According to the Sikh historical records, the land that became Amritsar and houses the Harimandar Sahib was chosen by Guru Amar Das– the third Guru of the Sikh tradition. It was then called Guru Da Chakk, after he had asked his disciple Ram Das to find land to start a new town with a man made pool as its central point. After Ram Das succeeded Guru Amar Das in 1574, and given the hostile opposition he faced from the sons of Guru Amar Das,[20] Guru Ram Das founded the town that came to be known as “Ramdaspur”. He started by completing the pool with the help of Baba Buddha (not to be confused with the Buddha of Buddhism). Guru Ram Das built his new official centre and home next to it. He invited merchants and artisans from other parts of India to settle into the new town with him. Ramdaspur town expanded during the time of Guru Arjan financed by donations and constructed by voluntary work. The town grew to become the city of amristsar , and the pool area grew into the Golden Temple complex.The construction activity between 1574 and 1604 is described in Mahima Prakash Vartak, a semi-historical Sikh hagiography text likely composed in 1741, and the earliest known document dealing with the lives of all the ten Gurus. Guru Arjan installed the scripture of Sikhism inside the new temple in 1604. Continuing the efforts of Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan established Amritsar as a primary Sikh pilgrimage destination. He wrote a voluminous amount of Sikh scripture including the popular Sukhmani Sahib Official Address
Suraj Kund, Sunam, Punjab Suraj Kund Sunam is a large Sun temple, located to the east of Sunam city (dated to the Vedic period), about 1.5 kilometres (1 mi) away in the tahsil and sub division of the Sangrur District, was destroyed by Timur or Mohammad Ghaznavi. It is also said that Saraswati River was flowing nearby. The Suraj Kund is now in a dilapidated condition. It is situated on the Ludhiana-Hisar railway line, and is connected by road with Patiala (64 kilometres (40 mi)), Sangrur (19 kilometres (12 mi)), Bathinda (114 kilometres (71 mi)), Ludhiana (90 kilometres (56 mi)), and Chandigarh (120 kilometres (75 mi)) Official Address
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Pathankot, Punjab Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is a popular shrine of Lord Shiva, it is also known as Mukesaran Mandir – located near Pathankot City on Shahpur Kandi Dam road. It is the holy temple of the Hindu religion, where the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Bramha, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Parvati are present. This temple is one of the most sacred places around Pathankot. There are some caves which date to the time of the Mahabharata. According to a legend, the Pandavas stayed in those caves for a night during their exile (Agayatwas). Locals say that these caves near the Mandir dates back to the period of the Mahabharata. These caves are on the way to Shahpur Kandi and is situated on the bank of the River Ravi, 22 km from Pathankot City in Shahpur Kandi at Doong village. The caves and temple has been carved on one of the rocky hill. This temple stands tall at the hill top and is a landmark around the city. Situated at the hilltop, Mukteshwar Mahadev temple has a white marble Shivling, with a copper Yoni. The Shivling is surrounded by the idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Paravati, Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. A Fair, called the Mukesran Da Mela, is held annually at this place, in April, to mark Baisakhi festival. Also every year big festival on day of Shivratri and after one month of shivratri there is three-day festival Chaitra Chodiya and also Navratri festival. Somvati Amavasya is another big fair temple committee organizes. Lots of pilgrim from all over the Punjab and nearby state Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir comes here for to worship God every year mainly on Mukesran mela and Shivratri. There are lots of stairs to climb on the return from Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple. These are 5500-year-old caves & a temple built by Pandavas. According to the Hindu Mythology, these caves are as old as the Mahabharata. It was built by pandavas during their exile, as according to a legend states in the mythology, these caves served as home to the pandavas as they rested and took shelter over here during their exile. It was during their ‘Agayatwas’ that they stayed in these caves for six months. Pandvas stayed here for six months, in that time period they built four caves and a shiv temple. They crafted the Shivlingam present in the temple and worshiped the lord shiva here. The Havan Kund made by them, is still present there in temple. This place is also known as mini (small) haridwar. Those people who can not do ash immersion of their kin at haridwar, they flow it in Ravi River at Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple History of this historical ancient temple says, it is 55 hundred years old temple, whose existence is known from the time of Mahabharata. According to Hindu Mythology, Shakuni “the maternal uncle of Duryodhana”, devises a scheme to rob Yudhishthira (The Eldest from Pandavas) of his kingdom and wealth by defeating him in a game of dice, which Shakuni cannot lose in due to his special dice. Unable to resist the challenge, Yudhishthira gambles away his entire kingdom, his wealth, his four brothers and even his wife, in a series of gambits to retrieve one by staking another. So Pandavas lost their kingdom and get the exile (Vanvas) of 12 years and 1 year Incognito (Agayatwas) – in which they have to be live unrecognized. During this 1 year Incognito, All five pandavas with their wife Draupadi stayed in the form of sage , Brahmins and Hermits and visited unrecognized at different places. During the time of incognito, they reached cooast of ravi river in a state of five rivers (Punjab). Here they built the four caves and one lord shiva temple at the hilltop. They stayed here in this temple for six months. They crafted the Shivlingam present in the temple and worshipped the lord shiva here. The Havan Kund made by them, is still present there in temple. The Shivling here is surrounded by the idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Paravati, Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. Official Address
Maiser Khana, Bathinda, Punjab Maiser Khana is a temple built to honour the goddesses Durga and Jwala Ji. It is built 29 kilometers away from Bathinda on Bathinda-Mansa Road. Each year two grand melas are held here on ashtmi. According to a legend, long ago, a person called “Kamala”, having failed to undertake hazardous pilgrimage to far off Jwala ji,underwent a lifelong penance to honour Durga for her darshan and the godedss was pleased to grant him a vision twice a year, so two melas are held each year. .People gather from almost all over from Punjab and even nearby states to join in singing hymns in praise of the deity. This is also considered important from political point of view because both Sikhs and Hindus gather with equal enthusiasm.As early as 1951 the devotees had requested Mahavir Dal to take over the shrine, which was decaying due to Government indifference. Only then the three high-ups namely Radhesham Budhlada, Jagannath ji of Maur Mandi and Hansraj Aggarwal collected funds and hired India’s best architects to build the temple.It was one of the nine spots the Bathinda administration claimed would be developed to turn the district into tourist hub of Punjab Official Address
Julfa Mata Temple, Nangal, Punjab The Julfa Mata Temple is a Hindu temple in the town of Nangal in north India. According to the story, there were demons who were harassing gods over the Himalayan Mountains. Gods decided to destroy them. Lord Vishnu was leading them. The Gods focused their strengths in a huge flame which rose from the earth. Out of the fire a young girl took birth and regarded as Adishakti (means first shakti). She grew up in the house of Prajapati Daksha. She used to be called as Sati. Later she became wife of Lord Shiva Once, Prajapati Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Sati was unable to accept this and she killed herself. When Lord Shiva came to know about her wife’s death, there were no boundaries of his extreme anger. He began stalking the three worlds while holding Sati’s body. The other Gods approached Lord Vishnu for help as they were afraid of Lord Shiva’s rage. Lord Vishnu using his Chakra which severed Sati’s body into fifty one pieces. Where ever the pieces fell, the fifty one sacred Shaktipeeths came into existence. It is believed that at Julfa Mata temple, Sati’s hair fell. The word ‘julfa’ means hair. Lots of devotees visit the temple. The temple is situated on the hills of Nangal – Hambewal road. The temple is around five kilometers away from the Nangal township. In early days there was no road to the temple. People used to go by foot. Now there is a road and people are able to take their vehicles there. Near the entrance of the temple, on the right hand side, there is a Shiva temple. There is a Peepal (Bo or Sacred Ficus) tree and devotees tie threads to that. The thread is known as moli. There is a belief that deity fulfills all the wishes of devotees. Inside temple there is idol of Mata. There is a priest who takes care of temple. Devotees usually bring offerings for the Devi. The offerings includes sweets (Suji halwa, laddu, barfi), kheel (sugar-coated puffed rice), narial (coconut) and flowers. In navarats and saavan days, the temple gets decorated with lights etc. Official Address
Durgiana Temple, Amritsar, Punjab The Durgiana Temple also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Durga Tirath and Sitla Mandir, is a premier temple situated in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India.Though a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple.This temple derives its name from the Goddess Durga, the chief Goddess deified and worshipped here. Idols of Goddess Laksmi(goddess of wealth) and Vishnu (the protector of the world) are also deified here and worshipped. The temple is built in the middle of a sacred lake, which measures 160 metres (520 ft) x 130 metres (430 ft). Its dome and canopiesare similar to that of the Golden temple of Sikh religion, also located in Amritsar. A bridge provides the approach to the temple.The dome of the temple is gilded. Marble is used extensively in the temple’s features.The dome is illuminated with colourful lights. The temple is sometimes called Silver temple because of its large exquisitely designed silver doors.It has a rich collection of Hindu scriptures.The temple complex also has some historic subsidiary temples such as Sita Mata and Bara Hanuman. It was built in 1921 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor in the architectural style of the Sikh Golden Temple.The newly built temple was inaugurated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Even though Amritsar is not declared a Holy city, restrictions are in force prohibiting sale of tobacco, liquor and meat within a radius of 200 metres (660 ft) around this temple and the Golden Temple. The temple is situated near the Lohgarh gate, in Amritsar, in the Indian state of Punjab . It is very close to the Amritsar Railway station, and is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the bus station. Amritsar is well connected by road, rail and air services with the rest of the country.Flights to Delhi operate from the Raja Sansi Airport, which is 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) to the north west of Amritsar. There are direct rail links to Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai.The National Highway No. 1 (India) connects Delhi to Amritsar. Official Address
Shri Kali Devi Temple, Patiala, Punjab Shri Kali Mata Temple is situated opposite Baradari garden on the Mall Road of Patiala City (Punjab). This Temple was built by the Sikh ruler of the Patiala State Maharaja Bhupinder Singh who financed the building in his capital of the Mata Kali Devi Temple and oversaw the installation there, in 1936. Bhupinder Singh was the ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala from 1900 to 1938. He was inspired to build this temple and bring the 6-ft statue of Divine Mother Kali & Paawan Jyoti from Bengal to Patiala & he offered “First Bali” (sacrifice) of a water buffalo to the temple of Kali in Patiala. Because of Temple’s beautiful infrastructure, it has been declared a national monument. This large complex attracts devotees, Hindu and Sikh, from distant places. A much older temple of Raj Rajeshwari is also situated in the center of this complex. Devotees offer Mustard Oil, daal (lentils), sweets, coconuts, bangles and chunnis, goats, hens and liquor to the Divine Mother here. Patiala is one of the famous cities of Punjab, also known as City of Gardens. It is just 25 km away from the National Highway NH-1 (Delhi-Amritsar) at Rajpura Railway Junction. 250 km away from Delhi, 65 km from Chandigarh and 60 km from Ambala Cantt, Patiala is nestled amidst major cities. Nearest airport is Chandigarh. You can drive to Patiala from Chandigarh, via Zirakpur (on NH-22), and Rajpura. Patiala is well connected by train. One can take New Delhi-Bhatinda Inter City Express/Dadar Express or the Shatabdi Express to Ambala, and then hire a taxi to get to Patiala. February usually attracts more tourists, and is very pleasant in Patiala. Official Address
Rajasthan, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, is home to some of the most magnificent temples in India. These temples, with their intricate carvings, magnificent architecture, and rich history, showcase the religious diversity and spiritual significance of the state. From ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu to Jain temples that date back to the 12th century, Rajasthan has a plethora of temples that attract tourists and devotees from across the world. One of the most famous temples in Rajasthan is the Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu, which is renowned for its intricate marble carvings and stunning architecture. Another must-visit temple is the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, which is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, also known as the Temple of Rats, is another unique attraction in Rajasthan. The temple is home to over 20,000 rats, which are considered sacred by the devotees. Apart from these famous temples, Rajasthan is also home to a number of lesser-known but equally beautiful temples, such as the Eklingji Temple in Udaipur and the Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Dausa. These temples offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Rajasthan and are a must-visit for anyone interested in spirituality and religion.
Avari Mata Temple is a popular Temple of Hindus. This Avari Mata Ji Temple is also called Aawari Mata Ji temple and also it is among the popular Temples of Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to goddess Avari Mata and also the temple the Aasawara town. The temple is beautifully cleared up in between hills as well as waterfalls. Avari Mata temple. Avari Mata temple is in Bhadesar tehsil of Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan. Located in an area with hills and springs in the village of Aasawara, it has one pond and a temple to Hanuman. Traditionally, it has been visited by people seeking a cure for paralysis and polio.
Sai Dham is located at Rani in Pali district is a replica of the original Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. In the Marwar region, the temple is considered to be sacred as well as powerful. The idol of this Temple is made with snow-white marble. The divine being stands at 5.5 feet in height. Shri Chunilal Bakhtawar Mehta Charitable Trust in Mumbai constructed the temple. If you are searching for a calm experience, go to this Temple. Pick Thursdays to find interesting rituals and also activities inside the temple. There are regular buses from Vijayawada to Sai Dham Rani, Rajasthan. Jain Mohalla, Sainthal Dham, Dausa, Rajasthan
Bhandasar Jain Temple at Bikaner is protected by Archaeological Survey of India and known for wall painting, and art work as well as famous for its beautiful leaf paintings. Other most famous temples of Royal Rajasthan state are Dwarkadhish Temple Kankroli at Nathdwara, Achal Nath Shivalaya, Chamunda Mata Temple of Jodhpur,Gupteshwar Mahadev in Udaipur and Akshardham Temple of Jaipur. Old Bikaner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
Trinetra Ganesha Temple in Ranthambore Fort is oldest temple of Lord Ganesha in Rajasthan and a must visit pilgrimage places in Ranthambore National park. Ranthambhore Fort, Rajasthan 322001
Sachiya Mata Temple in Osian near Jodhpur city was worshipped by Kulthiya families. The mother goddess Sachiya is Kuldevi of roayl Parmar King Upendre. The Sachchiya Mata Temple is located in Osian, near Jodhpur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The mother goddess Sachiya is worshipped there by Maid Kshatriya Swarnakar, Marwadi, Oswal, Agarwal, Maheshwari, and Mahecha. Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway, Osian, Rajasthan 342303
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Sirohi district is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated outside the Achalgarh Fort. The temple is about 11 kms from Mount abu with a large statue of Nandi bull made of Panchaloha. The Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a Shiva temple situated just outside the Achalgarh Fort, located in the Abu Road tehsil of Sirohi district, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan.
AlwarNeelkanth Temple in Alwar district is dedicated to Lord Shiva, near the Sariska National Park. The temple is very famous for erotic sculptures on the wall and a near by gigantic statue of Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha. Neelkanth temple is a Hindu temple in the Rajgarh tehsil, in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in an isolated hill near the Sariska National Park, and can be reached only by a steep track in bad condition. It was built between the 6th to the 9th century CE.
Sundha Mata Temple in Jalore district near the famous hill station of Mount Abu. The temple dedicated to goddesses Chamunda Devi and situated at 1220 m height in the Aravalli ranges. Sundha Mata temple is nearly 900-year-old temple of Mother goddess Chamunda situated on a hilltop called Sundha, located at Longitude 72.367°E and Latitude 24.833°N, in Jalore District of Rajasthan. It is 64 km from Mount Abu and 20 km from the town of Bhinmal.
Rani Sati Temple in of Jhunjhunu district is the largest Hindu temple in India devoted to Rani Sati. Jhunjhunu is known for its grand havelis,Wind Palace and Khetri Mahal. Rani Sati Temple is a temple located in Jhunjhunu, Jhunjhunu district, in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is the largest temple in India devoted to Rani Sati, a Rajasthani lady who lived sometime between the 13th and the 17th century and committed sati on her husband’s death Sir first you take a bus from salasar bus stand for mukundgarh.when you reach mukundgarh every five minutes thear is bus for jhunjhunu .you take bus forjhunjhunu.when you reach jhunjhunu you take a auto for Rani sati mander at normal fear 10/- only.
Vedi Temple is a Jain temple constructed by Rana Kumbha in 1457 AD. Renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh, it is located near the Hanuman Pol of the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Constructed to honour the sacrifice of the pilgrims, it is the only leftover among all sacrificial places in the country. By Road: Vedi Temple is located in the Rajsamand district in the Kumbhalgarh Fort and 101 km from Udaipur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Vedi Temple is well connected through nearest Falna and Rani Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Vedi Temple can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Udai Mandir is a huge temple which shows the architectural beauty of Rajasthani art and culture. Its has the well carved sandstone upper part of the entrance gate. Even the temple stands over a large platform with the support of 102 pillars. Udai Mandir is beautiful from inside too. Its walls has paintings depicting 84 Yogasanas and gold pictures of Nath Yogis are amazing to see. Its Garbh Griha upper portion is covered with a cloth and surrounded by railing of finely carved sandalwood. There are gold pots in the temple and main gate of temple has big sandalwood door which has artistic carvings. By Road: Udai Mandir is located at the outskirts of Jodhpur city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Udai Mandir is well connected through nearest Jodhpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur,Ahmedabad. By Air: Udai Mandir can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flightsto Delhi, Mumbai.
Tanot Mata Temple or Mateshwari Tanot Rai Mandir is the same temple you have seen many times in the Bollywood ‘Border’ movie. Tanot Mata temple remained untouched despite the heavy shelling by Pakistan during Indo-Pak war of 1971. The temple is located very close to India – Pakistan Border and tourist are not allowed to go beyond this temple. As per the oldest Charan literature Tannot Mata is new clone of divine goddess Hinglaj Mata, and than after Tannot Mata becomes Karni Mata, And known as Goddess Of Charan’s. Tanot Mata temple is located at 150 km from Jaisalmer city and one can reach only by hiring a private taxi which takes about 2 hours. There is no mobile network other than BSNL, so be careful. The road to Tanot is surrounded with miles and miles of sand dunes and sand mountains. The temperatures in the area can go up to 49 °C and ideal time to visit the place is from November to January. Tanot Rd, Tanot, Rajasthan 345022
Surya Narayana Temple is the beautiful Lord Sun temple which is known for its unique and marvelous architectural design. This Sun temple attracts many devotees and tourists. Surya Narayana was constructed in the 15th century AD. There is a tower over the altar of the temple which has numerous projections of circular plan. Smaller protruding niches on the base of the tower has the sanctum which is laid on an octagonal plan with six porches. Tourists can see numerous friezes of Lord Surya inside the temple. One of the friezes depicts the deity riding his chariot, drawn by seven horses. HAL Old Airport Rd, Krishna Reddy Colony, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071
Surpur Temple is just 3 km from Dungarpur and located on the banks of the Gangdi River. While visiting tourists can also see other attractions including Bhulbhulaiya, Madhavrai Temple, several inscriptions, and Hathiyon Ki Agad near the temple. By Road: Surpur Temple is located in Surpur village, 3 km west of Dungarpur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Surpur Temple is well connected through nearest Dungarpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Surpur Temple can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport (132 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Somnath Temple is a famous Lord Shiva temple in the Pali city. Temple shrine was constructed by the King of Gujarat Kumarpal Solanki in the Vikram Samvat 1209. Located in the main market of Pali, Somnath mandir has marvelous shilp art. Known for its rich history, Somnath temple has intricate carvings on the Shikar and pinnacle of the temple. Inside the Somnath mandir, there is a Shivling inside the Temple along with the idols of Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi. Raj Kumar Pal Solanki brought this Shiva Linga from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. By Road: Somnath Temple is located at the centre of the Pali city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Somnath Temple is well connected through nearest Pali Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Somnath Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (75 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
The Shrinathji Temple is situated on the bank of the Banas river in the Nathwada region of Rajasthan, at a distance of 48 kms in the north- east of Udaipur. Shrinathji temple was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Shrinathji Temple is also known as ‘Haveli of Shrinathji’ and makes a prominent pilgrimage of the Hindus / Vaishnavas. The idol of the deity was beautifully carved out of black marble. The Srinathji Temple is considered as the second richest Indian temple after the Tirupati Temple of Andhra Pradesh. by train. Nathdwara does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway heads are Mavli Junction, 30 km away and Udaipur City Railway Station, 50 km from the town ofNathdwara. Mavli Junction isn’t a major railway station, though all trains halt at Udaipur City Railway Station. Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
Shree Nakoda ji or Parshwanath Temple of Nakoda is one of the important pilgrimage sites of the Jains. This Jain temple is situated on a beautiful hill of around 1500 feet about 13 km from Balotara Railway station and 1 km from Mewad city. There are many statues in this temple while the statue of the Jain saint (tirthankara) Parshvanth in black stone is a major attraction of Nakoda. It is among the hills in the distant forest at a distance of 13 kilometers from Balotra. The nearest railway station on Jodhpur-Samadari-Barmer section of North Western Railway is at a distance of 12 kilometers from this temple. Bus service, and private vehicles from every tirth in Rajasthan to this place are available. In the compound of the temple there is a Dharamshala (disambiguation) (rest-house) with excellent lodging facilities. The other important town nearby is Jasol at distance of 5 km. There are regular buses from Jalore, Bhinmal, Sirohi, Jodhpur, Balotra, Barmer, Udaipur and Jaisalmer to Nakoda.
Gushmeshwar Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Rajasthan as well as one of the most religiously important places of Hindu Mythology. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. This temple of Rajasthan is also mentioned in the ‘Shiva Purana’ which is one of the sacred books in Hinduism and that is why people from all over the country visit this temple to seek blessings from the lord to fulfill their wishes. This jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is believed to be the last on earth and that is why it is having a strong religious significance.The temple is located near the very popular Ranthambore National Park, and the temple is situated at Shiwar village of Sawai Madhopur district, and there are many folk tales are associated with it. It is also said that Lord Shiva visit in all those places where ever his devotees pray to him by heart. And he also leaves his mark in form of lingas in the vrious places which are considered pious and sacred. The surrounding backdrop of the temple is serene and beautiful as the temple is located on the Devgiri Hills of the Shiwai village and called as a hill temple of Rajasthan. You can take direct flight/Train from Delhi to Aurangabad. Grishneshwar is 30 km from Aurangabad and local taxi to reach.You can visit Ellora caves and Bhadra Maruti temple which are very close. For Bhimashankar you can again take private taxi from Aurangabad. It is 6 hour journey. Shrimant Peshwe Path, Trimbak, Maharashtra 422212
Shri Digamber Jain Temple Sanganer in Jaipur is one of the teerth of the Jain community in India. It is located 14 km south of Jaipur city. Lord Adinath (Rishabh Dev), is the principal deity of this temple. Lord Adinath was the first tirthankar of Jain’s supposed to be 4000 years old. Digamber Jain Temple of Jaipur is one of the jewels in the city and has the finest architecture and carvings found also in the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Made up of red stone, it was constructed in 10th century A.D, according to the Vikram Samvat 1011 inscription on one of its pylons (Toranas). – – By Road: Jain Temple is located in Jaipur city, in the Kota – Jaipur road. The nearest bus stand is the city bus stand and one can easily reach here with a local taxi or cab. By Rail: Jain Temple, Jaipur is well connected through Jaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Jain Temple can be reached through Jaipur Airport, also called Sanganer Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Udaipur Sri Digamber Jain Athishek Kshetra Mandir, jain Mandir Road Opp.CTS Bus Stand, Sanganer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302029
Shree Pavapuri Jain Temple is build by K. P. Sanghavi Trust in 1998. Shree Pavapuri temple is situated in Sirohi district of Rajasthan. It is famous as a Jain Tirth (Temple complex) and Jeev Raksha Kendra (Animal Welfare Center). Shree Pavapuri temple derived its name from the Pavada Agriculture well that exists there. Kandla – Delhi Highway, National Highway No.168, Krishnaganj, Pavapuri, Rajasthan 307001
Sadri is counted among the important pilgrimage centres of the Pali District of Rajasthan. Earlier, this city was also known as the ‘Gate of Mewar to Marwar’. The place holds immense religious significance for the Jain community. For the visitors going to visit the Ranakpur Temple and Shri Parshuram Mahadev Mandir, this place serves as the base. In addition to the Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath Temple, the old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba is also a popular attraction of the place. By Road: Sadri is located in the Pali district near Kumbhalgarh National Park, at a distance of 10 km from Ranakpur and 101 km from Udaipur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Sadri is well connected through nearest Falna and Rani Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Sadri can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
The Savitri Temple Pushkar is dedicated to the desolated wife of Lord Brahma, Savitri. The temple was built in 1687, on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill behind the Bramha Temple. Both the idols of Savitri and Gayatri are installed here. The idol of Savitri dated back 7 century A.D and Bangar family built this temple in early 20th century. By Road: Savitri Temple is located at 2 km east of Pushkar city on Kharekhari Rd. One can easily reach here by hiring taxi and then by walk up to the temple. By Rail: Savitri Temple is well connected through nearest Ajmer Railway station ( 17 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Savitri Temple can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport (150 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. Kharekhari Rd, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Salasar Balaji Temple in Rajasthan famously known as Salasar Dham is a ‘Shakti Sthal’, the Place of Power. Salasar Dham is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and it is located in the Salasar town of Churu district in the Jaipur-Bikaner highway. The temple is visited by millions of devotees all around the year. And during the festivals conducted during Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima, Millions of devotees come from all over the country to pay tribute to Lord Hanuman. BY FLIGHT There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Salasar. Nearest airport is Sanganeer Airport. Salasar138 km away Sanganeer Airport (JAI), Jaipur, Rajasthan Salasar218 km away Jodhpur Airport (JDH), Jodhpur, Rajasthan BY TRAIN Salasar does not have an train station. Nearest option is Talchhapar. Salasar26 km away Talchhapar (TLC), Talchhapar, Rajasthan Salasar26 km away Sujangarh (SUJH), Sujangarh, Rajasthan BY BUS You can easily get regular buses to Salasar from other major cities of the country. Bus Station(s): Salasar , Salasar Salasar – Sikar Rd, Salasar, Rajasthan 331506
Rasik Bihari Temple , famously known as ‘Naini Ji Temple’ is dedicated to Lord Krishna who praises in the form of Rasik Bihari in this temple. This marvelous architecture temple is standing upon a 17 ft high rectangular base. The main shrine of the temple is made completely of white stone. The main shrine is surrounded by meeting halls called Sabha Mandaps constructed by red sandstone pillars with a gallery called Parikrama. By Road: Rasik Bihari Temple is located at a distance of 8 km from Jodhpur city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Rasik Bihari Temple is well connected through nearest Jodhpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Rasik Bihari Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Ranakpur is a small village in the Pali district of Rajasthan and is located on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Ranakpur lies between Udaipur and Jodhpur and is popularly known for the Ranakpur Jain Temple of the 15th century, which hold immense religious significance for the Jains. Ranakpur Jain Temple is counted among the five important pilgrimage sites of the Jains and devoted to the Jain Deity Lord Adinathji, the first ‘Tirthankara’ of the Jains. Desuri, Ranakpur Rd, Sadri, Rajasthan 306702
Raj Ranchhodji Temple is the red stone temple of Lord Krishna, whose one name out of many names is Ranchhod. This Raj Ranchhod ji temple was constructed by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of her husband Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1905 AD. Queen established that Raj Ranchhodji idol which she had carried with her with her marraige from Gujarat. With the marvelous carvings on the temple, the main idol is made up of black marble and the main entrance door of the temple has stained glass windows of green, yellow and blue color. Beautiful and traditional Rajasthani art and clture can be seen at the temple. Priests of the temple are also belongs to Gujarat, which Queen had brought with the idol. Now their descendents are priests of the temple. By Road: Raj Ranchhodji Temple is located at a distance of 3.5 km from Jodhpur city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Raj Ranchhodji Temple is well connected through nearest Jodhpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Raj Ranchhodji Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. MG Hospital Rd, Sojati Gate, Rawaton Ka Bass, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001
Punrasar Balaji is also one of the major Hindu Temples of Rajasthan which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and located quite a few kilometers away from the Bikaner City. Basically we can say that the temple is a prominent tourist attraction of Rajasthan where people go for their religious trips and they enjoy the beautiful view of the idol as they have a strong faith on it. It is the one of the famous temples of Rajasthan where many Hindu traditions are worked out and many people come to the temple because of the strong religious significance and the many stories related to the temple which only increases the faith of the people on this temple. The temple was established in the year of 1775 o f the Vikram Samvat calendar and the time was Jaishtha Shudhi Purnima. The temple is also having a tree called Khejdi and there is also an idol of Lord Hanuman is settled there. There is an ancient Hindu Tradition of ‘Mundan’ which is known as Jhadula or (cutting of the birth hair of the child) is performed here and many parents find this places a pious one and goes for it.
Parshuram Temple or Parshuram Mahadev Temple is an ancient cave where sage Parshuram meditated to seek the blessings of Lord Ram. There are 500 stairs to reach down to the ancient cave.Priest of this ancient Parshuram temple would tell the lots of stories of the history and also the formations which are called ‘Kamdhenu’. Temple is located at a distance of 9 km from Kumbhalghar Fort on Sadri-Rajpura-Parshuram Cave Rd. Parshuram Mahadev Temple is a Shiva temple located at border of Pali and Rajsamand district of Rajasthan state in India . It is said thatParshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, made the cave with his axe and used to worship the lord Shiva at this serene place in the foothills of the Aravalis mountain range. Kabir Nagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001
Paraheda, a famous Shiva temple, is located in Garhi Tehsil. It was constructed by King Mandlik in the 12th century and is approximately 22 kilometres from Banswara. Shri Raj Mandir or more popularly known as the City Palace was built in the 16th century and situated on a hillock overlooking the town. Covering a huge area it follows typical style of old Rajput architecture. Though lack of funds has made many royal palaces of Rajasthan exchange hands with the government after Independence, this palace is still owned by the Royal family. There are several small Shiva temple and ragged hospices around paraheda shiva temple.
Panchvati is a major tourist place in Pilani. It is built and managed by the Birla Trust in Pilani. According to Ramayana, Panchvati was the place where Ram went to live during his vanwaas or exile. Figures of Ram, Laxman, Sita, Hanuman and other characters of Ramayana have been artificially placed in the middle of the green forest to gave a real look and sense that in the actual Panchvati forest where Lord Ram lived. Panchvati in Pilani is situated in a large green area, which has a number of trees, shrubs and bushes giving the feeling of being in a forest. RJ SH 13, Norangpura, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031
The Osian Temple is situated about 65 km north of Jodhpur city in a small village, Osian. There is an array of about 100 ruined Jain and Hindu temples in the Osian village that back dates to the 8th and 12 century. Osian is located on the boundary of the thar desert, on the Jodhpur- Bikaner highway.It is also known as the ‘Kajuraho of Rajasthan’. The city of Osiyan is said to have founded by Utpaladeva, who was a Rajput Prince belonging to Pratihara Dynasty. In those times, the city was named as Ukesha or Upkeshapur and was a major religious centre of the kingdom. The nearest railway station is Jodhpur which is 61 km away. All the major trains halt at Jodhpur. Taxis can be hired from Jodhpur to travel to Osian. Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway, Osian, Rajasthan 342303
Nimbo Ka Nath famously known as ‘Nimbo Ka Nath Mahadev Temple’, is the Lord Shiva temple. It is the center of great faith of Pali’s people and Lord Shiva devotees in Pali. Located between Falna and Sanderao route, Nimbo Ka Nath is the same temple, which is according to Hindu mythology, where Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, worshiped the Hindu deity Shiva during the period of exile. Pandavas also established a Navdurga at this place and during Shivratri and Baisakhi Poornima fairs are organized here. By Road: Nimbo Ka Nath is located at the Falna and Sanderao route in Pali. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi from Falna. By Rail: Nimbo Ka Nath is well connected through nearest Pali Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Nimbo Ka Nath can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (75 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a famous Shiva temple located near the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Built in 1458 AD, it has a six feet high Shivling which are made of stone and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva is the only deity in that area. Legends says that King Rana Kumbha used to worship this deity. King was also beheaded by his own son when he was offering prayers at the shrine. By Road: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located in the Rajsamand district near Kumbhalgarh and 101 km from Udaipur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is well connected through nearest Falna and Rani Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple can be reached through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Jaipur. Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325
Navalakha Temple is an ancient Jain temple which was constructed in the 10th century. This temple is also known as the Naulakha Jain Temple and is dedicated to Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of the Jain religion. Navlakha temple is famous for its marvelous architectural style and the ancient elaborate carvings. It is located behind the collectorate in the heart of Pali city. By Road: Navalakha Temple is located at the centre of the Pali city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Navalakha Temple is well connected through nearest Pali Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Navalakha Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (75 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Ajmer Jain Temple, famously known as Soniji Ki Nasiyan or Red Temple, is a Jain temple and famous for its rich architecture and a marvelous display of Jain concept through golden statues. Constructed in 1865 A.D, its entrance gate is made of red stone which brought from Karauli. On its display it has 13 continents and oceans, the intricate golden city of Ayodhya, flying peacock and elephant gondolas, and gilded elep_hants with many tusks. There are halls which have marvelously decorated with gold, silver and precious stones. By Road: Red temple or Nasiyan Jain temple is located on Prithivi Raj marg near Mahaveer circle at the centre of the Ajmer city. One can easily reach here by taking rickshaw, local bus or taxi. By Rail: Red temple is well connected through nearest Ajmer Railway station (5 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Red temple can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport (138 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. Dumada, Adarsh Nagar, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305002
Narlai is a small village, which rests in the foothill, 36 km away from the renowned town of Ranakpur. Travellers can find several Jain Temples and Hindu Temples in the region. Among the tourists, the murals and the architecture of the temple of Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara is very popular. This beautiful village has a 17th hunting lodge which is restored now. Scenic views of the hill from small haveli which lies within fortress attracts many tourists. By Road: Narlai is located in the Pali district near Kumbhalgarh National Park, at a distance of 36 km from Ranakpur and 123 km from Udaipur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Narlai is well connected through nearest Udaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Narlai can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
An auspicious place of Digambar Jains , Nareli Jain Temple in Ajmer is a newly built jain temple and one of the most famous places and temples in Ajmer city. This temple is located in the outskirts of the city about 7 km from Ajmer. Ajmer is one of the famous places in Rajasthan. There are number of other places to visit in Ajmer nearby. The temple was built by Ashok Patni . You will find it beautiful as it is completely built on marbles. The temple is dedicated to Guru Adinath Ji. The temple attracts visitors and devotees on daily basis and is becoming a famous place of attraction in Ajmer. By Road : Nareli Temple is located about 8 km from Ajmer city on the main national highway no. 8. Autos and taxis are available from Ajmer and nearby towns. By Train : Ajmer Junction is the nearest railway station to this temple. By Air : Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport to this temple which about 125 km away. Sri Dnyanoday Tirtha Area, Gyanoday Nagar, Narareli, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305024
Nagfanji is famous for its Jain shrines but its natural beauty also attracts many tourists. Located in the mountainous terrain, Nagfanji main shrine has the combine statue of Devi Padmawati, Nagfanji Parshwanatha and Dharnendra, which is the centre of attraction. Nearby Nagfanji Shivalaya, located close to this temple also recieve many devotees. By Road: Nagfanji is located near Moder village, 35 km west of Dungarpur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Nagfanji is well connected through nearest Dungarpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Nagfanji can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport (132 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur. Moder Village, Dungarpur, Dungarpur, Rajasthan 314801
Muchhal Mahavir Temple is a Jain temple which is located in the Pali District of the Rajasthan. This Jain temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir. Located in the green environment of the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, it provides a great piece to the mind. Situated at about 5km away from the Ghanerao, Muchhal Mahavir temple is known for the statue of the Hindu Lord Shiva with mustache. Beautiful architecture of Muchhal Mahavir temple attracts many visitors. Its entrance has two statues of the elephants which are standing in the guarding position. Nearby Garasia tribal villages are another attractions around this temple. From the shopping point of view, it is famous for beautiful traditional colorful costumes. At the temple, a fair is organized on the 13th day of Chaitra month every year. By Road: Muchhal Mahavir Temple is located in the Pali district inside Kumbhalgarh National Park, at a distance of 5 km from Ghanerao and 115 km from Udaipur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Muchhal Mahavir Temple is well connected through nearest Falna Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Muchhal Mahavir Temple can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur
Moti Dungri or the Pearl Hill is popular due to the presence of a palace and a shrine. A temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Ganesh is located on top of the hill. This palace was the home of Sawai Man Singh II, the last king of Jaipur and later became the residence of Jagat Singh, the son of Sawai Man Singh II. Moti Doongri Palace is built in Scottish Castle style and with a superb architecture which attracts many tourists and makes Moti doongri a favorite hot spot. Now it is a private property of the royal family and nobody allowed to visit inside the palace. By Road: Moti Doongri is located in the heart of Jaipur city near the University of Rajasthan. Nearest bus stand is University bus stand. It is in Agra-Bikaner road. By Rail: Moti Doongri, Jaipur is well connected through Jaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai ,Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Moti Doongri can be reached through Jaipur Airport, also called Sanganer Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Moti Doongri Rd, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006
Located in Mirpur, The Fortified town in Sirohi District, Mirpur Jain Temple is one of the famous temple dedicated to the 23rd Jain tirthankara, Parshvanatha. Mirpur Jain Temple is one of the oldest marble temples of Rajasthan which is thought to be built in the 9th century AD. The ancient art of this temple served as a model for the later Dilwara and Ranakpur temples. SH 27, Mirpur Tirth Rd, Vedhaynath Colony, Sirohi, Rajasthan 307001
Meera Bai Temple in Chittorgarh was built in North Indian architecture , which has an open arcade in the region of the chamber with four pavilions in each angle. Located in the Chittorgarh fort, it is in the compound of Kumbha Shyam Temple. Chittorgarh fort is one of the largest forts in India and Rajasthan. By Road: MeeraBai Temple is located in the Chittorgarh Fort at a distance of 5 km from centre of Chittorgarh on Fort Rd. One can easily reach here by rickshaw, local bus or taxi or by walk. By Rail: MeeraBai Temple is well connected through nearest Chittorgarh Railway station (6 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: MeeraBai Temple can be reach through nearest Udaipur airport (98 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
The temple of Madareshwar is located at the eastern part of Banswara city in a natural cave on a hill . The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple indoor a natural cave of a high hills and presents an overwhelming picture of the panorama below. The yatra includes fetching the water from Mahi River and subsequently worshipping Lord Shiva with that water. Situated in proximity of Banswara district headquarters, this temple can be reached by hiring tempo or taxi from Banswara-Ratlam road.
Located about 20km from Banswara, Tripura Sundari is the temple, devoted to Goddess Tripura Sundari or Turita Mata. It is one of the famous temples in Banswara. Inside the sanctuma is a beautful idol of black stone having 18 hands and more important each hand carrying a different emblem. The Goddess is seen riding a tiger. It is believed that its one of the Shakti Peeths of Hindus having divine powers. Situated atop a small hillock, the temple has a square type sanctum of the typical Bengali-hut style construction with a conical dome. It is believed that this temple was built before Samrat Kanishka, who rule here. The exact date of its construction is not yet known. It is said to be one of the “Shakti Peeths” of the Hindus having charismatic divine power. Tripura Sundari Temple is a famous temple in Udaipur, Tripura. It is located at a distance of 55 km from Agartala. Tripura Sundari Temple is the oldest temple in the Udaipur district. It is one of 51 Sakti Peetha and it is where Sati’s ”right foot’ fell at Matabari.
Laxman Mandir is located at center of Bharatpur City in Rajasthan. The principal deities enshrined are Laxmanji and Urmila ji, but in addition to them other small idols of Ram, Bharat, Shtrughan and Hanuman are also installed . All these idols are of Astadhatu. The variety of sculptural work and architecture of the temple is unique. The front portion of the Jagmohan form top to bottom is decorated with relief features, floral patterns and birds. Similarly, the ceiling of the Jagmohan is not less in beauty. This also is a wonderful creation of sculpture. Since the temple stands at the heart of the City of Bharatpur, there is always a crowd of visitors present. One can reach easily at Laxman Siddh Temple by bus or taxi till Harrawala and then 1 km trek to the temple. Nearby rail is at Dehradun railway station (10 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant Airport (16 kms). SH 9, Sirpur, Chhattisgarh 493445
Kunj Bihari Temple is artistically and architectural beautiful temple in Jodhpur. Its entrance and top is an example of marvelous architecture. There is a statue of Meera Bai, a great devotee of Lord Krishna at the entrance of the temple. By Road: Kunj Bihari Temple is located near the Ghanta Ghar market of Jodhpur city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Kunj Bihari Temple is well connected through nearest Jodhpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Kunj Bihari Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Kiradu temples are one of the major temples in Rajasthan which is majorly known as a horror spot rather than being a tourist attraction in Rajasthan. The temples of Kiradu are a group of temples which is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan and they are famous for their ancient haunted stories. The temples are famous for being a favorable spot for the lovers and the temples is also has a haunted background and the stories are rally spine chilling. It is a faith that no people stay here after sunset nearby the temples because it is said that anyone who will stay here will turned into stones and this is the story which is also remembered as the history of the temples which are scary yet thrilling.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is also known by the name of Dargah Sharif, Khawaja Gharibnawaz Dargah Ajmer, Ajmer Dargah, Ajmer Sharif. It is most popular and important Muslim pilgrimage in Rajasthan. People from all the communities come here and pay homage in the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif . Ajmer Sharif is famous for fulfilling the wishes of the devotees. Various followers of different religion offers flowers, velvet cloth, perfume (non-alcoholic) and sandalwood at the Dargah. If you are seeking information in regards to Ajmer Sharif Dargah address, then it is Gaddi Nashin Aastana-e-Aliya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz 111, Faiz Manzil, Nathwan Shah, Khadim Mohalla, Dargah Sharif, Ajmer, Rajasthan. 111, Dargah Sharif, Khadim Mohalla, Diggi Bazaar, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Jagdish Temple Udaipur is an Indo-Aryan style architecture temple in Udaipur. This temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. He was the ruler of Udaipur during that time period (1628-53). “Jagdish” is one of the many names of Lord Vishnu and this temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan) and one of the largest temples in Udaipur. Jagdish Temple is located in inside the City Palace Complex of Udaipur. One can easily reach by local means of transport. Udaipur is well connected by road, rail and air. RJ SH 50, Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Jagat Shiromani Temple in Amer is one of the popular temples of Rajasthan and the temple is basically visited more by the devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is one of the most popular tourist’s attractions of Amer and also one of the religious places to visit in Rajasthan. The temple was built by Queen Kankawati who was the queen of Raja Man Singh I and the temple was built in memory her son- Jagat Singh. The architecture of this temple is beautiful and believed to be constructed between the years 1599-1608 AD. The temple belongs to Lord Krishna and his very renowned devotee Meera Bai. More and people from all over the country visit this temple during the most joyful occasion of Janmasthtami and is also a sacred place of the Vaishnavites. This temple is located near the Amer fort and the temple notable fort is beautiful architecture and the temple has two main entrances. It can be reached from the fort road in Amer town, its main entrance. The other one is through the flight of steps from Amer Fort Behind Amer Fort, Amer Rd, Jaipur
Jagat Temple also called as Ambika Mata Temple is a small shrine of Goddess Ambika Devi made in the crevice of a rock. Goddess Ambika Devi is known as a form of Goddess Durga. This temple is also famous as ‘Ambika Mata temple’ and due to its location in the Jagat village of Udaipur, known as Jagat temple. Known for its exterior intricate carvings, Jagat Temple was built in 961 AD. Jagdish Temple is located at 58 km in the south-east of Udaipur. One can easily reach here by local means of transport. Udaipur is well connected by road, rail and air. Jagat, Rajasthan 313905
HarshnathTemple is another temple of Rajasthan dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. This Shiva temple was constructed during the 10th century or around 973 AD, and this was proved according to an inscription dated on the walls of the temple. This temple is built on the Aravalli Hills and was believed to be built by an ascetic of Lord Shiva named Bhavarakta. The temple is in ruins at present and there are many shrines and temples are surrounded by the main temple. It is also said that the temple was constructed during the reign of Chahamana King named Vigraharaja. Harsh, Rajasthan 332001
Harsha Mata temple is the famous temple in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is located opposite to the famous Chand Baori. Built during 8 ot 9 century A.D by Chauhan king, it is a vast temple of goddess Harsha Mata who is known to be the goddess of happiness and joy. By Road: Harsha Mata Temple is located in the Abhaneri village at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur. One can easily reach here with local taxi, roadways or private buses or cab. By Rail: Harsha Mata Temple, Abhaneri is well connected through nearest Jaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Harsha Mata Temple can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport, also called Sanganer Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Govind Devji Temple located in Jaipur is the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Royal family of Jaipur come here for worshipping ever since it was brought from Vrindavan to Jaipur in the 18th century. Lord Krishna image in this temple was sculpted by the great grandson of Lord Krishna, Bajranabh. The deity, Govind Dev Ji, is none other than Lord Shri Krishna himself. Govind Devji Temple is located in between the Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal in the city palace complex. To reach Govind Devji Temple one can either hire an autorickshaw or a cab.
Gogaji is a local deity which is very popular in the northern states of India but it is more popular in Rajasthan compared to others. Gogaji is a folk deity and also known with other name of Jahar Veer Gogga and the deity is having temples in other states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The temple is 950 years old. It was prepared and renovated by the Maharaja of Bikaner Shri Ganga Singhji in the year 1911. The temple was established to commemorate Shri Gogaji the local deity whose influence over the people is very intense. The personality of Gogaji is believed to be a blessing by Guru Gorakhnath to his mother Bachchal. And the blessing was came through a fruit of Guggal and he was named as Gogaji because of his birth from the Gugal Fruit and the local people call him with respect and also greet him because he spend his life on serving the cows. Gogaji was born to a Chauhan Rajput King and his mother was from Tuar community and she was blessed by Guru Gorakhnath as gave birth to the son named Goga. Gogaji was also known as ‘Jahar Vir’ or the snake king and is worshipped in many states of India such as Punjab, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat. He is also worshipped by the Bachchal Rajputs which is believed to be his maternal side. At a distance of about 120 km from the city of Hanumangarh and two kilometres from the railway station of Gogamedi, the temple of Shri Gogaji is located. Thistemple is presided over by Gugga Jahar Peer who is more popularly known as ShriGogaji.
About 35 Kms. from Banswara, in the lap of beautiful hills, Ghotia Amba is believed to have been the hiding place of Pandavas during Mahabharat times. Ghotia Amba has got a distinct value amongst the tourist places of the district. People here strongly believe that the mango trees, (which is called Amba in local dialect) planted by Pandavas, gave this name to the place as Ghotia Amba. Every year during the hindu month Chetra a huge fair takes place here in which pilgrims from Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh come in large number. Ratan Pura Galiya, Rajasthan 327604
Garh Ganesha Temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha is present in the temple in the form of a small child – Purushakriti. Located at the top in the Aravali hills, close to the Nahargarh hill. In the Garh Ganesha temple, Lord Ganesha is established in the statue of child Ganesha – Vigra Purushakriti (without trunk). Garh Ganesha temple was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh – I when he performed the “Ashwamegha Yagya” before the establishment of Jaipur. He made the shrine and place the statue of Lord Ganesha. After that, he kept the foundation stone of Jaipur. He also kept the statue in such a way that Maharaja could be able to see the statue with the help of binoculars from the Chandra Mahal of City Palace, Jaipur. Garh Ganesh also has ‘Dhwajadheesh’ Ganesha’s temple of Bari-Chaupar as its part. By Bus- You can search for buses till Joraver Singh Gate (easily available from Ajmeri Gate) and then walk for around 2 k.m. and then you can see the temple last but not the least you have to climb the stairs also. Opp.Prakash Gadh,Anant Tarkar Road, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
The Ganga Mandir, which resides in the heart of the city of Bharatpur is one of the most beautiful temples in Rajasthan. In it lies the magnificent deity of Ganga Maharaj made of pristine white marble. Maharaja Balwant Singh started constructing this temple in the mid-19th century. However, he had a very unique request that required all the affluent inhabitants of the city to donate one month’s pay to help towards the temple’s creation. While the architecture is unique the Bansi Pahadpur stone of almond color is also a matchless thing. The Gong of the temple is of so great a resonance that it can be heard from distance.
Ganesh Temple is located at a distance of 5 km from the city of Jodhpur in Ratananda. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this temple; according to a legend, a teacher saw a giant statue of the deity on the hills of Ratananda. Lord Ganesh statue height and width was 8 ft and 5 ft. The closest railway station to Dagdusheth Ganpati temple is Shivajinagar which is located around 3 km from the temple. Several trains like the Deccan Express, Sinhagad Express and Sahyadri Express ply between Mumbai and Shivajinagar in Pune
Galtaji Temple in Jaipur is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the town of Khaniya-Balaji , Rajasthan. Diwan Rao Kriparam, an attendant to Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century, built the Galtaji Temple. The story behind this temple is that Saint Galav spent 100 years here in performing his ‘tapasya’. Happy with the Galav, the gods blesses him with abundant water. The site consists of several temples and sacred kunds (water tanks) in which pilgrims bathe. You can hire a cab from here to reach the temple. Rail: The nearest railway station to Galtaji Templeisë_Bais Godam railway station Junctionë_which isë_1 KMë_away from Galtaji Temple . You can take a taxi or auto from here to reach the temple.
The Eklingji Temple, one of the popular pilgrimage of Rajasthan is located at a distance of 22 km away from Udaipur. It was initially built by Bappa Rawal, the then King Udaipur, on the side of 72 rooms Jain temple which housed a four-faced statue of Adinath, the first Jain Saint. This ancient temple with great historic significance is dedicated to Lord Ekalingji, the patron deity of the Mewar clan. Ek means ‘one while ling means ‘lingam or the life-giving a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva’. The Eklingji Temple, one of the popular pilgrimage of Rajasthan is located at a distance of 22 km away from Udaipur. It was initially built by Bappa Rawal, the then King Udaipur, on the side of 72 rooms Jain temple which housed a four-faced statue of Adinath, the first Jain Saint. उदयपुर, देलवाडा मार्ग, Eklingji, Rajasthan 313202
Dwarkadhish Temple of Kankrolis is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Nathdwara located in the Kankroli Village. Thitemple also famous as ‘Kankroli Temple’. Hindu deity Krishna is the sole deity of this beautiful temple. Here the red stone idol of the deity is praised with full devotion and dedication. Many believe that the red stone idol of Lord Krishna had been brought from Mathura. Maharana Raj Singh I built the temple in 1676. This temple belongs to Vaishnavas and the Vallabhacharya sects. By Road: Dwarkadhish Temple is located at a distance of 65 km from Udaipur city on shore of Raasamand Lake. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. Kankroli, Rajsamand, Rajasthan 313324
Dilwara Jain Temple are one of the world most beautiful and sacred pilgrimage of Jains in the world. Located just 2.5 km from Mount Abu, Rajasthan, Dilwara temples justifies the beauty of Mount Abu also as the only hill station of Rajasthan. Dilwara temples are known to have excellent architecture and incredible work of marble carvings. Some experts even think that Dilwara temples have better architecture than the Taj Mahal. The Dilwara Jain Temple is one of the most popular temples in Rajasthan. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Jains. It is located a little over 2.5 kilometers away from the city center and is therefore accessible pretty easily. If you’re coming by your own vehicle then you can take either Delwara Road or Pilgrim Road. It will take a little over an hour to get to the temple, from either route. There are currently no buses that ply on this route, but there are other public transport options available such as auto rickshaws and taxis to get to Dilwara Jain Mandir. You can find taxis and autos right outside the railway station or the bus stop Delwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501
Dev Dham Jodhpuriya is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and called as Dev Narayan. The temple is located in the Tonk district of Rajasthan and the idol of Devnarayan is worshiped as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Lord was born to a Gurjar couples who were warriors and named as Sawai Bhoj Bagaravat, and Sadhu Mata Gurjari as their son Devnarayan and he was born in the year 968 of Vikram Samvat calendar.The temple is also having the idols and memorials of Sri Sawai Bhoj Gurjar, Taradey Panwar, Bhuna Ji and Mehandu Ji. The temple gets more visits of devotees especially on Fridays as the devotees organize whole night jagran during this night. Vanshthali, Road, Niwai, Rajasthan 304022
Desuri is a small village of the Pali District, located at a distance of 16 km from the town of Ranakpur. Temples of Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Navi Mata, and Lord Hanuman are the highlights of this place. The temple of Parsuram Mahadeo is also located in the hills nearby Desuri. Spread around Solanki Rajputs fortress, which is now the property of HH Gaj singh II of Jodhpur. Sonana Khetlaji temple, Ashapura Mataji temple, Kot Solankiyan and Ranakpur Jain Temple are some other famous temples in and around Desuri. By Road: Desuri is located in the Pali district near Kumbhalgarh National Park, at a distance of 116 km from Udaipur. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Desuri is well connected through nearest Rani Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Desuri can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Deo Somnath Temple is a Lord Shiva temple which is located at a distance of 24 km away from Dungarpur at Deo Gaon. Situated on the banks of the River Som, it was constructed during the rule of Vikram Samwat in the 12th century. Beautifully built with white marble stone, Deo Somnath walls have many inscriptions. It is a replica of the Somnath temple of Gujarat and also resembles one of the Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh. At the entrance of the temple, massively carved stone elephant structure and Lord Shiva bull also made of stone sit at the entrance. By Railways: Dungarpur Railway Station, 3 km from the main city, connects Dungarpur to all the major and minor destinations of India. Kundalgarh Railway Station in Kunda, 146 km away, can also be a good option to reach Dungarpur. The rail line between Udaipur and Ahmedabad in Gujarat runs through the town.
Chintamani Parasnath Jain Temple is famous Jain temple also known as ‘Shri Godisa Parshwanath Bhagwan ka Mandir’. This temple is dedicated to Parasvanath who is a Jain Tirthankara. Located on west of Barmer city oat top of a hill-lock, this Parasnath temple was constructed in 12th century.
Charbhuja, a small town in Nathdwara, has the rare combination of religion and history. Formerly known as Garhbor, it is famous for the Charbhuja Ji Temple. This 5000 years old shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu famous for its exquisite architectural style. Its beautifully designed mirror work, golden shutter and carved door panel add more charm to it. This place is also famous for the fort of Bor Rajputs (‘Garhbor’). By Road: Charbhuja is located in the Nathdwara. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Charbhuja is well connected through nearest Rajsamand Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Charbhuja can be reach through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Charbhuja mean ‘four arms’ i.e lord Vishnu of Hindu’s. Charbhuja Temple is of lord Vishnu which was built by Shri Gang Dev who received divine instructions from lord Vishnu in his dreams. Believing on his dream, Gang dev recovered a 85 centimeters high idol of Shri Charbhuja ji. It was also believed that more than 125 battles were fought to protect this temple and many times it was submerged in water for its protection. Pandava also worshiped this Shri Charbhuja idol. Charbhuja is in the Garhbor village in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand district. To reach this village, there is a railway station named as Charbhuja Road which is a station on Mavli Jn- Marwar Jn (MG) section of NWR. Charbhuja Temple is located in the village Garhbor of Rajsamand district. Garhbor drive its neme from the fort made by Bor Rajputs. Garh means fort in hindi lang. It is situated at a distance of 38 km from district headquater Rajsamand and 103 km north of Udaipur.
Chamunda Mata temple in Jodhpur is the temple of Chamunda Devi, Isht devi of royal family. It is located in the southern part of Mehrangarh Fort. Founder of Jodhpur city, Rao Jodha brought the idol of his favourite goddess Chamunda Devi from old capital of Mandore in 1460. He installed Chamunda Devi idol in the Mehrangarh Fort and from then Chamunda become their diety.Worshipped and visited by many devotees in and around Jodhpur, at the time of Dussehra, Fort become full of peoples and devotees. By Road: Chamunda Mata Temple is located at the outskirt of Jodhpur city in Mehrangarh Fort. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Chamunda Mata Temple is well connected through nearest Jodhpur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Chamunda Mata Temple can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Bullet Baba temple confirms Rajasthan as the land of faith as well as land of wonders too. Located in Chotila village of Pali district near Jodhpur, Bullet Baba temple is a temple plus memorial as well. Here a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle is worshipped. The story behind the temple, according to locals a young man Om Singh Rathore (Om Banaji or Om Banna) son of a village leader, met an accident in 1991 by collasping his bullet motorcycle with a tree. After the accident, motorcyle was seized by local police and taken to the police station. But in the morning it was found in the accident spot. Cops again take it to police station and try tied with chains , empty its fuel tank but all things go waste. Cops couldn’t stop it from reaching to the accident spot. Bullet Baba temple confirms Rajasthan as the land of faith as well as land of wonders too. Located in Chotila village of Pali district near Jodhpur,Bullet Baba temple confirms Rajasthan as the land of faith as well as land of wonders too. Located in Chotila village of Pali district near Jodhpur,By Road: Bullet Baba is located on NH65 between Pali and Jodhpur at a distance of 22 km from Pali city. One can easily reach here by RSRTC bus or private taxi. By Rail: Bullet Baba is well connected through nearest Pali Railway station ( 20 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Pali, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: Bullet Baba can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (51 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. National Highway 65, Pali, Rajasthan 306421
Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the most famous and only a few of the temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the holy city of Pushkar, Rajasthan. This Pushkar Brahma Temple is a place of deep spirituality and thousand of devotees come here to pay homage to the many gods that reside in this temple town. Pushkar city has over 500 temples with the main Pushkar temple. It is dedicated to Lord Brahma and the only Brahma temple anywhere in the world. Although the structures of the temple date back to the 14th century it is believed that the temple is about 2000 years old. Brahma Temple Pushkar Timings: 6:30 am and 8:30 pm during winter and 6:00 am to 9:00 pm during summer. Three artis are held in the temple: Sandhya Arati in the evening about 40 minutes after sunset, Ratri Shayan Arati (night-sleep arati) about 5 hours past sunset and Mangala Arati in the morning, about 2 hours before sunrise. As per the legends, Lord Brahma was supposed to perform yagna with his wife Goddess Saraswati. But since Goddess Saraswati was late for the event, he married Goddess Gayatri and completed the ritual. This turn of events infuriated Goddess Saraswati, who cursed that no married man will be allowed to enter the inner sanctum; or else, trouble shall arise in his marital life. Pushkar by Air Pushkar doesn’t have an airport but can be reached by air through the Sanganer airport. Flights from all major cities of the country can be taken to reach Pushkar through Sanganer. Taxis, transport buses and shared cabs are also easily available outside the Sanganer Airport. by Road Pushkar is well connected to several parts of the country by road. Buses, cars, cabs can be used to reach Pushkar from the National Highway that links the city to the rest of the nation and vice versa. by Rail Ajmer Junction is the closest railway station from where Pushkar can be reached easily. Located at a distance of 11kms, Ajmer station is connected to various parts of Rajasthan and India. Regular trains ply from the station and hence can be boarded accordingly. Brahma Temple Rd, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
Bisaldeo Temple is one of the famous temples of Rajasthan which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temples represents the idol of Lord Shiva and the temple is having a strong religious as well as social significance. The temple is visited by thousands number of devotees during the occasion of Maha Shiva Ratri and as it is named as Bisaldev it means a deity with a huge So, it could be imagined that the ambience found in this temple is serene as it is located on the Bisalpur Dam on the Banas River. The temple is defined as a ‘Monument of National Importance’ by the ‘Archeological survey of India’it was commissioned by the 12th century Chahamana ruler Vigraharaja IV, who is also known as Bisal Deo. The importance of the city of Bisalpur is increased due to this temple and actually this temple is known as Gokarnesvara, also known as Bisal Deoji’s temple, constructed by Vigraharaja IV or Visala, who was a devotee of Gokarna.
Rajasthan is a place of wonders and there are many wonderful things are there which you can explore at this state. Among many palaces, forts and architectures there are a good number of temples spread across the various cities and districts and due to the presence of these temples Rajasthan makes a good place for a religious trip also. The temple of Bhand Deva or Bhand Devra is an ancient temple of Rajasthan dedicated to Lord Shiva.but the temple is exclusive famous for its architecture as the temple is known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan because of its architecture and stone carvingsThe Bhand Deva Temple is beautifully nestled on the banks of a pond in the central part of the Ramgarh crater which is located in the city of Baran, and believed to be probably created by a meteor. Baran District is situated in Kota and the temple is having a strong history that drags more and more religious devotees to this temple.
Baba Ramdeo Temple or Baba Ramdev Temple, famous by the name of Adhar Shila temple is located above on top of a sandstone ‘Massuria hill’. This hill comes on the route between Jalori Gate and Nagori Gate of Jodhpur. Baba Randev temple history allures visitors to know more about the temple. Known for its divine and devotion, Baba Ramdeo temple. It is located between the Jalori and Nagori Gate of Jodhpur. You can make use of the readily available public transport or hire a cab to reach this place.
Avari Mata Temple is one of the popular temples in Rajasthan which is located in the Bhadesar Town of Chittorgarh. The temple is dedicated to goddess Avari Mata and the temple the Aasawara village. The temple is beautifully nestled amidst the hills and springs. The temple is located near a pond which is believed to be holy and there is a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman in the premises. The temple is having a serene and beautiful backdrop which is soothing and people in huge numbers visit here. The temple is constructed in a simple manner as the architecture is having two entries or doors and also made with small towers. The temple architecture is very much similar to ancient Hindu temples and there are beautiful paintings and structures of Hindu deities and the main Idol of the temple is located at the central part. The idol is beautifully decorated with flowers and gold jewelries. Asawara, Rajasthan 312602
Arthuna is a small town located in Banswara District. Arthuna Town is known for clusters of ruined Hindu and Jain temples belonging to the 11th, 12th and the 15th centuries. It was the capital of Paramara rulers of Vagada during eleventh-twelfth centuries A.D. They patronized both Jainism and Saivism simultaneously, so they constructed a number of Shiva temples. An inscription of the Paramara prince Chamundaraja records that he built a temple of Shiva called Mandalesa in honour of his father in A.D. 1079. Another inscription of A.D. 1080 mentions that his officer’s son named Anantapala also founded a temple of Shiva. In a group of temples known as Hanumangarhi is located Nilakantha Mahadeva temple, besides other shrines and a stepped Kunda. There are three Shiva temples. The place was associated with the Lakulisa sect of Saivism. The temples of Hanuman and Vishnu also belong to the early period. Bhushana built a Jaina temple in A.D. 1190. Another temple at the site is of the Chaunsatha Yoginis.
Andeshwar Parshwanathji is a famous Jain temple located on a small hill in Kushalgarh tehsil. The temple is home to rare Shilalekhs from the 10th century. The place also houses two Digamabara Jain Parshwanatha temples. The main temple was built by Digamabar Jain Panchayat of Kushalgarh. The main idol of Bhagawan Parshwanatha is being protected by seven hoods. It is located about 40 km from Banswara and is a famous Jain Temple. The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Parshwanath ji which dates back to 12th or 13th century. Black idol of lord Parshwanath is around 80 cm tall with seven hoods. It is believed to be discovered by tribes of that regions while cultivating the field. Every year on kartik purnima i.e. fifteenth lunar day of Hindi month kartik, a fair is organized which is visited by people from the neighboring towns and villages. The tirth is located on a hillock in kushalgarh tehsil of Banswara district. From the nearest railway stations this place is 50 km from Udaygarh; 50 km north of Dahod; 15 km west to kushalgarh and 8 km east of Kalinzara.
Swaminarayan Mandir Akshardham Temple is one of the well-known tourist attractions of Jaipur. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, magnificent idols, sculptures, and carvings. and is dedicated to the Hindu God, Narayan. Akshardham temple provides a real glimpse of Indian architecture, cultural heritage, and sculptures of Hindu gods to the visitors. It is located in the Vaishali Nagar, Akshardham Temple Jaipur has not such legendary history since it is a modern temple which was built recently in between 19th and 20th century. Nearest bus stand is Govind Nagar. It is in AmbedkarMandir Rd. By Rail: Akshardham Temple, Jaipur is well connected through Jaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai ,Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad. Vidyut Nagar Vaishali Nagar, Chitrakoot, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302021
Adishwar Temple in Pali is also known by other name ‘Chaumukha Temple’ also. This 15th century temple shrine known for the unique architectural style of a Nalinigulm Vimana, a heavenly aircraft.Adishwar Temple took 65 years for the construction and is the largest Jain temples. Temple has three storeys, 80 domes, and 29 halls. By Road: Adishwar Temple is located at Sanderao near Pali city. One can easily reach here by bus or taxi. By Rail: Adishwar Temple is well connected through nearest Pali Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer is a mosque which is located in the religious city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. It is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in India which was built in 1199 CE and also the oldest monuments in Ajmer. The meaning of the name of the mosque is that it was made in only 2 ½ days. The mosque was specially made by Qutub ud din Aibek on the orders of Mohammed Ghori. The mosque was built in the year 1192 but the construction got completed in the year. The mosque of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra was constructed on the remains of a Sanskrit college, which was from the materials of destroyed Hindu and Jain temples and this is one of the oldest mosques in India and also known as the oldest existing monument in Ajmer. It is one of the major attractions of Ajmer after the Dargarh of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. This is a great example of Indo-Islamic Architecture and it is also a great tourist attraction of Rajasthan too. The site is now managed and preserved by the Archeological Survey of India. Ajmer does not have airport but the nearest international airport is Sanganer airport of Jaipur which is around 130km away from Ajmer. Tourists who want to visit Adhai Din ka Jhonpra can come to Jaipur by air and then catch a train or bus or hire a taxi to come to Ajmer. Ajmer is well-connected to many cities in India through railway network. Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Janshatabdi, Garib Rath superfast and fast trains along with passenger trains have stoppage here. Many trains also originate and terminate here. The trains connect Ajmer to all the metropolitan cities except Chennai. Ander Kote Rd, Lakhan Kothri, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001
Also called as Dargah of Abdul Rasul, Abdullah Pir Dargah is one of the most famous pilgrimage in Banswara. It is famous among the Bohra Muslim Saints and has a great historical significance. This dargah is located in southern part of the city. Every year a large number of people, specially of the Bohra Community, take part in the ‘URS’ at the Dargah. The festival takes place for over a period of 6 days and there are night long musical programs comprising of qawwali singing. Thousands of pilgrims from all the over the country travel to Banswara during this time. The main dargah is located amidst the beautiful gardens and is built with white marbles with four entrances. Located about 3 kms from the main city , tourists and devotees can easily reach here by taxi or tempo. Once in Banswara, you would get several options like buses and taxis to reach Abdullah Pir Dargah and the other places. By Air: Udaipur is the closest domestic airport to Banswara and is 185 km away. By Rail: Ratlam is the nearest railway station and is located about 80 km from Banswara
Khatushyamji, Sikar, Rajasthan Khatushyamji or Khatu is a village of religious importance in Sikar District of Rajasthan in India. It is home to a famous temple of Shyam Baba. It is one of the most sacred temples in India s temple, constructed of the famous Makrana marble, is in the heart of the town. Son of Mahabharata Pandav BHEEM and Ghatotkach. In one way considered as soon of Ahilawati and in other context of Kamkantaka’s.Khatushyamji is considered to be the God of the Kaliyuga. Shyamji is synonymous with Krishna and thus, he is worshipped in the same form. He is also known as khatu naresh, sheesh ke dani, lakhdatar, teen baan dhari, haare ke sahare,morvinandan, leley ke aswari, baba shyam etc. Shyam Baba is the community god of the Marwaris and is widely revered by many other communities. People from all over India come to seek his blessings every year, with a large following from Kolkata, West Bengal , Haryana and Punjab It is the holy pond near the temple from which the Sheesh (Head) was retrieved. It is believed that a dip in this pond cures a person from ailments and brings good health. People come at Falgun Mela from various places here and assume sacred after taking bath. People take water from here which they use to remove several diseases. A blessed garden near the temple from where the flowers are picked to be offered to the deity. The great devotee Lt. Alu Singhji’s Samadhi is also in the premises. This is a Shiva temple which is near Khatushyamji’s temple. There is a legend that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s soldiers wanted to destroy this temple, and attacked the Shiva Linga with a spear. Fountains of blood appeared from the Shiva Linga, and the soldiers ran away, terrified. One can still see the mark of the spear on the Linga. Official Address
Neemach Mata Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan Neemach Mata Temple is located on a hill on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. This temple is located on a green hill in the Dewali (pronounced Dey-vaa-lee) area of Udaipur. It has both stairs and uphill slope walk way to climb, which is around 900 metres long. It enshrines the stone idol of Neemach Mata Devi. There is also an idol of Lord Ganesh and three west-facing lions of stone. One can have very beautiful view of whole city and its lakes from the temple as well as while climbing. The walk is pollution-free as no vehicles can enter in the hill boundary. Official Address
Ambika Mata Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan Ambika Mata Mandir is a Hindu temple located in the village of Jagat, about 50 km southeast of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan, India. Ambika Devi, a form of Goddess Durga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple, located in a cleft of rock possesses a number of inscriptions. The earliest one, dated 961 AD, refers to a repair made to it. Today, the temple is preserved by the State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan. The temple is also known as the Khajuraho of Mewar. There are many fine sculptures in the temple which have been excellently preserved. This pentagonal temple, enclosed by a massive rampart wall, has 17 turrets and a pagoda-like gabled roof. Exquisite details appear high on the exterior walls of the temple, above larger sculptures of gods or goddesses, with musicians, dancers, and singers of the heavenly court, as well as countless beautiful women.The richness and arrangement of the carving often has a curling vegetal motif. The theme is of a mountain palace, a heavenly abode of the gods. The tower is covered with intricate motifs, including clouds, and is surrounded by small shikhara towers which echo the surrounding mountain peaks. The architecture of the mountain palace, as the heavenly abode of the gods, echoes the temple which is their earthly residence. This is a little-known temple, dating back to the tenth century with images of Durga and many other female divinities. Ambika, a form of the Hindu Goddess Durga, is the principal image in the shrine and worshipped as Shakti, a primeval source of energy.She is associated with Durga through her lion mount and is connected to the Jains through a vision advising Vimala about building his Adinathtemple at Mount Abu. Official Address
Eklingji Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan Eklingji is a Hindu temple complex in Udaipur District of Rajasthan in western India. Eklingji is believed to be the ruling deity of Mewar Princely State and the Ruler Maharana rules as his Dewan. According to the 15th century text Ekalinga Mahatmya, the original temple at Eklingji was constructed by the 8th century ruler Bappa Rawal. The original temple and murti (idol) were destroyed during invasions by the Delhi Sultanate rulers. The earliest extent murti was installed by Hamir Singh (14th century), who also carried out extensive renovations to the main temple. Rana Kumbha (15th century) rebuilt the temple, in addition to constructing a Vishnu temple. His 1460 inscription describes him as “the personal servant of Eklinga”. In late 15th century, Ghiyath Shah of Malwa Sultanate attacked Mewar, and devastated Eklingji. Kumbha’s son Rana Raimal (r. 1473–1509) defeated and captured him, and obtained a ransom for his release. With this ransom, Raimal patronized the last major rebuilding of the temple complex, and installed the present murti at the main temple. Originally, the temple likely belonged to the Pashupata sect, and was subsequently in the custody of the Nath sect. In the 16th century, it came under the control of the Ramanandis. Eklingji Temple is one of the most popular temples of Rajasthan and is sited at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion and its brilliant architecture drives several tourists here every year. This double-storied temple looks magnificent with its pyramidal style of roof and uniquely carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that lower touching the serene waters. Inside the arena, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or ‘mandap’ that is sheltered by heavy pyramidal roof Official Address
Jeenmata, Sikar, Rajasthan Jeenmata is a village of religious importance in Sikar district of Rajasthan, India. It is located at a distance of 29 km from Sikar town in south. There is an ancient Temple dedicated to Jeen Mata (Goddess of Power). The sacred shrine of Jeenmata is believed to be a thousand years old. Millions of devotees assemble here for a colourful festival held twice in a year in the month of Chaitra and Ashvin during the Navratri. There are a number of dharamshalas to accommodate large number of visitors. Just close to this temple her brother Harsh Bhairav nath’s temple is situated on the top of the hill. Jeenmata temple is situated near the hill 10 km from village Rewasa. It is surrounded by thick forest.Its full and real name was Jayantimala. The year of its construction is not known however the sabhamandapa and pillars are definitely very old. The temple of Jeenmata was a place of pilgrimage from early times and was repaired and rebuilt several times. There is a popular belief which has come down to people through the centuries that in a village Ghanghu of Churu, King Ghangh loved and married an Apsara (nymph) on the condition that he would not visit her palace without prior information. King Ghangh got a son called Harsha and a daughter Jeen. Afterwards she again conceived but as chance would have it king Ghangh went to her palace without prior intimation and thus violated solemn vow he had made to the Apsara. Instantly she left the king and fled away with her son Harsha and daughter Jeen whom she abandoned at the place where presently the temple stands. The two children here practiced extreme asceticism. Later a Chauhan ruler built the temple at that place. Jeen Mata’s main followers include the Acharya(आचार्य ) / Brahmins, Yadavs / Ahir, Rajputs, Agarwal, Jangir and Meenas alonwith Baniyas of the shekhawati area. Jeen Mata is the kuldevi of Acharya(आचार्य ) / Brahmins, Yadavs / Ahir, Agarwal, Meena, Jats, Shekhawati rajputs (Shekhawat & Rao Rajputs and other rajput residing in shekhawati area) and Jangir, of Rajasthan. A large number of Jeen Mata followers reside in Kolkata (who are enrooted to shekhawati) who keep visiting Jeen Mata temple. People who revere Jeen mata as their mother pray for birth of male child in the family and vow to visit the temple only after a son is born. After the birth of male child the entire family visits Jeen Mata ji and the first hair cut (known as Jadula in Rajasthani language) of the kid is offered at the temple premises. Followers also offer offerings of 50 kg prasad (sawa man equals 50 kg) known as sawa mani at the temple. Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb wanted to raze to the ground the Mandir of Mata. Being invoked by Her priests, the Mata let out its army of bhairons (a species of fly family) which brought the Emperor and his soldiers to their knees. He sought pardon and the Kind hearted Mataji excused him from Her anger. Aurangzeb donated akhand (Ever-glow) oil lamp from his Delhi palace in honour of Mataji. This lamp is still glowing in the sacred sanctorium of the Mata. Official Address
Shrinathji temple, Nathdwara, Udaipur, Rajasthan The temple has a story behind its establishment. According to the legend, the image of Lord Shrinath ji was enshrined in Vrindavan (land of Lord Krishna), but to protect the idol from the destructive rage of Aurangzeb. In 1672, Rana Raj Singh was the only gallant, who made an effort to rescue the idol from the domain of Aurangzeb. It is said that when the image was being shifted to an impervious place then at a particular place, the wheel of vehicle sank deep down in mud. The image refused to move further, so the escorting priest apprehended that this was Lord’s chosen spot. Thus, a temple was built on the same spot. The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple is ceaseless. The image of Shrinathji is worth seeing and feeling the celestial beauty of the God. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the ‘Govardhana’ (a hill). In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist. The idol is carved out of a large black stone. Images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot by the god’s head are imprinted on the idol. The temple authorities have not less than 500 cows and amongst them; one is regarded as Shrinathji’s cow. It is considered that this cow has come from the pedigree that served the lord for centuries. Earlier, wagon-loads of food used to come here, which were said to be consigned by and consigned to Shrinathji. The holy shrine of Shrinathji is famous all over Rajasthan and India. People of Vaishnava community come in large numbers to visit this holy pilgrimage. During the times of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi, people throng in large numbers and the place gets overcrowded. Apart from festivals like Holi and Janmashtmi, Annakutta is a major festival that is celebrated in the temple with full gusto and fervor. A visit to this temple must be avoided during these days. Shrinathji Temple can be visited by only Hindus with an exception of foreigners. Nathdwara town is also famous as the Apollo of Mewar. In the town of Nathdwara, Shrinathji temple is the centre of attraction, but the town is also famous for its ‘pichhwai’ paintings, ivory articles and mouth-watering sweets. You can purchase articles from here as a souvenir of your religious trip to Shrinathji. One must visit this temple to feel the spiritual ecstasy and get the blessings of Lord Shrinathji. Shrinathji temple of Nathdwara, Rajasthan is a Hindu temple dedicated to one of the avatars of Lord Krishna – Shrinathji. It is located on the banks of the river Banas, at a distance of 48 km from the beautiful city of Udaipur. The glorious temple is a famous pilgrimage point of Rajasthan and a must-see if you are on tour of the religious places of Rajasthan. The Shrinathji temple of Nathdwara is famous for the Shringar of the deity where the idol is dressed in a new dress every day. Devotees come from all over the world come to see the idol’s different forms. 48 kms in the north east of Udaipur Official Address
Shree Charbhujaji Mandir, Garhbor, Rajasthan Charbhuja is a famous temple of the lord Vishnu in the Garhbor village in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand district in the state of Rajasthan, India. Charbhuja is another name of the lord Vishnu due to his four hands. The temple was built in 1444AD. According to the inscription inside the temple, village name was Badri, therefore, the idol is considered as BadriNath. The deity of Charbhuja Nath is considered to be miraculous. The idol of Shri Charbhuja Ji is 85 centimeters high. The four arms of the idol hold conch, discus, mace and a lotus flowers. The discus and the mace symbolize dynamic power, energy and prowess. Some castes like Brahmins, Rajputs and Gurjars hold a special reverence for this temple. Rajputs attribute a sword and shield as symbol of Rajput chivalry in every darshan. The temple is made by mirrors, Lime mortars and Marble. The excellent work of the mirror is done in the original temple. The shutters of the inner temple are made of gold while outer shutters are made of silver. Garud ji is installed in the other courtyard. Stone elephants are placed on the both sides of the entrance. Temple is in the open space. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims. Charbhuja is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is located in the Garbhor village based in Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand district in Rajasthan, India. This temple has a long lineage of myths and folklore attached to it. It is believed to be one of the most famous spots of Lord Vishnu devotees and is reckoned an epic centre of the Vaishnava cult. It is also believed that the temple and its deity was also worshipped by the Pandavas. Charbhuja which means one who has four arms,which refers to Lord Vishnu. It has also been suggested that the idol was also worshipped during the Dwapar age. As legends would have it, many battles have been fought from time to time to protect this temple and many times it has been immersed in the water for protection from enemies.The temple was built in the year 1444 AD. Inscriptions inside the temple suggest that the village at that point was known as badri, hence the temple was considered to be the temple of Badrinath or Lord Vishnu. As legends indicate, the idol of this temple is truly miraculous. This idol is 85 cm high. The four arms of the idol hold conch shell, mace, Lotus and discus. The temple is made out of mirrors, marble and also Lime Mortars. Garud ji is installed in the external courtyard of the temple. The temple was built by Shri Gang dev on the divine instructions that he had received in his dreams. One can reach this temple through the railway network. One of the nearest railway station will be on the Chaturbhuja road itself. The other convenient rail track is the one at Falna. The distance between Charbhuja and Falna is that of 60 km. One can also take the road route from Gomti cross Road. Official Address
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Nakkash Ki Devi – Gomti Dham, Karauli, Rajasthan Nakkash Ki Devi – Gomti Dham Temple is a Hindu temple, situated in the Hindaun City, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is at the heart of Hindaun City, with adjacent sacred pond known as Jalsen Reservoir. The temple is located on the banks of the Jalsen Talab. Nakkash Ki Devi is a Hindu Devi Temple of Durga and Gomti Dham is biggest Temple in Hindaun City of Gomti Dass Ji Maharaj. nakkash ki devi – gomati dhaam Bhaarat desh ke Rajasthan raajya ke karauli jila ke prasiddh nagar hindaun mein sthit ek prasiddh vikhyaat mandir hai. nakkash ki devi – gomati dhaam ko hindaun city ka hrudaya kaha jaata hai. yeh hindaun city ke madhya mein sthit hai. yeh durga ke ek roop nakkash ki devi ka mandir hai. kaha jaata hai ki jab sant shri gomati das ji mahaaraaj yahaaain par aae the to unhein raatri ko kaila maata ne svapn mein apne ek peepalke neeche dave hone ki soochana di. agale hi din vahaaain khudaai karne par maata ki do chamatkaari moortiyaan mili jinhein vaheen sthaapit kar maata ka mandir banavaaya. mandir ke peechhe ki taraf param poojya brahmaleen shri shri 1008 gomati das ji mahaaraaj ka vishaalakaaya mandir unke shishyon dvaara banaaya gaya. jismein unki samaadhi bhi sthit hai. yahaaain par chamatkaari Shiv parivaar, painchamukhi hanumaanaji ki pratima, Ram mandir, yamaraaj ji aadi ke mandir sthit hain. yahaaain par ek vaatika sthit hai. ise gomati dhaam ke naam jaana jaata hai. iske ek taraf vishaalakaaya taalaab jalasen sthit hai. Official Address
Narsinghji Temple, Karauli, Rajasthan Narsinghji Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Prahlad Kund in the Hindaun City in the Indian state Rajasthan. According to Hindu scriptures (not mythology) the lord Narsingh Ji is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The lord Narasimha had killed the devil named Hiranya Kashyap and gave help to his son Prahlada, so this temple is lord Narsinghji’s temple. The Narsingh ji gufa temple is near 15 km far from Hindaun City and established beside Hindaun-Karauli road. The statue of lord Narsingh ji is established in a cave or gufa. The cave is fulfill with the darkness and the shriddhalus are came in that cave. People who suffer from malignant spirits and black magic or spells are believed to get their relief when they make an appeal for relief to Shri Narsingh ji Maharaj, who holds his court and awards punishment to the malignant spirits, ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and evil-eyed witches. Official Address
Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Todabhim, Dausa, Rajasthan Mehandipur Balaji Mandir is a noted Hindu temple, mandir in Dausa district of Rajasthan, dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The name Balaji is applied to Shri Hanuman in several parts of India because the childhood (Bala in Hindi or Sanskrit) form of the Lord is especially celebrated there. The temple is dedicated to Balaji (another name for Shree Hanuman Ji). Unlike similar religious sites it is located in a town rather than the countryside. Its reputation for ritualistic healing and exorcism of evil spirits attracts many pilgrims from Rajasthan and elsewhere.The old village Mehandipur is located nearby the small hill. Old village is not well developed. The temple of Balaji Maharaj built in Mehandipur is very famous especially in northern part of India. The first Mahant of the temple was Shri Ganeshpuriji Maharaj and the present Mahant of the temple Shri Kishorpuriji is very strict to follow vegetarian and reading holy books. The temple of Shri Siyaram Bhagvan in front of Balaji Mandir is very beautiful and the idol of Shri Siyaram Bhagvan is very beautiful. The person who is suffering from evil spirits (Sankatwalas) get relief from distress by the methods like Arji, Sawamani and Darkhast. Bhog of Boondi ke Laddu offering to Shri Balaji Maharaj, Rice and Urad pulse to Bhairav Baba (Kotval Kaptan, head of army and Shri Pretraj Sarkar, king of evil spirits). Saturday and Tuesday are the busiest days in the temple because both these days are the days of Hanumanji. Some other temples near Balaji temple are Anjani Mata temple, Kali Mata at Teen Pahaad, Panchmukhi Hanumanji, Ganeshji temple at Saat Pahaad, Samadhi Wale Baba (the first mahant), are some important temples in Mehandipur Balaji. The Prasad from Mandir is distributed in nearby schools, colleges, and hostels and many other public places free of cost. The temple is situated in Todabhim, Karauli district near Hindaun City of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The village is situated at the border of two districts- Karauli and Dausa. And the temple is also divided as half and another half in districts by border. The Ram Temple in front of main temple is also divided the same. Official Address
Kaila Devi Temple, Karauli, Rajasthan Kaila Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Kaila Devi Village of Karauli district, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Nearest cities is Karauli (23 km), Gangapur City (34 km), Hindaun City (58 km). The temple is located on the banks of the Kalisil River, a tributary of the Banas River in the hills of Aravali. The temple is dedicated to the tutelary deity, Goddess Kaila Devi, of the erstwhile princely Yaduvanshi rulers of the Karauli state. It is a marble structure with a large courtyard of a checkered floor. In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees. These Red flags existing in the Kaila devi mandir are placed by the devotees. Devotees used to put the bhog along with these flags there in kaila devi mandir on each day of the year. The Jagran by the bhagat ji is the most attractive thing here happens every night at 09:00 PM IST in the temple. Devotees used to come there by foot from different areas of Rajasthan,UP,MP and all over India in the month of Chaitra. For Kaila Devi the nearest airport is Jaipur Airport (170 km). Kaila Devi is situated near the broad gauge Western Central Railway line on Delhi – Bombay route. Kaila Devi is well connected to Major railway station Gangapur city which in turn are connected to various parts of the country. Connected by road to several major cities and towns. RSRTC operates Roadways Buses very frequently for Jaipur and Delhi. Buses for Hindaun City Bus Stand, Karauli, Gangapur City etc. are very frequent all over the day. RSRTC also operate some Gandhi Rath Buses (Semi Deluxe Bus) for Jaipur. Some of the major road distances are: Hindaun City (53 km), Jaipur (170 km), Bharatpur (90 km), Mathura (220 km), Agra (225 km), Delhi (325 km), Gangapur city (34 km) and Karauli (23 km). Official Address
Salasar Balaji, Churu, Rajasthan Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham in India is a place of religious importance for the devotees of Hanuman. It is located in the town of Salasar, on National Highway 65 near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan. The temple of Balaji founded by a Jat is situated in the middle of Salasar and attracts innumerable worshippers throughout the year. On Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima, large fairs are organised that attract devotees as they pay homage to the deity. Salasar Balaji is in the religious circuit that includes the pilgrim centres of Rani Sati Temple, Jeen Mata and Khatushyamji, which are located close to it. Initially a small construction, the temple of Salasar Balaji is now considered to be a Shakti Sthal (a shrine) and Swayambhu (self creation) by faith, belief, miracles and wish fulfilments of the devotees. The temple was constructed over a period of about two years using bricks, stones, cement, lime mortar, and white marble. While white marble is used extensively throughout, the entire circulatory path, the Sabha Mandap (prayer hall) and the Sanctum Sanctorum are covered with artistic works of gold and silver. The vestibule, the doors and the utensils used in worshipping are made of silver. The main gate is made up of carving works of white marble. The temple shrine and the sanctum sanctorum are decorated with floral patterns and other kinds of mosaic works done in gold and silver. One claims the discovery of the site by Ginthala Jats of Asota village in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. On one Saturday of Shraavanashukla Navami samvat 1811 (1754 AD), a miracle happened. A Ginthala Jat farmer of Asota village was ploughing his field when all of sudden the plough was hit by a stony thing and a resonating sound was created. He dug up the soil of that place and found an idol covered with sand. His wife reached there with his lunch. The farmer showed the idol to his wife. She cleaned up the idol with her saree. The idol was that of Balaji (Hanuman). They bowed their heads with devotion and worshipped Balaji. The news of appearance of Balaji soon spread in the Asota village and reached the Thakur of Asota. That night Balaji appeared in Thakur’s dream and ordered him to send the idol to Salasar in the Churu district. Same night a devotee of Hanuman, Mohandas Maharaj of Salasar saw Hanuman or Balaji in his dream too. Balaji told him about the idol of Asota. He immediately sent a message to the Thakur of Asota. The thakur was surprised to discover that Mohandas knew even minor details without coming to Asota. Certainly it was due to the divine powers of Balaji. The idol was sent to Salasar and was consecrated at the place presently known as Salasar Dham. A slightly modified version to the same story indicates that upon seeing the dream of appearance of the Hanuman, the Thakur of that village ordered the idol to be shifted to Salasar and placed at the temple for the religious rituals to be performed. He brought two bulls, placed the idol on its cart and left them in the open courts believing to build the temple at the place where the bulls would stop. The place where the bulls stopped was given the present name of Salasar. Many of the villagers, shopkeepers and traders shifted their living to Salasar and thus a new village was formed. Official Address
Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan Kalika Mata Temple is an 8th-century Hindu temple located within the Chittor Fort in the Chittorgarh municipality of Rajasthan state in India. The upper parts of the structure are more recent. It predates Maharana Pratap and has thousands of visitors every day. The goddess worshipped at this temple is an aspect of goddess Bhadrakali, clan goddess of Panwar(Mori Panwar)clan,The Mori Panwar Clan are the descendent of Chitrangna Mori,who built Chittorgargh.Kalika Mata is Kuldevi of Mori Panwar Clan. Kalika mata temple at chittorgarh fort is situated between victory tower and padmini palace. Its very famous temple all around india and dedicated to goddess kali (One form of Maa Durga). This Temple is dedicated to Godeess Kalika which is Mother Godess Or Kuldevi of Mori Panwar Clan of Kshatriya Rajputs. Temple was made in 8th centuary by bappa rawal and initially he made it as temple of sun (surya) which was dedicated to sun. And surya kund just in front of fatta haveli near to kalika temple was also made by bappa rawal. When alauddin khilji broken approximate all temples and statues on chittorgarh fort when he attacked on chittorgarh fort because of rani padmini. So khilji also destructed this surya temple statue. Later on in kalika mata temple, great statue of maa kali which was placed by Maharana Hamir.Many devotees come here daily. In the front of temple we can see a empty space where devotees come for ‘Ratri Jagran’ (A way to worship of goddess after getting desired things). We can reach inside temple by using staircases. Temple is made on a small rock and main gate of temple opens in east side. Just inside the temple , we can see separate room for priest and other saints. We can follow left hand side way for entering in the temple. Just out side the main temple , we can see very attractive shiva temple called Jogeshwar Mahadev. The whole temple campus gives spiritual feelings and we can feel the blessings of kalika mata. Inside temple, there are proper rows are made for coming and going peoples. The inner walls have many pictures and images of gods and goddesses. Main idol of kalika mata is very attractive and each day proper decorations are done in the main idol part. Peoples give prashads and other things to represent to maa kali. Visitors perform round circle path (Parikrama). Other parts of chittorgarh fort like fateh prakash museum, victory tower, kirti stambh, suraj kund, neelkanth mahadev can be easily seen from here. A lion which is vehicle of maa kali is made outside temple just behind Jogeshwar Mahadev.At the time of navratri (9 nights dedicated to maa durga), very special lightings and decorations are done and special aarti and pooja (worships) are performed. Official Address
Sanwariaji Temple, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan The Sanwaliaji temple of the Dark Krishna is situated on the Chittorgarh – Udaipur Highway, at the town of bhadsora, about 40 kilometers from Chittorgarh. The deity also known as Shri Sanwaria Seth.The legends has it that in the year 1840, a milkman named Bholaram Gurjar dreamt of three divine statues buried under the ground in the Chapar village of Bhadsora-Bagund. When the villagers started digging the place, they found the three statues, exactly as Bholaram saw in his dream. They were the statues of LORD KRISHNA-all of them beautiful and mesmerizing. One of the statues was taken to Mandaphiya, one to Bhadsoda and the third remain at the very place where it was found. All three locations became temples. When it was brought to Mandaphiya, at that time shri Rodulalji jain(Village head of Mandaphiya) with the help of villagers built a small temple consisting of four walls and shade and placed the statue by performing all the necessary rituals.Later on, the three temples of Sanwaliya Ji became renowned and devotees visit them in large numbers every day. Located just 40 from Chittorgarh – the historic city of valor and devotion – Mandaphiya is now known as Shri Sanwaliya Dham (The residence of Lord Krishna) and is second to Shri Nathadwara to the followers of the Vaishnav Sect. People believe that all their desires are fulfilled when they visit Shri Sanwaliya Seth’s Darbar (Court of Shri Sanwaliya Ji). Official Address
Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner, Rajasthan Karni Mata Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner, in Rajasthan, India. It is also known as the Temple of Rats. The temple is famous for the approximately 25,000 black rats that live, and are revered, in the temple. These holy rats are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world. The building was completed in its current form in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.In front of the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway are more silver doors with panels depicting the various legends of the Goddess. The image of the Goddess is enshrined in the inner sanctum. The temple building was completed in its current form in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Beautiful marble façade is there in front of the temple which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway are more silver doors with panels depicting the various legends of the Goddess. The image of the Goddess is enshrined in the inner sanctum. The temple was further enhanced by Kundanlal Verma of Hyderabad-based Karni Jewelers in 1999. The silver gates to the temple and the marble carvings were also donated by him. The temple is famous for the approximately 25,000 rats that live in the temple. These holy rats are treated as sacred and given protection in the temple. These holy rats are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world. Out of all the thousands of rats in the temple, there are a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. They are believed to be the manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four sons. Sighting them is considered a special blessing and visitors put in extensive efforts to bring them forth, offering prasad, a sweet holy food. Karni Mata (October 1387 – March 1538) also referred to as Nari Bai was a Hindu warrior sage. Also known as Shri Karniji Maharaj, she is worshiped as the incarnation of the warrior Goddess Durga by her followers. She is an official deity of the royal families of Jodhpur and Bikaner. She lived an ascetic life and was widely revered during her own lifetime. The Temple was created following her mysterious disappearance from her home. In 1538, Karniji went to visit the Maharaja of Jaisalmer. On 21 March 1538, she traveled back to Deshnok with her stepson, Poonjar, and a few other followers. They were near Gadiyala and Girirajsar of the Kolayat tehsil in Bikaner district when she asked the caravan to stop for water. It was reported that she disappeared there at the age of 151 years. Legend has it that Laxman, son of Karni mata, drowned in a pond in Kapil Sarovar in Kolayat Tehsil while he was attempting to drink from it. Karni Mata implored Yama, the god of death, to revive him. First refusing, Yama eventually relented, permitting Laxman and all of Karni Mata’s male children to be reincarnated as rats. Eating food that has been nibbled on by the rats is considered to be a “high honour”.If one of them is killed, it must be replaced with another one made of solid silver. Karni Mata Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner, in Rajasthan. It is also known as the Temple of Rats. Official Address
Birla Mandir, Jaipur, Rajasthan Birla Temple, Jaipur At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Temple. This temple forms one of the most beautiful attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. The construction of the temple started in 1977 and it went on till 1985. On 22 February 1985, the temple deity was invoked and was opened for public to visit. the temple was built by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. Stained glass windows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance way. The images of Lakshmi and Narayan attract the attention, being made out from one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events. Official Address
Deo somnath temple, Dungarpur (Rajasthan) Built in :- 12th century Built by Local Rajput Rulers Dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv This grand temple of Shiva was built in 12th century AD by the local Rajput rulers in Malva style of temple architecture.This is enclosed by a prakara. Built of huge slabs of micaceous schist and gneiss, the three-storeyed temple has imposing appearance. Its sanctum, which is sunk 2.7 m below the ground level, has a false ceiling over which rises the sikhara with prominent ratha projections. It has a narrow antarala preceded by sabhamandapa with a samvarana roof and three entrance porches. There are two inscriptions in the temple, one by Maharawal Sesmal (AD 1586-1606) and the other by Maharawal Gopinath (AD 1424-47). Enclosed by a prakara, the three-storeyed temple is built of huge slabs of micaceous schist and gneiss. Its sanctum, which is 2.7 metres below ground level, has a false ceiling over which the sikhara (spire) rises with prominent ratha projections. It has a narrow antarala preceded by sabhamandapa with a samvarana roof and three entrance porches. There are two inscriptions in the temple, one by Maharawal Sesmal (AD 1586-1606) and the other by Maharawal Gopinath (AD 1424-47). This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Sikkim, a northeastern state in India, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual richness. The state is also home to several ancient and modern temples that attract a large number of devotees and tourists every year. The temples in Sikkim are not just places of worship but also reflect the rich culture and heritage of the state. One of the most famous temples is the Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. It is the largest and most important monastery in Sikkim and serves as the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was built in the 16th century and has since been renovated several times. The Rumtek Monastery houses several rare and precious artifacts, including ancient Buddhist manuscripts, thangkas (traditional paintings), and statues. Another popular temple is the Enchey Monastery, which is located in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The monastery was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Enchey Monastery is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The Tashiding Monastery is also a must-visit temple in Sikkim. Located in the western part of the state, it is one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Sikkim. The Tashiding Monastery was built in the 17th century and is known for its ancient murals and sculptures. Other notable temples in Sikkim include the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Phodong Monastery, and the Lingdum Monastery. Each of these temples has a unique history and significance and is worth visiting. If you’re planning a trip to Sikkim, make sure to include some of these temples in your itinerary. They offer a glimpse into the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the state and are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is one of the oldest Cave Temples (Rock Cut) of Tamilnadu and situated at Pillayarpatti, Which is between Pudukkottai and Karaikudi. Pillayarpatti is situated at a distance of 71kms from Madurai and 12 kms from Karaikudi on Thirupathur – Karaikudi State Highway. The village gets its name from the temple. Here Lord Vinayaga appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. The six feet presiding deity is called as Karpaga Vinayagar [valampuri posture]. Over 15 inscriptions are found within the temple, that help establish the age of the temple. Vinayagar Chathurthi festival during August-September is the main festival of the temple. It is celebrated for 10 days in a grand manner. Sankata Hara Chathurthy every month is also celebrated with a festival look. Unlike other places the three Lingams Thiruveesar, Marudhesar and Senchadeswarar and the three Goddess Sivagami amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman and Soundara Nayagiamman all appear together at the same place and bless the devotees. Cottages maintained by the trust are also available which can be booked in advance. Telephone Numbers : 04577 – 264240, 264241, 264182, 264797 Nearest Airport: Madurai (70 Kms) and Trichy (100 Kms) Nearest Junction: Karaikudi Karaikudi to Madurai distance is around 12 Kms Koil Road, Koothadipatti, Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu 630207
Located at a distance of about 5 km from Namchi, Samdruptse Shiva Temple is located on a beautiful hill named Samdruptse, which is said to be a wish-fulfilling hill. The temple is visited by thousands of Hindu devotees every year and it houses a towering statue of Lord Shiva, which is a prime attraction for several photographers. The major reason Samdruptse Shiva Temple mNamchi, Sikkim 737126Namchi, Sikkim 737126ust be visited by tourists lies in its pristine and peaceful environment. The temple is a perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. Namchi, Sikkim 737126
If there is any temple in Sikkim which can top the list of the most beautiful temples in the state, then it is certainly Shri Viswa Vinayaka Mandir. Located atop a hill and overlooking the lush green valleys of Sikkim, this gorgeous temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and was established in the year 2016. It houses a 12-feet-tall statue of Lord Ganesha. It is located at Rhenock Rungdung in the East Sikkim district. If you are looking forward to taking a break from the hustle and bustle of cities and experiencing serenity and divinity, then you must plan a tour of Shri Viswa Vinayaka Mandir. The temple will house 51 forms of Lord Ganesha, a first in the North East Region. While a lot of the construction material was imported from Thailand, expert artisans were brought in from Nepal and West Bengal for the construction. The main altar has a 12-foot tall statue of Lord Ganesha with 16 hands.and very nice and beautiful statue of Samudra Mathan which is one of the best known episodes in Hindu mythology. The story appears in the Bhagavata Purana, the Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana, and explains the origin of amrita, the drink of immortality. Rhenock Rungdung, East Sikkim, India
Another ancient monastery in the Sikkim state, the Pemayangtse Monastery is also one of the prominent Buddhism pilgrimage sites which is located near Pelling around 140 km from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. The monastery was designed and built by the Lama Lhatsun Chempo in the year of 1705 and it was further enlarged and renovated over the time. The Pemayangtse Monastery follows and also controls other monasteries of the Nyingma Order of Tibet Buddhism in Sikkim. The architecture of the monastery astonishes viewers with the wide range of the finest sculptures and wall paintings. The stunning statues near the entrance of the monastery offer a splendid viewing experience. The beautiful picturesque surrounding of the monastery makes it a famous tourist destination. Sikkim 737111
Sikkim can be called as the land of monasteries as there are plenty of ancient and modern monasteries located in the Sikkim. Being a major Buddhism destination and home to a large number of Buddhism followers, the Sikkim attracts a large number of tourists and followers of Buddhism philosophy. The Rumtek Monastery is one of the oldest and the biggest monasteries in the Sikkim which is located at the Gangtok, around 24 km from the city. This monastery is the prime Buddhist pilgrimage destination for the followers of the Tibetan Buddhism. Known for exhibiting many valuable historical artifacts such as ancient metal statues, cenotaphs adorned with gems, etc. The monastery was first built by the 12th Karmapa Lama Changchub Dorje in 1730 which was destroyed in a fire mishap. Again, the ruin of the Rumtek Monastery was rebuilt and inaugurated by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje in 1966 and made the official seat of glorious Karmapa. There are multiple options to reach Rumtek Monastery. The Monastery can be reached by Taxi or Bus. Other modes of transportation are shared vehicle available between 10am to 2pm from Gangtok Taxi Jeep Service Stand located near the hotel Hungry Jack on NH31A. Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre,, Sikkim 737135
Situated in the Legship in west Sikkim, the Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir is an old temple dedicated to the Lord Kirateshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of the hunter. This is a prominent pilgrimage destination for the devotees of Lord Shiva in the Hindu Religion. As per the legend which is related to Mahabharata, Lord Shiva took the disguise of a hunter to test the archery of Arjuna, the third Pandava and then blessed him. Since then, the Kirateshwar is worshiped as the hunter god. The temple is located on the bank of the River Rangit and a suspension bridge connects the main road to the temple. The grand Shivratri festival in the month of February or March and the Bala Chaturdashi festival in the month of November or December is organized here every year by the local people which are the main attraction of this temple. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, there is also the separate platform to worship Lord Rama and Goddess Durga in this templ Legship, Sikkim 737111
Recently developed pilgrimage destination in Sikkim, the Solophok Chardham is developed by the state government of Sikkim to promote the religious tourism in the state. This religious place is located in the South Sikkim on the top of the Solophok hill in the enchanting scenic surroundings. The Chardham temple landscape is spread over the area of 7 acres and the main temple is having the height of 108 feet. The Lord Shiva idol of the height of 87 _feet situated in the meditating position at the top of the main temple offers you the grand view of the mighty Lord of Death. The temple was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Pawan Chamling and Jagat Guru Shankaracharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj on 8th November 2011. The temple complex has the outstanding replicas of all the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva along with the 16.5 feet tall idol of Lord Kirateshwar, also one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva. The amazing view of the temple complex not only attracts the religious followers, but also the tourists from various parts of India. The beautiful scenic region has also been developed as the tourism and cultural spot along with the religious destination to attract tourists from the different walk of life. The facilities like VIP guest houses, dormitories, eating points, cafeteria and parking places are available at the spot. The temple complex is located at the distance of 5 km from the nearest Namchi town and accessible by a well-built road. Solophok Chardham is situated 5 km away from Namchi. Regular SSRTC buses / shared taxis are available from major cities of Sikkim to reach Namchi from where one can hire a cab or get onto a bus toreach here.
Hanuman Tok or Hanuman Temple is also one of the prominent temples located in the capital city of Sikkim. The tranquility and serenity around the temple are so mesmerizing that it will attract you to spend some time here. There is one more Hanuman Temple in the city which is built by the Indian Army. The scenic beauty surrounding the Hanuman Tok Temple is mesmerizing for the visitors. Hinduism followers, as well as the other tourists who visit Gangtok, have to visit this place to view the enchanting natural beauty and feel the serenity surrounds the temple. One can also get the overlooking view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range which adds the surrounding beauty. The temple is located around 11 km from the main city of Gangtok on the branch road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway at the height of 7200 feet from the sea level. The legend of this temple says that Lord Hanuman rested here for a while during his return trip to Lanka from the Himalayas carrying the Sanjeevani herbs to cure Lord Lakshman. The temple is famously known as the wish-fulfilling temple. Gangtok to Hanuman Tok distance is just 11 km that can be covered easily in approximately 34 minutes. There are many ways to reach Hanuman Tok, but three specific ways to reach Hanuman Tok i.e. Airlines, Railway, and by Road. Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
The famous Ganesh Tok or Temple is located on a hill in the Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The capital of Sikkim is not only famous for its amazing natural beauty, but also for various prominent pilgrimage destinations. Even though the temple is built in the small area, this is one of the key temples in Gangtok. The path to the temple is decorated with the multicolored flags which are the trademark of this temple. The entrance of the temple is narrow so only one person can enter and get the Darshan of Lord Ganesha at one time. Situated on the hill, the temple offers an amazing overlooking view of the Gangtok city as well as the view of the Khangchendzonga Mountain. The temple dedicated to the Lord Ganesha is the most visited temple in the Gangtok to offer prayers and get the Darshan. Ganesh Tok is quite small, and you need to climb a staircase to reach the upper levels where the viewing area is situated. Mid-way of the stairs, you will be required to take your shoes off. The inner sanctum of the temple is so small that the devotees are required to crawl on all fours to reach Lord Ganpati. Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar Temple is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located at Pillayarpatti in TiruppathurTaluk, Sivaganga district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Pilliyarpatti is located 12 kilometers far, east to Tiruppathur, 3 kilometers far, west to Kundrakudi Murugan temple and 16km far, west to Karaikudi, and 47km far, north-east towards Sivaganga town, the district head-quarters. The presiding deity of the temple is Karpaka Vinayakar.In the cave temple, there are rock cut images of Siva and other gods as well as several shrines. The Āgama texts found on stone inscriptions in the temple help to date the temple between the years 1091 and 1238 b.c. Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar temple was built by early Pandyas.Karpaga Vinayagar is carved out in a cave of Pillaiyarpatti Hillocks. Lord Thiruveesar (Shiva) is also carved in the rock of this cave. The age of the cave temple may be 2500 years or more.There are 14 stone Sculptures in the cave (dated from 500 BC to 1284 AD).These stone sculptures state the ancient names of Pillaiyarpatti such as Ekkattoor, Thiruveenkaikkudi, Maruthangudi, and Rajanarayanapuram. The image of Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar and that of a Siva Lingam were carved out of a stone by a sculptor named Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription, in Tamil Language used between the 2nd and 5th century, found even today in the sanctum. It is believed that the icon of Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar must have been carved around the 4th century AD. The Vinayagar sannidhi (Sanctom Sanctorum) is a cave where the 6 feet of Karpaga Vinayagar has been carved inside that faces north direction. As this is a cave formation, there is no provision to go around for the pradakshina. Vinayagar’s trunk is curved at the right side (Valampuri Vinayagar) which is unique feature. There are deities in this temple such as goddess Karthiyayini (who arrange marriages), Nagalingam (who gifts offspring), Pasupatheeswarar (who showers all wealth). This is an ancient rock cut temple. Scholars says that Lord Vinayaga is the Lord of wisdom, As Vinayagar satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known “Karpaga Vinayagar”. Here Lord Vinayaga appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. Also he is seen seated without Angusapasam, with his legs folded and stomach not touching the Asanam in the form of “Artha Padma” Asanam. The word Vinayaga means “Incomparable Leader” Devotees worshipping Valamburi Vinayagar seated facing towards north, will be blessed with all wealth. The deity of this temple is known as “Marudeeswarar” as Marudha tree (In Sansscrit Arjuna Virutcha, The Botanical name is Termanalia Arjuna) worship is followed in this temple which indicates that this temple in an ancient temple. The sculptur of pasupatheeswarar, “A cow worshipping Lord Siva by offering his milk” is the special feature of this temple. Also kubheran the Lord of wealth had worshipped at this temple. Official Address
Thakurbari Temple, Gangtok, Sikkim The Thakurbari Temple is a Hindu temple located in Gangtok, in the heart of the town. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sikkim built on land donated by the erstwhile Chogyal of Sikkim in 1935. The temple houses almost all major deities and has emerged as an important center of convergence for the Hindu community of Gangtok. Thakurbari temple History, Timings, Darshan, PujaThe Thakurbari temple situated in Gangtok of Sikkim dedicated various main deities of Hindu culture. The Thakurbari temple was constructed on a land donated by Chogyal of Sikkim in the year of 1935. The temple is accessible every day from morning to evening with regular rituals. The Thakurbari temple performs a special ritual called “Chhath Puja” which is organised by the temple committee. The Chhath Puja is known to be an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun god). The Sun god is also known as Surya Shashti, as the Sun god is considered as the god of energy also it is believed that the existence of life on earth is because of Sun god. In order to show gratitude to the Sun god, the Chhath Puja is performed.The Thakurbari temple also celebrates many festivals annually, in the months of November, March, June and February a special light and sound show is conducted in the evenings which has acted as a special effect to attract the visitors. The Thakurbari temple construction was getting a progress also the higher authorities decided to construct a library and a multipurpose hall, the present situation is not much support to construct this temple complex the main reason is the shortage of funds, about 3 crores of rupees are expected to complete the construction of the Thakurbari temple complex. The Chhath Puja is performed four – day long, by the Thakurbari temple committee. The Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu Festival which is dedicated to honouring Sun god. Chhath Puja ritual is performed to gain prosperity and property. The Sun god is regarded as the god of energy and believed that the Sun god is responsible for the existence of life on earth. So to show gratitude, the Chhath Puja ritual is performed and dedicated to the Sun god. BY ROAD : · SNT Bus Stand – 2 Km (approx) · Taxis, Cars for hire are better options. BY TRAIN : · Jalpaiguri railway station – 117 Km (nearest) BY AIR : · Bagdogra Airport – 124 Km (nearest) Official Address
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, West Sikkim, Sikkim Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple, identified to be a Hindu pilgrimage site which is located at Legship, West Sikkim, India along the banks of River Rangeet.,which has many mythological episodes of the Mahabharata attached to it. The temple is also known as Kirateshwar Mahadev Thaan by the Kirati people or simply known as Shiv Mandir.Architecture According to Hindu mythology, pleased with Arjuna’s hard penance and devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the very spot where the temple lies a hunter Kirateshwar or Lord of the Kiratas and blessed him with success in the Mahabharat War.Long time ago as the people found miraculously existed a stone manifesting Shiva Ling. The said Shiv Ling is the main effigy of worship. Belief of many that a mere visit with true devotion to this temple fulfills one’s wishes particularly a wish for son or daughter and also wishes for peace harmony and good health. This temple is located at a small distance of 4 km, on the Gayzing-Pelling route from Pelling. It is easily accessible from the cities like Pemayangtse and Geyzing. From Siliguri, the temple can be accessed using air and train. A guest house for the accommodation of the devotees has also been made available. Main God: At the temple Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shivaling which is the only idol here which is worshipped. Also, shrines of Goddess Durga and Ram are present at the temple. Legend: According to scriptures, it is believed to be the place where Arjuna was blessed for the war of Mahabharata. Festivals celebrated at the Temple: Maha Shivaratri is celebrated during the month of January and during Dec-Nov another festival called Bala Chaturdasi is celebrated here at the temple. Every morning and evening is started off with Aarti and the Puja is performed as per the Vedic rituals. Official Address
Hanuman Tok, East Sikkim, Sikkim Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple complex which is located in the upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and maintained by the Indian army. According to the local legends, when Hanuman was flying with Dronagiri Parvat ( Mountain) which had the life saving HerbSanjeevani to save Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana he rested in the spot for some time where his temple now lies. The mandir is actually managed by The Indian Army. About 11 km far from Gangtok Official Address
Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, is often referred to as the “Land of Temples” due to its rich heritage of ancient temples. The state is home to several historically significant and architecturally stunning temples, each with its unique story and cultural significance. The temples of Tamil Nadu offer a glimpse into the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions and attract tourists and devotees from all over the world. One of the most famous temples is the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple’s intricate architecture and intricate carvings make it a marvel of Dravidian architecture and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region’s history and culture. Another significant temple in Tamil Nadu is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th century. The temple’s towering vimana and the massive Nandi statue at the entrance make it one of the most iconic landmarks in South India. Apart from these, there are several other temples in Tamil Nadu that are worth visiting, such as the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai. Each temple has its unique significance and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s diverse cultural traditions. In conclusion, a visit to the temples of Tamil Nadu is a journey through the state’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The temples’ exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance make them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region’s history and culture.
Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Secunderabad, Telangana Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is a temple is a temple in the Secunderabad area in Telangana which is 191 years old. Devotees offer prayers to the goddess every day. In particular, Lakhs of devotees offer prayers during Ashada Jathara, which usually falls on Sunday and Monday. It is also popular during the festival of Bonalu. In the year 1813, a Military Battalion in which one Suriti Appaiah, a Doli Bearer was transferred to Ujjaini. At the time Cholera broke out in a virulent firm, and thousands of people died. Suriti Appaiah and his associates went to Mahakali Devasthanam at Ujjaini and prayed that if the people are saved from the epidemic, they would install the idol of Mahakali, Secunderabad. Accordingly after return from Ujjaini, Sri Suriti Appaiah and his associates have installed the idol of Goddess Mahakali made of wood at Secunderabad in July 1815. During construction of sanctum sanctorum a stone idol named as Manikyalamma was found and that the said idol was also installed besides Sri Mahakali Ammavaru. In the year 1964, a stone idol of Goddess Mahakali was installed. Later on Sri Suriti Appaiah with the help of Philanthropic persons has developed the Devasthanam. Subsequently Endowments Department has taken over the Management of the Devasthanam. Sri Suriti Krishna the great grandson of the Founder has been recognized as Member of the Founder’s Family who is also taking keen interest for the proper Management of the Devasthanam. The Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam is published U/s.6(a)(ii) of the Act 30 of 1987 (30/87) and it is under the administration control of the Commissioner, Endowments Department, Hyderabad. One Sri Ammanabolu Nagabhushanam a philanthropic devotees and prominent businessmen of Secunderabad constructed Kalyana Mandapam by the side of the Devasthanam. Several devotees have been contributing for the development of the Devasthanam. By such contribution a Rudrakshe Mandapam made of Silver has been arranged in Garbhalayam. The Garbhalaya Dwaram is covered by ornamental Silver Sheets, etc., There are several oldest temples in Andhra Pradesh in which exist famous goddess temples like “Kanakadurga“ at Vijayawada , ”Bhadrakali” at Warrangal etc. “Sri Ujjaini Mahakali” temple in Telangana region at Secunderabad which is 191 years old. It is visited and prayers offered to the goddess by unending large number of devotees everyday in general and in particularly thousands of devotees in Ashada jathara on principal days which falls on Sunday and Monday. There is no doubt about granting the wishes of devotees by the goddess and devotees fulfilling the vows. The goddess Ujjain Mahakali sits in a Padmasana posture with four hands with sword, spear, damaru, vessel of amrut, is a beautiful stone idol. It is said by some people that this idol was brought from Ujjain. This idol is covered and fixed with vendi kavacham(silver shield). By the side of Sri Ujjain Mahakali is the goddess of “Manikyaladevi”. There are no historical records about the existence of this temple. This temple is a symbol of devotion of Shri Suriti Appaiah garu resident of secunderabad as Shri Rama temple at Bhadrachalam is symbol of devotee Bhakta Ramdas of those days. Shri Suriti Appaiah garu was working in the military in the year 1813.A.D. Shri Suriti Appaiah along with others(Army bearers) was sent to Ujjain as mason. Everyday Shri Appaiah garu visited Mahankali goddess temple and prayed her with utmost devotion during the entire period of his stay at Ujjain. Shri Appaiah garu became an ardent devotee of the powerful goddess at Ujjain.On one day he has prostrated at her feet and offered prayers expressing gratitude for success of their mission to Ujjain and for showing the way for return journey, also prayed in many respects and expressed his wish that her idol will be installed at Secunderabad for offering prayers for ever. All of them returned to Secunderabad from Ujjain after the goddess felt happy and blessed Shri Appaiah garu for his selfless devotion. She also bestowed kindness on him. In the month of July 1815, Shri Appaiah garu installed a idol made of wood at the place where the present temple is existing and conducting pujas. He built the walls around the idol and constructed a small temple named “Ujjain Mahankali” temple. It is said that in those olden days this place was inhabited by trees, insects, rocks and lakes. There was a big well and when repairs were being carried out by digging an idol named “Manikyalamma” was found. The same idol can be seen today in the sanctorum of the temple towards Ujjaini Mahankali’s right side. In the year 1864 A.D Shri Appaiah garu replaced wooden idol and installed the two idols of “Mahankali” and “Mnikyalamma” as per the Hindu sastras and relevant pujas. Later, Shri Sanjivaiah the son of Shri Surirti Appaiah garu collected some amount in his village along with his friends got constructed the mandapam in the year 1900 A.D. Shri Laxmaiah (mesthri and representing of army bearer) son of Shri Sanjivaiah collected some amount and constructed few shops along side the temple entrance as a source of income. In the year 1914 A.D Shri Kistaiah son of Shri Laxmaiah formed a committee to conduct daily pujas and archanas by appointing a brahman(Shri Ogirala Subbaiah garu). Sons of Shri Kistaiah and Chikoti Chandraiah garu, prominent vysyas and their family members continued their efforts for the development of Shri Ujjaini Mahankali temple. In the year 1947 A.D the endowment department of the then state government constituted a committee and arranged a Brahman, Shri Yendapalli Venkataramaiah for the purpose of conducting rituals to the goddess. Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam, Secunderabad is a part of a very busy location in the heart of the city. There are two main Goddess residing in the Garbha Gudi, namely Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Matha on the right and , Sri Manikyalama Matha on the left. Apart from these idols there are two utsava idols (murtis) namely Chandi Devi Matha and Bala Devi Matha. Lord Shiva Lingam also adornes the Gabhaalayam. Right opposite to the Garbhagudi, there is another Goddess called Mathangeshwari Matha.It is believed that in the year 1813, Cholera broke out in the city and thousands of people died due to it. At the same time batch of military battalion transferred to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh from Secunderabad. A doli bearer Suriti Appaiah along with his associates went to the Mahakali Devastanam at Ujjain and prayed for the benefit of people, if the people saved from the epidemic, he will install a deity of the goddess. AS soon as they have return from Ujjain, Appaiah and his associates installed the idol made of wood in Secunderabad in July 1814. Official Address
Kumari Devi is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Parvati Mata took the birth of Kumari Devi to kill the demon named Banasura. The Kumari Amman temple situated in Kanyakumari has Maa Bhagawati Durga in its sanctum sanctorum. What’s unique about this holy spot is that it firmly prohibits men from entering its premises at any time. Only sanyasis (celibate men) are permitted to proceed to the gate, whereas married men are not permitted to enter. With Goddess Bhagawati as the reigning deity of the temple, it’s believed to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. As per the puranas, the right shoulder and spine area of Sati’s corpse fell at this spot, which is housed inside the Kanya Kumari temple. Another legend says that Goddess Parvati was supposedly treated disrespectfully by Lord Shiva at this site on the day of their wedding, and male entry remains restricted here to date. It is said that Maa Parvati went to a lonely site in the mid of the ocean for Tapasya. She tried very hard Tapasya for getting Lord Shiva as her husband. So in this temple, only women are allowed, men are prohibited there. This is a famous temple of Kanya Kumari, where Kanya Maa Bhagawati Durga is worshipped by women only. The Kumari Amman temple was built during the reign of the Pandya dynasty. It was later rebuilt by the Vijayanagara, Chola and Nayaka kings. A pavilion of sixteen pillars is built in the temple. The main deity of the temple, Devi Kumari is facing east. The idol shows Goddess as a young girl with a garland. The nose-ring of the deity is known for its extraordinary lustre. There are many tales related to it as well. The eastern gate of the temple is kept closed on most of the days. It is opened only on special occasions and days such as new moon days during the month of Vrischikam, Edavam and Karkidakam. There is a well inside the temple from where water is used for the consecration of the goddess. This is known as Moola Ganga Theertham. In great Hindu epic Mahabharata and Ramayana, Kumari Amman Temple has been mentioned. Even in the Sangam works such as Manimekalai and Purananooru, there is mention of this temple. According to the legend behind the Kanyakumari Temple, demon Banasura had captured all devas and kept them in his cruel captivity. As per the boon, he could be killed only by a virgin girl. Hence, upon devas prayers and pleadings, Goddess Parasakthi took the form of Kumari, the virgin girl so as to kill the demon. With time, Lord Shiva fell in love with Kumari and the arrangements for their celestial wedding were made. Sage Narada, who was aware of the fact that demon Banasura can be killed only if the Goddess remains unmarried, tried to cancel the wedding in many ways. When he couldn’t succeed and the marriage time was fixed for midnight, he devised a plan. On the day when Lord Shiva started his journey for the wedding, from Suchindram at Valukkuparai to Kanyakumari, Sage Narada took the form of a cock. He crowed to misleadingly indicate the onset of the morning. Lord Shiva, hearing the cock, returned back, thinking that the auspicious time of wedding had passed, while the Goddess was left waiting for him. Later, Goddess decided to remain unmarried. However, when demon Banasura, mesmerised by the Goddess’s beauty, tried to marry her forcibly, she annihilated him with her Chakra Gadha, as well as freeing devas from his capture. Later, Banasura asked Goddess for mercy and prayed to her to absolve his sins. Goddess forgave him and blessed the water of holy confluence. It is said that whoever takes a dip in the waters here, washes off his/her sins. As per the legend, Saint Narada and Lord Parasurama requested the goddess to stay on earth till the end of Kaliyuga. Lord Parasuram later constructed a temple by the side of the ocean; he then installed an idol of the Goddess Kanya Kumari. The shores around the temple have around 25 theerthams. Another holy place near the temple is Sripada Parai, also known as Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Imprints of Goddess’s feet can be seen on the rock. Vaisakhi Festival which is mostly celebrated in the month of May is the most important festival of the temple. It is celebrated for a span of 10 days. During this festival, the utsava idol of Goddess Kumari also takes part in various processions of the festival. Other important festivals of the temple are Navaratri Festival, Float Festival, Chitra Purnima Utsav, Car Festival and Kalabham (Sandal) festival. Tourists can reach Devi Kanyakumari Temple easily as it is easily accessible by road. Tourists can take auto rickshaws or taxi to the temple. There are also city buses that one can take to reach here. This temple is at a distance of 1 km away from Kanyakumari Bus Stop as well as quite close to the Kanyakumari Railway Station which is also around 1 km away. Kumari Amman Temple Kanyakumari Address: Sannathy Street, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629702, India Phone: 04652 246 223 Kumari Amman Devi is referred as Devi Kanyakumari. The town is named after this goddess. Kumari Bhagavathy Amman temple is the first Durga Temple created by Lord Parasurama and one of the 108 Shakthi Peedas. This temple is situated at the shore of the Laccadive Sea. Kumari temple has been mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabaradha and Purananooru.
The temple is located on 100 acres of land and has been constructed by the Vellore-based charitable trust, Sri Narayani Peedam, headed by its spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma also known as ‘Narayani Amma’. The temple with its gold (1500 kg) covering, has intricate work done by artisans specialising in temple art using gold. Every single detail was manually created, including converting the gold bars into gold foils and then mounting the foils on copper. Gold foil from 9 layers to 10 layers has been mounted on the etched copper plates. Every single detail in the temple art has significance from the vedas. 10 km from Vellore Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalaikodi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632055
The Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Thiruvannamalai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest temples in India and is considered one of the most sacred shrines in the state. The temple complex covers an area of around 14 acres and features four gateway towers, or gopurams, that are among the tallest in South India. The temple is also an important pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees each year, particularly during the annual Karthigai Deepam festival, when a huge beacon is lit on the summit of the nearby Annamalai hill. Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Annamalai hills in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. Annamalaiyar Temple is the Third-Tallest Gopuram (216.5 ft) in the world. The Annamalaiyar Temple is an example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture, which is characterized by its grand scale, intricate carving, and the use of stone. The temple complex is surrounded by high walls and features four gateway towers, or gopurams, that rise to a height of over 60 meters. These gopurams are decorated with a variety of figures, including gods, goddesses, demons, and beasts. The main temple structure is a massive pyramidal tower, or vimana, that rises to a height of over 40 meters. The vimana is topped with a dome-shaped structure, or stupi, that is covered in gold. The temple also features a mandapa, or hall, that is used for rituals and ceremonies, and a shrine dedicated to the goddess Parvati. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which adorn the walls and pillars of the complex. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as various forms of Shiva and Parvati. The sculptures are detailed and full of expression. The temple has five-tier Rajagopuram which is the tallest gopuram in the temple and one of the tallest in South India. The temple’s gopurams are covered in sculptural detail, including an array of deities, mythical beasts and demons . The Temple complex also has number of smaller shrines, water tank, and many mandapas for various rituals and ceremonies. There are several legends associated with the Annamalaiyar Temple that are deeply ingrained in the local folklore and traditions. One of the most famous legends is that the temple was built by Lord Shiva himself. According to the legend, Lord Shiva took the form of a young hill and appeared in front of the sage Agastya, who was meditating at the base of the Annamalai hills. Lord Shiva asked the sage to build a temple at the base of the hill and promised that he would reside there forever. Another popular legend tells the story of the temple’s main deity, Lord Annamalaiyar, and his consort, Goddess Unnamulai Amman. The legend states that Lord Annamalaiyar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman were once separated and that Lord Annamalaiyar was in a deep depression without her. To cheer him up, Lord Vishnu, in the form of a hunter, suggested to Lord Annamalaiyar that he should search for a suitable place to build a temple for Goddess Unnamulai Amman. Eventually, Lord Annamalaiyar chose the base of the Annamalai hills, and he and Goddess Unnamulai Amman were reunited. Another popular legend is that Lord Shiva appeared as a column of fire on the top of Annamalai hills during the Karthigai deepam festival, which is celebrated every year in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November – December). This festival is celebrated in grand manner in the temple where a huge beacon is lit on the summit of the nearby Annamalai hill, this event is also visible from miles. The festival attracts large number of devotees from across the state and country. Many of these legends are closely tied to the religious beliefs and practices of the local people and are an important part of the temple’s history and culture. Chennai Airport is 189 kms Away From Tiruvannamalai. Tiruvannamalai is 80 km away from Vellore Which is Well Connected with Chennai by Train From Chennai Central Bus Stand Tiruvannamalai is Around 195 kms Away from Chennai Pavazhakundur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601 04175 252 438
The legend connected with the origin of this temple shows that once upon a time, in Krita Yuga, a sage by name Purupunyar lived with his wife Satyavathi in Badarikashram. They had no children. Purupanyar performed a Sali Yajna. (Putrakameshti Yaga) with great fervor and devotion. The Sage offered 1000 Ahutis (oblations of gheeto the sacrificial fire after chanting the mantra each time) every day, for one full year. ‘On the last day, when Purnahuti (the final offering) was performed, Lord Narayana was pleased with the austerity of the ritualistic observances of the Sage, and appeared in the sacrificial fire in a blissful mood to offer boons. The Sage prayed for a noble son.The boon was granted with the condition that he should be named after the name of the Yajna as Salihotran. With this blessing, Lord Narayana disappeared. Then the Sage collected the ash strewn around the Yajna Peetha and gave a handful of it to his consort to take in with great veneration as Prasadam. In the tenth month after that, a glorious son was born to Sage Purupunyar. The child was named Salihotran as ordained by Lord Narayana. With the growth of years, the child showed signs of precocity and started on a pilgrimage-visiting temple after temple. On Tai Amavasya day (New Moon day in January-February), he reached Tiruvallur where he found that Lord Brahma, other Devas and great sages like Vasishtha, were engaged in taking bath in the Hrittapanasini tank. The nearest International/ Domestic airports is Arignar Anna International Airport/ Kamarajar Domestic Airport at Tirusulam (47Km). Tiruvallur Railway Station plays an important transit point to many places in Southern parts of India like Salem, Erode, Bengaluru, Mangalore etc. and Western parts of India like Pune, Mumbai etc. Further, it is well connected to holy places like Tiruvalangadu, Tiruttani, Tirupati, Mantralayam amd Shirdi. In addition, EMU Services to Chennai Central, Arakkonam and Tiruttani are available from early in the morning to late in the night. Three important National Highways namely, NH 16, NH 48 and NH 716 are passing through the District boundary. Bus Stand is situated in the heart of the town and buses are available to outstation and mofussil routes from early in the morning to late in the night. adjacent to Temple Tank, Sannadhi Street, MGM Nagar, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu 602001 044 2766 0378
The beautiful temple of Lord Muruga at Tiruttani crowns a single rock 700 feet above sea level. It is situated amidst a range of hills with a dramatic panoramic view. This sacred place is on the Chennai-Mumbai, 13 kilometers from Arakkonam and 84 kilometers from Chennai. Around this town are famous religious places such as Kancheepuram (Banares of the South) on the South, Sholingar and Vallimalai on the West, the popular and renowned pilgrimage centre, Tirupati (otherwise called Balaji) and Kalahasti (with its Vayu Lingam) on the North and Tiruvalangadu (of puranic fame) with Lord Nataraja on the East. Chennai Airport Southern Railway also operates frequent passenger services to and from Chennai.Many electric trains are operated and some express trains which pass through this station stops here.The first local train from Chennai Central is 4:00 am and last train is at 8:15 pm. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates frequent buses from locations including Chennai, Salem, Bangalore, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Arakkonam, Chittoor, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruppathi and Local Bus Services Available to near by Villages/Towns Thiruthani Hill, Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu 631209 044 2788 5247
One of the sportive arts of Devikarumari. One day Devikarumari took the image of old nomadic lady and went to Sun to forecast his future. Without realising her as Devikarumari, He simply neglected her. Devikarumari immediately vanished. Sun has lost its brightness and its glory started declining. Realising his mistake he begged Devikarumari to forgive and excuse him. Sun also requested Devikarumari to celebrate Sunday as the day of Devikarumari. Devikarumari also accepted it. He also got permission from her to pour on her sunrays twice in a year in the month of Panguni and Purattasi. So Sunday is celebrated as the day of Karumari. We can happily witness the scene of sunrays falling on the head of Devikarumari twice in a year. Chennai Airport There is enough bus facility from Chennai Central and Egmore Railway Stations. There is enough bus facility to reach here.
North Chennai, the industrial face of Chennai, from refineries to the transport offices North Chennai stands as the densely populated place of the city. Thiruvotriyur is nestled in this part of the city is the place of importance at the month of Aadi as VADIVUDAIAMMAN THYGARAJASWAMI TEMPLE is located here. Vadivudaiamman is the form of Gnana Sakthi who blesses the people with wisdom and knowledge to survive in this world, visiting the temple at the noon and participating in the mid day pooja with a red colour saree and jack fruit as a humble offering to Amman will bless the needs of the devotees stepping in to the temple, the temple is said to be the first temple created in this world hence the name for Lord Shiva is known as Aadhipurishwarar (the first form of Shivan) Thygaraja Swami in the temple resemble Thygaesar of Thiruvaaroor. If you plan to visit the temple plan your visit earlier as the roads in the North Chennai will test your patience, Thiruvottriyour is well connected by MTC buses from round the city. Chennai Airport Frequent Train Services available This place is well connected by buses from round the city. Sannathi St, Gopal Nagar, Tiruvottiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600019 044 2573 3703
The most famous land mark of Tiruchirappalli is Rockfort Temple. It is also called as Ucchi Pillaiyar Kovil. It is in the heart of the city. This is a 275 ft. tall rock structure. It is reached by a step flight of 437 steps cut into the rock. Halfway up is the Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a 100 pillared hall, and a Vimana. There are inscription in these temple that date back to 3rd century B.C. From its summit tourists can get a fantastic view of the town plus its other main landmark, Srirangam, Cauvery River, Coleroon River, Thiruvanaikal Kovil, etc. The temple is located 5 kms from Central Bus Stand and 1 km from Chathiram Bus Stand. Trichy. Government and private bus services are available to reach Rockfort. Tiruchirappalli International Airport Tiruchirappalli Junction Tiruchirappali – Chtram Bus stand-Buses are available from Central Bus Stand 0431 270 4621
Mangala Devi Kannagi temple is a historic temple located in the Idukki district of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu, about 7 km from Pazhiyankudi in Theni district and 15 km from Thekkady in Idukki district. Cheran Chenguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it ‘Kannagi Kottam’ or ‘Mangaladevi Kannagi temple’ and performed regular pujas. It sits at an altitude of about 1,337 m (4,386 ft) above the mean sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival.[1] At other times tourists can still view it by getting a special letter from the forest ranger. The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of eastern ghatsand some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu Nearest Airport : Madurai Nearest Railway station : Madurai Reaching from Madurai-Usilampatti-Andipati to Theni
There is a temple which is meant solely for Saneeswara Bhagawan(www.kuchanursaneeswarar.tnhrce.in,Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments of Tamil Nadu ) situated at Kuchanoor. The Lord is seen in swayambhu (self-appeared) form, the name of the town being derived from Kubjan, one of Shani’s names (Kubjanoor). In front of this temple the perennial river Surabi flows which carried the waters of Periyar river and Suruliyaru. There are different religious people like Hindu,Muslim are there in Kuchanur and also there is different communities people like Thevar, Pillai, Nayakar people live together in Kuchanur. There is a separate temple for guru which faces north direction so this temple is known as vadaguru temple. There is a hanuman temple in which there is a ganesh who has got five heads. There is water in the Surubi river throughout the year. Nearest Airport : Madurai Nearest Railway station : Madurai Reaching from Madurai-Usilampatti-Andipati to Theni
Veerapandi Gowmariamman temple: Gowmariamman temple, a 14 th Century Temple built by king Veerapandi of Pandya Dynasty is the famous temple here. It is believed that the king got back his lost sight after sincere and devoted prayer to Gowmariamman and Kanneeswara-mudaiyar. Mullai River, a perennial source of water flows through close to the temple.( Theni to Veerapandi 8 km) Nearest Airport : Madurai Nearest Railway station : Madurai Reaching from Madurai-Usilampatti-Andipati to Theni
The Big Temple of Tanjavore is a stunning monument that speaks oodles about the architectural mastery of the Chola era. This 212 ft (64.8 meter) towering Shiva temple is home to one of the largest Shiva Lingas of the country. A majestic Nandhi (bull), measuring a gigantic 19.4 ‘ x 8.23’ x 12’ (5.94 x 2.51 x 3.66 in meters) stands guard over the temple. This is the second largest Nandhi in India and is carved out of a single stone. Everything about this temple is big, majestic. No wonder it is referred as The Big Temple. Nearest Airport: Trichy. Thanjavur can be reached by bus or train from Trichy. Nearest Junction: Thanjavur Thanjavur Old Bus Stand – Temple (0.5Km)
The Holy abode of the Hindu God, Shri Ram (addressed so with all respect & humility) is a virtual paradise for the devout. No Hindu’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to both Varanasi and Rameswaram for the culmination of his quest for salvation and is hallowed by the epic ‘Ramayana’. Folklore mentions about God Ram’s presence in this land, after his 14-year exile. Local legend has it that Shri Ram was helped back into Rameswaram and into India by his brother Lakshman and Hanuman along with his band of thousands of monkeys, after finally emerging victorious against the demon – Ravana. They helped build a bridge with rocks from the sea and shores to cross the ‘Sethu canal’ and reach Lanka. Lord Rama is also believed to have sanctified this place by worshipping and glorifying Lord Shiva and hence marks the confluence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism and is thus revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites alike and thus there is a strong belief that bathing in the 22 ‘Theerthams’ or natural springs is a step forward in enlightenment. Therefore, Rameswaram has rightly been declared as one of the National Pilgrim Centres in the count. The Ramanathaswamy temple by itself is a delight for every tourist. With its magnificent, imposing structure, long corridors, aesthetically carved pillars, the temple is adorned with a towering 38-metre ‘Gopuram’. The temple itself was built by rulers since the 12th century with Sethupathy Maravar beginning the construction of the grand Ramanathaswamy temple that boasts of the ‘Third Corridor’, completed by his successor, Maravar – the longest one in Asia with a 197-metre span from East to West and a 133-metre span from South to North, the third largest in the world! It is said that Swamy Vivekananda offered prayers at this temple in 1897. It is also one of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam. Madurai is the nearest Airport which is around 175 km distance from Rameswaram. Thoothukudi is another airport which is around 195 km distance from Rameswaram. Rameswaram has a railway station which is around 1.3 km from the Ramanathaswamy temple. Rameswaram has a Bus stand which is around 2 km from the Ramanathaswamy temple
The name Kodumbaloor has been mentioned in the Tamil epic Silapathigaram. It is located at a distance of 35km from Trichy and 40km from pudukkottai. The architectural structure existed here are the forerunner for Dravidiyan style of architecture. The remaining structures of Muvar koil and Mujukundeeswarer temple attracts many tourist to this place. It is under the control of Archaeological survey India. 36 Kms from Trichy Railway Station 35 Kms from Trichy Bus Stand
A rock cut cave temple situated in the heart of the city built by Mahendravarma pallava is Known as Kokaraneeswarer temple. Lord Siva (Kokaraneeswarer) and Lord sakthi (Pragadambal ) are the main deity of this temple . The later additions were made by Pandyas, Cholas and Thondaman Dynasty and become a great structure of temple. Many festivals and dance programmes were frequently performed here on ancient days. Drama ,dance and music flourished to its peak during the Thondaman dynasty. Chithirai festival, Adi pooram and Navarathiri Vizha are the important festival celebrated here. Telephone : 04322 -236195 45 km away from tiruchirapalli air port. 3 km away from Pudukkottai Railway Station.
Tiruchengode is 35 km from Namakkal. It is one of the seven Sivasthalams in Kongunadu. The Arthanareeswarar Temple is located on a hill. The presiding deity is depicted as half-male and half-female, vertically to represent Shiva and Parvati worshipped as one form. It is considered one of the oldest temples in this region.Tiruchegode is the olden Poondurainadu in Kongunadu. Tiruchengode olden name is Thirukodimadachengondurur. The nearest airport is Salem Airport [at] 50 Km Coimbatore International airport is [at] 130 km Nearest Railway Junction is Erode which is 25 Km from Tiruchengode by road. Namakkal Railway Station is 30 Km from Tiruchengode by road. Tiruchengode is well connected by road from Namakkal , Erode and Salem. Arthanareeswarar Hill Temple Road, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu 637211 04288 255 925
Namakkal Anjaneyar temple is located in Namakkal, a town in Namakkal district. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. It is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. The legend of the temple is associated with Narasimha, an avatar of Hindu god Vishnu appearing for Hanuman and Lakshmi. The image of Anjaneyar is 18 ft (5.5 m) tall, making it one of the tallest images of Hanuman in India. The Agamam is followed by “Sri Vaikhanasam”. The temple has a pillared hall leading to the sanctum. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Salem Airport [at] 60 Km Coimbatore International airport is [at] 160 km Trichy airport is [at] 90 Km Namakkal railway station in between Salem – Karur line. Namakkal is 50 Km from Salem and 45 Km from Karur. It is on National Highway
A Temple dedicated to the Goddess Namagiri Amman. It is situated within the temple complex of the Narasimha Swamy kovil. According to the legends, Namagiri Amman (or Namagiri Lakshmi) appeared in the Kamalalayam and performed penance which pleased Narasimha Swamy. The Amman is reputed for granting prayers for marriages and children. The temple is located facing the Narasimha Swamy Kovil and contains a holy waterspring known as the Narasimha Theertham. On the outside in the open is a colossal stone statue 18’high of Visvarupa Anjaneya, populary known as Hanumantharaya Swamy. The sculptural works of the temple exhibit influence of the Pallava and Chalukya art. The nearest airport is Salem Airport [at] 60 Km Coimbatore International airport is [at] 160 km Trichy airport is [at] 90 Km Namakkal railway station in between Salem – Karur line. Namakkal is 50 Km from Salem and 45 Km from Karur. It is on National Highway.
One of the six special abodes dedicated to Lord Murugan or Lord Subrahmanya is located 8 Kms South of Madurai. The importance of this temple is that the marriage of Lord Subrahmanya with Devayanai, the daughter of Indra, was celebrated here. The Cave shrines here are calculated as 8th century creation of the Pandiyans. The Sanctum Sanctorum is carved out of a single rock and the temple is believed to be in existence for many centuries. The walls and the pillars have fascinating carvings. Madurai Airport is the nearest and located at Avaniyapuram, about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Madurai city. Madurai Junction is the major railway station to reach here. Not many express trains stop in the Tirupparankundram station except passenger trains. Buses from State Transport Corporation ply from Madurai city regularly. Can reach in own vehicles from Madurai city. Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005
Kattuveera Anjaneya Temple is located at Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu is said to be 2500 years old and this Anjaneya here ensures that the one wish which one pray with full devotion is said to come true, within 3 months. At the counter if one pays Rs.50/- a saffron bag with coconut, betel leaves and coconut is handed to us which has a number written on it and one card containing the same no. Pray for the fulfillment of one wise and along with a dakshina the saffron bag is tied and kept inside the sanctum of Anjaneya where the poojari does a small pooja and hands back to us. The devotee has to complete 11 rounds of the temple chanting the mantra “sri Ram jai Ram Jai Jai Jai Ram” and once the 11 pradikshna is over then the saffron bag is kept along with the other devotees bags separately for 3 months. It is believed that the one wish which you want to be fulfilled gets fulfilled, and once the wish is fulfilled you are expected to return and claim the saffron bag from the temple. There is one natural rock formation Nandi which one cannot miss and shows the presence of shiva too here. Nearest Airport is in Bangalore 1Kms away from Krishnagiri City. 5 hours travel from Chennai to reach this place. Devasamuthiram Rd, Devasamuthiram, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu 635001 099407 31616
Jain dharma consists of 24 theerthankars, In these 24 theerthankars the 23rd theerthankar is considered to be swami parshwanathbhagwan. Today shaktipeet is the world’s highest (365 ft height) Jain temple adorning images of the Tirthankar Arihanta Paramatmans. 6 km from Krishnagiri. Shree Parshwa Padmavti Nagar, Sadhanpalli, sundampatti post. Nearest Airport is in Bangalore Nearest railway station is Dharmapuri and Hosur 5 Kms away from Krishnagiri City. 5 hours travel from Chennai to reach this place. Jain Temple Road, Sadhanpalli, Tamil Nadu 635108
Chitharal is located about 45 kilometers away from kanniyakumari. It is famous for the Rock-cut temple. Hillock at Chitharal has a cave containing Rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendent deities carved inside and outside dating back to 9th Century A.D. King Mahendra Varman I was responsible for the Jainism influence in this region. It was converted into Bagavathy Temple in the 13th Century A.D. Cars and Vans can go upto the foot of the hill. One has to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple. The Jain images have been preserved by the Central Archeological Survey of India. It comes under Vellankode panchayat. Nearest Airport : Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Chitharal Jain Rock Cut Temple can be reached by bus or train from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station : Kuzhithurai . The Chitharal Jain Monuments are located in a small village situated 9 km from Kuzhithurai station. By road it is 64 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 42 Kms from Kanniyakumari West Kovalam Road, Near Siluvai Nagar, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702
Bannari Amman Temple is 75 kms away from Erode and 10 kms distance from Sathyamangalam. It is the famous temple in Erode District and situated at the bottom of the Western Ghats on the way to Mysore. Coimbatore Airport (90 KM) Erode Situated in Satyamangalam – Mysor National Highway 209, Sathyamangalam Taluk, Erode District, Bannari, Tamil Nadu 638401
Thadikombu Perumal Temple is located on the Dindigul- Karur route about 18 kms away from Dindigul. The main deity of the temple is Lord Alagar. The main festival of the temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitrai, which falls in April and May. During this festival, the deity is offered regular prayer for 12 days. Nearest Airport is Madurai Airport Nearest Railway Station is Dindigul Junction 18 KMs from Dindigul on Dindigul – Karur – Salem Highway Dindigul District, Thadikombu, Tamil Nadu 624709 0451 255 7232
Palani Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. It is located in the town of Palani in Dindigul district, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Coimbatore and northwest of Madurai in the foot-hills of the Palani hills, Tamil Nadu, India. The idol of the Muruga in Palani, was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of aaseevaham’s (Ancient Tamil Culture) eighteen great siddhas out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam. The legend also holds that, the sculptor had to work very rapidly to complete its features, but that he spent so much time in creating the face, he did not have time to bestow but a rough grace upon the rest of the body, thus explaining the contrast between the artistic perfection of the face and the slightly less accomplished work upon the body. A shrine to Bhogar exists in the southwestern corridor of the temple, which, by legend, is said to be connected by a subterranean tunnel to a cave in the heart of the hill, where Bhogar continues to meditate and maintain his vigil, with eight idols of Muruga. The idol of the deity is said to be made of an amalgam of nine poisonous substances which forms an eternal medicine when mixed in a certain ratio. It is placed upon a pedestal of stone, with an archway framing it and represents the god Subrahmanya in the form He assumed at Palani – that of a very young recluse, shorn of his locks and all his finery, dressed in no more than a loincloth and armed only with a staff, the dhandam, as befits a monk. Sage Narada once visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gyana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, Ganesha and Murugan,the sage counseled against cutting it. He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them. Pleased with their son’s discernment, Shiva awarded the fruit to Ganesha. When Kartikeya returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain. He left Kailash and took up his abode in Palani hills in South India. Nearest Airport is Madurai . Nearest Railway Station is Palani. Direct buses are available from all the cities of Tamil Nadu. Giri Veethi, Palani, Tamil Nadu 624601 04545 242 236
Bhuvanagiri is the birthplace of the saint of South India, Raghavendra Swami.The town is also close to the birthplace of Saint Ramalinga Adigalar (town Maruthur). The word Bhuvanagiri is a combination of two Tamilized-Sanskrit words – Bhuvanam (means World) and Giri (means Mountain or Unmovable). Hence, the name Bhuvanagiri can mean “the place (world) that does not move”. Bhuvanagiri is internally referred to by the local population as “Mel Bhuvanagiri” (Western Segment) and “Kezh Bhuvanagiri” (Eastern Segment). Agriculture is the main occupation of more than 3/4 of the town’s population and they depend on it. Rice is the major cultivated crop, followed by Black gram and Green gram. These set of crops are cultivated in a type of land known in Tamil as NanSei (means wetland cultivation). Other minor crops like Finger Millet (Ragi in Tamil), Pearl millet (Kambu in Tamil), Corn (Makkaa cholam in Tamil), Thoor dhal (Thovaram parupu in Tamil), Sesamum (yel in Tamil) and redgram also grown around this town. These set of crops are cultivated in a type of land known in Tamil as PunSei. A river Vellaru (a tributary of river Cauvery) provides water for irrigation. The town is also known for handloom products (such as lungies, hand kerchiefs, saris, dhotis, etc.). It is also known for its Silk saris and Silk Textiles which are referred to as “Bhuvanagiri Pattu”. Air : The nearest International airports is Chennai (200Km ). Another nearest Air Port is in Pondicherry has charter flights located 25KM from Cuddalore. New Airport also prosed and the work is in progress, At Neyveli in the same District located 45Km from Cuddalore Town the head quarters of this District. Rail : 1. Chennai – Villupuram – Cuddalore – Thanjavoor – Trichy Raliways route is available running via Cuddalore Town the District head quarters. 2. Another major rail route is also available in this District is Chennai -Villupuram – Vridhachalam – Trichy . It is also operational, In which Vridhachalam is loacted 50KM from Cuddalore Town. There is connecting rail route is also available between Cuddalore and Vridhachalam. Road : Road transport is very good in Cuddalore District. National highways NH45 , NH45A are running through Cuddalore. Satte Highways 32 & 36 are also running through Cuddalore District. On road Cuddalore is located 200Km From state head quarters.
Devanathaswamy temple (also called Thiruvanthipuram Kovil) in Thiruvanthipuram, a village in the outskirts of Cuddalore in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Devanathaswamy and his consort Lakshmi as Hemabhujavalli. The temple in its current form is believed to have been built during the Medieval Cholas, with later expansion from Pandyas, Hoysala Empire and Vijayanagara Empire. The temple has fifty inscriptions from Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120),Vikrama Chola (1118–1135), Rajaraja Chola III (1216–1256), Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251–1268), Vikrama Pandya, Vira Pandya III, Vijayanagar king Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542 CE) and Koperunjinga. The Epigraphical Department has found more than 50 inscriptions in the temple belonging to the Medieval Chola period. The inscriptions indicate grants to the temple from Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120), Vikrama Chola (1118–1135), Rajaraja Chola III (1216–1256), Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251–1268), Vikrama Pandya, Vira Pandya III, Vijayanagar kingAchyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542 CE) and Koperunjinga. The Chola country was under siege during the rule of Rajaraja Chola III and he was imprisoned by Koperunjinga, a Pallava scion. Vira Narasimha II (1220-1234) came to the rescue of the Chola and ultimately killed the Ceylon king Parakramabahu. A temple tower was erected during the reign of Koperunjinga, while the procedures of worship were accorded similar to other temples during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan. The descendants of Ramanuja were given special provisions for worship during the period of Vijayanara Empire. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Air : The nearest International airports is Chennai (200Km ). Another nearest Air Port is in Pondicherry has charter flights located 25KM from Cuddalore. New Airport also prosed and the work is in progress, At Neyveli in the same District located 45Km from Cuddalore Town the head quarters of this District. After this you have to reach by Road or Rail Rail : 1. Chennai – Villupuram – Cuddalore – Thanjavoor – Trichy Raliways route is available running via Cuddalore Town the District head quarters. 2. Another major rail route is also available in this District is Chennai -Villupuram – Vridhachalam – Trichy . It is also operational, In which Vridhachalam is loacted 50KM from Cuddalore Town. There is connecting rail route is also available between Cuddalore and Vridhachalam. Tiruppapuliyur (Cuddalore ) is Nearest Railway station. Road : Road transport is very good in Cuddalore District. National highways NH45 , NH45A are running through Cuddalore. Satte Highways 32 & 36 are also running through Cuddalore District. On road Cuddalore is located 200Km From state head quarters. Cuddalore is nearest big Bustand.
Bhu Varaha Swamy temple is a Hindu temple, located at Srimushnam, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Varaha (Bhu Varaha Swamy), the boar-avatar of the god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi as Ambujavalli Thayar. The temple had contributions from Medieval Cholas of the 10th century with later expansions by Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines and the temple tanks. There is a seven-tieredrajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (April–May), being the most prominent. The festival also symbolises Hindu-Muslim unity in the region – the flag of the chariot is provided by Muslims; they take offerings from the temple and present to Allah in the mosques. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Air : The nearest International airports is Chennai (200Km ). Another nearest Air Port is in Pondicherry has charter flights located 25KM from Cuddalore. New Airport also prosed and the work is in progress, At Neyveli in the same District located 45Km from Cuddalore Town the head quarters of this District. After this From Chennai through Sethiyathoopu- Srimushanam or Ulunthoorpettail – Srimushanam. we can reach via road. Rail : 1. Chennai – Villupuram – Cuddalore – Thanjavoor – Trichy Raliways route is available running via Cuddalore Town the District head quarters. 2. Another major rail route is also available in this District is Chennai -Villupuram – Vridhachalam – Trichy . It is also operational, In which Vridhachalam is loacted 50KM from Cuddalore Town. There is connecting rail route is also available between Cuddalore and Vridhachalam. From Chennai after Villupuram get down in Vridhachalam and can reach via road to Srimushanam. or another way after villupuram get down at Thirupapulyur ( Cuddalore ) via road you can reach Srimushanam Road : Road transport is very good in Cuddalore District. National highways NH45 , NH45A are running through Cuddalore. Satte Highways 32 & 36 are also running through Cuddalore District. On road Cuddalore is located 200Km From state head quarters. From Chennai through Sethiyathoopu- Srimushanam or Ulunthoorpettail – Srimushanam. we can reach. Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu 608703 04144 245 090
This is a Hindu Temple located on the outskirts of the town of Chidambaram, Cuddalore DistrictTamil Nadu in India. It was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 and 1278. This Temple is on the outskirts of the city of Chidambaram. Legend says that Goddess Kaali Devi moved here after losing to Lord Siva in the celestial dance contest. It was an argument that who is superior, either ‘Sivam’ (Lord Siva) or Shakthi (Parvathi). In order to resolve thus, they performed a dance program at Chidambaram in front of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and other deities. While they were playing dance, Lord Siva was about to be defeated. But knowing fully well Siva played “Oorthuva Taandava” i.e. raising one leg above his head. This “Oorthuva Taandava” is one of the posture in the dance. It could not be played by the women folk due to their modesty and shyness. In this Parvathi could not play equally well to this posture and agreed her defeat. She had to go outside the borders of the town in order to contain her haughtiness and to teach a lesson that Sivam and Shakthi are both equally important in our life. ‘Thillai Kali’ is a deity in anger. This anger was pacified by Brahma by Chanting Veda and also praising her. Because of the penance of Lord Brahma ‘Kali’ became cool. So that Goddess ‘Thillai Amman’ in this temple seems with four faces. Air : The nearest International airports is Chennai (200Km ). Another nearest Air Port is in Pondicherry has charter flights located 25KM from Cuddalore. New Airport also prosed and the work is in progress, At Neyveli in the same District located 45Km from Cuddalore Town the head quarters of this District. Rail : 1. Chennai – Villupuram – Cuddalore – Thanjavoor – Trichy Raliways route is available running via Cuddalore Town the District head quarters. 2. Another major rail route is also available in this District is Chennai -Villupuram – Vridhachalam – Trichy . It is also operational, In which Vridhachalam is loacted 50KM from Cuddalore Town. There is connecting rail route is also available between Cuddalore and Vridhachalam. Road : Road transport is very good in Cuddalore District. National highways NH45 , NH45A are running through Cuddalore. Satte Highways 32 & 36 are also running through Cuddalore District. On road Cuddalore is located 200Km From state head quarters. N Main Rd, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608002 04144 230 251
Among all the temples in Pondicherry, Navagraha Temple is truly a unique one as it is dedicated to the worship of the nine planets as per the Hindu mythology. Gigantic statues of the gods associated each planet can also be seen here. The largest among them is that of Saneeswara, the god associated with planet Saturn. While the statues of all other gods are of 15 feet, that of Saneeswara is about 27 feet tall. He is considered to be the main deity of this shrine. The temple holds a special attraction for those who are suffering from hostile planetary effects.
Matri Mandir is situated on the hillocks of Shillong. The temple is basically dedicated to Goddess Kali and is also known as Ramna Kalibari or Matri Mandir. Legend has it the temple is believed to be as old as 1000 years. There is also a belief that it is positioned on the outskirts of Dhaka. This beautiful and giant ancient temple has a very unique architecture with magnificent artistic carvings on the walls. Late at night, a grand puja is organized in the honor of Goddess Kali. Polo-Lawmali, Golf Links, Police Bazar, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793001, India
Dichpally Ramalayam, Nizamabad, Telangana Dichpally Ramalayam is a Lord Rama temple located in Nizamabad, Telangana. According to historical sources, it was built in the 14th century by the Kakatiya kings. It is also called Indhoor Khajuraho or Nizamabad Khajuraho. Ramalayam is also called Khilla Ramalayam, as there is an old fort wall down the way. Temple was built of black and white basalt stone, with the finest architecture and excellent craftsmanship of goddesses, animals, devils and Khajuraho style erotic structures on it. This ancient temple has awesome sculpture with extremely beautiful carvings on temple walls, ceilings, pillars, and door frames. This temple has 105 steps and a pedestrian subway connecting it to Raghunadha Temple in the Nizamabad urban center. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees on the festival Sri Rama Navami. Official Address
Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Secunderabad, Telangana Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is a temple is a temple in the Secunderabad area in Telangana which is 191 years old. Devotees offer prayers to the goddess every day. In particular, Lakhs of devotees offer prayers during Ashada Jathara, which usually falls on Sunday and Monday. It is also popular during the festival of Bonalu. In the year 1813, a Military Battalion in which one Suriti Appaiah, a Doli Bearer was transferred to Ujjaini. At the time Cholera broke out in a virulent firm, and thousands of people died. Suriti Appaiah and his associates went to Mahakali Devasthanam at Ujjaini and prayed that if the people are saved from the epidemic, they would install the idol of Mahakali, Secunderabad. Accordingly after return from Ujjaini, Sri Suriti Appaiah and his associates have installed the idol of Goddess Mahakali made of wood at Secunderabad in July 1815. During construction of sanctum sanctorum a stone idol named as Manikyalamma was found and that the said idol was also installed besides Sri Mahakali Ammavaru. In the year 1964, a stone idol of Goddess Mahakali was installed. Later on Sri Suriti Appaiah with the help of Philanthropic persons has developed the Devasthanam. Subsequently Endowments Department has taken over the Management of the Devasthanam. Sri Suriti Krishna the great grandson of the Founder has been recognized as Member of the Founder’s Family who is also taking keen interest for the proper Management of the Devasthanam. The Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam is published U/s.6(a)(ii) of the Act 30 of 1987 (30/87) and it is under the administration control of the Commissioner, Endowments Department, Hyderabad. One Sri Ammanabolu Nagabhushanam a philanthropic devotees and prominent businessmen of Secunderabad constructed Kalyana Mandapam by the side of the Devasthanam. Several devotees have been contributing for the development of the Devasthanam. By such contribution a Rudrakshe Mandapam made of Silver has been arranged in Garbhalayam. The Garbhalaya Dwaram is covered by ornamental Silver Sheets, etc., There are several oldest temples in Andhra Pradesh in which exist famous goddess temples like “Kanakadurga“ at Vijayawada , ”Bhadrakali” at Warrangal etc. “Sri Ujjaini Mahakali” temple in Telangana region at Secunderabad which is 191 years old. It is visited and prayers offered to the goddess by unending large number of devotees everyday in general and in particularly thousands of devotees in Ashada jathara on principal days which falls on Sunday and Monday. There is no doubt about granting the wishes of devotees by the goddess and devotees fulfilling the vows. The goddess Ujjain Mahakali sits in a Padmasana posture with four hands with sword, spear, damaru, vessel of amrut, is a beautiful stone idol. It is said by some people that this idol was brought from Ujjain. This idol is covered and fixed with vendi kavacham(silver shield). By the side of Sri Ujjain Mahakali is the goddess of “Manikyaladevi”. There are no historical records about the existence of this temple. This temple is a symbol of devotion of Shri Suriti Appaiah garu resident of secunderabad as Shri Rama temple at Bhadrachalam is symbol of devotee Bhakta Ramdas of those days. Shri Suriti Appaiah garu was working in the military in the year 1813.A.D. Shri Suriti Appaiah along with others(Army bearers) was sent to Ujjain as mason. Everyday Shri Appaiah garu visited Mahankali goddess temple and prayed her with utmost devotion during the entire period of his stay at Ujjain. Shri Appaiah garu became an ardent devotee of the powerful goddess at Ujjain.On one day he has prostrated at her feet and offered prayers expressing gratitude for success of their mission to Ujjain and for showing the way for return journey, also prayed in many respects and expressed his wish that her idol will be installed at Secunderabad for offering prayers for ever. All of them returned to Secunderabad from Ujjain after the goddess felt happy and blessed Shri Appaiah garu for his selfless devotion. She also bestowed kindness on him. In the month of July 1815, Shri Appaiah garu installed a idol made of wood at the place where the present temple is existing and conducting pujas. He built the walls around the idol and constructed a small temple named “Ujjain Mahankali” temple. It is said that in those olden days this place was inhabited by trees, insects, rocks and lakes. There was a big well and when repairs were being carried out by digging an idol named “Manikyalamma” was found. The same idol can be seen today in the sanctorum of the temple towards Ujjaini Mahankali’s right side. In the year 1864 A.D Shri Appaiah garu replaced wooden idol and installed the two idols of “Mahankali” and “Mnikyalamma” as per the Hindu sastras and relevant pujas. Later, Shri Sanjivaiah the son of Shri Surirti Appaiah garu collected some amount in his village along with his friends got constructed the mandapam in the year 1900 A.D. Shri Laxmaiah (mesthri and representing of army bearer) son of Shri Sanjivaiah collected some amount and constructed few shops along side the temple entrance as a source of income. In the year 1914 A.D Shri Kistaiah son of Shri Laxmaiah formed a committee to conduct daily pujas and archanas by appointing a brahman(Shri Ogirala Subbaiah garu). Sons of Shri Kistaiah and Chikoti Chandraiah garu, prominent vysyas and their family members continued their efforts for the development of Shri Ujjaini Mahankali temple. In the year 1947 A.D the endowment department of the then state government constituted a committee and arranged a Brahman, Shri Yendapalli Venkataramaiah for the purpose of conducting rituals to the goddess. Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam, Secunderabad is a part of a very busy location in the heart of the city. There are two main Goddess residing in the Garbha Gudi, namely Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Matha on the right and , Sri Manikyalama Matha on the left. Apart from these idols there are two utsava idols (murtis) namely Chandi Devi Matha and Bala Devi Matha. Lord Shiva Lingam also adornes the Gabhaalayam. Right opposite to the Garbhagudi, there is another Goddess called Mathangeshwari Matha.It is believed that in the year 1813, Cholera broke out in the city and thousands of people died due to it. At the same time batch of military battalion transferred to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh from Secunderabad. A doli bearer Suriti Appaiah along with his associates went to the Mahakali Devastanam at Ujjain and prayed for the benefit of people, if the people saved from the epidemic, he will install a deity of the goddess. AS soon as they have return from Ujjain, Appaiah and his associates installed the idol made of wood in Secunderabad in July 1814. Official Address
Tirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Karaikkal, Tamil Nadu Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple or Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu templededicated to Lord Shani (saturn) located in Tirunallar in Karaikal district of Pondicherry, India. The presiding deity is Lord Siva, Dharbaranyeswar and the place Tirunallar was historically called Dharbaranyam. The temple is revered by the hymns of 7th century Tamil saivite poets, Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The presiding deity is Dharbaranyeswarar and is believed to have been made of dharba grass. The worship is also centered around the icon of planet saturn, called Shani, originally treated as the door keeper of the shrine. According to Hinduism, saturn resides in each rasi(zodiac) for two and half years.The tradition is to worship Shani before entering the inner sanctum of Lord Siva.Sambandar, the 7th century nayanar and Tamil saivite poet has revered the deity with four hymns, in one of which he refers to a contest with Jains, and his victory. Appar and Sundarar, the other Nayanars have glorified the temple with their hymns. Arunagirinathar, a 15th-century poet and staunch devoteet of Lord Muruga has composed hymns on the deity and this temple is attributed to Murugan worship as wel Official Address
Shore Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu The Shore Temple (built in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India Shore Temple is also acknowledged for being the first stone structure made by Pallavas. Before this, the monuments used to be carved out of the rocks or stones. Unlike other monuments of the region, Shore Temple is a five-storied rock-cut structural temple more willingly than monolithical. In southern India, this is one amongst the earliest and most important structural temples. The spire is extensively decorated with carvings and sculptures. In the recent years, a stone wall has been constructed to protect the shrine from further sea-erosion. Perched on a 50 feet square plinth, the pyramidal structure raises to the extent of 60 feet. Presenting a typical specimen of Dravidian temple architecture, Shore Temple generates an exclusive combination of history and natural splendor. The temple was designed to grasp the first rays of the rising sun and to spotlight the waters after sunset. In the words of Percy Brown, Shore Temple served as “a landmark by day and a beacon by night”. Shore Temple comprises three shrines, where the prominent ones are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. In the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), an image of Shivalinga embraces the site. At the rear end, one can find two shrines facing each other. Here, one shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and other to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is imaged reclining on the ‘Seshanag’, which is a symbol of consciousness in Hinduism. The exterior wall of the shrine to Lord Vishnu and the internal side of the boundary wall are elaborately carved and sculptured. The images on the sculpted panels depict scenes from everyday life. However, the sculptures are incredibly real and artistic. The exterior walls of the temple are segregated by plasters into bays, where the lower part has been impressed into a series of nurturing lions. The archeological department has excavated certain other figures from the site. Shore Temple is no more a living temple. The structure of the temple makes one to contemplate and perhaps, it was erected basically as a work of art. The Pallavas were known to be the great patrons of art and were keen to create their own style of temple architecture. In the present day, Shore Temple makes the background of Mahabalipuram Dance Festival that is held in Jan /Feb every year. The festival was organized to promote the traditional dance as well as tourism in Mahabalipuram. Marco Polo and the European merchants that came to Asia after him called the site Seven Pagodas. One of these is believed to be the Shore Temple. The temple probably acted as a landmark for navigation of their ships. As it appears like a Pagoda, the name became familiar to the seafarers. This structural temple complex was the culmination of the architectural creations that were initiated by the King Narasimhavarman II in mid 7th century starting with the Cave temples and the monolithic Rathas.Even though the architectural creation of sculpturing cut-in and cut-out structures continued during subsequent periods, as seen in the Atiranachanda cave, the Pidari rathas and the Tiger cave, the main credit for the architectural elegance of the Shore Temple complex in the category of structural temples goes to the King Rajasimha (700–28 AD), also known as Narasimhavarman II, of the Pallava Dynasty. It is now inferred that this temple complex was the last in a series of temples that seemed to exist in the submerged coastline; this is supported by the appearance of an outline of its sister temples off the coast during the Tsunami of 2004 which struck this coastline. The architecture of the Shore Temple was continued by the Cholas (in the temples that they built) who ruled Tamil Nadu after defeating the Pallavas. The tsunami of December 2004 that struck the coastline of Coromandel exposed an old collapsed temple built entirely of granite blocks. This has renewed speculation that Mahablaipuram was a part of the Seven Pagodas described in the diaries of Europeans, of which six temples remain submerged in the sea. The tsunami also exposed some ancient rock sculptures of lions, elephants, and peacocks that used to decorate walls and temples during the Pallava period during the 7th and 8th centuries. Though the tsunami of 26 December 2004 that occurred in the Indian Ocean struck the temple and the surrounding garden, the Shore Temple was not badly damaged, as the water level returned to its normal level within a few minutes. The damage was to the foundation of the bali peetam (sacrificial altar) in front of the temple, the steps leading to the boat jetty, and the small shrine with the Varaha (Boar) sculpture at the basement of the Shore temple. As the temple foundation is on hard granite rock, it could sustain the waves created by the tsunami; the groynes erected around the temple area on the coastline also aided its protection. According to the two inscriptions found in the slab of smaller Shiva temple, the names of the three temples mentioned are as Kshatriyasimha Pallaveshvara-griham, Rajasimha Pallaveshvara-griham and Pllikondaruliya-devar. The entire temple complex is called as Jalashayana (lying in water). This confirms that the Vishnu shrine was the first shrine to be excavated here. The inscription on the lintel of the Vishnu shrine also mentions this as Narapatisimha Pallava Vishnu Griha where Narapatisimha is a title of Rajasimha. An archaeologist has observed that: “In locating the temple on the very margin of the sea, exposing it to avoidable dangers, the builders, there can be little doubt, sought theatrical effect.As the Shore Temple was initially identified as part of the Seven Pagodas at Mahabalipuram, an ancient Hindu legend referred to the origin of these pagodas in mythical terms. Prince Hiranyakasipu refused to worship the god Vishnu. The prince’s son, Prahlada, loved and was devoted to Vishnu greatly and criticized his father’s lack of faith. Hiranyakasipu banished Prahlada but then relented and allowed him to come home. Father and son quickly began to argue about Vishnu’s nature. When Prahlada stated that Vishnu was present everywhere, including in the walls of their home, his father kicked a pillar. Vishnu emerged from the pillar in the form of a man with a lion’s head, and killed Hiranyakasipu. Prahlada eventually became the king, and had a grandson named Bali. Bali founded Mahabalipuram on this site. One can easily reach Shore Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu Shore TempleShore Temple is a standing testimonial to the regal heritage of India. Located at Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples can easily be reached by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is located at Chennai that lies at a distance of 60 kms from Mahabalipuram. One of the most photographed monuments in India, Shore Temple is a structural monument on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Built in the 7th century, Shore Temple depicts the royal taste of Pallava dynasty. During the reign of Rajasimha, the temple saw its construction when Pallava art was at its apex. Ravaged by wind and sea, the temple has witnessed the historical events of India. This work of genius was recognized and listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Official Address
Punnainallur Mariamman, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu The Punnai Nallur Mariamman temple is a Hindu temple located at Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple of goddess Mariammanis one of the famous temples around Thanjavur District. The temple is located in the outskirts of Thanjavur. In the year 1680, when the Maharashtra king Venkoji Maharaja Chatrapati (1676–1688) of Tanjore was on a pilgrimage at Samayapuram, where there is a famous temple dedicated to Kali, Mariamman appeared to the King in his dream and told him -that she (the idol) was in a forest of Punna trees at a distance of about 3 miles from Tanjore. The King lost no time in rushing to the spot indicated to him and recovered the idol from the jungle. A temple was constructed at the place and the idol installed and so the deity of this temple is known as Punnainallur Mariamman. It is said that the daughter of Tulaja Raja (1729–35) of Tanjore, who lost her eyesight in an illness, regained it on offering worship at this temple. Originally the Amman was in the form of white-ant hill (Putru). The Great saint Sadhasiva Brammendra swamy shaped the white-ant hill (Putru) into a form of Mariamman and also installed a powerful Chakra. This temple located in Punnai Nallur, which is popularly known as Mariamman Kovil, Thanjavur and it is 5 km from Thanjavur Old Bus stand. Official Address
Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Temple is a Hindu temple. Amman Bhagavathi is there. It is located near Colachel in the western coast of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. This is one among the most renowned and important Hindu temples in the district. This temple is near the sea shore is a sought after pilgrim centre for both people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Kodai festival at Mondaicaudu is a major celebration in the region and this temple is called as women sabarimala. To accommodate the large populations special buses run between Nagercoil and nearby towns at the time, there are also chain services operated from Thiruvananthapuram. The idol here is unique and is earthy. The worship is also unique as it is not forbidden to cook and eat non-vegetarian foods, as in most other major Hindu temples, during the festival. One can see meat being cooked during the Ponkala days around the temple. The goddess of this temple is also linked with Akilathirattu Ammanai, the holy text of Ayyavazhi. Though Bhagavathi is mentioned in Akilam, its view of the goddess is different from that of the other Hindu views. This temple on the sea shore is a sought after pilgrim centre for both people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Due tosome unknown reasons people from Kollam district in Kerala frequent this temple and according to some versionsthis is due to the links to erstwhile Venadu, an ancient kingdom whose capital was Kollam. Venadu traces the linksto imperial Cheras, from the three kingdoms of extreme south India Chera, Chola and Pandya. These are said tobe three brothers from ancient Porkai, near Thiruchendoor. Travancore kings were from the Chera lineage asbelieved. Many temples in the region are traced to Chera and Pandya lineages, the former more. The Kodai festival at Mondaicaudu is a major celebration in the region and as in Sabarimala people flock here, especially women. To accommodate the large populations special buses run between Nagercoil and nearby townsat the time, there are also chain services operated from Thiruvananthapuram. The idol here is unique and isearthy. The worship is also unique as it is not forbidden to cook and eat non–vegetarian foods, as in most othermajor Hindu temples, during the festival. One can see meat being cooked during the Ponkala days around thetemple. There is a folk history that Velu Thampi, a minister of Travancore, took over the temple from a local NayarTharavadu at Colachel, after a tussle, and the then Karanavar cursed him and killed himself, later Velu Thampihimself driven to the same fate after his fights with the British. The take over of Hindu temples by the state ensuedduring the British times in Travancore later. Official Address
Gomathi Amman, Sankarankovil, Tamil Nadu Gomathi amman is one of the manifestation of Adhi shakthi. The temple is popularly known as Sankaranayinarkoil (or Sankarankovil) and she is the consort of vanmikanathar and seen along with sankaranarayanar(the unification of shiva and vishnu). This temple is 900 years old and was built by Ukkira Pandian a king from Pandiya dynasty. Adi Thabasu is very famous festival celebrated there every year. The goddesses is a yogini who was performing her pennance on the tip of the needle to please lord Shiva and merge with him. Two snake kings namely “sangan” and “padman”. Sangan was worshipping lord shiva and padman was worshipping lord narayana. One day they had a quarrel on who is great whether lord shiva, the destroyer or narayana, the protector. They were trying to prove their own power and finally went to the yogini and pleaded her to give them a proper judgement. The yogini grew out of her grace pleaded the almighty to show his universality form so that not only the snake kings but also for every human being. By the intense penance lord shiva appears before the yogini in the form of half shiva and half vishnu showing the world that they are equal and it is with love and sacrifice they could reach them. Hence sangan and padman worshipped the lord and prayed to the yogini for showing them a way to attain the god and they stayed with her. the yogini was none other than goddesses gomathi. Gomathi means repository of wealth. Since the snakes stayed with the goddesses, this place is free from all venomous creatures and praying to this goddesses can eliminate the fear of venom. One of the 18 siddhas, the great pambatti siddhar worshipped this goddesses as valai kumari and he regarded this goddesses to be the great serpent power which can make miracles in taking aspirant in yogic transformation. Pambatti siddhar samadhi is seen behind the temple. Official Address
Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu The Anjaneya Temple at Nanganallur, Chennai is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Hanuman. The principal idol of Hanuman is 32 feet tall and sculpted from a single piece of granite, which the second tallest Hanuman after Panchavatee near Puducherry. The idol was installed in 1989 and consecrated in 1995. Sri Maruthi Bhaktha Samajam Trust, consisting of people with high spiritual beliefs, wished for this temple. with the blessings of Sri Ragavendra Swami and Sri Kanchi Paramacharyar entrenched the 32 foot idol of Sri Anjaneyar in 1989 and consummated the Kumbabishekam in 1995. The distinguished factor of the 32 feet idol is that it was molded out of a single rock. The main shrine houses Anjaneya inside a Temple Tower 90 feet tall. Anjaneya is facing West, and thus the main entrance is on the West. There is an auxiliary entrance on the southern side used during temple festivals. The main Temple building has path-ways all around the sanctum sanctorum and also a large covered space (Mandapam) for devotees to assemble in front of the Lord for offering worship. On the North-West corner, a full-fledged Sannidhi for Sri Rama has been built and here He has taken abode with Seetha and Lakshmana with Anjaneya in attendance. The Gods are facing East. Rama’s role as the protector and ruler is signified here as Rama is seen carrying his bow, hence the name “Kodanda Rama” for the Lord here. On the South-West, a Sannidhi for Lord Krishna with Rukmani and Satyabhama, all facing East has been built. Even though a Sannidhi for Lord Rama is normally built in Anjaneya temples, rarely a Sannidhi for Lord Krishna is built. Here in the Temple, Krishna Sannidhi is built to remind the devotees that among the Gods it was only Anjaneya who was present in both the Indian epics. In Ramayana, as a direct disciple of Rama and in Mahabaratha, in the flag of Arjuna’s Chariot as ordained by Lord Krishna to save it from destruction by the opponents. In the North-East part of the Temple, on a small platform, “Vinayaka” is housed facing East and to his left on a yet another platform ‘Naga’ has been installed. Saint Raghavendra has taken his abode facing Lord Krishna. The temple is now under the custody of HR & CE.It was taken by HR & CE in 2008. This action was severely criticized by Sri Maruthi Bhaktha Samajam Trust, the former management. Official Address
Bhaktha Anjaneyar, Theni, Ttamil Nadu Shri Mariamman Temple is situated in Periyakulam Village on the way to Dindigul Theni road which is 16km away from Theni, Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India. Further, this temple is located in the centre of No-246 Pandiya Vellalar Thottam, Muthanamptti Pudur – East, Near Surabi college.Earlier, Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar Temple was called as a Tulasi Garden. Inside the shrine of this temple, Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar is installed with a big Gada on his left hand with a graceful look. This Gada is Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar’s weapon to destroy the sins and calamities from the world. This whole appearance of Lord Shri Anjeeneyar in the shrine gives an unknown strength and faith to the devotees. Moreover, a tall sculpture of Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar with a height of about 51 feet has been installed above the shrine which resembles like a Tomb on the temple. This peculiar attraction remains unique in the whole south of Tamil Nadu. Another temple made of crystal stone is constructed inside the campus of sacred corner (Kanni Moolai) where Lord Shri Jeya Vera Anjaneyar is installed. It is said that god stays in the sacred Corner. Every month on special days like full-moon day, Amavasya, Ekadashi, Jenma Nakshatra etc. special Puja’s will be conducted without any interruption and on every Saturday after Puja Prasadam (Sacred food) is distributed inside the temple premises to about 100 devotees. In the month of January (In Tamil-Marzhli) on the sacred day of Shri Anjaneyar Jayanthi (Birthday) special puja’s are conducted in a grand way and Annadhanam is done to the devotees. People from various places, with lot of faith in their heart, visit this temple to have a glimpse of Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar. They worship him with utmost devotion in their mind, heart and soul to get the blessings with a belief that their wishes shall be fulfilled after getting the darshan of Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar. Official Address
Sri Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar temple, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu The Anjaneya Temple at Ayipettai, Cuddalore is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Hanuman. The principal idol of Hanuman is 37-feet tall. The idol was installed in 2015. Official Address
Srivilliputhur Andal temple, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu Srivilliputhur Andal temple (also called Srivilliputtur Divya Desam) in Srivilliputhur, a town in Virudhunagar district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is located 80 km from Madurai. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal. It is believed to be the birthplace of two of the Azhwars, namely Periazhwar and his foster daughter Andal. The temple is associated with the life of Andal, who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periazhwar. She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple. Periazhwar, who later found it, was highly upset and stopped the practise. It is believed Vishnu appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate the garland worn by Andal to him daily, which is a practise followed during the modern times. It is also believed that Ranganatha of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple married Andal, who later merged with him. The temple has two divisions – the one of Andal located on the Southwest and the second one of Vatapatrasayi on the Northeast direction. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines, the garden where Andal is believed to have been born and two of its three bodies of water. The Vijayanagar and Nayak kings commissioned paintings on the walls of the shrine of temple, some of which are still present. Samprokshanam of the Andal temple was performed on 20 January 2016 by Tamil Nadu Government. Vatapatrasayi is believed to have appeared to Andal, Periazhwar and sages Markandeya and Bhrigu. The temple follows Thenkalaitradition of worship. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Aadipooram festival, the birthday of Andal, celebrated during the Tamil month of Adi (July – August), is the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple has two divisions – the one of Andal located on the Southwest and the second one of Vatapatrasayi (Vishnu) on the Northeast direction. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines, the garden where Andal was found and two of its three bodies of water. The rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower, 192 ft (59 m) tall. The tower is originally believed to have been built by Periazhwar with the prize money he obtained from religious debates in the court of Vallaba Pandya in Madurai. The Andal shrine houses the image of Andal and Rangamannar. Garuda, who brought Ranganathar, the divine bridegroom, from Srirangam is also housed in the same shrine. The walls around the shrine has paintings of the life of Andal. The second hall from the entrance towards the sanctum, the Kalyana Mandapa, houses huge life-size sculptures of Mohini, Rama, Kamadeva, Rati and many other deities. The Vatapatrasayi division has two precincts. The sanctum in the second level approached through a flight of steps houses the image of Vatapatrasayi in a reclining posture and his consorts, Lakshmi (Sridevi) and Bhudevi, are shown attending to him at his feet. Sage Bhrigu stands near his head and sage Markandeya is near his feet. The banyan tree whose leaf is known as Vatapatram, on which Vishnu is said to rest in the form of a baby during deluge, is at his head, behind Bhrigu. Images of Panchamurtis – Tumburu, Narada, Sanatkumara, Kinnara Mithuna, the Sun and the Moon are shown all around Rangamannar as well as representations of Villi and Puttan are seen at his feet. The sanctum has three doorways from which the presiding deity can be seen. The hall leading to the sanctum, Bhopala villam, has a hall with detailed teak wood carvings depicting incidents from the Puranas and the ten avatars of Vishnu, the Dashavatara. There are a set of carvings that decorate the ceiling. The temple houses some rare Vijayanagara sculptures similar to the ones present in Soundararajaperumal Temple, Thadikombu, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Alagar Koyil and Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore.The composite columns of Virabhadra holding sword and horn are found be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns of Virabhadra are found in Adikesava Perumal Temple at Thiruvattaru, Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, Nellaiappar Temple at Tirunelveli, Kasi Viswanathar temple at Tenkasi, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Soundararajaperumal temple at Thadikombu, Srivaikuntanathan Permual temple at Srivaikuntam, Avudayarkovil, Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple at Thirukkurungudi. The history of Srivilliputhur centres around the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, dedicated to Andal.[7] It is argued that the temple of Vatapatrasayi is present from the 8th century, but there are epigraphic records are available only from the 10th century. The view that the Andal temple was built during the 14th century is highly debated. The temple has inscriptions from Chola, Pandya and Nayak rulers, spanning across various centuries from the 10th to 16th centuries. As per some accounts, the original structure was constructed by Tribuvana Chakravarthy Konerinmai Kondan Kulasekaran and the Andal temple by Barathi Rayar. During the reign of Thirumalai Nayak (1623–1659) and Rani Mangammal (1689–1706), this city became very popular. Thirumalai Nayak renovated all the temples of this city. He installed choultaries, temple tanks, paintings and golden towers inside the temple. The sculptures in the hall leading to the shrine of Andal were also built by him. From 1751 to 1756 A.D., Then it fell into the hands of Mohammed Yousoof Khan. Until 1850, Sri Andal temple was under the care of the king of Trivancore. The British ruled the country till India attained freedom in 1947. The temple’s gateway tower, 192 ft (59 m) tall and it is believe that this is the official symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu (Sri Vatapatrasayi Temple Tower).But the artist who designed the emblem for the state of Tamil Nadu Thiru.Krishna Rao denied that it is not the temple of Srivilliputhur rather it is Meenakshi Temple’s West Gopuram. During the modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. As per mythological legend, the place was referred as Varaha Kshetra. It was a dense forest named Champaka where the sages Bhrgu and Markandeya were doing penance and had their hermitages in the place. A demon named Kalanerai was troubling the sages and they prayed to Vishnu to relieve them from the demon. Vishnu was pleased by their devotion and appeared in the place to slay the demon. He is believed to have taken the abode in the forest reclining on Adisesha, his serpent bed, on the leaf of a banyan tree. The place thus came to be known as Vadaveshwarapuram. Periazhwar (originally called Vishnuchittar) was an ardent devotee of Vishnu and he used to string garland to Vishnu every day. He was childless and he prayed to Vishnu to save him from the longing. One day, he found a girl child under a Tulsi plant in a garden inside the temple. He and his wife named the child as Kothai, who grew up as a devotee of Krishan, an avatar of Vishnu. She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple. Periazhwar, who later found it, was highly upset and remonstrated her. Vishnu appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate only the garland worn by Andal to him. The girl Kothai was thus named Andal and was referred as Chudikodutha Sudrakodi (lady who gave her garland to Vishnu). The practise is followed during modern times when the garland of Andal is sent to Azhagar Koyil on Garudostavam during the Tamil month of Puratasi (September – October) and Tirumala Venkateswara Temple during Chitra Pournami.It is also believed that Ranganatha of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple married Andal, who later merged with the idol. Andal was taken in a palanquin from Srivilliputhur to Srirangam before the marriage. Since Andal married Ranganatha, who came as a king (called Raja), the presiding deity is called Rangamannar. Official Address
Uppiliappan temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Uppiliappan Temple, also known as Thiruvinnagar of Venkatachalapathy Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, located near Thirunageswaram, a village in the outskirts of the Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwarsaints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is counted as the 60th of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. Vishnu is worshiped as Uppiliappan and his consort Lakshmi as Bhumi Devi. The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity and to have been initiated by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions at different times from Thanjavur Nayaks. The temple has two inscriptions dating from the Chola period, a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower), and a granite wall. The complex contains all the shrines and water bodies associated with it. Uppiliappan is believed to have appeared for sage Markandeya and Hindu gods Bhoomadevi, Brahma and Shiva. The temple observes six daily rituals and three yearly festivals. The chariot festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of “Panguni” (March–April), is the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (the gateway tower) and enshrined within a granite wall. The complex contains all the shrines and water bodies associated with it. The Sahasradhari plate and pot (kudam) are made of gold for performing Thirumanjanam (ablution) to the presiding deity. The temple also maintains golden sword, diamond crown and gold arm guard for the image of Hanuman. The shrine over the sanctum is plated with gold.The main shrine of the temple houses the image of Oppiliappan in standing posture and it also houses the images of Bhoomidevi and sage Markendeya. The vimana is called Suddhananda, meaning “pure happiness”. The Desika shrine is located near the sancturn sanctorum. On the sides of the first precinct, the shrine of Anjaneya is located on the southern, and Alwars’ and Sri Rama’s on the northern and Ramanuja’s on the eastern sides.The shrine for Maniappan is located in the second precinct in the southern side, while the shrines of Ennappan and the holy birth spot of Bhoomidevi are located in the northern side. Garuda’s shrine is located right opposite the sanctum and right behind the temple mast. The shrine of dancing Krishna is located on the southern side of the main entrance. A marble hall is located on the western side in the inner precinct acts as the resting hall for the festival deities during festivals. Dolotsavam festival is celebrated in Another marble hall in the northern side of the temple. Adjoining the hall, there is a shrine where the images of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman are housed. The sacred bed chamber called Tiruppalliarai, covered full of mirrors is located next to it.A Yaga sala for performing religious rituals is present in the temple. The temple has a hall for housing festival vehicles, a library, and a hall with edight carved pillars on the banks of the temple tank, where the annual float-festival is celebrated. The Kodimandapa, located to the south of the Garuda shrine, is used for several day-to-day religious practises. The annual Kalyana Utsavam festival is performed in the hall amidst music and dance programmes. Outside the main complex, the temple maintains two marriage halls, a rest house containing five rooms, two other halls, a housing each for the small chariot and the big chariot. There is a garden around the third precinct of the temple and a much bigger garden about 0.5 km (0.31 mi) to the south of the temple, where Tulasi and flowers are grown. A hall in the garden is used for resting deities during the Vasantotsavam festival celebrated for six days in May–June every year. The history of the temple is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana, one of the eighteen famed Hindu scriptures. Per Hindu legend, Tulasi once did penance to attain closeness to Vishnu. Vishnu responded that his consort Lakshmi would appear under Tulasi’s lap in Tiruvinnagaram. Tulasi appeared in the place where the temple is located. This is mentioned in the 53rd verse of Nammazhwaar in Thiruviruththam. Markandeya Maharishi worshipped Vishnu and desired that Lakshmi should appear as his daughter and Vishnu should become his son-in-law. Once Markandeya was on a holy trip and after reaching Thiruvinnagaram, he felt it was the right place to get his desire fulfilled. Markandeya started a severe penance for thousand years, seeking Lakshmi’s blessings. Lakshmi appeared as a baby under the already incarnated tulasi plant. Markandeya felt Lakshmi’s presence in the form of the baby and realised that part of his desire had been fulfilled. He took possession of the baby and raised her. When the young girl reached adolescence, on the panguni month of Shravana, Vishnu appeared as an old man and asked for the hand of Markandeya’s daughter in marriage. Markandeya replied, “You are very ripe and old, my daughter is too young and she does not even know how to cook with proper salt contents”, to which the old man replied, “If your daughter must cook without salt, then I will still take it as my best food, but I will not leave from here without marrying her”. Markandeya sought Vishnu’s help and then realised using his penance that the old man was Vishnu himself. When he opened his eyes, Vishnu appeared in front of him with conch and chakram as in Vaikundam. Markandeya offered his daughter’s hand in marriage. Per the legend, the temple’s Neyvethiyam (food offering) is always prepared without salt.[1] The name Oppiliappan is a result of this legend. There is also a story behind the tank in this temple. Once a King had consummated with a daughter of a saint and hence the saint cursed him to become a bird. The king lived as a bird and one night when there was a storm, the branch of the tree the bird was sleeping on broke and fell into the water of this tank. The bird regained its original form as the King and since then this is known as the only theerththam that one can do theerth thaadanam even in the night. Since this tank has such healing power in the day as well as night, it is called “Ahoraathra Pushkarani”.The place is called by various names, including “Agasa Nagaram”, “Vaikunda Nagaram”, “Thiruvinnagar”, “Oppiliappan Sannithi” and “Uppiliappan Sannithi”. The presiding deity is also called by various names, including Venkatachalapathy, Thiruvinnagarappan, Oppilaappan, Thanoppillaappan, Uppiliappan and Srinivasan. It is not clear from the inscriptions and records when the temple was initiated, but there are inscriptions from the Medieval Cholas period indicating generous gifts to the temple. There are two inscriptions recorded from the Naganathar Temple in Tirunageswaram. The epigraph numbered 211 of 1911 on the northern wall of the central shrine indicates gift of gold jewel worked in gems and pearls to the temple from the Chola king Parakesarivarman, alias Rajendra Chola I (1012–44 CE). The second inscription numbered 218 of 1911 on the shrine’s southern wall indicates a gift of land to the temple in the 14th year of the Chola king Rajaraja Rajakkesarivarman I. The tradition in many ancient temples in Tamil Nadu including this one is that the original image of the presiding deity is made of wood and replaced later with stone.[11] There were a lot of additions made to the temple by Govinda Dikshitar, the minister of successive Nayak rulers, Achuthappa Nayak (1560–1614) and Raghunatha Nayak (1600–34).[12] The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Official Address
Sangameswarar Temple, Erode, Tamil Nadu Sangameswarar temple (also called Thirunana and Thirukooduthurai) is a temple in Bhavani, in the Erode district, of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is 15 km from Erode, 30 km from Gobichettipalayam, 56 km from Salem and 106 km from Coimbatore. The temple was built at the confluence of rivers Kaveri, Bhavani and the mystic Amutha (Agaya Gangai).The temple was praised in old Tamil literature as Thirunana. The place is also known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam and Kooduthurai indicating the confluence of three rivers. Devotees perform last rites for ancestors on the riverbank and offer prayers at the Sangameshwarar temple. The temple is constructed on a 4-acre (16,000 m2) plot. The main Gopuram with 5 tiers is located on the north side of the temple. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva known as Sangameswarar along with his consort Pannaar Mozhiyaal or Vedanayagi. A shrine dedicated to Kartikeya is situated between the shrines of Siva and Parvati. There is also separate shrine inside the temple for Lord Vishnu and his consort Soundaravalli Thaayar. The stala vriksham is an ilandai (Zizyphus mauritiana) tree. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chitrai. Rock status of this temple represents the beauty of stone carving and the culture of the people. When water or milk poured on the two identical stone statues in front of ambal sannidhi- Hindu goddess, one smiles at you, while the other sheds tears at you. The temple got a precious Ambal statue, a Hindu goddess donated by a district collector during British period for saving his life. Of all the seven holy Shiva centers of the Kongu Region, Bhavani is known as Thirunana in script. The holy waters of Sangameswarar temple is known as Cauvery theertham, Surya theertham and Gayatri theertham. The Amirthalingeswarar in the temple is placed on a seat called Avudayar according to Saiva principles. It is a mobile one that can be removed and placed on the seat again. Men and women seeking boons for children take the Sivalinga, perform puja and walk around it for three times and place it back on the Avudayar. The Amirthalinga is in the southern entrance of the temple. Kubera, son of Vishrava was gifted an aircraft to visit Shiva temples across the country in recognition of his devotion to Lord Shiva. While he was flying near the river Cauvery Kubera was surprised to see a deer, tiger, cow, elephant, snake and rat drinking water near an Ilandhai tree on the river bank without enmity, to answer his wonder Kuberaheard a voice from the sky saying it was a place where vedas visited, inhabited by gandharvas and advised him to worship the shivalingam under the iilanadhi tree. The temples Ilandhai tree gives fruit on all season which was used for everyday puja even today. During the period of Chera Chola and Pandya’s there was a cave connection existed between Chidambaram and Sangameshwarar temple and puja’s are performed at same time in both temples. The cow behind the Vishnu statue remains the harmony between Saivism and Vaishnavism. It was said from generations that every inch under the temple has one shivalingam. In the year 1804, William Karo, a British Collector of Coimbatore district, visited Bhavani, camping in the Travellers’ Bungalow. One night, when he was asleep, a small girl woke him up and got him out of the Bungalow. Once they were out, the Bungalow collapsed. Shocked by this incident, the Collector turned to thank the girl but to find, she wasn’t there. The next day, the priest on duty informed him that it was Bhavani Vedanaayaki Amman, who saved his life. He bore three holes in the temple wall exactly opposite to Vedanaayaki Amman shrine and torched these holes to pray the goddess. He offered a gold plate to the goddess with his signature dated 11/01/1804. The holes and the gold plate are present even now and are taken care with caution. Official Address
Nageswaraswamy Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Nageswaraswamy Temple, Kumbakonam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India.The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king and is located in the centre of Kumbakonam. The temple shows early Chola art in its best form particularly in the form of human figures. The sanctum is of padabandha-padmakatype stands on padmopana. The lotus leaves of the padmopano are carved with vitality. In its iconographic scheme the Ardhanari, Brahma and Dakshinamoorthy in the niches of the outer wall are featured. The other sculptures on the walls almost life-size reflect either the donors to the temples or contemporary princesses and princes.[7] The epic scenes are in low relief on the plinth below the pilasters of the walls of the sanctum, recalling the wood work.[8] The Devi shrine is an independent structure situated in the outer prakaram(outer precincts of a temple), detached from the axial unit, though it faces south, a feature common to Saiva Devin shrines. The complex of Nataraja shrine is in the form of a chariot on wheel drawn by horses as in the case of Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam. Aditya Chola constructed this temple during the 9th century. It is great marvel of Chola architecture, building technology and astronomy. The orientation is structured in such a way that it allows sunlight inside the temple, right on the sanctum only during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May). It bears another name called Surya Kottam or Keezha Kottam. The Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) of Nageswaran temple is similar to Sarangapani Temple, as it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple consists of three gopurams in the eastern, western and southern directions. The temple is designed in such a way that during the first three days of Tamil month Chittirai (April – May), the rays of the Sun falls directly in the base of the presiding deity in sanctum sanctorum. The temple had been a centre of learning as seen from the inscriptions in the temple. The inscriptions indicate specific subjects like Purvamimansa styled as Pravahakarma. There were also provisions made for feeding and maintaining for teachers and students. As per a Hindu belief, people troubled by Sarpa-dosha or Malefic effects Rahu-Kethu seek a relief by offering prayers in a single day to Kudanthai or Kumbakonam Nageshwarar in the morning, Thirunageshwaram Naganathar at the noon, Thirupamburam Pambureswarar in the evening and Nagoor Nageshwarar or Naganathar temple at night. During the time when Adisesha was feeling under the weight of the earth, he did penance at Kuvivanam. Parvathy appeared and blessed him at this place to get strength. The water body in the temple is called Naga Theertham. Th temple known is for its shrine of Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagrahas. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Lord Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar. There is a Naganathar temple at Tirunageswaram having similar features like temple. This place has been referred in Tevaram written by Saint Tamil poet of 7th Century AD, Thirugnana Sambanthar. Official Address
Vriddhagiriswarar Temple, Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu The Vriddhagiriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in the town of Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore district. The presiding deity is Vriddhagiriswarar. The temple gives its name to the town of Vriddhachalam. Oldest Mountain: As per Hindu Mythology, when Brahma thought of creating the earth, he created water. Lord Vishnu happened to cut down the evil Madhukaidavas. The cut pieces of the bodies floated on water created by Lord Brahma. On seeing that Brahma prayed to Lord Shiva to create the earth out of the hardened compound from the water and the flesh of the bodies. Lord Shiva appeared as a mountain. Lord Brahma who did not know this created many different mountains. As they did not have space to exist, he was sorrowful. The Pranava God appeared and conveyed Lord Brahma the truth through gestures. Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva who was the form of mountain. Lord Shiva created the earth combining the flesh and the water compounded in a hardened form. He called it medhini. He gave space for the mountains of Brahma. He told Brahma that he was not different from the mountain. The mountains of Brahma came into being after that mountain. Hence the mountain of Shiva was named Pazha malai (old mountain). According to him, that Pazhamalai would be hard pressed on the earth appearing as Shiva Linga above. Those who worshipped it would get all they wished for. Thus, the oldest of all mountains is invisible, but the top layer of it is said to appear in the river-bed of Cuddalore at Vayalur, about four km north of Virudhachalam. Place for Salvation: It is the faith of the devotees that salvation is surety if he/she is born in the place, or live in the place, or pray the Lord here, or even thinking of him even while elsewhere and die in this place. One of the above five criteria will free him/her from the cycle of births and deaths. Virudhachalam unaffected by Pralaya: When the world was destroyed by pralaya floods, it is said that this holy place – Virudhachalam stood unaffected and fully alive. 1008 Shiva Shrines: Of the 1008 Shiva shrines of the country considered in high esteem, four lead this divine list of which Virudhachalam is one. Etymology: Vriddha means ancient – Achalam the hill. Virudhachalam means an ancient hill. In chaste Tamil this is mentioned as Mudhu Kundram in Thevaram hymns. During the days of Saivite Saints Appar, Gnanasambandhar and Sundarar, the place was known as Pazhamalai in Tamil and changed to the Sanskrit version Virudhachalam in the days that followed. Sage Vibasithu paid the labours with Vanni leaves: Sage Vibasithu had a dip in the Manimuthar river and undertook the renovation of this temple. He gave the workers the leaves of the Vanni tree which later changed into coins to the value due to the workers based on the quantum and quality of his work, is a story believed by generations of devotees. The Vanni tree is 1700-year-old, say researchers. Mattru Uraitha Vinayaka: Saint Sundarar was on a fund-raising mission to feed the devotees on the Panguni Uthiram festival in Tiruvarur. Sundarar passed through this place without singing the glory of the Lord. He was stopped by the Lord and made him sing. Then, Lord of this temple donated 12,000 gold coins to Sundararar. Beware of robbers on the way, he placed all the coins in the Manimuthar River and collected it in the tank in Tiruvarur. This is a strange precaution. Money placed in a river cannot be collected from a tank that has no link with each other. But this miracle happened. Thus, came the proverb, “losing in the river and searching in the tank”. Sundarar wanted to test the touch of the gold he took from the tank in Tiruvarur. Lord proved the quality of the gold with Lord Vinayaka as a witness who confirmed the touch. Hence, Vinayaka in the inner prakara of the temple is praised as Mattru-touch, Uraitha-confirmed, Vinayaka- Mattru Uraitha Vinayaka. Significance of Number Five here: Number five has a significance in this temple. Murthis are five – Lords Vinayaka, Muruga, Shiva, Shakthi and Chandikeswara. Lord is praised by five names – Virudhagireeshwarar, Pazhamalai Nathar, Vruddhachaleswarar, Mudhu Kundreeswarar and Vruddhagiri. There are five Vinayakas in the temple – Aazhathu Vinayakar, Mattru Uraitha Vinayaka, Muppillayar, Dasabhuja Ganapathy and Vallabha Ganapathi. Five Rishis had the darshan of Lord – Romesa, Vibasiddhu, Kumaradeva, Nada Sharma and Anavardhini. There five towers in the temple at east, west, south, north and Kandarathithan (a Chola king) gopuram. There are five prakaras – called Thiruchutru in Tamil They are Kailaya, Vanniyadi, 63 Nayanmar Chuttru and Panchavarna Chuttru. There are five Kodimarams – flag post with five Nandhis – Indra Nandhi, Vedha Nandhi, Athma Nandhi, Maalvidai Nandhi and Dharma Nandhi. There are five inner Mandaps – Artha, Idaikazhi, Thapana, Maha and Isai Mandapams. Outer Mandapams are 20 pillar mandapam, Deeparadhana, 100 pillar mandapam, Vipachithu and Chitra mandapam. Five-time puja is followed in the temple – Thiruvanandal, Kalasanthi, Uchi Kala, Sayaraksha and Arthajama at scheduled times from early morning till night. The temple has five cars-Raths for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga, Pazhamalai Nathar, Mother Periyanayagi and Sri Chandikeswara. The place has five names – Tirumudhu Kundram, Vruddha Kasi, Virudhachalam, Nerkuppai and Mudhugiri. Virutha Kasi: It is one of the places giving salvation to the departed. It is even considered holier than Holy Kasi i.e. Varanasi. As believed in Kasi, here too Mother Viruthambigai places the departed souls on her lap and fan them with the pallu of her Sari while Lord Shiva chants the Namasivaya mantra in the ears of the dead ensuring his/her salvation. Hence in olden days people of Virudhachalam never bothered to undertake a pilgrimage to Varanasi when they become old and weak. As a result, this place is also come to known as Virudhakasi. It is also claimed that the benefit measure is a little bit more here than Kasi, hence the saying “Kasiyil Veesam Adhigam in Virudhakasi”. Ashes of the dead turning into Stone: The ashes of the dead when dissolved in Manimuthar River change into a stone and stay underneath, according to Sthalapuranam. Mother Peria Nayaki fed King of Karnataka: During his visit to this place, the king of Karnataka suffered due to hunger. Mother Peria Nayaki, as a young woman fed him with milk and named him Kumara Deva. Lord Shiva danced for his own joy here: Lord Shiva as Nataraja danced in Thillai for a contest. He played here for his own joy. Mother appeared to Guru Namshivayar as old woman and young woman: Viruthambigai means Goddess of elderly age. Devotee Guru Namshivayar stayed in this place for a night on his way to Chidambaram. He was very hungry and called Mother with a verse with a word Kizhathi. Mother Periyanayagi came there as an old woman and replied that Kizhavi-old woman cannot bring food, only young woman can. The devotee sang another verse describing the youthfulness of Ambica. She appeared as a young beautiful woman and fed the devotee and thus came to be known as Balambika – young Mother. Maasi Magam: Maasi Magam is an important festival. It is believed that Vibasithu Munivar sought the darshan of Lord Siva, through the Nandi. On the sixth day of the Masi Magam festival, Lord Vriddhagiriswarar, along with his Consort Goddess Viruthambigai, appeared before Vibasithu Munivar. Story behind the construction of the temple: The construction of the temple, by itself, has an interesting legend. Vibasithu Munivar, it is said, happened to find the earring that belonged to Lord Kubera’s daughter. The jewel, dear to her, was dropped on the lap of Vibhasithu, by a bird. Kubera’s daughter announced a reward of all her remaining Jewellery in return for her earring. Vibhasithu gave the earring and with the reward he constructed the temple. Official Address
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Ekambareswarar Temple (Ekambaranathar Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India.It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of earth, or Prithvi. Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Prithvi lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Gowridevi Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple also houses Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple, a Divyadesam, the 108 temples revered in the Vaishnava canon Nalayira Divya Prabhandam. The temple complex covers 25 acres, and is one of the largest in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the southern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 55 metres (180 ft), making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Ekambareswarar and Nilathingal Thundam Perumal being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. Panguni Uthiram festival celebrated for thirteen days during the Tamil month of Panguni (March – April) is the most prominent festival of the temple and the town. The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple is the largest and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city. The temple covers an area of over 23 acres (93,000 m2).Reaching a height of 59 m (194 ft), the temple’s Raja gopuram (the entrance tower to the temple) is one of the tallest in South India.The bottom half of the gateway tower has the shrines of Vinayaka and Murugan on either sides. From the entrance, there are two halls namely Vahana Mandapam (vehicle hall) and Sarabesa Mandapam (also called Navaratri hall).The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the “hallway with a thousand pillars”, which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings, is found on precinct after the gateway tower.yo yove been an underground holy river. The fourth courtyard contains a small Ganesha temple and a pond. The third courtyard contains lot of smaller shrines. The flag staff of the temple is axial to the sanctum and diagonally located to the main entrance and the temple tank on either directions. There is a shrine called Thirukachi Mayanam and Kalayana Mandapa, named after Pachayappa Mudaliar, both of which are located close to the flag staff. Thirukachi Mayanam, Valeesam, Rishabesam and Satyanadeesam are located in four corners of the temple. The hall of the flagstaff has pillars sculpted with intricate figures indicating various legends and avatars of Shiva. The sanctum sanctorum contains the lingam along with the image of Shiva. There are granite image of the 63 Nayanmars around the first precinct.[14] The temple’s inner most precinct are decorated with an array of Shivalingam, one of which is a Sahasra Lingam with 1,008 Siva lingams sculpted on it.[15]There is no separate shrine for Parvati within the complex as with all other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram. A local belief is that Kamakshi Amman Temple is the consort for Ekambaranathar. There is a small shrine for Vishnu named Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple inside the temple complex. Vishnu is prayed as Vamana Murthy and the shrine is hailed by the Alvar saints as one of the 108 Divya Desams. Legend has it that once Parvati, the consort of Shiva was cursed to become dark like Kali. She wanted to expatiate herself from the sin by doing penance under the temple’s ancient Mango tree near Vegavathi river. In order to test her devotion Shiva sent fire on her. Goddess Parvati prayed to her brother, Vishnu, for help. In order to save her, he took the Moon from Shiva’s head and showed the rays which then cooled down the tree as well as Parvati. Shiva again sent the river Ganga (Ganges) to disrupt Parvati’s penance. Parvati prayed to Ganga and convinced her that both of them were sisters and so should not harm her. Subsequently, Ganga did not disturb her penance and Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of sand to get united with Shiva. The God here came to be known as Ekambareswarar or “Lord of Mango Tree”. According to another legend, it is believed that Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam (or a Lingam improvised out of sand), under a mango tree. Legend has it that the neighboring Vegavati river overflowed and threatened to engulf the Shiva Lingam and that Parvati or Kamakshi embraced the Lingam. Shiva touched by the gesture materialized in person and married her. In this context he is referred to as Tazhuva kuzhainthaar (“He who melted in Her embrace”) in Tamil. Tiurkuripputhonda Nayanar, one of the 63 saivite saints, called nayanars was a washerman near the temple and he washed the clothes of all the Saivities. He was divinely tricked by God Shiva appearing as an aged brahmin and asked him to wash before dawn. At the same time Shiva made a cloudly evening. On observing the approach of the evening, the washerman banged his head in a stone in disappointment. God appeared in his true form and graced his devotee. This vast temple is one of the most ancient in India having been in existence since at least 600 AD. Second century AD Tamil poetry speaks of Kama kottam, and the Kumara kottam (currently the Kamakashi Amman temple and the Subramanya temple).Initially temple was built by Pallavas. The Vedantist Kachiyapper served as a priest at the temple. The existing structure then, was pulled down and rebuilt by the later Chola Kings. Adi Sankara, the 10th-century saint got Kanchipuram remodelled along with expansion of this temple along with Kamakshi Amman temple and Varadaraja Perumal Temple with the help of local rulers. There are inscriptions dated 1532 CE (record 544 of 1919) indicating the gift of number of villages made by Achutaraya. Vira Narasingaraya Saluva Nayaka who was directed by Achutaraya broke the royal order by giving more lands to Ekambaranathar temple than the Varadaraja Swamy temple against the instruction of an equal gift to either of the temples. Achutaraya on hearing this equally distributed the lands to both the temples. The Vijayanagar kings, during the 15th century, also made lot of contributions to the temple and later developed by Vallal Pachiyappa Mudaliar used to go regularly from Chennai to Kanchipuram to worship in this temple, he spent significant money he amazed during British rule on the temple renovation, Pachiyappa Mudaliar seated at horse back can be seen in the temple pillar. At the later stage a similar temple with same name Ekambareswarar was constructed in Chennai by Pachiappa Mudaliar in order to avoid travelling time to Kanchipuram. The Archaeological Survey of India report of 1905–06 indicates widespread renovation activities carried out in the temple by Nattukottai Chettiar-Lakshmanan chettiar of MLRMLN family of Mena house devakottai in 1905-06 along with 16pillar Mandapam located outside the southern gate. Official Address
Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu Thyagaraja Temple is a Shiva temple, located in the town of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Moolanathar, and is represented by the lingam. Daily poojas are offered to his idol referred to as Maragatha lingam. His consort Parvathi is depicted as Kondi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers 30 acres, and is one of the largest in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with four stories and a height of 30 metres (98 ft). The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Thyagaragar (Veethi Vidangar) and Neelothbalambal (Alliyankothai) being the most prominent. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The temple has the largest chariot in Tamil Nadu and the annual festival is celebrated during the month of April. The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE), the Saluva Dynasty and the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE). The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temples complex occupies an area of around 33 acres with the Kamalalayam tank to its west. There are numerous shrines and mandapas(halls) in the three spacious enclosures(prakaram). The two main shrines of the temple are for vanmikinathar (Lord Siva) and Thyagarajar. Of the two, the former is the most ancient, and derives its name from tha anthill(putru), which takes the place of linga in the main shrine. Appar, the 7th-century poet saint, refers to the main deity in his hymn as puttritrukondan(one who resides in the ant hill). The Stala vriksham(temple tree) is patiri(trumpet flower tree). The principles and practises of tree-worship and ophilotary are ancient bases whereupon a later date linga worship seems to have been established. Here all the nine Navagrahas (planetary deities) are located towards south in straight line also located in northwest corner of 1st (prakaram). It is believed that all the planetary deities got relieved off their curse and hence worshiped Thyagaraja. This temple hold the record of having maximum number of shrines (called sannithis in Tamil) in India. The foot of Thyagaraja is shown twice a year and on other occasions it is covered with flowers. The left leg of the deity is displayed during “panguniuthram” festival and right leg on “thiruvathirai”. Some of the major shrines in the temple are of Aananthiswarar, Neelothmbal, Asaleswarar, Adageswarar, Varuneswarar, Annamalieswarar and Kamalambal. The unique feature of the temple is the standing Nandi facing the presiding deity. The temple has a lot of halls, with six of them being the most prominent. Bhaktha Katchi hall is located to the left of the image of Moosukuntha Nandi. The festival image of Thyagaraja arrives at this hall after the Panguni Uthiram festival. Oonjal hall is located opposite to the Kabatha Katchi hall. The festival images of Chandrasekarar and Sekari Amman arrive at this hall during the Thiruvadhirai festival. Thulapara hall is named after the legend in which king Mucundaka placed Thyagaraja image of Thiruvarur in one and all others in another plate he received from Indra (the king of celestial deities). Purana hall is located in the northern part of the temple. Rajanarayana hall is a public hall for localities of Thiruvaru. Rajendra Chola hall, also called Sababathi hall houses the museum of the temple. According to legend, a Chola king named Muchukunda obtained a boon from Indra(a celestial deity) and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy(presiding deity, Shivain the temple) reposing on the chest of reclining Lord Vishnu. Indra tried to misguide the king and had six other images made, but the king chose the right image at Tiruvarur. The temple is believed to have been initiated with a large complex by the Pallavas during the 7th century. Contemporary history of the temple dates back to the time of the Medieval Cholas. An inscription dated in the 20th regnal year of Rajendra I(1012–1044) beginning with introduction “Tirumanni valara” is found on the north and west walls of the Thyagaraja shrine.It gives a list of gifts including a number of jewels and lamps to the god veedhividankar(Thyagarajar).It records that the temple was built in stone in the regnal years of the king by Anukkiyar Paravai Nangaiyar.Besides the same lady liberally endowed gold for plating and gilding parts of the vimana,the entrance and the four sides of the shrine.Copper was also donated for plating the doors, corbels of the pillars of the mandapa in front of the shrine.This inscription meticulously records the weight of the endowed gold and copper,besides listing the various ornaments gifted to the temple with description each of them. The temple complex seems to have acted as the cultural model for the big Brahadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur of Rajaraja Chola I, wherein he enshrined a vitankar which shared with the Adavallan of Chidambaram the status of state cult. The last Chola monarch to play an important role in the affairs of the temple was Kulothunga Chola III in the early part of the 13th century A.D. It attracted saivas of all schools and was important centre of Golaki matha in the 13th and 14th century. It was also an important Jaina dwelling place, which was attacked by saivas, as is evident from Periya Puranam, account of life of tantiyadigal. Official Address
Nataraja Temple, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu Nataraja Temple, also referred to as the Chidambaram Nataraja temple or Thillai Nataraja temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nataraja – Shiva as the lord of dance – in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India.The temple has mythical roots and a Shiva shrine existed at the site when the town was known as Thillai.Chidambaram, the name of the city and the temple literally means “atmosphere of wisdom” or “clothed in thought”, the temple architecture symbolizes the connection between the arts and spirituality, creative activity and the divine.The temple wall carvings display all the 108 karanas from the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni, and these postures form a foundation of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance. The present temple was built in the 10th century when Chidambaram was the capital of the Chola dynasty, making it one of the oldest surviving active temple complexes in South India. After its 10th century consecration by the Cholas who considered Nataraja as their family deity, the temple has been damaged, repaired, renovated and expanded through the 2nd millennium. Most of the temple’s surviving plan, architecture and structure is from the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with later additions in similar style. While Shiva as Nataraja is the primary deity of the temple, it reverentially presents major themes from Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and other traditions of Hinduism. The Chidambaram temple complex, for example, has the earliest known Amman or Devi temple in South India, a pre-13th century Surya shrine with chariot, shrines for Ganesha, Murugan and Vishnu, one of the earliest known Shiva Ganga sacred pool, large mandapas for the convenience of pilgrims (choultry, ambalam or sabhai) and other monuments.Shiva himself is presented as the Nataraja performing the Ananda Tandava (“Dance of Delight”) in the golden hall of the shrine Pon Ambalam . The temple is one of the five elemental lingas in the Shaivism pilgrimage tradition, and considered the subtlest of all Shiva temples (Kovil) in Hinduism. It is also a site for performance arts, including the annual Natyanjali dance festival on Maha Shivaratri. The Nataraja temple has ancient roots, likely following the temple architecture tradition that is found all over South India from at least the 5th century. Textual evidence, such as those of the Sangam tradition, suggest a temple existed here along with Madurai in ancient times,but the town is not named Chidambaram in these pre-5th century texts.The earliest mention of “dancing god of Chidambaram” as Shiva is found in 6th and early 7th century texts by Appar and Sambadar.The Suta Samhita embedded inside Skanda Purana and variously dated between 7th and 10th century mentions the Chiadambaram dance. The surviving Nataraja temple has a structure that is traceable to the early Chola dynasty. Chidambaram was the early capital of this dynasty, and Shiva Nataraja was their family deity. The Chidambaram temple town remained important to the Cholas, albeit with increasing competition from other temple towns when Rajaraja Chola I moved the capital to Thanjavur, built a new city and the massive Brihadeeswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva in early 11th-century, which is now a world heritage site. Nataraja Shiva and his “dance of bliss” is an ancient Hindu art concept. It is found in various texts such as Tatva Nidhi which describes seven types of dance and their spiritual symbolism, Kashyapa Silpa which describes 18 dance forms with iconographic details and design instructions, as well as Bharata’s ancient treatise on performance arts Natya Shastra which describes 108 dance postures among other things. Reliefs and sculptures of Nataraja have been found across the Indian subcontinent, some dating to 6th-century and earlier such as in Aihole and Badami cave temples. The Chidambaram temple built on this heritage, yet creatively evolved the idea into forms not found elsewhere. The earliest historically verifiable Shiva temple at Chidambaram is traceable in inscriptions that date to the rule of Aditya Chola I in the early 10th century, and far more during the rule of the 10th century Chola king Parantaka For them, the dancing Shiva was the kula-nayaka (family guide or deity) and Chidambaram was the capital they built.These inscriptions and texts from this period suggest that the significance of the Agama texts and Shaiva Bhakti movement was strengthening within the Chola leadership and thought. The copper plate inscriptions of Parantaka I (c. 907-955 CE) describe him as the “bee at the lotus feet of Shiva” who built the golden house for Shiva, with Chit-sabha, Hema-sabha, Hiranya-sabha and Kanaka-sabha (all mandapam, pillared pilgrim rest places). He is referred to as “Pon veinda Perumal”, which means “one who covered with gold” the Chit-sabha of Chidambaram. Both Aditya I and his Chola successor Parantaka I were active supporters of arts and temple building. They converted many older brick and wooden temples into more lasting temples from cut stone as the building blocks in dozens of places across South India. Raja Raja Chola I (985-1013 CE) embarked on a mission to recover the hymns of the 63 Nayanmars after hearing short excerpts of the Tevaram in his court. He sought the help of Nambiyandar Nambi, who was a priest in a temple.It is believed that by divine intervention Nambi found the presence of scripts, in the form of cadijam leaves half eaten by white ants in a chamber inside the second precinct in Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.The brahmanas (Dikshitars) in the temple are supposed to have disagreed with the king by saying that the works were too divine,and that only by the arrival of the “Naalvar”(The four saints)-Appar,Sundar,Thirugnanasambandar and Appar would they allow for the chambers to be opened.Rajaraja,however,created idols of them and prepared for them to be brought to the temple through a procession. but Rajaraja is said to have prevailed. Rajaraja thus became to be known as Tirumurai Kanda Cholan meaning one who saved the Tirumurai. In another version of the story,Rajaraja is said to have experienced a dream from lord Shiva telling Rajaraja that the hymns in Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram are in a state of destruction and to recover the remaining hymns from the chambers.The brahmanas (Dikshitars) in the temple,however,are supposed to have disagreed with the king by saying that the works were too divine to be accessed,and that only by the arrival of the 63 Nayanmars would they allow for the chambers to be opened.Rajaraja,devising a plan,consecrated idols of each of them and prepared for them to be brought into the temple through a procession.It is said that the 63 idols are still present in the Thillai Nataraja Temple.When the vault was opened,Rajaraja is said to have found the room infested with white ants,and that the hymns were salvaged as much as possible. The temple, according to inscriptions found in South India and Southeast Asia, was also historic recipient of a precious jewel from the king of Angkor who built the Angkor Wat through Chola king Kulothunga, who submitted it to the temple in 1114 CE. Kulothunga I and his son expanded the Chidambaram Nataraja temple expanse sixfold. Chidambaram temple thrived during the Chola dynasty rule through mid 13th century, along with the later Shiva-based Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram capitals, as well as Vishnu-based Srirangam temple towns. Its facilities infrastructure was expanded. Naralokaviran, the general of king Kulothunga Chola I was responsible for building the steps that lead to Sivaganga water pool, a goddess shrine, a shrine for child saint Thirugnana Sambanthar, temple gardens and a pilgrim road network in and around Chidambaram. He constructed a hall for recitation of Tevaram hymns and engraved the hymns in copper plates.The thousand pillar choultry, with friezes narrating Hindu texts, was built in late 12th-century.Between the second half of the 12th century and the early 13th century, the Chola kings added colorful and high gopura stone gateways as easily identifiable landmarks, starting with the western gopura. Thereafter, about mid 13th century, the Pandya dynasty ended the Chola dynasty.The Hindu Pandyas were liberal supporters of Chidambaram temple, along with other Shiva and Vishnu temples, just like the Chola. Sundara Pandya added the huge eastern gopura at Chidambaram, beginning the colossal gateway tradition.Most of the structure and plans currently seen in the Chidambaram complex, including the mandapas with their pillar carvings, the various shrines with polished granite sculptures, the sacred water pool and the early gopurams are from the 12th and 13th century, attributed to the late Chola and early Pandya kings. The Nataraja temple in Chidambaram is located in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Kollidam River (Kaveri), 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) west from the coast of Bay of Bengal, and 220 kilometres (140 mi) south of Chennai. The closest major airport is about 60 kilometres (37 mi) north in Pondicherry (IATA: PNY). The National Highway 32 (old numbering: NH-45A) passes through Chidambaram. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and private companies operate services connecting it to major cities in the state.[21] The site is linked to the Indian Railways with daily express trains to South Indian cities.[22] Chidambaram is a temple town, with the Nataraja complex spread over 40 acres (0.16 km2) within a nearly square courtyard in the center. Its side roads are aligned to the east-west, north-south axis. It has double walls around its periphery with gardens. It has had entrance gateways on all four sides. Official Address
Arunachalesvara Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu Arunachalesvara Temple, also called Annamalaiyar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Arunachala hill in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of fire, or Agni. Shiva is worshiped as Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Agni lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Unnamalai Amman.The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The 9th century Saiva saint poet Manikkavasagar composed the Tiruvempaavai here. The temple complex covers 10 hectares, and is one of the largest in India.[3] It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 66 metres (217 ft), making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.[3] The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Arunachalesvara and Unnamalai Amman being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the hill. It can be seen from miles around, and symbolizes the Shiva lingam of fire joining the sky.The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Arunachala hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly. The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers of the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE), the Saluva Dynasty and the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE). The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated at the bottom of the Arunachala hills, and faces east, lying over 25 acres. The walls on the east and west measure 700 ft (210 m), the south 1,479 ft (451 m), and the north 1,590 ft (480 m). It has four gateway towers, the gopuram, on its four sides. The eastern tower, the Rajagopuram, is the tallest in the temple. The base of the Rajagopuram is made of granite, measuring 135 ft (41 m) by 98 ft (30 m).It was begun by king Krishnadevaraya (1509–29 CE) of the Vijayanagara dynasty, and completed by Sevappa Nayaka (1532–80 CE). The inscriptions indicate that the tower was built at the behest of Sivanesa and his brother Lokanatha in 1572 CE.The south tower is called Thirumanjangopuram, and the west, Pei Gopuram. Ammani Amman gourami in the north.Raghunathabhyudayam and Sangitha Sudha, both Nayak scriptures, also describe the towers. The Tanjavuri Andhra Raja Charitamu mentions that Krishnadevaraya built the tower and the outer precincts of the temple.The temple has a total of five precincts, each of which holds a huge Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva. Towers include the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram and Kili Gopuram, or Parrot Tower. The main shrine of Arunachalesvara faces east, housing images of Nandi and Surya, and is the oldest structure in the temple. Behind the walls of the sanctum, there is an image of Venugopalaswamy, an incarnation of Vishnu. Around the sanctum, there are images of Somaskandar, Durga, Chandekeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Arumugaswami, Dakshinamoorthy, Swarnabairavar, Nataraja, and Lingodbhavar—the last an image of Shiva emanating from lingam. The Palliyarai, the divine room for resting deities, is located at the first precinct around the sanctum. The shrine of his consort, Unnamulai Amman, lies in the second precinct, with Amman depicted in a standing posture. Sambantha Vinayagar, the elephant god shrine, is located to the north of the flagstaff and the Bali peeta, or platform for sacrifice.To the south of the thousand-pillared hall, there is a small shrine for Subramaya and a large tank. Pathala Lingam, the underground lingam, is the place where Ramana Maharshi (1879 – 1950 CE) is believed to have performed his penance.The shrine of Sivagangai Vinayagar is present in the northern bank of the Sivanganga tank. There is a sixteen pillared Deepa Darshana Mandapam, or hall of light, in the third precinct. The temple tree, Magizha, is considered sacred and medicinal, and childless couples tie small cradles to its branches in obeisance. Vedas write that the mast of the temple separated the earth and the sky during creation of the universe.The Kalyana Mandapam, the marriage hall, is in the south-west of the precinct, and is built in Vijayanagara style. A stone trident is present in the outer shrine of the temple in open air, and has protective railings like a sacred tree. The Vasantha Mandapam, meaning the Hall of spring, is the third precinct, and contains the temple office and Kalahateeswarar shrine.The fourth precinct has an image of Nandi, Brahma Theertham, the temple tank, the Yanai Thirai Konda Vinayaga shrine, and a hall with a six-foot-tall statue of Nandi, erected by Vallala Maharaja. Inside the doorway of the first tower and the fifth precinct, there is a thousand-pillared hall built during the late Vijayanagara period.Krishnadevaraya constructed the hall and dug the tank opposite to it. The pillars in the hall are carved with images of yali, a mythological beast with body of lion and head of an elephant, a symbol of Nayak power.The Arunagirinathar Mandapam is located to the right of the Kalayana Linga Sundara Eswara Mandapam, and the Gopurathilayanar shrine is to the left of a broad flight of stone stairs that lead up to the Vallala Gopuram. The present masonry and towers date back to the 9th century CE, as seen from an inscription in the structure made by Chola kings who ruled at that time. Further inscriptions indicate that before the 9th century, Tiruvannamalai was under the Pallava Kings, who ruled from Kanchipuram.[13] The 7th century Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar wrote of the temple in their poetic work, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the author of the Periyapuranam wrote that both Appar and Sambandar worshiped Arunachalesvara in the temple.The Chola Kings ruled over the region for more than four centuries, from 850 CE to 1280 CE, and were temple patrons. The inscriptions from the Chola king record various gifts like land, sheep, cow and oil to the temple commemorating various victories of the dynasty.The Hoysala kings used Tiruvannamalai as their capital beginning in 1328 CE.There are 48 inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE), 2 inscriptions from Saluva Dynasty, and 55 inscriptions from Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE) of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting gifts to the temple from their rulers. There are also inscriptions from the rule of Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE), the most powerful Vijayanagara king, indicating further patronage.Most of the Vijayanagara inscriptions were written in Tamil, with some in Kannada and Sanskrit.The inscriptions in temple from the Vijayanagara kings indicate emphasis on administrative matters and local concerns, which contrasts the inscriptions of the same rulers in other temples like Tirupathi. The majority of the gift related inscriptions are for land endownments, followed by goods, cash endowments, cows and oil for lighting lamps.The town of Tiruvannamalai was at a strategic crossroads during the Vijayanagara Empire, connecting sacred centers of pilgrimage and military routes.There are inscriptions that show the area as an urban center before the precolonial period, with the city developing around the temple, similar to the Nayak ruled cities like Madurai. During the 17th century CE, the temple along with the Tiruvannamalai town came under the dominion of the Nawab of the Carnatic. As the Mughal empire came to an end, the Nawab lost control of the town, with confusion and chaos ensuing after 1753.Subsequently, there were periods of both Hindu and Muslim stewardship of the temple, with Muraru Raya, Krishna Raya, Mrithis Ali Khan, and Burkat Ullakhan besieging the temple in succession. As European incursions progressed, Tiruvannamalai was attacked by French Soupries, Sambrinet, and the English Captain Stephen Smith. While some were repelled, others were victorious. The French occupied the town in 1757, and the temple along with the town came under control of the British in 1760. In 1790 CE, Tiruvannamalai town was captured by Tippu Sultan, who ruled from 1750–99 CE.During the first half of the 19th century, the town along with the temple came under British rule.From 1951, under the provision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, the temple has been maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board (HR &CE) of the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 2002, the Archaeological Survey of India declared the temple a national heritage monument and took over its stewardship. Widespread protests and litigation with the Supreme Court of India, however, led the Archaeological Survey to cede the temple back to the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board. In Hindu mythology, Parvati, wife of Shiva, once closed the eyes of her husband playfully in a flower garden at their abode atop Mount Kailash. Although only a moment for the gods, all light was taken from the universe, and the earth, in turn, was submerged in darkness for years. Parvati performed penance along with other devotees of Shiva.Then her husband appeared as a column of fire at the top of Arunachala hills, returning light to the world. He then merged with Parvati to form Ardhanarishvara, the half-female, half-male form of Shiva.The Arunachala, or red mountain, lies behind the Arunachalesvara temple, and is associated with the temple of its namesake. The hill is sacred and considered a lingam, or iconic representation of Shiva, in itself. Another legend is that once, while Vishnu and Brahma contested for superiority, Shiva appeared as a flame, and challenged them to find his source.Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew to the sky to see the top of the flame, while Vishnu became the boar Varaha, and sought its base. The scene is called lingothbava, and is represented in the western wall at the sanctum of most Shiva temples. Neither Brahma nor Vishnu could find the source, and while Vishnu conceded his defeat, Brahma lied and said he had found the pinnacle. In punishment, Shiva ordained that Brahma would never have temples on earth in his worship. Official Address
Jambukeswarar Temple, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval(also Thiruvanaikal, Jambukeswaram) is a famous Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli(Trichy), in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola), one of the Early Cholas, around 1,800 years ago. It is located in the Srirangam island, which has the famous Ranganathaswamy temple. Thiruvanaikal is one of the five major Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu (Panchabhoota Sthalams) representing the Mahābhūta or five great elements; this temple represents the element of water, or neer in Tamil.The sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground water stream and in spite of pumping water out, it is always filled with water. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all the four most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung glories of the deity in this temple. The temple has inscriptions from the Chola period. As per Fergusson, the temple surpasses the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple in architectural terms, which were both constructed at the same time. There are five enclosures inside the temple. The massive outer wall covering the fifth precinct, known as the Vibudi Prakara, stretches over a mile and is two feet thick and over 25 feet high. Legend maintains that the wall was built by Shiva working with the laborers.The fourth precinct contains a hall with 796 pillars and measures 2436 feet by 1493. It also has a small tank fed by perpetual springs.The third enclosure is 745 feet by 197 surrounded a wall 30 feet high. This area has two gopurams (gateway towers) 73 and 100 feet tall, a coconut thoppu and a small water tank.The second enclosure is 306 feet by 197, a gopuram 65 feet high and several small shrines.The inner most enclosure measuring 126 feet by 123 has the sanctum.The sanctum sanctorum is a square structure, found independently situated at the center of the innermost enclosure. There is a vimana on the roof of the sanctum. The structure is open on three sides, with a shallow moat separating it from the circumambulatory path of the innermost enclosure. The sthala-vriksham, or holy tree here is the White Jambuka, Syzygium samarangense, found growing along the south-eastern wall of the sanctum sanctorum. The trunk of the tree is protected by a walled structure. The western side of the sanctum, from where the deity is viewed, is continuous with a large closed hall, the Mukha Mantapa, containing four-pillars and housing a bronze idol of Nandi. The Mukha Mantapa has a large, ornate western door gilded with silver that forms the principal entrance. There are two additional entrances to the Mukha Mantapa on the southern and North Eastern sides as well. A set of three steps descend to the level of the sanctum sanctorum from the Mukha Mantapa. The deity is viewed through a stone window that forms an integral part of the western face of the sanctum sanctorum. The window has nine viewing apertures, believed to represent the Navagraha. There is a panel in bas-relief over the window depicting the sthala puranam: The jambuka tree growing out of a meditating sage’s head on the extreme right; the linga of Jambukeswarar under the tree; a spider and an elephant worshiping the linga along with the Goddess Parvati who stands to the left of the linga. The sanctum sanctorum is divided into the Ardha Mantapam or Antaralam (whose western wall bears the window) and the Garbha Griha where the deity of Jambukeswarar is housed. Entrance into the Sanctum is through a small door on the southern wall, about 4 feet in height. The Ardha Mantapa is about 4 feet X 4 feet and contains an idol of Goddess Parvati on the right side of the door to the Garbha Griha. Devotees are admitted in groups of six into the Ardha Mantapa during sevas like Abhishekam or on payment of a small fee. The Garbha Griha is a wider structure compared to the Ardha Mantapa. At the center, the Brahma Sthana, is the self-manifested linga of Jambukeswarar. The upper conical part of the linga is of the color of copper, whereas the yoni-bhaga or the pedestal is of black granite. A brass ring is seen at the point of attachment of the linga to the pedestal. The height of the linga is about 3 feet from the floor of the sanctum. The Garbha Griha and the Ardha Mantapa are unadorned from the inside, the only source of illumination within the sanctum being ghee lamps. A stream of water is said to emerge from the linga, which is usually demonstrated as the soaking wet clothes in which it is draped. The water flow increases significantly during the Monsoon. The main deity of the temple is Jambukeswara, representing the element water. Jambukeswara is depicted sitting under a jambu tree, which grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season. The temple is also considered the abode of goddess Akilandeswari, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati. The greatest of works related to this temple include Tiruvanaikaval and Kilvelur Akshyalingaswamy temple. Once Parvati mocked Shiva’s penance for betterment of the world. Shiva wanted to condemn her act and directed her to go to the earth from Kailasam (Shiva’s abode) to do penance. Parvathi in the form of Akilandeswari as per Shiva’s wish found Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. She made a lingam out of water of river Cauvery (also called as river Ponni) under the Venn Naaval tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. The lingam is known as Appu Lingam (Water Lingam).Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Akilandeswari took Upadesa (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing west. There were two Siva Ganas ‘Malyavan’ and ‘Pushpadanta’. Though they are Siva Ganas they always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. In one fight ‘Malyavan’ cursed ‘Pushpadanta’ to become an elephant on earth and the latter cursed the former to become a spider on earth. The elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued their Siva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted ablution to the lingam under the Jambu tree (Eugenia jambolana, the rose-apple tree) daily.[4] The spider constructed his web over the lingam to prevent dry leaves from dropping on it and prevent sunlight directly falling on it. When the elephant saw the web and thought it was dust on lingam. The elephant tore them and cleaned the lingam by pouring water and the practice continued daily. The spider became angry one day and crawled into the trunk of the elephant and bit the elephant to death, killing itself. Siva, in the form of Jambukeswara, moved by the deep devotion of the two, relieved them from the curse. As an elephant worshipped Siva here, this place came to be known as Thiru Aanai Kaa (thiru means holy, aanai is elephant, kaa (kaadu) means forest). Later the name ‘Thiruaanaikaa’ become ‘Thiruvanaikaval’ and ‘Thiruvanaikoil’. As an outcome of making sin by killing the elephant, in the next birth, the spider was born as the King Kochengot Chola (kotchengannan cholan meaning red-eyed king) and built 70 temples and this temple is the one among them.Remembering his enmity with the elephant in his previous birth, he built the Siva Sannathi (sanctorum) such that not even a small elephant can enter. The entrance on the sanctorum of Jambukeswara is only 4 foot high and 2.5 foot wide. There was a story behind the king’s red eyes – When he was in his mother’s womb the palace astrologer predicted a sacred time to give birth to enable the newborn’s well being. The queen went into labor early, before the time predicted by the astrologer. The queen hence told the servant to hang her upside down for the time to come so that she could have a wise and virtuous son who could head the kingdom righteously. This waiting time inside the womb made the baby’s eyes red. After becoming the king, he built the temple for Siva and Goddess Akilandeswari in the name of Aanaikka (elephant protected) later days it changed to Thiruvanaikovil. Official Address
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite saints), Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar, have glorified the temple with their songs. The temple was expanded during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty, and its principal shrines sanctum were renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.The temple is located in Rameswaram considered a holy pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites and Smarthas. The presiding deity, the Lingam of Ramanathaswamy (Shiva), is believed to have been established and worshiped by Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, to absolve the sins created during the Ramayana war at Sri Lanka. The primary deity of the temple is Ramanathaswamy (Shiva) in the form of lingam.There are two lingams inside the sanctum – one built by Sita, from sand, residing as the main deity, Ramalingam and the one brought by Hanuman from Kailash called Vishwalingam.Rama instructed that the Vishwalingam should be worshipped first since it was brought by Hanuman – the tradition continues even today. Like all ancient temples in South India, there is a high compound wall (madil) on all four sides of the temple premises measuring about 865 feet furlong from east to west and one furlong of 657 feet from north to south with huge towers (Gopurams) to the east and the west and finished gate towers to the north and south. The temple has striking long corridors in its interior, running between huge colonnades on platforms above five feet high. The second corridor is formed by sandstone pillars, beams and ceiling. The junction of the third corridor on the west and the paved way leading from the western gopuram to the Setumadhava shrine forms a unique structure in the form of a chess board, popularly known as Chokkattan Madapam, where the Utsava deities are adorned and kept during the Vasanthotsavam (Spring festival) and on the 6th day festival in Adi (July–August) and Masi (February–March) conducted by the Setupati of Ramnad. The outer set of corridors is reputed to be the longest in the world, measuring about 6.9 m in height, 400 feet each in the east and west and about 640 feet in the north and the south. The inner corridors are about 224 feet each in the east and the west and about 352 feet each in the north and the south.Their width varies from 15.5 feet to 17 feet in the east and west about 172 feet on the north and south with width varying 14.5 feet to 17 feet.The total length of these corridors is thus 3850 feet. There are about 1212 pillars in the outer corridor.Their height is about 30 feet from the floor to the center of the roof. The main tower or rajagopuram is 53 m tall. Most pillars are carved with individual compositions.At the beginning, Ramanathaswamy Temple was a thatched shed. The present structure was the work of many individuals spread over a number of centuries. The pride of place in the establishment for the Temple goes to the Setupatis of Ramanathapuram. In the seventeenth century, Dalavai Setupati built a portion of the main eastern Gopuram. In late eighteenth century, the world-famous third corridor was constructed by Muthuramalinga Setupati who lived for forty nine years and ruled between 1763 and 1795. The corridor was called “Chokkatan Mandapam”. The Mukhya Pradhani (Chief Minister) was Muthuirullappa Pillai and the Chinna Pradhani (Deputy Chief Minister) was Krishna Iyengar. The Setupati’s statue and those of his two Pradhanis (ministers) can be seen at the western entrance to the third corridor. The composite columns of Virabhadra holding sword and horn are found be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns of Virabhadra are found in Adikesava Perumal Temple at Thiruvattaru, Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, Nellaiappar Temple at Tirunelveli, Kasi Viswanathar temple at Tenkasi, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Soundararajaperumal temple at Thadikombu, Srivilliputhur Andal temple, Srivaikuntanathan Permual temple at Srivaikuntam, Avudayarkovil, Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple at Thirukkurungudi. There are separate shrines for Ramanathaswamy and his consort goddess Parvathavardhini separated by a corridor.There are separate shrines for the goddess Vishalakshi, the utsava images, sayanagriha, Vishnu and Ganesha. There are various halls inside the temple, namely Anuppu Mandapam, Sukravara Mandapam, Setupati Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam and Nandi Mandapam. According to the Ramayana, Rama, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, prayed to the god Shiva to absolve him of the sin committed during his war against the demon king Ravana in Sri Lanka.Rama wanted to have a large lingam to worship Shiva. He directed Hanuman, the lieutenant in his army, to bring a lingam from the Himalayas. When Hanuman was delayed in bringing the lingam, Sita, the wife of Rama, built a small lingam out of the sand available in the sea shore, which is believed to be the lingam in the sanctum. Official Address
Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The form of Shiva’s consort Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal is from Tamil (“Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree”). The temple is the most ancient one that has been built around the 7th century CE in Dravidian architecture. According to the Puranas, Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock, giving the vernacular name Mylai (Mayilāi) to the area that developed around the temple – mayil is Tamil for “peacock”.Shiva is worshiped as Kapaleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Karpagambal. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Arubathimooval festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni is the most prominent festival in the temple. The present masonry structure was built during the Vijayanagar rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE). The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Kapaleeshwarar temple is of typical Dravidian architectural style, with the gopuram overpowering the street on which the temple sits. This temple is also a testimonial for the vishwakarmas sthapathis. There are two entrances to the temple marked by the gopuram on either side. The east gopuram is about 40 m high, while the smaller western gopuram faces the sacred tank. The vahanas (Sanskrit for “vehicles”) at the temple include the bull, Adhikaranandi, elephant, bandicoot, peacock, goat and parrot, while a golden chariot is a recent addition. Statues of the god and the goddess are seated on a vahana or chariot which is brought in a procession around the temple while the temple band plays music. Devotees gather around the vahanas and consider it a privilege to pull / lift the God and the Goddess on the vahana. There is also a peacock and a peahen caged inside the temple, to symbolize the tradition that Karpagambal had come in the form of peahen to plead to Kapaleeshwarar. The temple’s name is derived from the words kapalam (head) and eeshwarar an alias of lord Shiva. According to the Puranas, during the meeting of Brahma and Shiva at top of Mount Kailash Brahma failed to show the due respect to Shiva. Due to this, Shiva plucked of one of Brahma’s heads (kapalams). In an act of penance, Brahma came down to the site of Mylapore and installed a Lingam to please Shiva.This place is known as Sukra Puri, Veda Puri, among many other names including “Kailaye Mayilai and Mayilaye Kayilai “which means this place is equal to kailash. Goddess Karpagambal, a form of Shiva’s consort Parvati, due to a curse became a pea-hen and did penance here to get back her original personality. Shiva’s son Murugan received the spear (Sakthi Vel) for the destruction of a demon from Parvati here. Brahma had worshipped here to get rid of his ego and get back his power to create. The four Vedas have worshipped here. Sukracharya worshipped the Lord here and got back his lost eye. Rama has worshipped here and won the war against Ravana and brought back Sita from Lanka. The daughter of Sivanesa Chettiar Angam Poompavai got her lost life due to snake bite was later resurrected here by the powers of Thirugnana Sambandar. Vayilar Nayanar, a saiva saint, attained salvation here and Mylapore is also the birth place of Thiruvalluvar who wrote Thirukkural. In Thevaram special mention is made about the beautiful Madaveedhi as “Malgun Mathri Thavazhum Maada Veedhi Mylappil Ullar”. Thiruganana Sambandar, Arunagirinathar have sung the glory of Karpagambal, Singara Velar. The 10-day festival during March / April is a treat to watch and Arubathu Moovar festival is attended by lakhs of devotees every year.The commonly held view is that the temple was built in the 7th century CE by the ruling Pallavas.This view is based on references to the temple in the hymns of the Nayanars (which, however, place it by a sea shore). Thirugnanasambandar’s 6th song in Poompavaipathikam and Arunagirinathar’s 697th song in Thirumylai Thirupugazh, make clear reference to the Kapaleeswarar temple being located by a seashore.There are inscriptions dating back to 12th century inside the temple. The temple’s 120 ft gopuram (gateway tower) was built during 1906 with stucco figures adorning it. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Official Address
Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore, Tamil Nadu Jalakandeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in the Vellore Fort, Tamil Nadu State, India. The Jalakanteshwara Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagaram Architecture. The temple has exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower), richly carved stone pillars, large wooden gates and stunning monoliths and sculptures. These Vijayanagara sculptures are similar to the ones present in Soundararajaperumal Temple, Thadikombu, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Srivilliputhur Divya Desam and Alagar Koyil.The Gopuram of the tower is over 100 ft. in height. The temple also has a Mandapam, with the hall supported by carved stone pillars of dragons, horses and yalis (lion like creature). The temple itself built in middle of a water tank (called Agazhi in Tamil), and there is water surround the temple like a garland. The circumference of the water tank is 8000 ft. The wedding hall (Kalyana Mantapam) inside the temple has a 2 faced sculpture, that of a bull and an elephant. The water user for bathing the deity (abishekam) is drawn from an ancient well called the Ganga Gouri Thhertam, within the temple. According to legend, there used to a giant ant-hill at the location where the sanctum sanctorum of temple now stands. This ant-hill was surrounded by stagnant water, as a result of collection of rain water, and at some time a Shiva Lingam was placed in this water around the ant hill and worshiped. Chinna Bommi Nayaka, a Vijayanagar chieftain, who was controlling the fort had a dream where the Lord Shiva asked him to build a temple at that location. Nayaka, proceeded to demolish the anthill and build the temple in 1550 AD, and since the Lingam was surrounded by water .The temple was built during the reign of the Vijayanagaram king Sadasivadeva Maharaya (1540 – 1572 AD). The temple also has the statue of Sri Akhilandeshwari Amma, the consort of Jalakandeswarar. The temple of the Vijaynagar period stands inside the Vellore Fort, which is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India, along with the St. John’s Church, Tippu Mahal, Hyder Mahal, Candy Mahal, Badhusha Mahal and the Begum Mahal. Official Address
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu Vaitheeswaran Kovil or Pullirukkuvelur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran meaning the “God of healing” and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. Vaitheeswaran is a Tamil derivative from vaidya (Doctor) and Ishvara (God/Master). The presiding deity is Sri vaidyanathan. He is the God of Healing. When pronouncing in Tamil, it sounds like “vaideeswaran”. It is one of the nine Navagraha(nine planets) temples and is associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). The village is also known for palm leaf astrology called Naadi astrology in Tamil. It is located 7 kilometers from Sirkazhi, 235 kilometers from Chennai, 27 km from Chidambaram, 110 km from Thanjavur and 16 km from Mayiladuthurai. The holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex contains nectar, and a holy dip is believed to cure all diseases. The temple is revered by the Tevaram hymns of 7th-century Saiva nayanars – Tamil saint poets and is also classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam (temple revered by the nayanars). The temple is located between Sirkali to Mayiladuthurai State Highway. Frequent bus services are operated by Tamil Nadu government. There is a Railway station which is located between Chennai to Mayiladuthurai railway road. Karaikal is the nearest proposal airport located around 40 kilometer from temple. The temple has a five-tiered gopuram (temple tower), two inner gopurams and large precincts. The central shrine is that of Vaitheeswaran present as lingam in the inner most sanctum. The first precinct around the sanctum has the metal image of Subramanya, worhsipped here as Muthukumara Swamy. The other metal images in the sanctum are of Nataraja, Somaskanda, Angaraka and stone sculptures of Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, Surya (Sun god), Jatayu, Vedas, Sampati.The shrine of Thaiyalnayaki in the second precinct facing south houses the image of Thiyalnayagi sported in standing posture with the medicinal oil to cure the diseases. The large precinct also has a small shrine to Dhanvantari and shrine of Angaraka in stone sculpture. The southern gateway from this precinct leads to the temple tank and directly faces the Thaiyalnayaki shrine. The Sthala Vriksha (temple tree) is margosa (Azadirachta indica, neem tree), believed to possesses medicinal properties, is present near the eastern gateway.The eastern gateway also has the shrine of Adi(original) temple that has a smaller replica of the main shrines. There is a fine metal image of Gangavisarjanar inside the temple.The shrine of Angaragan (Mars) is present near the Eastern gateway in the third precinct. The temple received contributions from various rulers of the region like Vikrama Chola, Vira Rajendra Pandya, Achuthappa Nayak (1560 – 1614 AD) and Maratha prince Thulaja.The temple has five inscriptions mainly belonging to the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE).The inscription on the steps of Subramanya shrine records the shutter of the sluice at Sattainathapuram measures 35 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth. The one on the right of the temple tank indicates the tank, Nachiyar shrine, and its hall were completely renovated when Kanderayar was governing the Sigali Simai, and during the management of the temple by Muthukumaraswami Tambiran, a disciple of Sivagnanadesikar-Sambandar of the Dharmapuram Adheenam.[4] On the wall of the second precinct, the inscriptions state that the courtyard of Thayalnayagi shrine, the sacred steps and Tattisuri hall were built during Tamil year 4868 corresponding to 1689 CE.[4] On the floor near accountant’s seat registers a deed granted by Sankarabaragiri Rengopanditar by Ambalavanatambiran, an agent of the temple.The Easter gateway inscription indicates the gift of taxes from Manipallam in Tiruvalipparu.The temple is maintained by Dharmapuram Adheenam, a Saivite mutt or monastic institution located in the town of Mayiladuthurai, India. As of 1987, there were a total of 27 Shiva temples under the control of the adheenam. During the Ramayana period, Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishi have worshipped the deity in this place.There is a pond at this temple called Jatayu kundam (pot of Jatayu having holy ash of Vibhuti). One of the nine planets, Angaraka (Mars), suffered from leprosy and was cured by Vaidhyanathaswamy and from then on it is treated as one of the Navagraha Temples for planet Angaraka. Parvati, the consort of Shiva, asked her son, Subramanya to appear with one face from his regular appearance of six faces. When he did so, she was pleased and presented him with vel (a weapon) to slay the demons.Subramanya overcame the asura Surapadman (a demon) and in the war, his army was severely injured. Shiva came out as the healer Vaitheeswaran and cured the wounds. As per another legend, Shiva came as Vaidya, a doctor, and cured the leprosy of a staunch devotee named Angahara. Jatya, Rig Veda, Muruga and Surya were all believed to have worshipped Shiva here. Murugan obtained a trident at this place and is called Selvamuthu Kumaran. Official Address
Brihadisvara Temple, Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Completed in 1035 AD by Rajendra Chola I as a part of his new capital, this Choladynasty era temple is similar in design, and has a similar name, as the older 11th century, Brihadeeswarar Temple about 70 kilometres (43 mi) to the southwest in Thanjavur. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is smaller yet more refined than the Thanjavur Temple. Both are among the largest temples in South India and examples of Dravidian style temples. The temple is also referred to in texts as Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple or Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple . The main temple dedicated to Shiva is based on a square plan, but it reverentially displays other Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Durga, Surya, Harihara, Ardhanarishvara, and others.[3][5] It opens to the sunrise and its sanctum, as well as the mandapas, are aligned on an east-west axis. In addition to the main shrine, the temple complex has a number of smaller shrines, gopura, and other monuments, with some partially ruined or restored in later centuries. The temple is famed for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the depiction of Nandi and the scale of its tower. As well as its notability for having been built by Rajendra I, the temple is also noteworthy for its numerous inscriptions, although none of them are his. Except for this temple, the old city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram – the capital of a powerful Asian empire for over two centuries along with its other major Chola-era Hindu temples have been completely destroyed, leaving a desolate place. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple remains an active temple. Four daily rituals, and many yearly festivals are held there, of which the Shivarathriduring the Tamil month of Masi (February–March), Aipassi Pournami during Aipassi (October– November) and Thiruvadirai during Margazhi (December–January) are the most prominent. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) administers the temple as a protected heritage monument. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2004, along with the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur and Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. These are referred to collectively as the Great Living Chola Temples. A spectrum of Hindu temple styles continued to develop from the 5th to the 9th century over the Chalukya era rule as evidenced in Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal, and then with the Pallava era as witnessed at Mamallapuram and other monuments. Thereafter, between 850 and 1280 CE, Cholas emerged as the dominant dynasty.The early Chola period saw a greater emphasis on securing their geopolitical boundaries and less emphasis on architecture. In the 10th century, within the Chola empire emerged features such as the multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals. This, states George Michell, signaled the start of the new Chola style. This South Indian style is most fully realized both in scale and detail in the Brihadeshvara temple built between 1003 and 1010 by the Chola king Rajaraja.The architect and engineer of the temple was Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Rama Perunthachan as stated in inscriptions found at the temple. The main temple along with its gopurams are from the early 11th century. The temple also saw additions, renovations, and repairs over the next 1,000 years. The raids and wars, particularly between Muslim Sultans who controlled Madurai and Hindu kings who controlled Thanjavur caused damage.These were repaired by Hindu dynasties that regained control. In some cases, the rulers attempted to renovate the temple with faded paintings, by ordering new murals on top of the older ones. In other cases, they sponsored addition of shrines. The significant shrines of Kartikeya (Murugan), Parvati (Amman) and Nandi are from the 16th and 17th-century Nayaka era.Similarly the Dakshinamurti shrine was built later. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is located near the village of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, about 280 kilometres (170 mi) southwest of Chennaiand 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Chidambaram. Roughly 70 kilometres (43 mi) to the northeast is the similarly named Chola dynasty era Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, and is about 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the northeast of the Airavatesvara Temple. All three are UNESCO world heritage sites. The temple is on Highway 81 connecting Tiruchirappalli and Chidambaram.The nearby city of Chidambaram is connected to other major cities by daily trains on the Indian railway network, Tamil Nadu bus services and National Highways 36, 81, and 245.The nearest airport with regular services is Tiruchirappalli International Airport about 120 kilometres (75 mi) away. Though inland, the temple is near the Kollidam River, within the Cauveri River delta with access to the Bay of Bengal and through it to the Indian Ocean. Official Address
Sankaranayinarkoil, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu Sankaranarayanarkoil is a city and a municipality in the Tirunelveli district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sankarankovil is home to the famous Sankara Narayanan temple. It is situated at Tirunelveli District and 56 km away from Thirunelveli City. Sankarankovil is the second largest town in the district. It is very famous for “Adi Thabasu” festival. In older times, the city was called as Sankaranayinar kovil. Even now it is called as Sankaran Kovil. Like every other temple, Sankarankovil has its own interesting story. Once the devotees of Lord Hari (or Vishnu) and Lord Shiva quarreled with each other to determine whose god is powerful. Then Lord Shiva and vishnu appeared as Sankaranarayanar to make there devotees to understand that both Hari and Shiva are one and the same. It was built by Ukkira Pandiyan AC 900.It houses the deity by the name Sankara Narayanan, which is half – Lord Shiva and the other half – Lord Vishnu. The deities of this temple are Sri Sankareswarar, Sri Gomathi Amman and Sri Sankara Narayanar. Sankarankovil is also said to be home to the deity named Avudai Ambal-RR. The general belief is that the Holy Sand “Puttrumann”that one gets from this temple is capable of curing all the diseases. Devotees believe that Sankarankovil‘s Nagasunai (sacred tank) have been dug by serpent kings named Paduman and Sangam which has a miraculous power to heal those who bathe there. The Annadhanam scheme is being conducted in the temple when daily noon meals are being provided for around 100 devotees. The Puthu Maan in the temple is taken as a holy sand which could cure lot of disease by all devotees. It is believed that all devotees who pray to the goddess Gomathi amman have always found solace.Once upon a time a “Devan” (Angel) called “Manikkeerivan” was cursed by Goddess Parvathi. Because of which, he had to come to earth and work as gardener in a beautiful garden. One day while he was clearing a snake pit, the snake tail was also cut. He found a Sivalingam next to the snake. He went and informed about this to his king Ukkira Pandiyan. The king considered it to be the god’s wish to stay there and constructed the temple and a city around. Official Address
Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu Swami Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunelveli, a city in the South Indianstate of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Nellaiappar (also called Venuvananathar) represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman. The temple is located on the northern banks of Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli district. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers an area of Fourteen and a half acres and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Swamy Nellaiappar and his consort Sri Kanthimathi Ambal being the most prominent. The temple has three six rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and six yearly festivals on its calendar. Brahmotsavam festival during the Tamil month of Aani (June–July) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple. The original complex is believed to have been built by Pandyas, while the present masonry structure was added by Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras, Nayaks(Madurai Nayaks). In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Nellaiappar temple is spread over 14 acres.The gopuram of this temple is 850 feet long and 756 feet wide.Sangili Mandapam built on 1647 by vadamalaiyappa pillayan connects the Ganthimathi Amman and Nellaiyappar temples.The composite columns of Virabhadra holding sword and horn are found be additions of the Vijayanayagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns of Virabhadra are found in Adikesava Perumal Temple at Thiruvattaru, Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, Kasi Viswanathar temple at Tenkasi, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Soundararajaperumal temple at Thadikombu, Srivilliputhur Andal temple, Srivaikuntanathan Permual temple at Srivaikuntam, Avudayarkovil, Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple at Thirukkurungudi. Tirunelveli is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the grooves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular variety of a tree or shrub and the same variety of tree or shrub sheltering the presiding deity. The region is believed to have been covered with Venu forest and hence called Venuvanam. According to the puranas, both the Gopurams were built by Pandyas and the sanctums of the temple were constructed by Nindraseer Nedumaran who reigned in the 7th century. The mani mandapam with its famous musical pillar was built by Later Pandyas in the 7th century. Originally the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples were two independent structures with spaces in between. It was in 1647 that Thiru Vadamalaiappa Pillaiyan, a great devotee of Siva linked the two temples by building the “Chain mandapam” (In Tamil Sangili Mandapam). To the western portion of the chain mandapam is the flower garden that was set up in 1756 by Thiruvengadakrishna Mudaliar. In the centre of the Flower Garden is a square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars. The Nandi mandapam is said to have been built by Sivanthiappa Nayak in 1654. The flag stand near the Nandi was set up in 1155. There are a number of stone inscriptions in the temple. The most important of them are those Veerapandiyan who regained about 950 and those of Rajendran I and Kulothunga Chola I. The inscriptions of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan refer to the Lord as “Woodayar” and “Wodeyanayanar” and the Goddess as “Nachiar”. From the inscriptions of Kulasekkara Pandiyan we learn that he defeated the Chera, Chola and Hoysala kings and built the outer walls of the temple with the war booty. Official Address
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a town located in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, India. It became the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025 during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. The town is about 70 kilometres (43 mi) northeast of Thanjavur city. As of 2014, the ancient city exists as a heritage town in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The great temple of Brihadeeswarar Temple at this place is next only to the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur in its monumental nature and surpasses it in sculptural quality. Ariyalur is best known for the Gangaikondacholisvarar temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, the biggest temple constructed during the reign of Rajendra–I in Ariyalur region. Following the conquest of the Gangetic plains in A.D. 1023 Rajendra–I built a great city called Gangaikondacholapauram and a Siva temple Gangaikondacholisvarar and a lake Chola Gangam in commemoration of his victory. The place, the temple and the lake (Chola Gangam) are the living embodiments of the heroism of the Tamils who unfurled the Chola‘s Tiger flag on the banks of the River Ganges. He also shifted his capital from Thanjavur to this newly built town. From his period to the end of the Chola family rule in A.D.1279 this city was the capital for the Chola Empire for a period of 256 years. The gigantic stone temple which he built in this place is rich repository of beautiful sculptures of middle Chola period. This city is celebrated in the literature of Muvar ula of Ottakuttar and Kalingattuparani of Jayankondar. Rajendra’s Gangetic expedition was over by his 11th regal year (A.D.1023). The earliest reference which mentions the city of Gangaikondacholapuram is a record of A. D. 1027 of him. Hence it is evident that the city was built in memory of his great victory between A.D. 1023 and 1027. The recently discovered Esalam Copper plates of A.D. 1036 of Rajendra–I give concrete evidence that he built the Gangaikondacholisvarar temple. Another record of A.D. 1068 of Virarajendra in Gangaikondacholapuram which is the earliest record in the temple mentions about the grant of villages to the Gangaikondacholisvarar temple by Rajendra-I in his 24th year (A.D. 1036). These evidences indicate that the siva temple was built between A.D. 1023 and 1036 although the earliest extant record in this big temple belongs to A. D. 1068 of Virarajendra. This temple is a living history of the Cholas in stone from the period of Rajendra-I and a beautiful gallery of Chola art and architecture. Many sculptures brought from Andhra, Karnataka and Bengal as war trophies are also preserved in the temple and in the nearby villages. Chandesura Anugraha Murthy and Sarasvathy are the most beautiful sculptures of the temple. At present it is under the control of ASI and the HR&CE and recently the UNESCO declared the temple as one of the world heritage monument. The city was founded by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victory over the Pala Dynasty. The name means The town of the chola who took over Ganga (water from Ganga) or who defeated (the kings near) Ganga. It is now a small village, its past eminence only remembered by the existence of the great Lord Maha Shiva Temple. The Chola empire included the whole of southern India to the river Thungabadhra in the north. For administrative and strategic purposes they built another capital and named it Gangaikondacholapuram. The city seems to have had two fortifications, one inner and the other outer. The outer was probably wider. The remains of the outer fortification can be seen as a mound running all around the palace. Excavations suggest that the outer fortification was built of burnt bricks, was about six to eight feet wide. It consisted of two walls, the intervening space (the core) being filled with sand. The bricks are fairly large in size and are made of well-burnt clay. The surviving temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram was completed in 1035 AD.[4] Rajendra emulated the temple built by his father after his victory in a campaign across India that Chola era texts state covered Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bengal. After his victory, he demanded that the defeated kingdoms send pots of Ganges River water and pour it into the well of this temple.[2] Rajendra I, states the Tamil tradition, thereafter assumed the name of Gangaikonda Cholan, meaning the one who conquered the Ganges. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his capital from the medieval Chola capital of Thanjavur, which would go on to become the capital for the next 250 years. Rajendra I built the entire capital with several temples using plans and infrastructure recommended in Tamil Vastu and Agama sastra texts. These included a Dharma Sasta, Vishnu and other temples. However, all of these were destroyed in late 13th and 14th centuries except the Brihadishvara temple. The other Chola landmarks are evidenced by soil covered mounds and excavated broken pillar stumps and brick walls found over an area of several kilometers from the surviving temple. The reasons for the city’s destruction are unclear. According to Vansanthi, the Pandyas who defeated the Cholas during the later part of 13th century “may have raged the city to ground” to avenge their previous defeats.However, it is unclear why other temples were destroued and this temple was spared, as well as why there are around 20 inscriptions from later Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar Empire indicting various gifts and grants to this temple.An alternate theory links the destruction to the raids and wars, particularly with the invasion of the capital city and the territories that were earlier a part by the Chola Empire along with Madurai by the armies of Delhi Sultanate led by the Muslim commander Malik Kafur in 1311, followed by Khusrau Khan in 1314 and Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1327. The period that followed saw wars between the Hindu kings and the Muslim Sultans who seceded the Delhi Sultanate and carved out new polity such as the nearby Madurai Sultanate (1335–1378).The Vijayanagara Empire defeated the Madurai Sultanate in 1378 and this temple along with other Chola era temples thereafter came under Hindu kings again who repaired and restored many of them. Official Address
Pachaimalai Subramanya Swamy Temple, Erode, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple,Pachaimalai,Modachur, Gobichettipalayam – 638476 Pachaimalai Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Temple ‘ (Pachaimalai Balamurugan Temple} is one of the two major hill temples (other being Pavalamalai) located in Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Tamil God Murugan. The temple constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, is located on top of a small hillock in the outskirts of the town of Gobichettipalayam. The temple has a five-storey main Gopuram built according to the Dravidian architecture. The main deity is Balamurugan, the child form of Lord Murugan. The main deity faces west similar to Palani Dhandayuthapani temple. The temple also has a colossal statue of Lord Muruga, which is visible from the town of Gobichettipalayam. The statue measures 40 ft and is one of the largest Senthilandavar statues in the state. The temple also has shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses including Vidya Ganapathy, Maragatheeswarar and His consort Maragathavalli, Kalyana Subramanyar with His consorts Valliand Deivanai, Maragatha Venkatesa Perumal with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Dakshinamurthi, Bhairavar and the Navagraha.[3] The speciality of Navagraha is that they can be seen with their consorts seated on their respective mounts. This is very rare. In Tamil grammar, land mass in this world is divided into five types of eco-systems. Mountain, hill and associated area is called ‘Kurinji’. The lord of Kurinji is Murugan and he has made the hills as his abode. Majority of all hill temples found in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere are dedicated to Lord Subramanyar. Once upon a time, Saint Dhurvasar reached Kunnathur that lies 18 km south of present Gobi town. When he worshiped at the Shiva temple at Kunnathur, he found out that a place called Modachur on the outskirts of present Gobi town is a good place to perform his routine worship of Shiva. While worshipping Shiva, he wanted to have Darshan of Lord Subramanya. Not finding a temple in close quarters, he went into penance to find out the best place to have Darshan of Lord Muruga. He found through his penance that there is a Subramanya temple on a small hill at a distance of around 1.5 km from Modachur and the main deity faced west. The saint reached the hillock to find Lord Subramanya and was overjoyed and mesmerised by his beauty. He then decided to continue his penance from there. He also learnt the similarities between the temple and Palani where the Lord is facing west as Dhandapani. All these events were forgotten as time proceeded. Around 1954, a landlord named P. K. Kuppuswamy Gounder visited the temple. He is said to have seen a Jyothi (Light) at the shrine[ and was asked to take care of the temple by a heavenly voice. On his initiative, regular pooja was started in the temple. He also pioneered to renovate the Temple and the Karpagraha was constructed out of polished black granite. Starting then, the renovation moved into a fast pace. First Swarnabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam was performed in 1980 led by P. K. Eswaran as renovation committee head. Since then, scores of people have joined the renovation committee and lot of work has happened in the temple. The latest and Second Swarnabandhana Kumbabishekam was performed around June 2006. It is uncommon to find Swarnabandhanam being done for the deities. You can really count the number of temples where Swarnabandhanam (Gold plating the base of statue where it stands) has been performed for deities in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere. Pachaimalai is located 3Kms from Gobi town centre. There are two ways to reach Pachaimalai from Gobi town: one from Modachur (Gobi – Kunnathur Road) and another from Karattur (Erode – Sathy Main Road). As there are no buses, one can hire an auto/taxi to reach Pachaimalai. Official Address
Thindal Murugan Temple, Erode, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Velayuthaswamy Thirukovil alias Thindalmalai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, located on Thindalmalai hillock near Erode. The primary deity is Sri Velayudhaswami. The temple houses a golden chariot Temple Car, used to carry images of gods in ceremonial processions. It is about 7 km from Central Bus stand at Swastik Circle, 8 km from Erode Junction. The Temple is well connected to by local buses running in-between Central Bus Terminus and Perundurai. The temple is 8 km from Erode on the Perundurai road with trees 60 metre high. Of the 108 Murugan temples praised in the celebrated Tirupugazh hymns of Sage Arunagiriar, Tindalmalai Murugan temple is one. Lord Muruga in the temple is endearingly called Kuzhandai Velayuthaswami and Kumara Velayuthaswami. Idumban in the temple enjoys a special reputation. Once, the place Poondurai became drought. The farmers prayed to Idumba to get them the grace of Muruga for rains and they were blessed and came out of the famine making the place fertile again. The tradition of seeking Idumban’s grace for fertility continues even today. The lamp post (Deepa Sthamba) in the temple is of a special design and type in the Kongu region. Devotees light lamps on this pillar on the Karthika Deepam days. The pillar has sculptures on all sides depicting religion-related events. Thannasi cave is located northwest side from the Velayuthaswamy temple. In day of karthigai deepam the first pooja in thannasi cave is an one of the special for thannasi cave.Nagar statue also located in thannasi cave. Theertha sunai is located northeast side from the thindalmalai.The area of thindalmalai is 2.43.5 hectare.and height is 60 meter Official Address
Sikkal Singaravelan Temple, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu Sikkal Singara Velan Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and a contender for the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with the popular Arupadaiveedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga). It is one of the rare traditional Hindu temples that has both Shiva and Vishnu deities in the same complex. It is believed in Hindu mythology that this place was once a jasmine forest and due to its pleasant smell, the semi-human goddess with cow’s trunk, Kamadenu lives here. Once upon a time, Kamadenu was cursed by lord Shiva, when it ate meat. Later feeling guilty of its action, it got rid of its sin by taking bath in the holy water point of this temple and worshiped here, as told by Lord Shiva. After getting rid of the sin, Kamadenu offered its milk which later became Parkulam (literal meaning the milk pond), which is located behind the temple. It is this holy water point (The Parkulam) of the temple where Vashistha Maharishi performed a pooja here, by making a lingam with the butter from the Parkulam. After completing the pooja he tried to move that lingam, but it stuck to that place, and never moved. As a result, Vasista Maharishi regarded this place as sikkal. It is also said that Lord Murugan had got his Vel (weapon) from his divine mother at Sikkal, to kill the asura, Soorapadman in Sri Lanka. He performed Soora Samharam (literal meaning: killing Soorapadman) by setting up the base camp in Thiruchendur. Sikkal Singara Velan Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and a contender for the unofficial seventh Padaiveedu of Muruga, along with the popular Arupadaiveedu (six abodes of Lord Muruga). It is one of the rare traditional Hindu temples that has both Shiva and Vishnu deities in the same complex. Official Address
Pazhamudircholai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple, located about 25 kilometres north of Madurai, India atop a hill covered with dense forests. One of the six important abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Muruga, it is close to the Vishnu temple of Azhagar Kovil. It is said that the Azhagar Kovil was the actual temple for the main deity of the temple, and the deity was later shifted or relocated to Pazhamudircholai during Thirumalai Nayak’s rule in Madurai. The great Tamil poet and saint Avvaiyar was tested by Muruga here.In an episode of Divine Play with Avvaiyar, one of the most famous devotees of Muruga, the Lord enacted the following drama. One day Avvaiyar became tired while traveling under the hot sun and sought refuge under the shadow of a fruit tree, hungry and thirsty, when a boy who sitting on the tree asked her whether she wanted fruits from the tree. When Avvaiyar told him that she did, the boy asked Avvaiyar whether she wanted roasted fruits or unroasted fruits. Avvaiyar who was a famous Tamil poet and incredibly knowledgeable litterateur scoffed silently at the very thought of the existence of a “roasted fruit” and decided that the boy didn’t have knowledge even about a fruit. However, tired as she was, she decided that she didn’t want to argue with the boy and asked him to pick unroasted fruits for her, which the boy then proceeded to do. Several fruits fell out of the tree and Avvaiyar picked them up,blowing on them to remove the sand. Smiling, the boy asked Avvaiyar if she was blowing on his “roasted fruits” to cool them down. Avvaiyar was astonished as to how a small village cowboy could have played such an intelligent drama. Blowing on the fruit to remove the sand was indeed poetically comparable to an attempt to cool “roasted fruits”. Humbled by the immense poetic knowledge and clever wordplay of the boy, Avvaiyar begged the boy to reveal his true identity, unable to reconcile herself with the fact that a simple cowherd could have such profound thoughts. The boy then disappeared and in his place, Muruga appeared. Avvaiyar, stunned to find herself in Divine Company, bowed in obeisance and realising the infinite nature of knowledge, prayed to Muruga to bless her and continue bestowing his Infinite Grace on her to aid her virtually endless quest for knowledge. Pazhamudircholai is a fertile hill, blessed with nature’s bounty in the form of innumerable fruits, vegetables and natural springs. It is a dense forest where Valli is supposed to have lived. The temple itself is relatively small with Valli, Deivayanai, and Lord Muruga in a separate shrine. Lord Ganesha is also present in a separate shrine. There is a Temple Tower and monkeys play around the area. There is another small temple above Pazhamudhir Cholai where local tribes lead their lives. Although there are hundreds of Temples in Tamil Nadu for Lord Muruga, six particular temples called Arupadaiveedu are very famous among them. Important events in Lord Muruga’s history happened in these places. Among the Arupadaiveedu, Pazhamudircholai is the last. Lord Muruga at Pazhamudircholai is praised in several works of old Tamil literature such as the Silappathikaram, the Ettuthokai and the Pattupattu. Official Address
Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Tiruthani,Tamil Nadu Thiruthani Murugan temple is a Hindu temple, on the hill of Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to Lord Muruga. The hill has 365 steps indicating 365 days of the year. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The other five are Palani Murugan Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Tirupparangunram Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Thiruthani is 87 kilometres (54 mi) from Chennai. The temple is located on a hill named Thanigai hill reached with 60 steps. The temple has a five-tiered gopuram and four precincts. There are several water bodies associated with the temple. The temple has two shrines, namely, Murugan in the form of Shaktidharar and the shrines of Valli and Deivayanai in two other shrines. The origins of this temple, like most Hindu temples, are buried in antiquity. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. It has been patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers and local chieftains and zamindars. The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and Tiruttani Murugan Temple. Legend also has it that Indra the king of the Gods gave his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Skanda, and along with her presented his elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam’s departure Indra found his wealth waning. Subramanyar is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra bound by protocol refused to accept a gift that he had made, and insisted that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughter’s dowry. The sandal paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Subramanya and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value. Legend also has it that Skanda bore the discus thrown by the demon Tarakasuran on his chest, and hence there is a hollow in the chest region of the image of Subramanya in this temple. Legend also has it that Skanda gifted the discus to Vishnu. Skanda is also believed to have imparted knowledge of Tamil to the sage Agasthyar and he is regarded as Veeramurthy, Gnanamurthy and Acharyamurthy in this shrine. Lord Rama, after putting an end to Ravana, worshipped Lord Siva at Rameswaram and then came to Tiruttani to find perfect peace of mind by worshipping Lord Subrahmanya here. In Dwapara Yuga, Arjuna got the blessings by offering prayers to Him on his way to the South for Teertha Yatra (pilgrimage to take sacred immersion). Vishnu prayed to the Lord and got back his powerful Chakra (sacred wheel), Shanku (sacred conch), which were forcibly seized from him by Tarakasura, brother of Soorapadma. Lord Brahma propitiated the Lord here at the holy spring known as Brahmasonai after his imprisonment by our Lord for his failure to explain the Pranava (‘Om’ mantra) and got back his creative function of which he was deprived by our Lord due to his egotistic impudence in neglecting to worship Subrahmanya on his way to Mount Kailasa to worship Siva. The final steps to the eastern entrance. On worshipping at Thanikai, the king of snakes Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the churning process in the Milky Ocean to secure the Amrita(nectar of immortality) by the devas and asuras when the Mantotra Mountain was used as the churning base and the snake king Vasuki as the rope. Sage Agasthyar Muni (of Potikai Hill) worshipped Muruga at Tanikai when he was blessed with the divine gift of the Tamil language. Official Address
Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple, Tirupparankunram, Tamil Nadu Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple and one of the Six Abodes of Murugan, located at Tirupparankunram. The temple is built in rock-cut architecture and believed to have been built by the Pandyas during the 6th century. According to the legend it is where Murugan slayed the demon Surapadman and married Deivayanai, the divine daughter of the king of heaven, Indra, and he is said to have worshipped Shiva here as Parangirinathar. The temple is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Madurai in India. In the main shrine, apart from Muruga, deities of Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka and Durga are housed. The temple follows Shaivite tradition of worship. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Kantha Sashti festival during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October – November) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple is built rock-cut architecture dating back to the Pandya period of 6th century and the life sized sculptures in the mandapas of the Nayaka period during the 16th century. An Aasthaana Mandapa with several artistically carved pillarslead one to the towering 150 feet (46 m) high seven-tiered rajagopuram at the entrance.The granite hill behind the temple is 1,050 ft (320 m) has a shrine of Kasi Viswanatha at the top. The image of Vinayaka in the temple in the temple is sported holding sugarcane and fruits. The Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mahamandapam, the three halls leading to the sanctum, are situated at varying elevation. The main shrine is an early rock cut temple which has cells that house the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, Vinayakar, Shiva and Vishnu. All the statues are carved on the wall of the parankundram rock. The presiding deity shiva is known Parangirinathar and the female deity his consort Parvathi is known as Aavudai Nayaki. Panels depicting Shiva’s dance of bliss are seen outside the sanctum. A notable feature of this temple is that the Shiva and Vishnu face each other in the main shrine, considered a rare thing in ancient Hindu temples. Outside the temple there is tank, where according to the temple tradition, the fishes are served with salt and rice flakes by the devotees. There is also a Vedic school adjacent to the banks of the temple pond. In front of the Dwajasthambam, the flag staff, there is a carved Nandi, Mayil (peacock) and Mouse (the vehicle of Ganesha). There is a flight of six steps called the “Shadashara Padigal”, before Ardha Mandapam. The rock carvings of Mahisshasura Mardini, Karpaga Vinayagar, Andarabaranar and Uggirar are seen in the hall. There are five divine water bodies, namely, Saravana Poigai, Lakshmi Theertham, Saniyasi Kinaru (well), Kasi Sunai, and Sathiya Koopam. Thiruparamkundram finds mention in Kanda Puranam detailing the slaying of Surapadman by Muruga. As per Hindu legend, Surapadma, a demon king, once obtained boons from Shiva on account of severe penance. He started ruling the 1008 worlds on account of the power attained. He married Padumakomalai and had several sons. Viramkendiram became his capital, a city created in the seas and he started troubling the Devas. He imprisoned Indra (the king of celestial deities) and also desired his wife Indrani. Indra sought the help of Muruga. Muruga sent his messenger Viravakutevar to the demon, but he was unmoved. A severe battle was fought in Thiruparamkundram where Muruga killed all the sons of the demon except Iraniyan. Surapadman hid under the sea and Muruga split him into two pieces, which went on the become the divine vehicles, peacock and rooster.The day when Muruga slayed Surapadma is celebrated as Skanda Sashti festival in all the Murugan temples. Indra, the king of Devas was impressed and he married Deivayanai, his divine daughter to Muruga at Thiruparamkundram. Muruga is believed to have worshipped Shiva here as Parangirinathar. Kanthar Anoobothi, a treatise of the divine marriage records that Muruga asked all the divine angels and gods who attended the marriage to fly back to heaven in their own vehicles in Mano veham(speed of thought)nscriptional evidences point out that this temple, being carved out of a hill, was most probably earlier a Jain cave. There is another theory that earlier to this, the Murugan temple existed much before the 6th century and converted into Jain worship centre by Jain monks under the aegis of Pandya king Koon pandiyan. The temple was later converted into a Hindu temple under the tutelage of Gajapathy, the minister of a later Pandya King, during the later part of the 8th century. The temple has several additions during the regime of Madurai Nayaks who commissioned the pillared halls in the temple. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Official Address
Thiruchendur Murugan temple, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to lord Murugan situated in Tamil Nadu, India. The puranic name or historical name for this temple is Jayanthipuram. This temple is the fourth Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu to get ISO certification. It is located in the eastern end of the town Thiruchendur in the district of Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India. It is 60 km south-east of Tirunelveli, 40 km from Tuticorin and 75 km north-east of Kanyakumari. The temple complex is on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Temple is open from 5 AM to 9 PM Tiruchendur Murugan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga at the site of the battle. It is one of the six major abodes, or sacred temples, of the Kaumaram religion. Soorasamharam, a reenactment of the victory over Soorapadman, and Kanda Shasti, a devotional song in praise of Lord Muruga are performed at the temple. The temple, which is built near the seashore, measures 91 m (299 ft) north to south, 65 m (213 ft) east to west, and has a seven-tier gopuram, or tower gate, that is 42 m (138 ft) high.The principal entrance faces south, and opens into the first of two prakarams, the first of which is lined with rows of Yalis. The inner sanctum of the temple is in a cave and the main deity, or moolavar, is Murugan as a saintly child, portrayed in a granite carving. Naazhi Kinaru, a sacred well fed by a freshwater spring, is located 100 m (330 ft) south of the temple. Devotees undergo a ritual cleansing by bathing in water from the well after bathing in the ocean. The Murugan temple at Thiruchendur was occupied by the Dutch East India company from 1646 to 1648, during the course of their war with the Portuguese. The local people tried to free their temple, with no success. The Dutch finally vacated the temple on orders from the Naik ruler. However, while leaving, they removed the idol of the main deity of the temple, and took it with them. During their way in sea, they encountered a strong storm and realised their mistake of stealing the idol. They dropped the idol in the middle of the sea and seen the storm stopped immediately. Later, Lord Senthil Aandavan appeared in a dream to Vadamaliyappa Pillai, an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga, and revealed the place in the sea where the idol had been abandoned. Vadamlaiyappa Pillai and Athitha Nadar, a sponsor of services in the Thiruchendur temple, went to the spot in a fishing boat and retrieved the idol in 1653. The story is shown in paintings inside the temple Official Address
Swaminathaswamy temple, Swamimalai, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Swamimalai dedicated to Murugan 5 km from Kumbakonamon the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery, 250 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is one of the six holy shrines of Murugan called Arupadaiveedu. The shrine of the presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy is located atop a 60 ft (18 m) hillock and the shrine of his mother Meenakshi (Parvathi) and father Shiva (Sundareswarar) is located downhill. The temple has three gopuram (gateway towers), three precincts and sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. As per Hindu legend, Muruga, the son of Shiva, extolled the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (AUM) to his father at this place and hence attained the name Swaminathaswamy. The temple is believed to be in existence from the Sangam period from 2nd century BC and was believed to have been modified by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and British in 1740. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. In Swamimalai, Muruga is known as “Balamurugan” and “Swaminatha Swami”. The temple is built on an artificial hill. In Tamil language, such an artificial hill is called “Kattu Malai”. Another name for this place is “Thiruveragam”. The temple has three gopuram(gateway towers) and three precincts. Out of the three precincts, one is located in the basement, the second at midway to the top of the hillock and the third on the hillock, around the sanctum of the Swaminathaswamy shrine. There are sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The first thirty steps lead to the second precinct of the temple. The image of Swaminathaswamy is 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. There are golden armours, golden crowns and a diamond lance for Swaminathaswamy. There is a shrine of Vinayagar outside the first precinct. The central shrine houses the granite image of Swaminathaswamy. The first precinct has the images of Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswarar and the festival image of Swaminathaswamy. The images of Sundaresawar as lingam (Shiva) and Meenakshi (Parvathi) are located down hill and the first precinct around their shrines have the images of Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswarar and Navagrahas. The second precinct and the largest one of the temple houses a marriage hall and the chariot of the temple.The temple is one of the most visited temples in the district. The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and Tiruttani Murugan Temple.Unlike other Murugan temples, where peacock is sported axial to the image of the presiding deity, an elephant is seen in front of Murugan in the temple. As per Hindu legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Muruga (the son of Shiva) at the time of visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating living beings with the help of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures). On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text with the holy word called Pranav Mantra, “Om”. At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Brahma did not expect such a question from the child and could not reply.Muruga knocked Brahma on his forehead with his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Muruga took up the role of the creator. The Devas (celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested Vishnu to negotiate with Muruga to release Brahma. Vishnu could not help and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma. Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the Om – Shiva asked Muruga to explain the meaning and Muruga extolled to Shiva the meaning of Om. Shiva behaved like a student to a teacher, listening with rapt attention from his son, giving Muruga the name “Swaminatha Swami”.The meaning of this name is “The Teacher of Shiva”.Following the legend, the shrine of the son Muruga is atop the hillock, while the father Shiva’s shrine is located at the basement. As per another legend, once all sages and gods assembled in Kailash, the abode of Shiva. It resulted in the tilting of earth towards one direction. Shiva asked sage Agasthya to move towards South to balance the tilt. Agastya employed a demon by name Ettumba to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South. The demon carried the hills down south and rested in a place. When he tried to lift one of the hills, it didn’t budge and he found a young man standing at the top of the hill not allowing it to be moved. The demon tried to attack the young man, but was smitten. Sage Agastya identified the young man as Karthikeya and asked him to pardon the demon. Karthikeya readily did so and let the hill remain there at Pazhani. It is a practice followed in the modern times where people carry milk in both their shoulders as a devotion to please Karthikeya. The demon carried the other hill to Swamimalai. Official Address
Palani Murugan temple, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu Palani Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. It is located in the town of Palani in Dindigul district, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Coimbatore and northwest of Madurai in the foot-hills of the Palani hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Palani temple is considered synonymous with Panchamritam, a sweet mixture made of five ingredients. As per Hindu legendary beliefs, Sage Narada visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gnana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge). He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons who first encircle the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Murugan([Karthikeya]) started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. Murugan was furious and felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit in Palani . The idol of the Muruga in Palani was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of Hinduism’s eighteen great siddhaas, out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam. Other than the steps and sliding elephant way, there is a winch and rope car service used for transportation of devotees uphill. Six poojas are performed from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m and special poojas on festival days in the temple, when it is open from 4.30 a.m. As of 2016, the temple was the richest among temples in the state with a collection of 33 crore during the period of July 2015 to June 2016. The idol of the deity is said to be made of an amalgam of nine poisonous substances which forms an eternal medicine when mixed in a certain ratio. It is placed upon a pedestal of stone, with an archway framing it and represents the god Subrahmanya in the form He assumed at Palani – that of a very young recluse, shorn of his locks and all his finery, dressed in no more than a loincloth and armed only with a staff, the dhandam, as befits a monk. The temple was re-consecrated by the Cheras, whose dominions lay to the west, and the guardian of whose eastern frontier was supposed to be the Kartikeya of Palani. Housed in the garbhagriham, the sanctum sanctorum, of the temple, the deity may be approached and handled only by the temple’s priests, who are members of the Gurukkal community of Palani, and hold hereditary rights of sacerdotal worship at the temple. Other devotees are permitted to come up to the sanctum, while the priests’ assistants, normally of the Pandāramcommunity, are allowed up to the ante-chamber of the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is situated upon the higher of the two hills of Palani, known as the Sivagiri. Traditionally, access to it was by the main staircase cut into the hill-side or by the yanai-padhai or elephant’s path, used by the ceremonial elephants. Pilgrims bearing water for the ritual bathing of the idol, and the priests, would use another way also carved into the hill-side but on the opposite side. Over the past half-century, three funicular railway tracks have been laid up the hill for the convenience of the pilgrims, and supplemented by a rope-way within the past decade. There are two modes of transport from the foothills to uphill. There is a winch, which operate from 6 a.m. on ordinary days and 4 a.m. during festive occasions. There is another rope car which operates from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both winch and the rope car are closed after the Irakkala Pooja at 8 p.m.The sanctum of the temple is of early Chera architecture while the covered ambulatory that runs around it bears unmistakable traces of Pandya influence, especially in the form of the two fishes, the Pandyan royal insignia. The walls of the sanctum bear extensive inscriptions in the old Tamil script. Surmounting the sanctum, is a gopuram of gold, with numerous sculptures of the presiding deity, Kartikeya, and gods and goddesses attendant upon him. In the first inner prahāram, or ambulatory, around the heart of the temple, are two minor shrines, one each, to Shiva and Parvati, besides one to the sage Bhogar who is by legend credited with the creation and consecration of the chief idol. In the second precinct, is a celebrated shrine of Ganapati, besides the carriage-house of the Muruga’s Golden Chariot. Sage Narada once visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gyana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, Ganesha and Murugan,the sage counseled against cutting it. He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakticombined, circumambulated them. Pleased with their son’s discernment, Shiva awarded the fruit to Ganesha. When Kartikeya returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain. He left Kailash and took up his abode in Palani hills in South India. It is believed that Karthikeya felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit and discarded all his robes and ornaments. He went into meditation to know about himself. As per another legend, once all sages and gods assembled in Kailash, the abode of Shiva. It resulted in the tilting of earth towards one direction. Shiva asked sage Agathiyar to move towards South to balance the tilt. Agastya employed a demon by name Ettumba to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South. The demon carried the hills down south and rested in a place. When he tried to lift one of the hills, it didn’t budge and he found a young man standing at the top of the hill not allowing it to be moved. The demon tried to attack the young man, but was defeated. Sage Agastya identified the young man as Murugan(Karthikeya) and asked him to pardon the demon. Murugan readily did so and let the hill remain there at Pazhani. It is a practice followed in the modern times where people carry milk in both their shoulders as a devotion to please the lord. The demon carried the other hill to Swamimalai, which is another of the six abodes of lord Murugan. The idol of the Muruga in Palani, was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of aaseevaham’s (Ancient Tamil Culture) eighteen great siddhas out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam. The legend also holds that, the sculptor had to work very rapidly to complete its features, but that he spent so much time in creating the face, he did not have time to bestow but a rough grace upon the rest of the body, thus explaining the contrast between the artistic perfection of the face and the slightly less accomplished work upon the body. A shrine to Bhogar exists in the southwestern corridor of the temple, which, by legend, is said to be connected by a subterranean tunnel to a cave in the heart of the hill, where Bhogar continues to meditate and maintain his vigil, with eight idols of Muruga. The deity, after centuries of worship, fell into neglect and was suffered to be engulfed by the forest. One night, Perumal a king of the Chera Dynastys, who controlled the area between the second and fifth centuries A.D., wandered from his hunting party and was forced to take refuge at the foot of the hill. It so befell, that the Subrahmanyan, appeared to him in a dream, and ordered him to restore the idol to its former state. The king commenced a search for the idol, and finding it, constructed the temple that now houses it, and re-instituted its worship. This is commemorated by a small stela at the foot of the staircase that winds up the hill. Official Address
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in India. Located in the city of Madurai, the temple has a great mythological and historical significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva assumed the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Parvati (Meenakshi) at the site where the temple is currently located. Renowned for its astonishing architecture, Meenakshi Temple was nominated as one of the wonders of the world, but couldn’t make it into the list of ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. However, the temple is definitely one of the ‘Wonders of India’. It is also one of the main attractions of South India with thousands of devotees thronging it every day. During the ‘Tirukalyanam Festival,’ which takes place over a period of 10 days, the temple attracts more than a million devotees. Despite many people visiting it every day, the temple is well-maintained and was named the ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ (cleanest iconic place) in India. The history of Meenakshi Temple dates back to the 1st century C.E with scholars claiming it to be as old as the city itself. It is said that Kulashekarar Pandyan, a king who ruled over the Pandyan dynasty, built the temple as per the instructions given in his dream by Lord Shiva. A few religious texts that belong to the 1st to 4th century C.E talk about the temple and describe it as the central structure of the city. Texts dating back to the early 6th century, describe the temple as a place where scholars met to discuss important topics. The temple as it stands today, however, was rebuilt throughout the 16th century as it was destroyed by the Muslim invaders. During the 14th century C.E, Malik Kafur, a commander of Delhi Sultanate, led his army into most parts of southern India and looted many temples including the famed Meenakshi Temple. Valuables, such as gold, silver and precious gems were taken to Delhi. Since temples in those days had abundance of valuables, most of the temples were destroyed and were left in ruins. When the Vijayanagar Empire took over Madurai after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened. The temple was further expanded during the late 16th century and early 17th century by Vishwanatha Nayakar, a king of the Nayaka dynasty. According to researchers, while rebuilding the temple, the rulers of Nayaka dynasty followed the architectural style of ‘Silpa Shastras.’ ‘Silpa Shastras’ are a set of architectural laws found in the ancient texts. Meenakshi Temple, also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple,is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at the center of the ancient temple city of Madurai mentioned in the Tamil Sangam literature, with the goddess temple mentioned in 6th century CE texts. Though the temple has historic roots, most of the present campus structure was rebuilt after the 14th century CE, further repaired, renovated and expanded in the 17th century by Thirumalai Nayak.In the early 14th century, the armies of Delhi Sultanate led by Muslim Commander Malik Kafur plundered the temple, looted it of its valuables and destroyed the Madurai temple town along with many other temple towns of South India. The contemporary temple is the result of rebuilding efforts started by the Vijayanagara Empire rulers who rebuilt the core and reopened the temple. In the 16th century, the temple complex was further expanded and fortified by the Nayak ruler Vishwanatha Nayakar and later others. The restored complex now houses 14 gopurams(gateway towers), ranging from 45–50m in height, with the southern gopura tallest at 51.9 metres (170 ft). The complex has numerous sculpted pillared halls such as Ayirakkal (1,000 pillar hall), Kilikoondu-mandapam, Golu-mandapam and Pudu-mandapam. Its shrines are dedicated to Hindu deities and Shaivism scholars, with the vimanas above the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of Meenakshi and Sundaresvara gilded with gold. The temple is a major pilgrimage destination within the Shaivism tradition, dedicated to Meenakshi Devi and Shiva. However, the temple includes Vishnu in many narratives, sculptures and rituals as he is considered to be Meenakshi’s brother. This has made this temple and Madurai as the “southern Mathura”,one included in Vaishnava texts.The Meenakshi temple also includes Lakshmi, flute playing Krishna, Rukmini, Brahma, Saraswati, other Vedic and Puranic deities, as well as artwork showing narratives from major Hindu texts. The large temple complex is the most prominent landmark in Madurai and attracts tens of thousands visitors a day.The temple attracts over a million pilgrims and visitors during the annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated with much festivities and a ratha (chariot) procession during the Tamil month of Chittirai (overlaps with April–May in Georgian calendar, Chaitra in North India).The Temple has been adjudged best ‘Swachh Iconic Place’ in India as on October 1, 2017 under Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s Flagship Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Official Address
Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu Ucchi Pillayar koil, is a 7th century Hindu temple, one dedicated to Lord Ganesha located a top of Rockfort, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. Historically this rock is the place where Lord Ganesha ran from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam. Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort is also fondly called as in Tamil. The Rock Fort temple stands 83m tall perched atop the rock. The smooth rock was first cut by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai who completed both the temples under the Vijayanagara empire. The temple is situated at the top of the rock. The temple is mystic in its nature with an awe-inspiring rock architecture. The Ganesha temple is much smaller with an access through steep steps carved on the rock and provides a stunning view of Trichy, Srirangam and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam. Due to its ancient and impressive architecture created by the Pallavas, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological department of India. Vibhishana, was the younger brother of the Asura King Ravana who ruled Lanka. Lord Rama in the epic of Ramayana rescues his wife Sita, who was kidnapped and held by Ravana, with the help of Sugriva and Hanuman defeated him. In this war, the moral and truth-abiding brother of Ravana, Vibishana aids Rama in his battle against his brother. Ultimately Rama wins the war and as a token of love, he gives Vibishana a vigraham (idol for worship) of Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. Vibhishana, though he supported Rama, was basically an Asura, hence the Devas (who are arch rivals to Asuras as per Hindu mythology) wanted to stop this idea of an Asura taking Lord’s supreme form to his Kingdom. They request the help of the Remover of obstacles and God of learning, Lord Vinayaka and the Lord accepts the plan. Vibhishana, while on his back to his Kingdom, goes through Trichi, and wanted to take his bath in the river Kaveri and do his daily rituals. However, he is perplexed as the deity, once kept in land, can never be removed and has to be in that place forever. As a solution, Vibishana tries to find someone to hold the deity while he was taking bath. He finds the Lord Vinayaka under disguise of a cowherd boy. As per the plan, when Vibishana is fully into water, Vinayaka takes the deity and keeps it firmly in sand, in the banks of kaveri. On seeing this, the angry Vibhishana chases the boy, to punish him, and boy keeps running and climbs over the rock near the Kaveri bank. Vibhishana finally reaches the boy and hits him on the fore-head. One can see a pit in the forehead of the idol even today.The little boy then reveals himself to be Vinayaka . Vibishana immediately apologizes and the Lord gives him his blessings, reveals that the idol is destined to remain in Srirangam and sends him off to Lanka. This is similar in many regards to the story Of Lord Ganesha in Gokarna with Ravana in the same Ramayana period.. The place in which the Ranganathan deity was kept was later covered in deep forests, due to disuse and after a very long time, it was discovered when a Chola king chasing a parrot found the deity accidentally. He then established the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam as the largest temple complexes in the world. Meanwhile, the Pallavas built the Vinayaka temple and the Thayumanaswamy temple, in the rock which Vinayaka used to escape Vibishana. Uchi Pillayar is always associated with Manicka Vinayagar at the foothills. It is a general worship practise to pray obesiance with Manicak Vinayagar before visiting Uchi Pillayar. Official Address
Vedal Shiva Temple, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram Vedal, pronounced as Vaedaal (also known as Neelasathurvedimangalam or Veera Chozha Sathurvedimangalam) is a village in the Cheyyur taluk, Kanchipuram district of Tamilnadu, India. It is located 105 kilometres (65 mi) away from Chennai and 45 kilometres (28 mi) away from Pondicherry on the Tamilnadu East Coast Road ECR. Vedal is situated about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) far from the Bay of Bengal coast and is well known for the temple of Shiva Vadavayil Andavar (means – Chola’s Northern gateway God) located here; once upon a time it was the northern entrance for the great Chola Dynasty. It was the last among the temples built by the king Raja Raja Chola I. There are two routes to reach this temple. For those proceeding through Madurantakam, the temple is about 37 kms from Madurantakam and about 10 kms from Choonambedu. For those proceeding through the ECR route, the temple is about 5 kms from Kadappakkam and about 45 kms from Puducherry. Vedal Shiva Temple, Vedal, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram District Mobile: 94430 74074 / 99443 26789 / 96269 26789 / 99439 11541 Official Address
– – The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.40 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. – – Sri Puthrakameshti Easwarar Temple,Pudukamoor, Arani – 632 301,Thiruvannamalai DistrictMobile: +91 97891 56179 / 96294 73883 / 9486046908
Ravikula Maanikkaeswarar Temple, Dhadapuram, Villupuram Official Address
Kari Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Dhadapuram, Villupuram The old name of Dhadapuram was Rajarajapuram. In the records it is referred to as ‘Venkundra Kottathu Nalloor Naattin Rajarajapuram’. This temple was constructed by Raajaraja Chola’s sister Kundavai Pirattiyaar. There are 14 inscriptions in the temple. The inscriptions of Rajaraja Chola II, Rajendra Chola I, and Rajendra Chola II are the notable ones. Kundavai Pirattiyaar constructed Ravikula Maanikkaeswarar temple, Kundavai Vinnagar Azhvar temple and the Kundavai Jain temple. The Azhvar temple is now known as Kari Varadharaja Perumal temple. The whole temple is artistic. All the temple rituals are being celebrated in a grand manner. Official Address
Vedapuriswarar Temple, Cheyyar, Thiruvannamalai By worshiping in this temple one will get rid of Mental Worries. To get married one has to do Nagalinga Abishekam. By consuming the fruits of this temple’s palm tree, the couple who are not having child are conceiving and getting the blessings of Vedapuriswarar. Many from foreign countries are requesting for this fruits and the temple is sending them regularly. On every Saturday morning 9 AM to 10.30 by doing Sarpa Dosha Nivarthi Pooja at the Nagalingam, devotees are getting Sarpa dosha nivarthi. Devotees are relieved from depression. Performing Abishekam to the Nagalingam here ensures a progeny. Those who worship Saturn here each Saturday between 9.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. (Rahu Kalam) are relieved of the anger of the serpents (Naga dosha). The main deity Vedapuriswarar blesses his devotees all peace and happiness. People come here for employment chances, business development, promotions in offices and other material gains. Devotees perform Kalayana Utsavam (marriage festival for the Lord and His Consort), offer snake jewel (Nagabaranam), ghee for the temple lamps, perform abisheks with milk, curd, oil, tender coconut, sacred ash, rose water, sandal paste, offer cloths to the deities, feeding the visiting devotees. During Adi Puram and Kruthika month the Goddess and the Lord are bathed in Pot water and Sangu (Kalasabishekam and Conch pouring). The devotees also prepare Nivedhanas to the Gods through the temple and distribute it to the visitors. The devotees of the temple and the natives of the town celebrate a festival every year with street processions which spans 10 days, called Brahmotsavam. The 6th, 7th and 10th days of the festival are celebrated in a grand manner. The 6th day is celebrated on a large scale by the Brahmin Community Trust. The 7th day function is celebrated in grand manner called Thiruther Vaibhavam. It is the main day of festival. The 10th day function is celebrated at night. 10 days Bhrammotsavam with street processions and Kailash Darshan festival for Ravaneswaran on the last day, Laksha deepam (One lakh deepas) Festivals for Gnanasambandar and Sundarar, Monthly Deepa Puja for the Goddess, Abishekam to the palm tree each Tamil Month, Deepavali, Tamil and English New Year’s day and Pongal are the days of festivity in the temple. Tirugnanasambandar converting Male Palm Tree to Female Palm Tree: Many years back there was often flood in the river. Due to that the walls of the temple were get damaged. To avoid this damage one devotee of this temple raised the banks and planted Palm Trees (பனை மரம்). All the trees were male tree and not a single female tree. There were no fruits (நொங்கு) from the trees. On seeing this few Jains started mocking at the Siva devotee and telling them that this is the power of lord Siva. They challenged let lord Siva change these trees to female and get the fruits. Only then we believe in Siva. The worried devotee mentioned this to the visiting Tirugnanasambandar about this. Tirugnanasambandar sung a Thevara Pathigam and in the end of the Pathigam he sung “குரும்பை ஆண்பனை ஈன்குலை ஓத்தூர்”. Immediately with the grace of Lord Vedapuriswarar all the male trees were transformed in to female trees and yielded the fruits. On seeing this all Jains in that area converted to Saivism. Even today we can see the stone palm tree in front of Ambal Sannithi. Poojas are conducted for this tree. Story behind Nandhi facing outside: The Nandhi in this temple will not be looking towards Sannadhi. It will be facing outside. As Siva teaching Vadam to all the Devas and Rishis, he had instructed the Nandhi not to allow anyone except Devas and Rishis. Due to this reason Nandhi is facing outside. Another Story behind Nandhi facing outside: The King Thondaman had very strong faith on Vedapuriswarar. Once he was defeated by another king Visuvavasu. Thondaman lost his confident and prayed Lord Vedapuriswarar. The Lord gave lot of strength by providing his support and instructed Nandikeswarar to help Thondaman to win the war. To go with Thondaman Nandhi was looking outside. Parvathi made Cheyyar River with her Trisula: Legend says that Goddess Parvathi (Balakusalambigai or Ilamulainayagi) made a line on the earth’s surface with her Trisula to make a river for her son, Lord Muruga to play. Etymology: The temple was where Shiva preached Vedas to the Devas hence the name Vedapureeshwarar and the place was called Thiru vedapuram or Thiru odhu Puram in Tamil now corrupted to thiruvettipuram. It is located at a distance of about 33 Kms from Kancheepuram, 33 kms from Arani, 33 kms from Arcot, 34 kms from Vandavasi. Vedapuriswarar Temple, Cheyyar, Thiruvannamalai Phone: 04182- 224387
Aramvalartha Eswarar Temple, Anaikattu, Kanchipuram At about 1.2 kms after the end of the Palar river bridge, take the right (west) ward deviation towards Maduranthakam for another 5 kms to reach Anaikattu. To reach Anaikattu from Chengalpet, Take Bus No 188 D, 100 D and 100 C. To reach Anaikattu from Maduranthakam, Take Bus No T 10. Aramvalartha Eswarar Temple, Anaikattu, Kanchipuram District, Mobile: +91 89402 81959 / 98439 01221
Kandhaswamy Temple, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/09/kandhaswamy-temple-cheyyur-kanchipuram.html Kandhaswamy Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Muruga located in Cheyyur in Kanchipuram district in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple was constructed during the Cholas during the 10th century. Muruga is worshipped as Kandhaswamy along with his consorts Valli and Deivasena. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The place is about 25 kms south of Maduranthagm. In Olden days this town was known as Jayamkonda Chola Nallur and Virarajendra Nallur. As per epigraphical evidences, it belonged to Jayamkonda Chola Mandalathu Chembur Kotta Puraiyur. This town was also called Seioorm, Seigaiyampathy and Valavapuri. In this place there is a temple for Lord Siva Known as Puttridang Kondaar Temple and Kariya Mannikakam Perumal Temple. Arunagiri Nathar has revered the temple in his verses in Tirupugal. There are idols of 27 Vedhalams (Bhootganas/ghosts) representing 27 stars found in the temple and it is unique which cannot be found anywhere else. Lord Brahma and Vishnu are standing as Dwarapalakas of Lord Shiva. The goshta images of Subramanya are unique the dancing Skanda, Skanda carrying bow and arrow, etc. The temple is open from 6 am – 12:30 pm and 4:30 – 8:00 pm on all days. Four daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Vaikasi Visagam, Kanthasashti festival, Surasamharam, Thaipoosam festival and Panguni Uthiram festival being the most prominent being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. Morning: 7 am to 11 am – Pooja at 9 am Evening: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm (on Astami days after full moon from 5 pm to 9 pm) Kandhaswamy temple has a flat Rajagopuram in the North, piercing the rectangular granite walls around the temple. Road construction over the years has resulted in swallowing parts of the idols in the multiple pillars that stand in front of the temple. There are two entrances to the temple. One is through the South facing main entrance. There is an entrance through the East through which also one can reach the inner prakaram and the Artha Mandapa. The presiding deity Kandhaswamy is housed in the East facing sanctum, with Valli and Deivasena on either of his sides. Kandhaswamy is flanked by the Dwarapalakas, Suveeran and Sujanan on either side. The sanctum is approached from the main entrance through the flag staff hall, Maha Mandapam and Artha Mandapam. There is 5 ft. (1.5 m) granite Vel in front of Kandhaswamy. The flag staff is located in the flagstaff hall axial to the sanctum. An image of peacock, the vehicle of Muruga and Surya faces the main shrine in the Maha Mandapam. On entering the temple, one can find the Somanathar, Meenakshiammai Shrine to the left of the front Mandapam. There are shrines of Vinayaga before the Mahamandapam and the sanctum is guarded by Brahma and Vishnu, which is an unusual feature in Murugan temples. Nandi is found in front of the shrine. The shrine of Thiripurasundari is located in the second precinct. There are separate shrines of Valli and Deivasena in South facing shrines diagonally opposite to the sanctum. The image of Somanathar and Meenakshi are in the temple. The images of the 27 Bhutaganas, each 2 ft. (0.61 m) tall are sculpted in the niches around the sanctum. The first precinct around the sanctum houses the images of Nrithuya Kanthar, Bala Kanthar, Brahma Sastha, Sivagurunathar, Veduvar and Navagrahas. A unique feature of this temple is that all Goshta Devathas are different forms of Subramanya. Usually in Saivaite temples one can see Vinayaka, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar or Vishnu, Brahma, Chandikeshwarar, Durga, Bhairava, and Surya are seen as Goshta Devathas. But in this temple, one can see that there is Nrittaskanda instead of Vinayaka, Brahmasasta instead of Dakshinamoorthy, Bala Skanda instead of Vishnu, Sivagurunatha instead of Brahma and Pulindhar (Lord Muruga in the form of a hunter) instead of Durga. Moreover, Chandikeshwarar and Bhairava who are normally found in Shiva temples are found here in their usual places. The Surya in this temple is called Guha Surya. Apart from these forms of Muruga, there is also an Arumugha Swamy facing the Southern entrance. On the outer Prahara, as we circumambulate, we can find Ganesha shrine and a Nandavanam to the North of the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Sthala Vrikshams of this temple are Vanni and Karungali. To the North of the Dwajasthambam, is the Amman shrine and there is a Sarva Vadya Mandapam in front of it. Till the year 1947, all kinds of musical instruments were played and dance recitals conducted during festivals in this mandapam. Behind the Dwajasthambam, there is a separate Shrine for Navagrahas. Periyandavar Puja is also observed at this temple. Outside the temple, on the Navasandhis, there are nine Vinayakas said to have been worshipped by the Navagrahas. These also add to the uniqueness of the temple. To the West of the temple, is a tank called Chettikulam. Chetty is one of the names by which Lord Muruga is known. This tank belongs to the temple. The pillars outside the main entrance of the temple also have few intricate Sculptures. There are several beautiful sculpture panels found at the outside of the temple wall. The temple follows Saivite tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 7:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:30 p.m., and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. During the Arthajamam between 8:30 – 9:00 p.m, Kandhaswamy is believed to offer his worship Somanatha along with the 27 Bhoothaganas and it is enacted every day. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) & Deeparadhanai (waving of lamps) for both Kandhaswamy and Thiripurasundari. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple is open from 6 am – 12:30 pm and 4-9:00 pm on all days. The temple has many festivals in its calendar, with the Vaikasi Visagam, Aadi Krithigai, Kanthasashti, Surasamharam, Karthigai Deepam, Thaipoosam and Panguni Uthiram are the festivals being the being the most prominent. Sarva vadyam is a music instrument used in the temple from historic times during the festive occasions. Chengalvaraya Sastri, a historical musician is believed to have composed songs praising the presiding deity. The practise of singing his songs during the rituals is continued in modern times. During Kandha Sashti, the Vel Vaangum Vizha is celebrated behind the Mahodhara Bootha Vethalam belonging to Pooradam star. As per Hindu legend, Muruga obtained the Vel (spear) from his mother Parvathi from Sikkal Singaravelan Temple. He slayed Sooran, the demon, the event called Surasamharam at Thiruchendur. During the war, Bhutaganas, Shiva’s army, is also believed to have helped Murugan. Since Murugan killed Sooran and his son Iranyeswaran, he attained Dosha (sin). To propitiate himself from the sin, he is believed to have installed the image of Shiva as Somanatha at this place and worshipped Shiva. Since the son of Shiva (called Sei) worshipped him, the place is called Cheyyur. The 27 Bhutaganas are personified to the 27 stars as per Hindu mythology. Cheyyur is a taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. One can reach Cheyyur through two routes, one through Madurantakam and the other through the East Coast Road, which goes towards Puducherry. This town is about 25 kms from Madurantakam and 5 kms from the Ellaiyamman Koil Bus Stop on East Coast Road (ECR). The nearest airport is Chennai and railway station is Chengalpattu. Kandhaswamy Temple, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram Mobile: +91 – 94447 29512
Kariya Manikka Perumal Temple, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram Cheyyur is a taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. One can reach Cheyyur through two routes, one through Madurantakam and the other through the East Coast Road, which goes towards Puducherry. This town is about 25 kms from Madurantakam and 5 kms from the Ellaiyamman Koil Bus Stop on East Coast Road (ECR). The nearest airport is Chennai and railway station is Chengalpattu. Official Address
Vanmikinathar Temple, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram Cheyyur is a taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. One can reach Cheyyur through two routes, one through Madurantakam and the other through the East Coast Road, which goes towards Puducherry. This town is about 25 kms from Madurantakam and 5 kms from the Ellaiyamman Koil Bus Stop on East Coast Road (ECR). The nearest airport is Chennai and railway station is Chengalpattu. Official Address
Avinashi Lingeswarar Temple, Avinashi, Tirupur Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/10/avinashi-lingeswarar-temple-avinashi.html Tiruppukkozhiyur (also called Karunaiyaaththaal Temple, Avinasilingeswarar temple and Avinasiappar temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Avinasi, a panchayat town in Coimbatore district in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. Shiva is worshipped as Avinasiappar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Karunambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers five acres and it houses two gateway towers known as gopurams, each facing the Avinasiappar and Karunambigai shrine. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Avinasiappar and his consort Karunambigai being the most prominent. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated during the day of the Magam (February – March) is the most prominent festival. The original complex is believed to have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamilnadu. The Avinashi temple is believed to be the first among the seven shivastalams of Kongunadu. Avinashi is part of the ancient Kongunadu which now comprises the districts of Coimbatore, Salam, Dharmapuri, Karur and Palani. Avinashi temple is located on the Chennai Cochin NH47 highways. The Tamil saying goes – Kasiyil Vasi Avinashi meaning that what the devotee derives by worshipping in Kasi-Varanasi, he/she derives half of the benefits by worshipping Avinashilingeswara in Avinashi. Lord Avinashi Appar, Lord Bhairava and the holy water-Theertham- are brought from Kasi. Bathing in the Kasi well in the temple on new moon day-Amavasya brings manifold benefits to the devotee. There will be no interval closing of the temple on new moon days. Vinasam in Sanskrit or Tamil means perishable. Avinashi means imperishable. This temple is situated 40 kms from Coimbatore and about 13 kms from Tirupur on the Coimbatore Road. The temple is located on the main road. Frequent Bus facilities are available from Coimbatore, Thiruppur and Erode. The nearest railway station is at Tiruppur (10 Kms from Avinashi) and the nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (40 kms from Avinashi). Another Paadal Petra Sthalam Thirumurganpoondi is about 5 Kms. from here. Arulmigu Avinashi Lingeswarar Temple Avinashi – 641 654, Tirupur District Phone: +91- 4296 – 273 113 Mobile: +91 – 94431 39503 Official Address
Amanalingeswarar Temple, Thirumoorthy Hills, Udumalaipettai, Tirupur The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m continuously. Four pujas are performed on Mahasivarathri day in February-March. The devotee crowd is usually huge on Aadi new moon day (Aadi Amavasya in July August), Thai new moon day – Thai Amavasya – in January – February, Mahalaya Amavasya – new moon day in Purattasi in September – October. Special pujas on Sundays at 12.30 p.m. and special pujas in Aavani Sundays in August-September and annual abishek days in August are the festive days in the temple. It is believed that those waiting for a child should bathe in the holy spring, worship the Saptha Kannikas for the purpose. Those having rashes or scars in the face (called Maru in Tamil) are advised to bathe in Thoni River and put salt and pepper in the river. Women seeking child boon are advised to sit on a stone called Varadikal with a coconut and fruits and should pray with a determined mind. During the prayer, if they unknowingly touch the coconut and the fruits, they are sure to achieve the boon. Also unmarried youth seeking higher education, jobs, and peace of mind pray here with fruits and coconut to the Lords. The temple is famous for the sandal paste worship. It is believed that if the devotees throw the sandal balls on the Lord, and if that ball sticks on the forehead of the Lord, their prayers would be fulfilled. According to Hindu mythology, Atri Maharishi along with his wife Anusuya Devi lived here. Sage Narada was moved by the Anusuya’s Devotion to husband and he praised her a lot before the wives of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva which made them envious of her. They requested their husbands to reduce her devotion to husband. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva went to Anusuya as guests when Atri Maharishi was not there at home. They asked her to serve them food. When she agreed to do so, they said that they will accept her alms on the condition that she serves them without wearing clothes. Anusuya falls into a quandary. If she comes without clothes in front of other men her devotion to husband will be reduced. If she refuses then that will be a disgrace to the guests and they can take away all the power of Atri. Anusuya felt that the three guests who asked such a strange favour are not common people since they are trying to place her in a fiddly situation. Anusuya prayed to her husband in her mind and said that she doesn’t have any fear serving them without clothes as she is not affected by desire. When she heard the guests asking for alms saying Oh Mother! Give us some food where they called her a mother, she decided to consider them as her children and serve them as requested. Because of her greatness and as per her thoughts by the time she came to serve food the three gods became small children and her breasts started producing milk. She then breastfed them and put them to sleep in a cradle. Atri came back afterwards and hearing the story from Anusuya praised the three gods sleeping in the cradle. They woke up in their original form and praised Anusuya’s devotion to husband and gave her a boon. Anusuya requested that these three should be born as her children—the incarnation of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma as sage Durvasa, Dattatreya and the moon-god Chandra. The Thiru Moorthi’s blessed the couple and hence the place is known as Thiru Moorthi hills. Of the many places sacredly attached to Lord, Tirumuthi hills occupy a significant place, because, it is believed that Lord graces here invisibly as a child. He imparts all boons the devotee asks for. Tirumurthimalai is also the place indicated by Lord Shiva to Sage Agasthya to have his Kailash wedding darshan. The place is also revered as Panchalinga Sthala, hence praised as Kailash of South. It is situated 50 Kms from Pollachi and 23 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. Panchalingas are at a height of 900 meters from the foot hill. Bus facilities are conveniently available from Udumalpet and Dharapuram via Dhali. Nearest Railway Station is located at Udumalpet and Nearest Airport is located at Coimbatore. Sri Amanalingeswarar Temple, Dhali, Tirumurthimalai, Udumalpet, Coimbatore district Phone: +91-4252 – 265 440
Aadhikesava Perumal Temple, Illalur, Thiruporur, Kanchipuram Official Address
Swayambeeswarar Temple, Illalur, Thiruporur, Kanchipuram Official Address
Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Kadukkaloor, Kanchipuram There are two ways to reach Kadukkaloor. While coming from Chennai, this is about 10 kms on the right side (west) of Kadappakkam on the ECR, after Midway restaurant and ECR-Inn restaurant; before the road to Alamparai fort. This place is well connected as all the buses from Chennai to Pondicherry will make a stop at Kadappakkam. Kadappakkam is located at distance of 70 Kms from Chennai. Autos are available in Kadappakkam to reach this Temple. There are certain private buses taking old Chennai Pondicherry Route via Madurantakam, Choonambedu, & Marakkanam. Get down at Choonambedu and this place is approximately located at distance of 8 kms from Choonambedu. Sri Ambujavalli Sametha Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Devasthanam Kadukkaloor Post, Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu – 603401 Phone: 27545768 Mobile: +91 98653 14072 / 98439 01224 Mobile: +91 99430 90385 / 98428 29919
Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kadukkaloor, Kanchipuram There are two ways to reach Kadukkaloor. While coming from Chennai, this is about 10 kms on the right side (west) of Kadappakkam on the ECR, after Midway restaurant and ECR-Inn restaurant; before the road to Alamparai fort. This place is well connected as all the buses from Chennai to Pondicherry will make a stop at Kadappakkam. Kadappakkam is located at distance of 70 Kms from Chennai. Autos are available in Kadappakkam to reach this Temple. There are certain private buses taking old Chennai Pondicherry Route via Madurantakam, Choonambedu, & Marakkanam. Get down at Choonambedu and this place is approximately located at distance of 8 kms from Choonambedu. Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kadukkaloor Village, Kanchipuram District, Mobile: +91 99437 31155 / 94435 96370 / 99439 11837
Kanagapureeswarar Temple, Mugaiyur, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram Official Address
Uthira Vaidhyalingeswarar Temple, Kattur, Kanchipuram Official Address
Chenganmaaleeswarar Temple, Chenganmaal, Thiruporur, Kanchipuram Temple legend has it that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here offering 1008 lotus flowers. He was praying Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Lord Shiva made a trick and made one flower vanish from 1008 lotuses. When Lord Vishnu was about to offer the last flower, He was shocked to see that there was no more flowers. Lord Vishnu immediately owed himself as the last flower to complete the Pooja. This temple is believed to have been built during 12th century. This temple does not have a Rajagopuram. The Lord here is facing east. Goddess Brihannayaki is beautiful and is facing south. This small temple has a beautiful Prakaram on which Lord Ganesha is on the south west corner. Lord Ganesha is seen here as Sri Selva Vinayagar. There is an Urchava Mandapam made of stone pillars adjacent to Sri Selva Vinayagar shrine. Other deities are Sri Subramanyar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Brahma and Sri Durgai. Surya Bhagavan has a small shrine facing west adjacent to the main entrance. There is a tall concrete Mandapam adjacent to Surya Bhagavan shrine for the temple’s bell. An old, tall Dhwajasthambham adds attraction to the Prakaram. There is a big pond outside the temple on its northern side, which serves as Theertham for this temple and is called as ‘Vishnu Theertham’. The Sthala Viruksham here is Vilvam. Chenganmaal village lies about 40 kms from Chennai on the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), just 2 kms before Thiruporur. Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple, Sevilimedu, Kanchipuram There is epigraphic evidence to show that Raja Parameswara Pallava performed Samprokshanam for this temple. The age of the temple is said to be around 1200 years old. The temple is situated in 2 acres with 65 feet Rajagopuram. There are separate Sannathis for Perumal, Thayar and Anjaneya Swamy. The Moolavar Narasimhar is 7 ft. height and 5 ft. breadth, the Uthsavar is known as Soundarya Varadhar. Thayar is also 5 ft. height with 3 ft. breadth. The Thayar is called Soundaravalli Thayar. The Kanchi Varadarajar temple is a famous and well known temple and Pallava kings have taken great care of this temple and this temple had glorious time during their kingdom. However during the Mughal invasion there was a great threat to the temples and Kanchi Varadarajar was taken to this temple at Sevilimedu village in the banks of Palar. There was a beautiful Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple at this village. Varadaraja Perumal was kept here for one year and his Utsavams were performed here. The archa-Vigrahas were taken to this temple from original Varadaraja temple through a tunnel which can be even seen today. In order to remind of this incident even today Sri Varada visits this temple during Chitra Pournami day. Another interesting note is that the famous well from which Sri Ramanuja used to offer water to Sri Varada is situated near to this temple. The Well is called Salakkinaru meaning the Well near the road. There is another interesting place near Sevilimedu. This place is called Nadavavi Kinaru. This is a big well-constructed during Pallava Period. In those days this is used for irrigation purpose. Beneath the water there is a Mandapam. During Chitra Pournami the water will be drained out. There are steps to get in to the Mandapam. On the night of Chitra Pournami, Sevilimedu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy gives darshan to all astikas in this mandapam. This place is 6 kms away from Sevilimedu. The temple and the main sanctum face east. The main deity, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, is in a seated pose with Goddess Lakshmi on his left lap. His upper hands hold the conch and discus, while his lower right hand is in the attitude of reassuring his devotees that he will protect them and his left hand encircles Goddess Lakshmi. The processional deity of this temple is known as Sri Soundarya Varadar. In front of this main sanctum is a large mandapam with many pillars, datable to the 15th – 16thcentury A.D., of the era of the Vijayanagara kings which are studded with numerous sculptures. To the side of this mandapam is a small sanctum with stone images of Sri Vishvaksena, Ananta, Vaikunthavasa, Poigai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, Ramanuja and Vedanta Desika. Leading from this mandapam is another one hall of a similar type, but much larger and more ornate. In this pillared hall is a shrine for a large stone image of Garuda in Anjali hasta, facing Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal. In the same mandapam, is another small sanctum for Sri Bhakta Anjaneya facing south. Situated in the vast prakara, to the right of the main sanctum and facing east, is the shrine for Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped in this temple as Sri Soundarya valli Thayar. This temple, which was in a dilapidated condition, has been renovated. Although many parts of the temple have been much modernized, vestiges of the art and architecture of the bygone eras are still seen here, especially the architectural expansion which took place in the Vijayanagara times. In 2011, the Maha Samprokshanam of this temple took place and in 2008 the Rajagopuram Samprokshanam was conducted. A few festivals are celebrated in this temple which follows the codes of the Vaikhanasa Agama. During every Swati nakshatram, Thirumanjanam takes place for Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Fridays in the month of Thai are important for Thayar here. In the month of Chittirai, Sri Varadaraja Swami from the famous temple of Kanchipuram visits this temple and goes around the village and then goes to the nearby historic village of Ayyangarkulam where there is a large temple for Sri Anjaneya. Official Address
Kameswarar Temple, Madavilagam, Kanchipuram Sri Vygrapathar Maharishi, who by a boon sought by him, was equipped with tiger`s legs to enable him to climb vilva trees to pluck vilva leaves, had worshiped the Lord here according to the temple legend. Presiding Deity is called as Kameswarar and Mother is called as Kokilambal. The 1000 year old temple is fully built with stones. The Lord has a replica which is decorated and taken to the streets during times of festivals. Vygrapathar, the Saivite saints, Bhairavar, Vishnu, Murugan with Valli and Devasena are housed in separate shrines in the temple. The temple is open once a day. The special feature of the temple is it has four sacred tanks. Two of the tanks are dedicated to God of Death, Yama and Moon, Chandran. The sacred tree is Vilvam as usual with Siva temples. This temple is in a very pathetic condition with bushes all around, bats flying and the Gopura Kalasam itself is not there. The temple urgently needs repair and renovation. Many festivals like Pradosham, Vaigasi Visagam, Arudra Dharisanam, Karthigai Deepam, and Sivarathri are celebrated in this temple. It is located at a distance of 12 kms from Cheyyur near Maduranthakam. Bus route is 12A from Mathuranthagam. Share autos are available from Pavunjur via Kalkulam. Other route is via ECR/OMR. From ECR/OMR, go to Kalpakkam from there take Anaikattu route to Kalkulam. Temple is 1 km from Kalkulam. Kameswarar Temple, Madavilagam, Cheyyur, Kanchipuram District Phone: 044-27500525 Mobile: +91 – 9787734627
Ellamman Temple, Nathanallur, Kanchipuram Every year Tamil month Chithirai (சித்திரை) first Amavasya, a famous 10 days great festival called Float Festival (தெப்ப உற்சவ திருவிழா) is celebrated for Ellamman. The first nine days Lord is beautifully decorated with ornament and flowers to ride around the village in the “Bullock Cart” with different avatar in each day to show these avatars to the village pilgrims. The carnival is very grand on the 10th day i.e. on Amavasya. All village people with their relatives from nearby cities & towns gather near the Theppakulam at Ellamman temple. Lord Sri Devi Ellamman is beautifully decorated with ornament and flowers. And Amman swing on the Oonjal then the lord is transferred to a floating boat to circle around the Theppakulam on wonderful night with colourful crackers. The joyful carnival ends on the next day with stage drama (தெருக்கூத்து). Also there are many other Hindu spiritual activities will happen on the entire day. Do not miss this great carnival. Nathanallur is a small village in Walajabad taluk, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, India. Tamil Nadu state highway 48 is passing through Nathanallur village. Nathanallur is 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) distance from its Walajabad town, 20.9 kilometres (13.0 mi) distance from its district main city Kanchipuram and 67.1 kilometres (41.7 mi) distance from its state main city Chennai. This Village is located very near to Walajabad Town. There is no specific public transport for Nathanallur. But people will get the public bus on junction (Nathanallur Koot road) at SH 48 where route 79 and 579A buses are available at every 10 minutes interval. Walajabad is the only nearby railway station for local Trains. Official Address
Agastheeshwarar Temple, Nathanallur, Kanchipuram Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/09/agastheeshwarar-temple-nathanallur.html Agastheeshwarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple is located in a small, beautiful village Nathanallur. Nathanallur is at a distance of 6 kms from its main town Walajabad in Kanchipuram district. The original name of this village was nallur. The great poet Nathathanar, Composer of Sirupanatrupadai was born in this village and hence the village is named as Nathanallur. The name of the main deity is lord Agastheeshwarar. One can see Vinayaka, Ambal, Murugan and Navagraha newly installed (Noodhana Pradistai). One kala Pooja is performed every day. The villagers gather periodically and conduct bhajans regularly. Other festivals like Pradoshams, Shivarathri, Annabishekam and Karthigai deepam are also celebrated here. At present the villagers are trying to perform Kumbabishekam for this temple. There is a temple tank nearby. The ruined temple was constructed during the period of Sanga Pulavar Nathathanar lived. Nathanallur is a small village in Walajabad taluk, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, India. Tamil Nadu state highway 48 is passing through Nathanallur village. Nathanallur is 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) distance from its Walajabad town, 20.9 kilometres (13.0 mi) distance from its district main city Kanchipuram and 67.1 kilometres (41.7 mi) distance from its state main city Chennai. This Village is located very near to Walajabad Town. There is no specific public transport for Nathanallur. But people will get the public bus on junction (Nathanallur Koot road) at SH 48 where route 79 and 579A buses are available at every 10 minutes interval. Walajabad is the only nearby railway station for local Trains. Official Address
Ona Kantheeswarar Temple, Panjupettai, Kanchipuram Ona Kantheeswarar Temple (also called Onakanthali) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in the town of Panjupettai, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district in Tamilnadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Ona Kantheeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Kamakshi. Ona Kantheeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the 275 temples revered in the canon. The temple has a small three-tiered Rajagopuram, the entrance tower and all the shrines are located in an elevated structure. The temple has two daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar, namely the Margazhi Thiruvathirai during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January) and Aippasi full moon day Aippasi (October – November) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. The temple is located 1 km (0.62 mi) south-west of Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram in a locality called Panjupettai. Ona Kantheeswarar temple complex has a single prakarams (outer courtyard) covering an area of 80 m2 (860 sq. ft.) and a small three-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower) facing East. The central shrine faces east and holds the two image of Ona Kantheeswarar (Shiva) in the form of lingam made of granite and is believed to be a swayambumurthy (self-manifested). There are two other shrines of Shiva namely Salantheeswarar and Jalandeeswarar. As in other temples in Kanchipuram, there is no separate shrine of Parvathi as it is believed that Kamakshi of Kanchipuram is the common Parvathi shrine for all Shiva temples. There is a separate shrine for Vinayagar called Vaiyurunthi Pillayar. The granite images of Nandi (the bull and vehicle of Shiva), a tall flag staff and a Balipeeta, the place of offering, axial to the sanctum. As in other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the first precinct or the walls around the sanctum of Ona Kantheeswarar have images of Dakshinamurthy (Shiva as the Teacher), Durga (warrior-goddess) and Chandikeswarar (a saint and devotee of Shiva). The temple precinct is surrounded by granite walls. There is a Vinayagar deity at the Thiruvonakandan mandapam at the entrance and if you put your ear, you will get a kind of omkhara sound. Theertham is Onakandhan Teertham. The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. continuously. Devotees believe that chanting a song of Saint Sundarar would bring them prosperity. Performing special abisheks to Lord and Mother, devotees contribute what they can for the maintenance of the temple. As per Hindu legend, the temple was believed to have been built by two asuras (demons) named Onan and Kanthan. The asuras got a lingam (an iconic representation of Shiva) from a forest in the region and became ardent devotees. On account of their devotion, they got all the desired boons. There was a third Asura, Jalandeeswaran, who joined the two, and became an ardent devotee of Shiva. The three shrines in the temple, each dedicated to Onakantheeswarar, Salantheeswarar and Jalandeeswarar are believed to be the respective shrines built by the demons. Sundarar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Ona Kantheeswarar in one verse in Tevaram, compiled as the Seventh Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. It is believed that he got back one of his eyes which he lost on account of not keeping his word in the Ekambaranathar Temple. To test his devotion, Shiva moved toward a tamarind tree and Sundarar followed his footsteps and sung praises of Shiva. His devotion was admired and Shiva turned the tamarind leaves to golden leaves and poured on him from the skies. The Temple is located at about a km to the West of the Ekambareswarar temple near the Sarvatheertham in a corner of the road that leads to Arakkonam, just opposite to the Panjupettai Electricity Board sub-station. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Sri Ona Kantheeswarar Temple, Ona Kandhan Dhali, Panchupettai, Kancheepuram-631 502 Phone: +91-98944 43108.
Panangateeswarar Temple, Thirupankottore, Kanchipuram When Sundarar visited this place Shiva appeared before him in the form of an old man and offered food. Sundarar laughed at him and said when there is no water what is the use of food. The old man scratched the land under his leg and water started flowing. The old man disappeared and Sundarar was surprised and sighted out the temple and visited it. He sang hymns on Siva of this place. There are two deities one worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and the other by Saint Pulasthiar known as Thalapureeswarar and Krupadeeswarar with Ambal Krupagambikai. The temple is constructed in Gajabrushta form (elephant back). Theertham is Jada Gangai and Sundara Theertham. People say that the level at Sundara theertham is just 3 feet even today. Sthala vruksha is Panai tree. It is located at a distance of about 10 Kms from Kanchipuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
Punya Koteeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Rameswarar Linga, Sarva Theertham, Kanchipuram Official Address
Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Ponnur in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The historical name of the place is Tiru Anniyur. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Abathsahayeswarar. His consort is known as Perianayaki. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar. This Shivastalam is located at a distance of 4 km from Mayiladuthurai. Tiruneedur, another Shivastalam is located nearby. There is a temple to Kariyamanicka Perumal in the vicinity of this temple. Kurukkai Veerattam, where Shiva is said to have consumed Manmathan, is also located close by. The sun’s rays illuminate the sanctum for 5 days from the 24th day of the month of Pisces (Panguni) & hence this shrine is referred to as a Bhaskara Stalam. Three worship services are offered each day here. Demon Taraka was harassing the Devas with the boon he obtained from Brahmma. Devas fell at the feet of Lord Shiva for protection. As Lord Shiva was in deep meditation, they could not wake him up. So they engaged cupid-Manmatha the authority to trigger passion in the mind of anyone to shoot the arrow of flowers on Lord. Opening his forehead eye in fury, Lord Shiva reduced Manmatha to ashes. His wife Rathi begged the Lord for her husband. Lord said that she would get him back at an appropriate time. Rathi performed penance on Lord. Manmatha was restored to life and they both jointly worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Granting darshan to them Lord came in here as a Swayambulinga. Shiva is said to have appeared before Agni under the lemon tree which is the stala Vriksham here & hence the name Vikucharanyeswarar. The Pandavas are also believed to have visited this shrine. Shiva is also said to have blessed Harichandra here & hence the name Aabatsakayeswarar. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthy in the temple. Lord is also praised as Agnipureeswarar. The rays of Sun fall on the Lord for five days in the month of Panguni-March-April. Varuna the God of Rain and King Harichandra had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Planets Sun, Sani Bhagwan and Lord Bhairava are side by side in a shrine. Though Sani Bhagwan, son of Sun is generally considered a malefic planet, he is all good to devotees in the temple. Those facing adverse Sani aspects pray here for relief. Lord Muruga with his consorts graces majestically in a different form wearing Kuzhai a circle shape design ear rings. Sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivalingam for 5 days from the 24th day to 28th day of the Tamil month Panguni. It is believed that Lord Shiva is in the form of Agni in the temple, hence also the name Agnipureeswarar. Those performing rituals for the ancestors pray to Lord Shiva here for Atma Shanti. The event of Rathi the wife of Manmatha worshipping Lord is observed in Karthikai month (November-December) with special pujas. Lord Muruga with his consorts graces majestically in a different form wearing Kuzhai a circle shape design ear rings. Sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivalingam for 5 days from the 24th day to 28th day of the Tamil month Panguni. It is believed that Lord Shiva is in the form of Agni in the temple, hence also the name Agnipureeswarar. Those performing rituals for the ancestors pray to Lord Shiva here for Atma Shanti. The event of Rathi the wife of Manmatha worshipping Lord is observed in Karthikai month (November-December) with special pujas. Mother Perianayaki is all merciful to devotees from her shrine. On Aadi Pooram in July-August and Aavani Moola star day, virgins facing delay in marriage, tie bangles to Mother and pray for early auspicious marriage. There are two Dakshinamurthis side by side. Lord Medha Dakshinamurthy has his shrine. Nandhi is at his feet. People pray for wisdom and excellence in education. Parents admitting their children in schools, perform special pujas to both Dakshinamurthis seeking blessings for good education. The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Women pray here for longevity of their Sumangali status and from any grievances they may have. For Hindu women, the wealth they aspire for is the wearing of the Mangalsutra the wedding knot, the kumkum tilak, ear rings, bangles and the Metti in their toes till the end of their life. Widowhood is a curse they would not like to incur and endure. They pray to Lord for this prosperity. This is their Sumangali status. For Hindu women, all other wealth is purely secondary. Devotees perform special abishek and pujas to Lord and Mother offering vastras and curd rice nivedhana. This Temple is located at a distance of 5 Kms from Mayiladuthurai in the north-west direction. Town bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai. Buses are available only at specific hours. The temple is very near the bus stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Another Paadal Petra Sthalam Needur is located nearby in the east direction. One can reach Tiru Anniyur from Needur also. Tirukkurukkai Veerattam, another Paadal Petra Shivasthalam is also located close by in the north direction from Tiru Anniyur. Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Ponnur, Pandur Post – 609 203, Via Needur, Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91 4364 250 758, 250 755
Iluppaipattu Neelakandeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. 10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam in April-May, Shivrathri in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Masi Makam, Panguni Uthiram, Arudra Dharisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam and Markazhi Utsavam are the other festivals celebrated in this Temple. For remedy from illness, to achieve promotions in job, people pray in this temple. They pray in the shrine of Lord Shodasalinga to achieve 16 types of wealth. Devotees perform abishek and offer vastras to Lord and Mother. Parvathi saving Shiva by pressing his Neck: During the churning of the milk ocean, serpent Vasuki used as the rope, was exhausted and spit its deadly venom. To protect the Devas and the world, Lord Shiva devoured the venom before it started spreading. To protect Shiva from the effect of the poison, Mother Parvathi pressed the neck of the Lord from behind so that the venom did not reach the stomach and made it stay at the neck itself. As Mother Parvathi stopped the poison from mixing with the Nectar, She is praised as Amirtha (nectar) Valli. She has her shrine behind Lord Shiva’s. As Mother Parvathi saved her husband, married women pray in the shrine for the longevity of their husbands and thereby their Mangalsutras. Mother’s left hand points to her feet. Shiva appeared as Five Lingas to each Pandava Brothers: Pandavas During their exile, Pandava brothers stayed in this place for some time. They could not get Shivalingas for their worship here. They lit lamps in the Iluppai nuts and worshipped the Lord in meditation. Lord granted darshan to them individually. They prayed to the Lord that he should grace all devotees from this place. He appeared then as five Shivalingas as prayed by the Pandava brothers. Hence, there are five Lingas (Panchalingas) in separates shrines in the temple. Emperor Nala prayed here for reducing Saturn Effects: Towards the end of the seven and half year rule of Saturn-Sani Bhagwan in his life, Emperor Nala was visiting Shiva temples. Before visiting Thirukkadaiyur temple, he came to this temple and felt the impact of the effect of the planet reducing considerably. It is believed that worshipping here would greatly reduce the adverse effect of Sani Bhagwan during such times. This temple is 16 Kms on the west direction from Vaitheeswaran Kovil by road. It is situated near Manalmedu at Iluppaipattu. Bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai and Vaitheeswaran Kovil. From Vaitheeswaran Kovil take the right going to Manalmedu which is about 12 Kilometers and take a right to reach Pazhamanni Padikarai. Ask for Iluppaipattu if you have a doubt. There are about 5 other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams in this route and area, be sure to combine them together. Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple, Iluppaipattu, Manalmedu – 609 202, Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Nagapattinam District Mobile: +91-92456 19738
Kalyanasundareswarar Temple, Tiruvelvikudi, Nagapattinam Tiruvelvikudi was also the place where Shiva granted half of his body to Parvathi making Tiruvelvikudi the birthplace of the Ardhanarisvara cult. This is the 77th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 23rd sthalam on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. The Lord in this temple is facing east and is in the form of Suyambu Linga (formed of its own). As this place has the reputation of being the wedding venue of Lord, it is called as Tiruvelvikudi. The ritual Kanganatharanam was performed to Eswari, this place is also called as Kouthuka Bandhana Shetram. This temple was built 1500 years before. This is a small temple closely associated with Tiruthuruthi, about 3 kilometers away. This Shivastalam is at a distance of 5 km from the Kuthalam railway station near Mayiladuthurai. Dwarabalagars are seen with 4 hands at the entrance of Artha mantapam. In the first courtyard, Lord Thenmuga, Valanchuzhi Vinayagar, Subramaniar with valli and Deivanai, Kothandaramar, Gajalakshmi, Vishnu, Durgai, Sangeswarar are present. Goddess is facing south in the first courtyard. This place has the reputation of being the wedding venue of Lord, so there is no shrine for Navagrahas and no temple tree. Lord himself is sitting in the Easanya – north east corner. This temple has 3 tiers Gopuram (Tower) with 2 prakarams. The images of Ganapathi, Agasthiar, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Chandrasekhara and Ardhanareeswarar adorn the outer walls of the main sanctum. Inscriptions from the period of Sembian Mahadevi and Rajaraja Cholan and Parantaka Cholan have been found in this temple. The temple is facing east. In artha mandapam Sculptures of Agasthiyar, Natarajar and Pillayar (Pillayar is doing prayer for Lord Shiva’s Velvi Completion) are located. Sudhai Sirpam of Kalayana Sundareswarar and Parvathy are located in a separate Sannadhi, looks very beautiful. There are two Bairavars facing Moolavar. During Velvi, Thakkan send birds to disturb, but dwarapalakars made them as ring and wear as ear ring which is not available in any other temples. Theerthams associated with this temple are Mangala Theertham and Gouthugabandhana (Ganganam) theertham. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Four worship services are offered each day here; Arudra Dharisanam, Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Those facing delays in marriage due to planetary adversities, pray here lighting 48 lamps for relief. A yajna is conducted in the temple on full moon days from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. especially for those facing delays in marriage. Men and women having this problem are advised to participate in the proceedings. Realizing their wish, they perform abishek and archanas and express their gratitude to Lord and Mother. Brahma conducting marriage rituals of Shiva and Parvathi here: Mother Parvathi was born to Sage Bharatha in Kuthalam near Tiruvelvikudi. She performed penance for 16 Mondays on Lord Shiva to have his hand as her Lord. Mother made a Linga of sand for the penance. On the 17th Monday, Lord appeared before Parvathi as Manavaleswarar and promised to marry her. Accordingly, the rituals (Velvi in Tamil) were conducted with Brahmma being the head priest for this divine marriage. Hence, the place is named Tiru Velvikudi. No poet can describe the beauty of smiling mother in the temple. Lord Shiva blesses all men and women granting their wedding boon. Shiva helping a prince to get married: The wedding of a princess was fixed to a prince here, but her parents died before the event. The bride side cancelled the marriage. The prince begged the Lord to get him the princess. Lord sent a Bhooda (something like a ghost but used for good purpose), brought the princess and solemnized their wedding. Sundarar got cured of his disease here: This is also the place where saint Sundarar had a bath in the Agni theertham and got his disease cured. Birth place of Ardhanareeswarar: It also has the reputation of Lord Shiva offering half of himself to Shakti and took the form of Ardhanareeswarar. Etymology: The earthly marriage of God Shiva and goddess Parvati was celebrated at Thirumananjeri but the Vedic and religious rituals leading to that marriage were held at this Sthalam, hence the name Tiruvelvikudi. Since the early homams were performed by the divine couple at this place, it is considered beneficial to perform homams here for early marriage. The prayers and rituals are similar to those carried out at Thirumanancheri, except that some special homams are performed on every full moon day, and those whose marriages are delayed are advised to participate. This temple is located near Thirumananjeri, another Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is situated at a distance of 3 Kms from Kuthalam which is on the Mayiladuthurai – Kumbakonam road. Bus services to Tiruvelvikudi and Thirumananjeri are available from Mayiladuthurai. By engaging an auto at Kuthalam, one can visit all the 4 temples viz., Tiruthuruthi, Tiruvelvikudi, Tiruedhirkolpadi and Thirumananjeri easily within half a day. Reach Anjaru from Kuthalam and then travel ½ km to reach Tiruvelvikudi. Bus services are available between Kumbakonam and Kuthalam, bus services and share auto services are available between Kuthalam and Anjaru. Tiruvelvikudi is 1.5 km from Kuthalam near Mayiladuthurai. The place can be reached from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam also. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuthalam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple, Tiruvelvikudi, Kuthalam Post-609 801, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91-4364-235 462
Karuppariyalur Kutram Porutha Naathar Temple, Nagapattinam Karuppariyalur Kutram Porutha Naathar temple is a Hindu temple located at Thalaignaayiru in Nagapattinam district of Tamilnadu, India. The historical name of is Karuppariyalur or Karmanaasapuram. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Kutram Porutha Naathar (Aparaathakshameswarar). His consort is Kolvalai Naayaki. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Tirugnanasambandar and Sundarar. This is the 27th place of the holy places situated in the northern banks of river Kaveri, celebrated by Thevaram. This temple is located about 8 kms from Vaitheeswaran koil. The other names for this sthalam are Thiru Karuppariyalur, Melaikkazhi and Kallar kottai. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and again from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. On the Thirukarthigai and Thiruvathirai days, the Lord goes on procession. All festivals related to Lord Siva are celebrated in a grand manner. Those with no issues, persons whose babies die in infancy due to curse, devotees who pray for male issues or female issues worship the deity of this holy place. When the prayers are fulfilled, the devotees perform pooja to Lord Dakshinamurthi of this place. Story behind the name Kutram Porutha Naathar: Meganaathan was the son of Ravana. Since he won Lord Indra in the war, he was known as ‘Indrajit’. Once, Indrajit was flying in his Pushpaka vimanam across the sky. Suddenly the flight of the vimanam was impeded. When he looked down he understood that he was flying over Siva’s temple and so this impediment had happened to him. Indrajit was sad and he worshipped the deity of this place after taking bath in the sacred theertham. He also tried to shift this wonderful Lingam to Lankapuri. But he could not and fell unconscious in the process. Ravana came to know about this incident. He surrendered to the Lord’s feet, pleaded to him to pardon his son and bestow blessings on him. The kind Lord did so. Hence, the deity of this sacred place is called ‘Kutram Porutha Naathar’. Another version of the story behind the name Kutram Porutha Naathar: According to the legend, Indiran, the king of Devas, is said to have attacked Shiva with his Vajrayutham and Shiva is said to have forgiven him for his hasty act of aggression. Hence Lord Shiva is known here as Aparadha Kshameswarar in Sanskrit and is referred as Kutram Porutha Nathar in Tamil. King Vichitraangan blessed with Children by praying here: King Vichitraangan with his wife Suseelai came to this place and worshipped to beget issues. He was blessed with a child and the happy King erected this beautiful temple – so says history. Surya worshipped Shiva here: Since Sun god worshipped in this place, this place came to be known as ‘Thalaignaayiru’. Brahma informed Vasishta about the importance of this Temple: Lord Brahma informed the sage Vasishta that all the good deeds performed in this holy place would multiply tenfold. The legend states that sage Vasishta installed a Lingam here, worshipped it and blessed with highest wisdom. 72 maharishis attained ‘Mukthi’ here: 72 maharishis have attained ‘Mukthi’ or liberation after worshipping the deity here. Karuppariyalur: Those who come and worship here will not be in the mother’s womb in the next janma are the belief. That is, they will not be born again. The traditional belief is that they will reach the feet of Lord Siva. Hence, this holy place is called ‘Karuppariyalur’. Relief of Hanuman’s dosham or curse: Lord Rama, in order to be relieved off the dosham of killing Ravana during the war, wanted to perform Siva pooja. He asked Hanuman to bring a Sivalingam in a few hours time. Hanuman accepted the command and went towards the northern side. Since he did not return within the stipulated time, Lord Rama created a Lingam in the sand, installed it and worshipped. Where Lord Rama performed pooja to Lord Siva became ‘Rameswaram’. Hanuman was sad to know that the Lingam was installed before he returned. And he also pulled that Lingam by binding it with his tail, but could not do so. Because of his action, Hanuman was penalized. Lord Rama advised him that if he performed tapasya to Lord Siva, he would get rid of the penalty. Accordingly, Hanuman did tapasya and Lord Siva appeared before him and said: “Hanuman! You go to Kanmapuram also called Thalaignaayiru and worship. You will be relieved of this curse.” Thus the Lord graced him. Hanuman, as directed by the Lord, came to Thalaignaayiru, worshipped the deity and got free of his curse. Surprised at the immense benevolence of Lord Siva, he installed a Lingam in his own name at the North-eastern part of this sacred place and began worshipping it. Now, this place is known as ‘Thirukkurakkaa’. This temple is located at about 10 Kms from another Paadal Petra Shivasthalam Vaitheeswaran Kovil. It is better to engage an auto from Vaitheeswaran Kovil to visit this temple as it is situated away from the main bus route. Thalaignaayiru is on the Manalmedu route. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Arulmigu Kutram Porutha Naathar Tirukkovil, Thalaignaayiru – 614 712; (Thiruk karuppariyalur) Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364 – 258 833
Kayarohanaswami Temple, Nagapattinam The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Vaikasi Wedding festival in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Shivrathri in February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. The event of Sage Pundarika entering the shrine of Lord Shiva and merging with him is celebrated during the Arthajama Puja (last puja of the day) in Aani (June-July) on the day when the star Ayilyam rules the skies. The Abhishekam (ablution) is performed to the lingam daily at 9 AM and 8 P.M. When anyone from the sage’s family passes away, the body is brought to the temple gate. The deity’s clothes and garlands are brought out to adorn the body as a special blessing. People pray for relief from the sins committed and for salvation. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. The name, Kayaroganeswarar: Sage Pundarika was advised by Sage Kanwa to do penance to Lord Shiva for seeking salvation. Shiva gave a darshan and embraced the sage and granted salvation. Usually the soul merges with the divine but as the Lord embraced (Aarohanam) Sage Pundarika along with his body (Tamil: Kayam), Shiva is called Kaya (body) Aarohana (embrace) Easwarar – Lord Kayaroganeswarar. Nagai Karonam: Another legend says that the King of Serpents prayed to Shiva and was blessed with a girl child. She was born with three breasts and the serpent king was greatly upset. Shiva assured the king that one breast would disappear when a king from the Surya dynasty visited him. King Shalisuhan came to this place, the third breast vanished. The Naga king in delight gave his daughter to Shalisuhan in marriage. As the Naga king worshipped here, the place came to be known as Nagai Karonam that became Nagapattinam. Saptha Vidanga Sthalam: Emperor Muchukunda got seven Lingas from Indira for the helps he had rendered him. These Lingas were small – Vidanga in size. The Emperor installed the Linga in Seven Places called Saptha Vidanga sthalas. This is one such Sthalas with a Linga so beautiful made of Ruby. Hence, the Lord is named Sundara (beautiful) Vidangar. Irattai Parvai Nandhi: As Ambica is a virgin, Lord sent Nandhi Deva to be her guard. But Nandhi expressed his wish to be with Lord for ever seeing him. Lord said that he can have his darshan though with Ambica. Nandhi in the temple is seen with its neck turned towards Lord with one eye on Ambica and other on the Lord. Hence, the Nandhi is known as Twin View Nandhi (Irattai Parvai in Tamil). Those having vision problems pray to this Nandhi. Rare Custom of placing Garlands and Clothes used for Lord to corpse: Generally, temples are closed if a death occurs in a nearby place. In this place, the garlands and the clothes – vastras used for the Lord is placed on corpse. A fisherman, Adhipathar attained salvation with the grace of Lord Shiva in this place. Remembering this event, as a mark of respect to the community, this practice is followed in this temple. The body is placed before the temple without closing the doors. The garland and the vastras used for the Lord are placed on the body. Lord procession to seven places instead of going around Mada Veedhis: During festival procession, Lord goes round the Mada Veedhis (Streets) and return to the temple. But Lord beginning his procession from this temple, goes to seven places – Poigainallur, Poravacherry, Sikkal, Palur, Vadagudi, Thethi and Nagoor. Maharaja Salija worshipped Lord Shiva and performed puja in these seven places. The present system is to remember this history. Vishnu accompanies Shiva during Pradosham: Against the practice of Lord coming in the Vrushab vahanam on Pradosham days, Lord Vishnu too accompanies Lord Shiva in the guise of Mohini. When the milk ocean was churned, Nectar came out and was served by Lord Vishnu to Devas. Devas failed to pray to Lord Shiva who swallowed the Halahala poison to save the world. Realizing their folly, they begged the pardon of the Lord. Showing his mercy to them, Lord Shiva danced on Nandhi. This dance took place at the Pradosham time. Lord Vishnu’s Mohini Avatar took place a little before this time. This Vishnu darshan is available to the devotees on Pradosham day only. Navagrahas facing West – the Lord: Emperor Dasaratha came to know that Planet Saturn would be splitting the Rohini star causing severe famine in his country. He planned to fight Saturn to prevent him from doing so. Sun God advised Dasaratha to drop his plan but to beg Saturn to change his transit route in public interest. Saturn also admired the earlier plan of the emperor to meet him in war for the sake of his subjects without any selfish motive personally. The planet yielded to the emperor’s wish. Remembering this event, all the planets (Navagrahas) in the temple are facing west-the Lord. Athipathar attained salvation here: Fisherman Athipathar was a staunch Shiva devotee. When he went for fishing, he would offer the first to Lord Shiva. At a stage, he was getting only one fish each day but did not break away from his commitment. He offered them to Lord and returned without any catch. He got a golden fish one day. Though everyone prevented him from throwing it into the sea, Athipathar resolutely stood by his commitment and threw it into the sea. He was awarded with salvation and a place among the 63 Nayanmars. The event is celebrated on the Ayilyam star day in Aavani month (August-September). Athipathar goes in catamaran when fishermen place two gold fishes in the net as if caught in the net. Lord Shiva will appear on the sea shore. Athipathar performs pujas to Lord Shiva with the golden fishes. Shiva will grace darshan to Athipathar. So goes the festival grandly. Azhuguni Chithar: As a child adamantly demanding the mother to get its wish, there was a Siddha in the place called Azhuguni Chithar – crying adamantly for a wish. He used to cry in the shrine of Mother Neelayadakshi demanding salvation. He was the disciple of Gorakka Siddha. He stayed in the temple, cried for getting his demand. Mother spoke to Lord Shiva of the issue. Lord granted salvation to Azhuguni Chithar. His Jeeva Samadhi is in this temple. Special pujas are performed to Siddha on Vaikasi Visakam day. Also special pujas are performed here offering porridge (Payasam in Tamil) as nivedhana on Poornima – full moon – days. Praised in Thevaram Hymns: The temple is greatly praised by the three celebrated saints Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar in their Thevaram hymns. Sundarar received gifts of pearl and diamond chains, a horse and cosmetic things. Sages worshipped Lord here: Sages Markandeya, Gauthama, Vasishta, Kashyapa, Pulasthya, Agasthya and Angirasa (Saptha Rishis) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Neelayadakshi: The goddess here is Neelayadakshi. Neelayadakshi means the one with the blue eyes. She is in the form of a pubescent girl, and is believed to be one of the Shakti Peetams. She is also considered to be one among the five most important goddesses, all in different stages of life. These are – Visalakshi (Kashi – Child), Kamakshi (Kanchi – young girl), Neelayadakshi (Nagai – pubescent), Kamalambigai (Thiruvarur – young woman) and Meenakshi (Madurai – married woman). This Shivasthalam temple is located in Nagapattinam town. A Divya Desam shrine of Lord Vishnu is also located at Nagapattinam in the vicinity of Shiva temple. The temple is 2 km away from Nagapattinam bus stand. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagapattinam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Kayaroganeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam-611 001 Phone: +91- 4365 – 242 844 Mobile: +91 – 98945 01319, 93666 72737
Vedaranyeswarar Temple, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. The place Thirumarai Kadu / Vedaranyam is about 45 Kms from Nagapattinam. This is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The temple is One of Saptha Vidanga Sthalam. The main Raja Gopuram of Vedaranyam temple is of five tiers and two Prakaram. Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Vedaranyeswarar and his consort known as Veda Nayaki Amman / Veena Vadha Vidushani. The temple is one of 64 Sakthi Peetam known as Sundari Peetam. Thiyagarajar here is known as Bhuvani Vidangar. The dance of Thiyagesar here in this temple is known as Hamsa Nadanam. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Maram and Punnai Maram. Teertham is Manikarnigai and Veda Teertham. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. 29 day Masi Magam Bhrammotsavam in May-June with the event of the opening of the closed doors of the temple in the past, when Lord goes to sea on the Magam star day and the procession of 63 + 10 celebrated Nayanars, procession of Lord in Kailash Vahana; 10 day Aadi Pooram in July-August, a festival dedicated to Mother Ambica; Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September; Skanda Sashti in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple. There will be huge devotee crowd on Pradosha days – 13th day of New Moon or Full Moon days. Special pujas are performed in the temple for Lord and Ambica on Deepavali, Makara Sankranti, Tamil and English New Year days. It is the staunch faith of the people that hardships any nature caused due to sins committed, adverse serpent aspects, evil spells would vanish if the devotee surrenders to Lord in the temple. A bath in the Manikarnigai spring blesses with the benefit of bathing in holy rivers as Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Sindh and Cauvery. Even sins of high severity as Brahmmahathi caused by murder will disappear. The worship also brings them the benefit of doing charity, performing yoga and penance for a long period. The sea at the eastern side of the temple is known as Aadhi Sethu. Bathing in this sea once is considered equal to 100 baths in the sea in Rameswaram. Thousands bathe in the Kodiakarai Aadhi Sethu and Vedaranyam sea on Thai New Moon day in January-February, Aadi New Moon day in July-August, Mahalaya New Moon day in September-October and finally at Mani Karnika and worship Lord and Mother in their wedding form seeking child boon, education and wisdom, prosperity and healthy life. They are blessed with happy mental peace, employment opportunities promotions in jobs and progress in professions. Devotees place cradles in temple tree for child boon. Those aspiring for marriage offer Wedding Garlands to Lord and Mother. They perform necessary remedial pujas for various adversities they face. Devotees offers vastras and abishekam with sandal paste, cosmetic and turmeric powders, oil, milk, curd, rose water, green coconut, sacred ash, panchamirtha to the Lord and Mother. Many organize feeding-Annadhana. They also offer nivedhana to Lord and Mother and distribute to visitors. Many contribute for the renovation of the temple. Thirumaraikadu: The town Vedaranyam is named after Vedaranyeswarar, the presiding deity of the Vedaranyeswarar Temple, a temple dedicated to Shiva. The place was earlier known as “Thirumaraikadu”, meaning the place where Vedas, oldest scriptures of Hinduism, originated. The 7th century Saiva canonical work Tevaram by Appar and Tirugnanasambandar mentions the place as “Thirumaraikadu”. Etymology: As per Hindu legend, the Vedas worshipped Shiva in this place, giving the name “Vedaranyam” to the place. Rama worshipped Shiva here: According to another Hindu legend, Rama, the seventh avatar of god Vishnu, is believed to have visited Vedaranyam to absolve himself from sins committed in the war against the demon king Ravana. The footprints of Rama are preserved in a place called Ramar Padam near Vedaranyam. Vedas locked the Main Entrance of the Temple after worshipping Lord: On their journey to various Shiva temples spread over the state, celebrated Saivite Saints Tirugnana Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) came to Thiru Marai Kadu Temple. They sung Pathigams-set of 10 verses- at each temple in praise of Lord Shiva. They were shocked to see that the main entrance of this temple was closed. They also saw devotees entering the temple through a side entrance. They enquired with the priests how this happened. They were told that the Vedas worshipped Lord Shiva here and returned after closing the door. Hearing that Vedas, the holy scriptures of land themselves worshipped the Lord here, Gnanasambandar requested Tirunavukkarasar – Appar to sing a hymn on Lord to open the doors. Appar, tears flowing from his eyes sang ten verses beginning with line “Pannin Ner Moshiyal” and begged Lord to open the doors of the temple. Excited by the graceful response of the Lord, both entered the temple through the main entrance and worshipped Lord. While coming out, Appar wished Gnanasambandar to sing a hymn so that doors could be opened and closed for the worship of the devotees as in all temples. Child saint Sambandar sang a Pathigam – 10 verses – beginning with the line “Chathuram Marai” closing the door. Since then, main doors of temple began to function in usual manner as in other temples. Agasthiyar had darshan of divine marriage: Agasthiyar had darshan of Siva and Parvathy marriage in this place. Rat rebirth as Mavali Chakravarthy: A rat climbed on the lamp, to drink the ghee in it. The light was becoming dim. The rat tried to taste the ghee, in this act the string which was in the lamp got disturbed, and it started glowing bright. By this act which happened without the knowledge of the rat, in his next birth it was Mavali Chakravarthy. Birthplace of Paranjothi Adigal: This place Thirumarai Kadu is birth place of Paranjothi Adigal who is the composer of Thiru Vilaiyadal Puranam (Siva Leela). People worshipped Shiva here: Sage Agasthiyar, Gowthamar, Vishwamitra, Vashista, and Lord Brahma are reported to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this thalam. Great emperors Manu, Mandhadha, Dasaratha, Lord Rama, Pandavas, and Mahabali were blessed by Lord. Vedas worshipping Shiva in the form of Trees: The “Four Vedas” which worshiped Lord Siva here, left the place when the kali yugam started and they are worshipping Lord Siva in the form of trees and Vriksham. The place is called as “Vedaranyam.” This Paadal Petra Sthalam temple is located at Vedaranyam, a seashore town. It is situated at about 45 Kms from Nagapattinam, 35 kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 63 kms from Thiruvarur & 100 kms from Kumbakonam. Convenient bus facilities are Available to Vedaranyam from Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Tiru Thurai Poondi. Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams in the vicinity are Agathiyampalli, 3 Kms from here and Kodiakarai, 12 Kms from here. Although bus services are available to reach Vedaranyam, it is better to go by car if one has to visit the nearby places like Agathiyampalli, Ramar Patham, Kodiakarai, Pushpavanam and Naluvedapathi. Nearest Railway Station is located at Vedaranyam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (135 Kms). Sri Thiru Marai Kadar Temple, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4369 -250 238
Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram Kudamudakoothan Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Devotees pray for prosperous life, for relief from enemies and debt burdens. Devotees perform Thailakappu abishek to Lord. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Kudamudakoothan & his consort Amirtagadavalli. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garuda Sevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Vaikasi Visakam in May-June is another famous festival celebrated in this temple. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Govardhana descended here on request of Shiva: There is another local legend that Govardhana (Vishnu) descended here at the request of Shiva. Arimeya Vinnagaram: This place was selected by Perumal (Hari) Himself to reside and that’s the reason for the name of the place. Also, “Ari” means one who makes the sins to vanish. As the Lord of this place vanishes our sins, this place is called as Arimeya Vinnagaram. Kuda Maadu Koothan: Lord Shiva is well known for His dances. Lord Vishnu too demonstrates here as a good dancer by performing the “Kuda Koothu” dance and got His name as Kuda Maadu Koothan. Kuda Koothu is one type of Koothu (dance) in which the hero stands still and bring out expression as a light kept inside a pot. Lord Krishna performed this Koothu here to explain his Aadhi Moola Naraya Thathuvam i.e., the reason behind the birth of everything in this world. Sage Uthanga arrival to Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram: Uthanga Maharishi got married to Prabhai and once a Crocodile took her away when both were taking holy bath in river Ganges. Uthanga Maharishi got vexed and roamed in many places and finally came to Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram. Here Kuda Maadu Koothan gave Dharsan as Krishna to him and said that his wife has attained Mukthi (eternity) and thus got him out of his sorrow. Vishnu made Uthanga to realize his mistake: Sage Uthanga was a great devotee of the Supreme Lord and a learned brahmana. He was called Vipra Rishi. Vipra Rishis are very learned and wise Vedic scholars and are mostly brahmanas. There is an interesting pastime of Uthanga Rishi, which is elaborately described in the Vayu Purana. Sage Uthanga was a very pious, who performed penance for the welfare of mankind. He was a regular visitor to Dwaraka and Krishna was very dear to him. Krishna had a special affection towards him. After all Krishna is gau brahmana hita, the protector of the cows and brahmanas. In those times, brahmanas were very pious and strict in executing their duties. Sage Uthanga used to wander in secluded areas and had no fixed residence. He was an avadhuta and stitapragnya. He had no desire, no lust, no hatred, and no greed. He was absorbed and fixed in another realm- pure devotional service of Krishna. Lord Krishna was very happy with the sage’s penances and prayers. He showed the sage His universal form or virata rupa and granted him any boon. Sage Uthanga told Krishna that he desired to see the universal form of the Lord and he just prayed to Krishna with trembling hands; he had no interest in petty material boons. But Lord Krishna insisted that the sage ask for some boon to be granted to him as a reward for his penance. As Lord Krishna insisted, the latter asked for a boon that whenever he was in need of water and whenever he felt thirsty, water may be provided to him. Lord Krishna granted him the boon and disappeared. Sage Uthanga knew that in Bhagavad- Gita Krishna says, “I am the taste of water.” In short, Sage Uthanga asked for Krishna Himself. For pure devotees, everything is connected with Krishna. One day, after Sage Uthanga walked for a long distance in the desert area, he felt thirsty, but there was no trace of water. Then he remembered that Lord Krishna had granted him a boon that he would find water. As the sage recalled this, he saw a hunter dressed in torn rags accompanied by furious dogs, carrying water in a leather pouch. The hunter asked him, “Oh sage, would you like to drink some water?” Looking at the apparent condition of the hunter and being a staunch brahmana, the sage felt repelled. He politely refused. The hunter again approached him to drink the water, but in utter disgust and anger the sage told the hunter to go way and that he was not interested in the water. The hunter and the dogs disappeared. Witnessing this, the sage realized that the hunter may have been Krishna Himself in disguise, come to quench the sage’s thirst. He felt hurt at how Lord Krishna had sent water to him through a chandala. How could He expect a brahmana to accept and drink water from the leather pouch? Meantime, Lord Krishna appeared, smiled and asked him, “Who was the chandala?” Krishna had asked Indra deva to fetch the water. But instead of water, Indra had actually brought nectar that makes one immortal, but only on condition that one can see the Divinity in all. Sage Uthanga understood the meaning of it and begged pardon. He insisted that he did not desire for immortality and would only be interested in serving Lord Krishna as long as he lived. Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Sage Uthanga: Legend has it that Sage Uthanga learned the Vedas during his childhood from Sage Vaidhya. It was a practice that when a student left the hermitage of his guru after completing his studies, he would make some dakshina or offering to the lotus feet of the guru. Thus the child Uthanga asked his guru what he would like to have as guru dakshina, as it would be wise to offer what the teacher wanted than to offer what the student wanted. The guru Patni (guru’s wife) expressed her desire to have the earrings of the queen whose husband ruled that city. Uthanga approached the Queen with his request to have her earrings to offer as guru dakshina. Kings always fulfilled the desires of the brahmanas. So the Queen offered him the earrings without any hesitation; she had already heard about Uthanga’s truthfulness. Uthanga happily returned to the hermitage of the guru. On his way back he was fatigued with hunger and thirst, so he decided to rest for a while. Immediately there appeared an attractive cowherd with a mud pot on his head and a bamboo stick in his hand, dancing to his own tunes, surrounded by his cows. Uthanga solemnly requested the cowherd to give him something to drink from his pot. The cowherd mischievously answered that the pot contained cow dung and urine that was accepted by his guru Vaidhya. Since it is very difficult to get the mahaprasadam of the guru, as soon as Uthanga heard this, without any further thought, he immediately put down his belongings and accepted the contents of the pot. Suddenly there appeared out of nowhere, a boy who cleverly seized Uthanga’s belongings and slithered off. Uthanga chased the boy, but the boy vanished into a hole in a tree trunk. Uthanga desperately requested the cowherd boy to help him get back his belongings. At once there arrived a man on his horse back. The cowherd boy suggested that Uthanga request the horseman for help and followed Uthanga. Uthanga anxiously approached the rider and explained the whole pathetic state of affairs. The man was deeply moved at by the story and promised to help the boy get back his belongings. He moved in front of the tree trunk hole and forced the horse to sneeze heavily. Instead of air and mucus, fire and heat came out of the horse’s nose. The boy who was in hiding came out because of the unbearable heat. He returned the belongings of Uthanga and begged for forgiveness. Uthanga expressed his gratitude to the cowherd boy and the horseback rider. He happily returned to the hermitage of his guru. Uthanga narrated all the events to Sage Vaidhya. After listening to Uthanga, Sage Vaidhya replied that the cowherd boy was none other than Lord Vishnu, the horse was Lord Agni and the man on horseback was Lord Indra. They had all come to test Uthanga’s devotion towards his guru. The cow dung and urine were the divine medicine which helped Uthanga to remain safe and sound. Thus Uthanga’s desire to have darshana of Lord Vishnu in the form of a cowherd boy, Gopala, grew more and more after listening to his guru Sage Vaidhyar. The most compassionate Lord gave darshana as Sri Kudamadukuthan (kudam-adu-kuthan) to Sage Uthanga on this sacred land. In Tamil kudam means pot, adu means play and kuthan means dance. The Supreme Lord playfully appeared as a dancing boy with pot, known and worshipped here as Kudamadukuthan Perumal. The place has since then been referred to as Harimeya Vinnagaram or the place where Hari danced. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Arimeya Vinnagaram. Arimeya Vinnagaram means where Hari (another name of Lord Vishnu) resides. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. This place is generally known as Kuda maadu Koothar Kovil. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The place is 8 km far from Sirkali. Buses are available only at specific hours. The visitor may reach Sirkazhi – Annankoil. The temple is 2 km from here. There are buses from Mayavaram / Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Kudamadu Koothan Temple, Ariyameya Vinnagaram, Tirunangoor-609 106 Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364 – 275 689 Mobile: +91- 94439 – 85843.
It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. Among the 108 Divya Desams, this is the only Divyadesam where the Perumal himself gave the money to construct his own temple. It is located under ½ km east of Purushothama Divya Desam. Sempon Arangar is said to have come from Uraiyur. Hence the Lord here has 2 Goddesses similar to Azhagiya Manavaalan of Uraiyur. This sthalam is called with other names like Hema Rangam, Nagapuri and Nangai Nagaram. This divyadesam is situated within and at North-eastern side of Thiru Nangur. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Perarulalan and his consort Allanimalar Nachiyar. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garuda Sevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Aipasi Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the temple in October-November on the Swati Star day, the birth star of Perumal. The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Those worshipping Lord here in all sincerity will be relieved of the poverty they are in with good jobs and progress financially, it is believed. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Rama gifting a golden idol of cow to a poor Brahmin: Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu came to this place after killing Ravana. He made a golden idol of a cow and gifted to a Brahmin from the ashram of sage Dranethra, from where the place obtained its name. It is believed that Azhagiya Manavalar, the presiding deity at the Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple in Trichy came to this place at the request of Shiva. The Brahmin is believed to have built the temple with the gold he obtained and hence it is called Thiruchemponsey (chempon indicated gold in Tamil). Worshipping Perumal here is equivalent to worshipping Srirangam Ranganathar, Thirupathi Venkatesar and Kanchi Varadhar: Thirumangai Azhwar had seen Srirangam Ranganathar, Thirupathi Venkatesar and Kanchi Varadhar in this Perumal Himself as mentioned by the Azhwar in his various pasurams about this kshetram, so worshipping this Perumal is considered equivalent to worshipping all these three Perumals at this very same place. Mukunda getting back all his riches by worshipping Vishnu here: Once there lived a Brahmin Mukunda, elder son of Kashyapa. He chanted the Ashtakshara Mandiram continuously for 32,000 times here and gained abundant wealth from Perarulalan. Perarulalan: As the Lord gives away love and wealth generously to His devotees along with Lord Shiva, He is called as Perarulalan, i.e., a person of generosity. To indicate the never ending generosity of Perarulalan, Lilly flower blooms even during night time (Thaayar has the name of Alli). Other Names: This sthalam is called with other names like Hema Rangam, Nagapuri, and Nangai Nagaram. Sages got darshan of Vishnu here: Sages Rudra and Dhrudanetra Muni had the gift of enjoying the darshan of Lord in this temple. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiru Sempon Sei Koil. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The temple is on the Sirkali-Nagapattinam route. The devotee has to get down at Annan Koil stop. The temple is 3 km southward from this bus stop. Auto facility is available. There are buses from Mayavaram/ Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Perarulalan (Semponnarangar) Temple, Sempon Sei Koil, Thirunangur – 609 106, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364-236 172
Thirumanimadam Narayanan Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Narayana Perumal and his consort Pundarikavalli. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garudasevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Vaikasi Brahmotsavam celebrated during the month of May or June is another important festival celebrated here with much fanfare. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Vishnu teaching himself: Nara Narayanar is the form of Lord who is a student as well as a teacher simultaneously, teaching Gnana to himself. Lord Naarayanan of Manimaada Kovil stands as Nara Narayana of Bhadhrinath who taught Gnana to himself. Nanda Vilakku: Nanda Vilakku means the lamp which gives light non-stop and usually it is kept in a beautiful Maadam, a structure used for placing lamps. This place is known as Mani Maada Kovil with the temple as the Maadam and Perumal as the Nanda Vilakku spreading the light of Pranava Gnanam to the world. People who worshipped Vishnu here: Indra worshipped Lord Vishnu here and got the Dharsan of Lord Narayana. It is also believed that Lord Badri Narayanar came down to bless Sage Matangar. Prathyaksham is given for Lord Indra and Ekadasa Rudhrars. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thirumanimadam or Narayanan Perumal Temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The place is 8 km far from Sirkali. Buses are available only at specific hours. The visitor may reach Sirkazhi – Annankoil. The temple is 2 km from here. There are buses from Mayavaram / Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Thirumanimadam (Narayanan Perumal Temple), Thirunangur, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364 – 256 424 / 275 689 Mobile: +91 – 94439 85843
Thiruppaarthanpalli Thamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam Thamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal Temple or Thiruppaarthanpalli is located close to Thirunangur, a small village, 8 km east of Sirkali en route to Thiruvenkadu and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Thamaraiyaal Kelvan and his consort Lakshmi as Sengamalavalli. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. It is also the only temple in the Nangur divyadesams to have revered by an azhwar other than Thirumangai Alvar. As per Hindu legend, the temple tank for dug by Arjuna from the age of Mahabaratham. Krishna appeared as Parthasarathy to Arjuna here and initiated his education, leading to the name of the temple. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Tamaraiyan Kalvan and Sengamalavalli. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The annual Theerthavari festival is celebrated during the New moon day of Tamil month of Aadi when the festival deity of the temple is taken in a procession to the sea at Poompuhar. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garuda Sevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Vaikasi Bhrammotsavam is celebrated during May or June. Every year during the Tamil Month Thai, on the Pushya Nakshatram day, an utsavam of the pushkarani is celebrated. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Krishna taught Arjuna here: Padmapurana details the legend associated with the temple. As per Hindu legend, Arjuna, one of the five Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata reached this place on a pilgrimage. He was thirsty and sought water from sage Agastya who was doing penance. There was no water with the sage and all places around. Agastya realised that it was the trick of god Krishna, who was the Lord of Arjuna. He advised Arjuna to pray Krishna, who did accordingly. Krishna was pleased with the prayer of Arjuna and offered him a sword. Arjuna dug the land with the sword which resulted in a gush of water resulting in the Katka Pushkarani, the temple tank. Arjuna is depicted in the temple sporting a sword, following the legend. Krishna also appeared to Arjuna as Parthasarathy and initiated his knowledge to understand who he actually was. Since Parthasarathy initiated education here for Arjuna, the place is called Paarthanpalli (Parthan + Palli, meaning school of Arjuna). People who performed penance here: It is believed that several sages like Agastya, Bharadwaja, Gautama and Varuna performed penance at this place. Varuna got relieved of Brahma Hathi Dhosham here: Varuna, the Rain God, once stole the wife of Bhragaspathi, the Devaguru and was caught by the Brahma Hathi Dhosham. He got relieved of it by praying to Lord here. Sharma Sloga: It is said that the meaning of the Sharma sloga, the Gota slogam (“Sharva Dharman….”) was got at this place only. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiruppaarthanpalli or Thamaraiyaal Kelvan Perumal Temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The place is 8 km far from Sirkali. Buses are available only at specific hours. The visitor may reach Sirkazhi – Annankoil. The temple is 2 km from here. There are buses from Mayavaram / Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Official Address
Thiruthetriyambalam Palli Konda Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. Of the Divya Desam temples, this is the only temple called ‘Ambalam’. It is located ½ km South East of Purushottamar Koil. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. It is strongly believed that devotees are elevated by the grace of Perumal to royal levels and prayers for such positions are immediately responded by the Lord. Devotees perform archanas to Perumal with Tulsi leaves offering sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal – as nivedhana. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Pallikonda Perumal and Shenbagavalli. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The annual Theerthavari festival is celebrated during the New moon day of Tamil month of Aadi when the festival deity of the temple is taken in a procession to the sea at Poompuhar. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garuda Sevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January (Margazhi) is grandly celebrated in the temple. Vaikasi Brahmotsavam in May or June is another festival celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Sages who worshipped Vishnu here: It is believed that several sages like Agastya, Bharadwaja, Gautama and Varuna performed penance at this place. Arrival of Srirangam Ranganathar on request of Shiva: It is believed that the presiding deity of Srirangam arrived here on the request of Shiva. It is referred as Ambalam, which in Malayalam means temple. Vishnu slaying Hiranyakshan by taking Varaha Avatharam: Demon Hiranyakshan took the earth and hid in the Padala Loka – the world below the earth. All the sages and Devas reached Lord Vishnu for protection and restoration of the world at its original place. Lord Agreed to take the Varaha incarnation – a colossal swine form with a horn at the nose. Mother Mahalakshmi said that what she could do if he leaves her. So asked Adisesha the divine serpent serving Lord as bed, umbrella etc. Perumal advised them to go to Palasavanam and meditate upon him. He said that Lord Shiva also would join them and promised that he would be back after destroying the demon. Lord Perumal also said that this place would be called Tiruthetri Ambalam in Kaliyuga-the present period. Adding, Perumal said that staunch devotee Sri Bashyakarar would bring 108 scholars initiated to Vaishnavism to this place and that he would take care and protect all beings. Lord left for Padala Loka, destroyed the demon, rescued earth and placed it in its own place. Lord came to Palasavanam as promised to Mother Mahalakshmi and Lord Shiva and granted his darshan. He also relaxed here after the war with the demon half closing his handsome red eyes. Hence, Perumal is praised as Senganmal Ranganathar – Lord with red eyes. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiruthetriyambalam or Palli Konda Perumal Temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The place is 8 km far from Sirkali. Buses are available only at specific hours. This Temple is located ½ km South East of Purushottamar Koil. There are buses from Mayavaram / Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Senganmal Ranganathar Temple, Tiruthetri Ambalam, Thirunangur – 609 106, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364 – 275 689
Thiruthevanartthogai Madhava Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The temple follows Thenkalai mode of worship. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Madhava Perumal and his consort Kadalmagal. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garudasevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Congregation of Devas: It’s been said that Lord Narayana married Godess Lakshmi Devi who emerged out of the Thiruppaarkadal at this place. A congregation of Devas assembled at this shrine and worshipped Lord Vishnu who gave Dharshan in marriage posture to them. Hence it is called Devanaar Thogai (congregation of Devas). It is situated on the South bank of river Manni. It is believed that, after having Dharsan of this perumal, unmarried persons get married and childless couples got the boon of child birth. Vashista worshipped Perumal here: Purana says Vasishta Muni meditated and worshipped Lord Madhava Perumal in this place, who blessed him. Unison of Shaivism & Vaishnavism: As this place was graced by the Celestial persons, the shadow of the Vimaanam falls within the range of the Vimaanam (temple tower) itself. The term Madhavan, Emperumaan are common for both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Henceforth to represent this unison, though the temple is a Vishnu temple, there is a burial ground the favourite place of Lord Shiva in the backyard of this temple. This temple is located near the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiruthevanartthogai or Madhava Perumal Temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. The temple is located at the place Keezha Salai which is 2 kms north of Thirunangur which is 8 kms South West of Sirkazhi Town. By Road: Thirunangur is 8 km far from Sirkali. Buses are available only at specific hours. This Temple is located about 3 kms North East of Anna Koil and 2 kms from Purushottamar koil. There are buses from Mayavaram / Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Deivanayaka Perumal Temple, Thiruthevanartthogai, Thirunangur – 609 106, Nagapattinam District, Phone: 04364 – 266542 Mobile: +91 – 97878 53732 / 98652 81801
2Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram or Vaikunta Nathan Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu located in Thirunangur, a village in the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vaikuntanathan and his consort Lakshmi as Vaikundavalli. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. This is a place where we could have the direct darshan of Lord in our life time on Earth itself before reaching him after life. This is his Paramapada itself. The sanctum here is believed to be on par with celestial Vaikuntam. The temple tank is located north of the temple. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. Devotees pray to Perumal for unity in family. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord and offer Tulsi garlands and Vastras. It is believed that married couples who perform special pooja on star Magam continuously for 6 months are blessed with children. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Vaikuntanathan and his consort Vaikundavalli. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garudasevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January and Vaikasi Brahmotsavam in May or June are devotionally celebrated in the temple. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; People who worshipped Vishnu here: Udhanga Maharishi and King Uparisaravasu got the Dharsan of the Lord as he is in Vaigunda Loga. The pious Viraja River which is considered to run across the border of Vaikunda Loga is the theertham here. Swetakethu had Darshan of Vishnu here: King Swetakethu belonged to Ikshvaku dynasty which Lord Sri Rama chose for his incarnation. He loved every one and was a living example of honesty and integrity. He and his wife had a passion to visit Vaikunda to have the darshan of Lord Vishnu. As a king, he completed all his political duties and set ready for penance with his queen Damayanthi. They prepared fire around them, stood looking at the Sun and began a severe penance. Days passed. They shed their mortal coil and reached Vaikundam but could not find their Vaikunda Vasan. They stood sad. Maharshi came there. Swetakethu and Damayanthi fell at his feet and enquired him why they could not get the darshan of Lord. Narada replied that though they performed severe penance but failed to perform even small Homas and charities. That failure was the cause of this failure. The remedy was that they had to worship Lord Iravadeswarar on the banks of Cauvery on Earth and appeal to him, who would help them to have Vaikunda darshan. Both prayed to Lord Iravadeswarar and begged his help for Perumal darshan. Lord Iravadeswarar appeared before them and said that he too was waiting for Perumal darshan and suggested that they could join him in penance. Meantime, Sage Udhanga Maharshi also joined the in the penance. Thus four performed penance together. When Vishnu appeared before them with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Lord Iravadeswarar prayed that the place where the darshan was granted should be honoured as Vaikunda Vinnagaram and that he should be worshipped as Vaikunda Nathar. Thus, Perumal came here as Lord Vaikunda Vasan to this place with Mother praised as Vaikundavalli. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiruvaikunda Vinnagaram or Vaikunta Nathan Perumal temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The temple is on the Sirkali-Nagapattinam route. The devotee has to get down at Annan Koil stop. The temple is 1 km from this bus stop. Auto facility is available. There are buses from Mayavaram/ Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Vaikundanathar Temple, Vaikunda Vinnagaram, Thirunangur – 609 106 Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364 – 275 478
Thiruvanpurushothamam Purushotama Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Purushothaman and Purushothama Nayagi. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garudasevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. 10 day Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Pavithra Utsav in Aavani Poornima day in August-September and Vaikasi Brahmotsavam during May – June are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Devotees pray to Perumal for removal of delays and obstacles in marriage matters, for child boon and for achieving excellence in education. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Perumal with vastras. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Purushothama Nayaki fed Vykrapada Son: Similar to the story of Mother Parvathi feeding Saivite child saint Tirugnana Sambandar with wisdom milk, Lord Perumal brought here the very milk ocean itself to feed a hungry child. Sage Vykrapada came to this temple with his child Ubamanyu, placed him at the entrance of the temple and went to pick flowers for Lord. The child began to cry for food which fell in the ears of Lord reclining in the milk ocean. He immediately created a milk ocean in this place. Mother Purushothama Nayaki fed the child with the milk. Thiruppaarkadal Theertham: As Lord Narayana gave generously the Thiruppaarkadal to Ubamanyu Maharishi, the theertham is known as Thiruppaarkadal Theertham. Sanjeevi Vigraha Vimaanam: Sanjeevi Mooligai (An herb) saved Lord Rama itself. So in order to indicate this, the Vimaanam of this place is named as Sanjeevi Vigraha Vimaanam. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiruvanpurushothamam or Purushotama Perumal Temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The temple is on the Sirkali-Nagapattinam route. The devotee has to get down at Annan Koil stop. The temple is 2 km eastward from this bus stop. Auto facility is available. There are buses from Mayavaram/ Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Van Purushothaman Temple, Thirunangur-609 106 Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364-256221
Thiruvellakkulam Annan Perumal Temple, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis and is closely associated with Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Thai is the major festival of the temple during which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and has four daily rituals at various times of the day. Devotees celebrate their 60, 70 and 80th birth days in this temple. Devotes offer articles equal to their weight (Thulabharam) for removal of obstacles in wedding talks and freedom from fear of death. Sincere prayers at this temple will provide devotees with life security. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Srinivasaperumal and his consort Alarmelmangai. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. During the new moon day of the Tamil month Thai, the festival deity of Thirumangai Azhwar is brought to the temple from Thiruvali-Thirunagari. The Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). The highlight of the festival is Garudasevai, an event in which the festival images of the eleven Thirunangur Tirupathis are brought on mount designed like Garuda, called Garuda Vahana, to Thirunangur. The festive image of Thirumangai Azhwar is also brought on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these eleven temples are recited during the occasion. The festival images of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the eleven temples. The verses dedicated to each of the eleven temples are chanted in the respective shrines. This is one of the most important festivals in the region which draws thousands of visitors. Kaisika Ekadesi/Dwadasi Avathara Utsavam and annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Purattaasi are the other festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Vishnu appearing in eleven forms on Shiva request: The legends of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur are closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna (sacrifice) of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground; there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Thirunangur. Arimeya Vinnagaram literally translates to the place where Hari (another name of Vishnu) resides. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Thirunangur are located. They are; Vishnu blessed Swetharaja with long life: Swetharaja, the son of Thunthumaran of Surya Vamsa had the life span of only 9 years initially but was later blessed by Lord Srinivasa for a long life, like Markandeya. He visited the temple, bathed in the Swetha pushkarani, started doing Mrutyunjaya Japam under vilva tree and got blessed. Avathara Sthalam of Kumudhavalli, Consort of Thirumangai Azhwar: This is the avatharastlam (birth place) of Sri Kumudha Valli Nachiyar, the one who was instrumental in converting the King Thirumangai to Thirumangai Azhwar. Thirumangai Azhwar married Kumudhavalli in this Sthalam: Thiru Mangai Mannan wanted to marry Kumudha Valli who belonged to the generation of the Devas. Mangai Mannan is said to have worked with utmost sincerity towards fulfilling each of Kumuda Valli’s conditions to marry him. It is believed that Mangai Mannan finally married Kumudhavalli at this place. Hence, there is a separate Sannidhi for Kumudha Valli at this temple. Thirumangai Azhwar addressing Vishnu as Anna: Thirumangai Azhvaar came here, had darshan of the Lord and praised him here as if he has seen Lord Srinivasa himself. His Paasurams also reflect the fact that the Lord is the elder brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa. Looked at as the elder brother of Tirupathi Srinivasa, it is believed that those who cannot go to Tirupathi can come here and ‘Annan’ is said to fulfill their wishes. Lord here is seen together with the Goddess (Alar Mel Mangai) unlike in Tirupathi where he is seen alone. This is the only Divya Desam where the Perumal and Thaayar have the same names as in Tirupathi. All the offering in due to the Thiruvenkatamudayam of Tirupathi can be offered here too. It is also noteworthy that Saint Tirumangai Azhwar addressed only two Perumals as Anna in his hymns, Lord of Tirupathi and this Perumal. Vishnu darshan to Manavala Mamunigal: Lord Vishnu granted darshan to great scholar and Acharya Sri Manavala Mamunigal in this temple. This temple is in the village of Thiru Nangur and called as Thiruvellakkulam or Annan Perumal Temple. It’s about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. It is one among the eleven divyadesams of Thirunangur Tirupathis. By Road: The temple is on the Sirkali-Nagapattinam route. The devotee has to get down at Annan Koil stop. Auto facility is available. There are buses from Mayavaram/ Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Sri Srinivasa Perumal (Annan Perumal) Temple, Thiruvellakkulam, Thirunangur – 609 106, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91- 4364 – 266 534 / 266443 / 266 542 Mobile: 954364-266534 / 9443679303 / 9443985899 / 94898 56554
Nangur Vishnu Temples, Thirunangur, Nagapattinam Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/10/nangur-vishnu-temples-thirunangur.html The Vishnu temples at Nangur are a group of 11 temples near Nangur in Nagapattinam district of Tamilnadu, India. The eleven temples are part of the 108 Divya Desams of the Hindu god Vishnu. The temples at Nangur are believed to have been sanctified by Tirumangai Alvar, one of the 12 Azhwars. The oldest of them have been dated to the reign of the Medieval Chola king Parantaka I. Angered at not being invited for the Yaagam conducted by Parasakthi’s father Dakshan, Shiva is said to have performed the Rudra Thandavam in a place called Ubaya Cauvery (between Cauvery in the South and Mani River in the North), a few kms South East of Sirkazhi. So aggressive was his performance that for every hair that fell down on the ground, a new form of Shiva emerged. And very quickly 11 forms of Shiva were each performing the Rudra Thandavam. Sensing a possible damage to the world as a result of Shiva’s fury, Lord Vishnu appeared here before Shiva as Paramapadha Naathan. Softened by the presence of Lord Vishnu, Rudra requested Vishnu appears in just as many forms. Lord Vishnu is said to have acceded to this request and provided darshan to Rudra in 11 different forms here in Thiru Nangur, having taken one form each from 11 different Divya Desams. These together constitute the 11 Divya Desams in and around Thiru Nangur. The Thirumangai Alvar Mangalasasana utsavam (festival) in the month of Thai (Jan-Feb) on the New Moon day (Amavasai) witnesses 11 Garuda Sevai a spectacular event in which festival images idols from the 11 Thirunangur Divyadesam shrines in the area are brought on Garuda mounts to Thirunangur. An idol of Thirumangai Alvar is also brought here on a Hamsa Vahanam (palanquin) and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these 11 temples are recited. The Utsavar (festival deity) of Thirumangai Alvar and his consort Sri Kumudhavalli Naachiyar are taken in a palanquin to each of the 11 temples, through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams (poems) dedicated to each of the 11 Divyadesams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of visitors. These temples are located in the vicinity of Thirunangur Village. Thirunangur is about 5 miles (8 kms) away from Sirkazhi. By Road: These temples are located on the Sirkali-Nagapattinam route. Auto facility is available. There are buses from Mayavaram/ Sirkazhi that goes past Thiru Nangur. Direct special buses are available only on special occasions. If you are going in car it is 20 kms from Mayavaram and 8 kms from Sirkazhi. The road leading to this village is narrow and you might miss the turning from the main road if you are not watchful. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road. By Train: Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi. By Air: The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. Official Address
Kazheesirama Vinnagaram, Thadalan Kovil, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam This is one of the five Divya Desams referred by Thirumangai Azhvaar as ‘Vinnagaram’. The others being Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram), Arimeya Vinnagara(Thiru Nangoor), Vaikunta Vinnagaram (Thiru Nangoor) and Nandipura Vinnagaram(Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam). Another feature of Thirumangai’s praise of this Divya Desam is his reference to the Goddess in his Paasurams. Mangai Mannan crowned as ‘Mangai Azhvaar’ and handed over the Vel by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. The temple is administered by Chola Simhapuram Koil Kanthaadai Chantamaarutham Swami Dhoddayacharyar. The temple is open from 7.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Devotees pray for success in endeavors, promotion in jobs and longevity. Devotees offer Tulsi garlands, vastras and sweet pudding as nivedhana. Vishnu teaching a lesson to Brahmma on pride of his boon of longevity: Lord Brahmma the creator grew proud of his boon of longevity spanning many Yugas. Lord Vishnu decided to teach him a lesson. Sage Romesa performed penance here for the darshan of Lord Vamana-Trivikrama form scaling the whole world with one foot up. Granting his wish, Lord told the sage that he would live longer than Brahmma whose longevity would be reduced by a year if and when one hair fell from his body. Brahmma understood that Lord has indirectly taught him a lesson and shed his pride. Thus Lord graced this place with his Trivikrama form. This is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu in his Vaamana Avatara measured his first step. At this Divya Desam, only the left foot of the Lord can be seen every day. The right foot is displayed only once a year on the Vaikunta Ekadesi day. Shangu Pushkarani and Chakra Theertham: The Sangu which yields Paramapadham and Chakram which gives all wealth lays here as Shangu Pushkarani and Chakra Theertham. Sri Rama Vinnagaram: The term Rama is equivalent to number one for he had one wife, one arrow, one word, one rule and one dharma. As the perumal of this place too is the only ruler of the whole world this place is called Sri Rama Vinnagaram. Etymology: Thal in Tamil means Earth or World, Aalan means the ruler. As Lord scaled the world with his Foot, Sri Andal called him Thadalan. The verses of Sri Andal are pieces of delight with sweet melody of Tamil coupled with their spiritual content. Birth place of Saivite Saint Tirugnanasambandar: Sirkali has the special reputation of being the birth place of Saivite Saint Tirugnanasambandar. Debate between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar: Once the temple was left without proper care, hence an old woman kept the procession deity Thadalan inside the Thavittu (husk) pot. She performed poojas and was worshipping him. After visiting Thiru Chitra Koodam (Chidambaram), Thirumangai Mannan was on his way to Sirkazhi. All the way his subjects sang praise of him uttering different names of Mangai Mannan. The praise of Thirumangai Mannan by his subjects angered the disciples of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They blocked Thirumangai Mannan and asked his followers not to shout praises of Thiru Mangai Mannan in this birthplace of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar. They wanted Thirumangai Mannan to engage with Thiru Gnana Sambandhar in a debate and win over him before continuing with their praise of Thirumangai Mannan. In the dream of Alwar, Lord appeared and told him that to get Thadalan from the old woman, pray to him and after that go for the debate. In the first meeting between Thiru Mangai and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, the Vaishnavite poet answered fluently each of Thiru Gnana Sambandhar’s questions and let out 10 verses of praise in the name of Vishnu. Pleased and impressed with Mangai Mannan’s knowledge and the sweetness in his praise and description of the different forms of Vishnu, a spell bound Thiru Gnana Sambandhar acknowledged the greatness of Thirumangai and crowned him as ‘Mangai Azhvaar’. Sambandar was very happy and rewarded Alwar with his Vel which is given by Goddess Parvathi and also an anklet. Both of them hugged each other and bore good bye in a sad mood and paved way to the unity of Saivam and Vaishnavam. The temple is 2 km from Sirkali bus stand on the Chidambaram route. Frequent buses are available from Chennai, Chidambaram and Kumbakonam. It’s about half mile away from the Sirkazhi station. The town is situated at 21 Kms North East to Mayiladuthurai and on the highway between Mayiladuthurai and Chidambaram. The town has all the facilities including transport and lodging. Sirkazhi is located 235kms South of Madras, 20kms South of Chidambaram, 21 kms North of Mayavaram and 70kms West of Nagapattinam. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Trivikraman Temple, Kazheesirama Vinnagaram, Sirkali – 609 110, Nagapattinam District, Phone: +91- 4364 – 270 207 Mobile: +91 – 9442419989 / 9443771400 / 9443650803 Email: [email protected]
Keelaparasalur Veeratteswarar Temple, Nagapattinam As a Shiva devotee, Daksha gained boons from Lord Shiva, which only developed pride in him. He organized a great yajna without inviting Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva withdrew (Parithal in Tamil) the boons granted to him, thus the place came to be known as Tiru Parialur. It is also noteworthy that Daksha was the father of Dhakshayani, consort of Lord Shiva. As he failed in the formalities to be followed in respecting the boon giver, Lord Shiva destroyed him and his yajna. Other invitees like the Devas were also punished for accepting Daksha’s invitation knowing that he had erred in ignoring the Lord. Sun God lost a tooth. He has a shine in the temple worshipping the Lord daily for the wrong he has committed. Veerabadhirar had cut the head of Dakshan in this place after the yaga was interrupted and vanquished Dakshan’s ego. The temple tank is regarded as the sacrificial altar of Daksha. During drought the actual altar is visible at the bottom. Devas are believed to have got rid of their fear caused by the demon Tharuka by worshipping Shiva at this kshetram. Dakshan selected this place to do Yagam and so known as Daksha puri. This is a small temple with a single prakaram. Inscriptions from the period of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya and Krishnadevaraya are found here. Presiding deity is known as Veerattaaneswarar as Swayambu lingam and the Ambal Ilankombanaiyaal, Balambika. Veerabadra swamy is present in a separate sanctum. Sengazhuneer Ganesa is also present in this Temple. This is one of the Atta Veeratta sthalam, there is a Pudai Sirpam in moolasthanam wall near Koshta Ganapathy, where Thakkan worshiping Lord Shiva. The temple is facing west and the Rajagopuram was built recently. Moolavar is Suyambu on a square Aavudaiyar. Artha jaamam pooja is conducted only for Bairavar. There are Tamil inscriptions of Sundara Pandiyan Period found on the Karuvarai wall, but painted during the recent Thirupani, difficult to read. The beautiful Veerabhadra Idol with six hands is really a feast for the eye. The Yanthra behind the idol is very special. It is a small temple with a single praharam. The Ambal Balambikai (Ilankombanaiyaal) is a 16 year old here and is graceful. The Dakshahattheshwarar (Veerabhadra) is next to the Ambal between the Shivan Sannidhi and Ambal both are facing north. Shrines of Lords Vinayaka, Viswanatha, Bhairava and Sun are in the prakara. Mother Durga, Brahmma, Lingodhbava, Dakshinamurthi and Nardana Vinayaka are goshta murthis. Lord Subramania appears standing with one leg on his peacock vahana. Ambika shrine is in the front mandapa facing There is an iron tent at the entrance of the temple. Lord Vinayaka temple is opposite of the street. There is no flag post-Kodimaram but only Nandhi and Bali Peeta. In the place of Flag Post, Vinayaka- Siddhi Vinayaka occupies the place. Sanctum Sanctorum is quite visible from this point. Curd rice and plain rice are offered as nivedhana to Lord. Of the Attaveerattana Sthalas of Lord Shiva, this is the fourth temple. Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy.south. There is a special shrine for Sun God, hence no special Navagraha-nine planets shrine. This is the place where Lord destroyed Daksha and his yajna. Daksha is at the feet of Lord Dakshapureeswarar. Theertham of this Temple are Homa Kundam and Chandra pushkarani. Sthala Vriksham is Jack fruit tree. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Six times Abishekam is offered to Procession Deity Yaga Samharamurthi on Tamil New Year day in April-May, Aadi first day in July-August, Purattasi Chathurthi in September-October, Makara Sankranti falling almost on 14th January and Vaikasi Thiruvonam in May-June. Lord Shiva comes in procession on the last Karthikai Friday in November-December. Sundays in the month of Karthikai (Scorpio) are considered sacred, and the festival images are taken around in procession. Other festivals celebrated here include Arudra Dharisanam, Aadi Pooram and Navarathri. Devotees pray for relief from the adverse aspects of the planets. Devotees perform abishek and aaradhanas to Lord and Mother. It is about 10 kms from Mayavaram on the road to Thirukkadaiyur turn right at the Sembanar koil turning in about 7 kms from Mayavaram in 3 kms after Sembanar koil crossing take a left turn Tiruppariyalur is slightly off the main road. This temple is located at about 3 Kms from another Shivasthalam Tiruchemponpalli on the Mayiladuthurai – Tarangambadi road route. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Keel Parasalur, Tiru Parialur – 609 309, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91 – 4364- 205555,287 429 Mobile: +91 – 9943348035 / 9443785616
Keezhaiyur Kadaimudinathar Temple, Nagapattinam This Shivastalam is located near Tiruninriyur, which is located close to Ananda Tandavapuram. Tirunanipalli, another Shivastalam is located close by. This is the 72nd Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 18th sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha nadu. Thiruganasambhandar has sung hymns in praise the Lord Shiva of this temple. Due to his pride, Lord Brahmma incurred the curse of Lord Shiva. For relief, he performed Shiva Puja in many places including this place. Lord Shiva granted darshan to Brahmma under this Kiluvai tree. When Brahmma sought pardon and relief, Lord told him that the relief would come to Brahmma at an appropriate time. As requested by Brahma, Lord Shiva stayed in this place. Sage Kanva also worshipped Shiva in this place and attained salvation. Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Swayambu linga known as Kadaimudinathar is facing south with Abhiramavalli Amman facing west. Adhi Murthy of the temple Lord Kiluvai Nathar is under Kiluvai tree in the prakara. There is also a Nandhi before him. Lord Subramania with his consorts Valli and Deivanai is in a shrine in the prakara. Sri Vinayaka of the temple is worshipped as Lord Kadaimudi Vinayaka. The temple is facing west. Cauvery flows westward. As Lord Shiva protects the world even during the Maha Pralaya time-the uprising of the rivers and oceans destroying the world, He is praised as Kadai Mudi Nathar – Lord rescuing beings even on the ending day, according to sthala Puranas. Shiva Linga has 16 stripes known as Sodasa Linga. Wealth is classified under 16 heads; hence it is believed that those worshipping Kadaimudi Nathar will achieve all the wealth. The Navagrahas in the prakara are on a hexagonal avudaiyar seat facing right side. The planets are not in a regular line. They are looking front and back to each other. Lord Dakshinamurthy has a ring only in one ear. The other is plain. Lord Bhairava too has a ring only in one ear. Mother Abhirami is all merciful. Her shrine is facing south with an entrance. Woman awaiting marriage use to tie Mangalsutra to her for early wedding. When marriage proposals conclude happily, they take back the mangalsutra, tie it on their neck, worship her and leave it then again with Mother. Their belief is that doing so would ensure the longevity of their Mangalsutras till the end of their life. River Cauvery flows north and then west here. Sthala Vriksham is Kiluvai Tree and Theertham is Kadaimudi Theertham. Inscriptions in this West facing temple from Vikrama Chola’s period refer to the deity here as Tiruchchadaimudi Udaiya Mahadevar. Inscriptions from the period of Nandivarman Pallava III are found in this temple. Several inscriptions from the period of Parantaka I are also found here. An image of Ardhanareeswarar discovered near the temple (suggesting that the stone structure was erected during the days of Aditya Chola I) is now preserved in the Chennai Government Museum. The looping of the river Kaveri, in an almost westward flow is considered to be of significance here. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Four worship services are offered each day. Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Tirukarthikai in November-December and Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Arudra Dharisanam are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Majority of the devotees seek wedding boon in this temple. Others come to seek the pardon of Lord for wrongs committed by them. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. This temple is situated at Keezhaiyur which is on the Mayiladuthurai – Poompuhar route. The temple is about 2 Kms from Keezhaiyur bus stop. One can also reach Keezhaiyur from Sirkazhi by travelling upto Poompuhar and then taking the road to Mayiladuthurai from there. Keezhaiyur is 12 km from Mayiladuthurai and 2 kms from Semponar koil. Buses are available only at specific hours from Mayiladuthurai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Kadaimudi Nathar temple, Shivan Koil Street, Keelaiyur – 609 304, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91 – 4364 – 283 261 / 283 360 Mobile: +91 – 94427 79580 / 9095120653
Kodi Kuzhagar Temple, Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. This is the 244th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 127th Shiva Temple on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Kodi Kuzhagar Temple at Kodikarai is close to the main road. As it is surrounded by the forest area, not many houses are seen around this area. Saivaite Saint Sundarar refers to the loneliness of this place in his Thevaram Padhigam sung on the Lord. The Temple has a Rajagopuram in the front and one prakaram around the sanctum. Anjanakshi Sametha Amirthakateshwarar (Kodi Kuzhagar) temple of Kodikarai has a Subramanya shrine in the prakaram where the Lord holds Amrutha kalasa in one of his hands. Saint Arunagirinatha has sung Thirupugazh in praise of this Moorthi. The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. People pray to Lord for wedding, child boon and for excellence in education. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. Rama disagreeing Sugriva Proposal: The sea route to Lanka is short from this place. Sugriva planned to build a bridge from here to Lanka to help Rama to cross the sea. But Lord Sri Rama disagreed with the proposal as Kodiakkarai is behind Lanka and that would not be right or graceful to attack Ravana from behind and proceeded to Dhanushkodi being opposite to the front entrance of the island. He worshipped Lord Shiva here before proceeding to Lanka. Remembering this event, the foot prints of Rama is carved here. Lord Shiva in the temple is also praised as Amirtha Kadeswarar. Lord Shiva directing Rama to build Bridge in Rameshwaram: Rama is said to have sighted Sri Lanka from here, and what is believed to be his footprint is preserved nearby. It is believed that Rama attempted to build a bridge to Sri Lanka from here, and was directed by Shiva to proceed to Rameswaram. It is considered sacred to bathe in the sea here during the Uttarayana and Dakshinayana transition. Local belief has it that this shrine is inhabited by Siddhas. Murugan with Amirtha Kalasam: When Devas and Asuras churned Thiruppaarkadal for Nectar, many things came out of Ocean and finally they got the Nectar. Vayu Bhagavan was carrying the Nectar pot, Asuras created wind storm. Pot tilted and nectar fell down which formed as Siva Lingam and some Nectar was collected in a pot by Lord Subramanyar. Here we see Subramanyar with Amirta Kalasam. Hence Shiva is called Amritaghateswarar and Theertham as Amrita Theertham. People worshipped Shiva here: Suvedha Munivar’s son Braman, Siddhars, Naradhar, Indiran, Cheraman Peruman, Sundarar and Kuzhka Munivar worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. Kodaikadu is 9 km far from Vedaranyam on the Kodiakarai route. Vehicles are checked by police for security reasons and allowed to proceed after noting the vehicle registration number. Bus facility is also available. Sri Kodi Kuzhagar Koil-Amudha Kadeswarar Koil, Kodiakadu-614 821, Nagapattinam District Phone: +91 – 4369 272 470
Ponsei Natrunaiyappar Temple, Thirunanipalli, Nagapattinam The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Pujas to Sun-Surya are performed from Chithirai 7-13 in April-May. Pradosha pujas (13th day of both full moon and new moon fortnights) and all Shiva related pujas are celebrated in the temple. Every year from the date of 7 April to 13 April where celebrating a Chithirai Thiruvizha. People pray to Lord Kalyana Sundareswara for wedding boon and Lord Natrinai Appar for excellence in education and prosperity. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. The temple is located in the village of Punjai at a distance of 6 Kms from Semponarkoil and 13 Kms from Mayiladuthurai. This Temple is located near to Poompuhar tourist place. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Nattrunai Appar Temple, Punjai (Tiru Nanipalli), Kidarankondan Post, Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Nagapattinam District – 609 304 Phone: +91 – 4364 – 283 188
Velladainatha Swami Temple, Thirukarugavur, Nagapattinam Presiding Deity is called as Velvidai Nathar / Vedhapureeswarar / Swetharishameswarar. Velvidai Nathar graces as a Banalinga on a square Peeta in the sanctum sanctorum. The Procession deity deity is Somaskanda. The goddess is Kaviaganni / Nilothbhava Visalakshi. There are shrines to Ganesha, Durga, Murugan and his consorts Valli and Deivayanai. Lord Vinayaka in the temple is on a Lotus seat with an umbrella above him and two fans called Samaram. Lord Muruga, against the tradition of facing east, is seen facing the south, a direction attributed to Guru. Lord Muruga is revered as Jupiter-Dakshinamurthy in this temple. He graces with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Special pujas are performed in his shrine on Thursdays, a day attributed to Guru. There are shrines for Mother Durga with eight hands and Sattainathar. There is no shrine for Navagrahas – the 9 planets. Presiding deity is known as Velladaiyappar, Velvidainathar, Ratnankureswarar, Swetha Rishabaeswarar & Ambal is Kaaviyankanni and Neelotpala Visalakshi. The temple has a single prakaram and has a shrine for Vishnu (Kariyamanicka Perumal) also. The temple was rebuilt (of stone) in the 10th century, during the period of Uttama Chola. Niche images around the sanctum and the ardhamandapam here include those of Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Brahmma, Durga, Vishnu and Mohini. Inscriptions from the times of Uttama Chola, Raja Raja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulottunga Chola I are seen in this temple. Velvidai Theertham (a well), where the water, is believed to turn white on the new moon day in the month of Thai (Capricorn). The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Four worship services are offered each day here. New Moon day in the month of Thai (January-February) and Full Moon day in the month of Chithirai (April-May) are the festivals grandly celebrated in the temple. The event of Shiva blessing Sambandar with water is enacted on Thai Amavasai. The water turns white on this day. On this day, the procession idol of Gnanasambandar is brought to this temple from the Sirkali Brahmapureeswarar temple. The Presiding deity of this temple (Velladainathar) and Goddess (Kaviaganni) grants audience to Sambandar and give him the Theertham. Sambandar returns to Sirkali in the evening. This is celebrated as grand festival. The Feeding event is celebrated as a great festival on the Full Moon Day of the month of Chithirai (April-May) in the temple. The event of Shiva blessing Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is enacted on Chitra Pournami. Skanda Sashti is also celebrated here. Those who had committed anything wrong unknowingly are blessed with mental peace if they sincerely pray to the Lord. Devotee performs Abishek and vastras to lords and Ambal. Lord Shiva feeding Sundarar: During his pilgrimage, Saivite Saint Sundarar came to this place to worship Shiva, but could not find the temple as the place was a dense jungle then. He sadly continued his journey with his followers. When he felt very hungry, an old man came to him and said that he was feeding Shiva devotees at a nearby place and asked him to come there for a lunch. Sundarar and his followers enjoyed a good feast coupled with hospitality of the host. After the lunch, Sundarar slept for a while as he was very tired then. When he woke up, he found neither the feeding camp nor any sign of feeding event. He realized that it was Lord Shiva who quenched his hunger. Lord Shiva appeared before Sundarar and showed him the temple. This Feeding event is celebrated as a great festival on the Full Moon Day of the month of Chithirai (April-May) in the temple. Devotees believe that worshipping the Lord here would ensure them a life free of hunger. Tirugnana Sambandar prayed to Lord Shiva for absolving his sins for killing Jains: Tirugnana Sambandar as a child devotee of Lord Shiva and blessed with a high degree of poetic abilities by Mother Parvathi, fought the Jains who waged a war against Saivism. According to the literary history of Tamilnadu, it was Child Sambandar and the ripe old Saivite saint, who had a firsthand knowledge and experience of the Jain designs, fought the war together. In the various challenges Sambandar was drawn, he defeated the Jains and re-established the glory of Saivism in Tamilnadu and almost eliminated Jainism from the Tamil soil. As was agreed between Sambandar and the Jains, the latter were hanged after Sambandar won every challenge. However, Sambandar had to incur the sin of causing the death of the Jains and wanted to go to Kasi to make amends for the sin. He prayed for the permission of Lord Shiva in Sirkali to proceed to Kasi. Lord appeared before Sambandar and brought Ganga here itself. The child saint had a dip in holy Ganga and got relieved of the sin. A temple was erected here later. River Ganga sprang in the well here on the New Moon day in the Thai month (January-February). Based on this story, the holy spring is opened for the use of devotees on this day only and will be closed during the rest of the year. Vishnu in the form of Rishaba worshipped Shiva here: Vishnu is said to have taken the form of a white Rishabam and prayed to Shiva, hence Velvidai, Rishabapuram, and Vishnupuram. Shiva made Kuberan to gift Gems to poor devotee: It is also believed that Shiva caused Guberan to provide a poor devotee with a gift of gems hence the name Ratnankureswarar. Story behind the name Kurukavur: Agni in the guise of a pigeon had tested King Sibi and to regain his original form, created a river and offered its waters in prayer to Shiva, hence Kurukavur. Thirukarukavoor is 5 kms far from Sirkali. Bus facilities are not convenient. The devotee has to get down at the Vadakal stop from Sirkali and can reach the temple from there at a distance of one kilometer. Auto facility is available. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Velladainathaswami Temple, Pillayar Koil Street, Thirukarukavoor, Vadakal post, Sirkali Taluk, Nagapattinam District Mobile: +91- 9245 612 705
Veeratteswarar Temple, Vazhuvur, Nagapattinam The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Majority of the devotees seek wedding and child boons from the Lord. People use to bathe in the holy spring in Lord’s shrine on new moon days and pray for removal of evil effects on their children. Lord Gaja Samhara Murthi is the special Lord of the temple. A Yantra is installed behind this shrine where people pray for total release from spells and witchcrafts and other such evil magic. People praying to presiding deity Kruthivasar are blessed with mental peace. People also pray for employment, progress in trade and profession, promotions also. Devotees perform archanas to Lord after having a bath in the holy spring on new moon day – Amavasya. Those seeking wedding boon offer Kalyana Malai with conch and Kalasa abisheks. They also cover Lord with sandal paste. Abisheks are offered in rice flour, turmeric, cosmetic powder, oil, milk, curd, green coconut, panchamirtha, lime fruit juice, honey and sandal mixtures. Some devotees arrange Annadhana-feeding, distribute nivedhana offered to Lord to other devotees and perform usual abishek and aaradhanas. 10 day Masi Magam festival with procession twice a day with Gaja Samhara on the 9th day and Theerthavari on the 10th day in February – March which is the special festival of the temple drawing huge devotee crowd. 3 days Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January; 10 days Purattasi Navarathri in September – October and Mondays of Karthikai month in November – December are the other festivals celebrated in the temple. Besides the above, Yantra Prathista puja is performed each day. Theertha Prasad is offered to devotees on new moon days. Poornima – full moon day pujas, Aadi Pooram in July-August, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Maha Shivrathri in February-March, Panguni Uthiram in March-April and monthly Pradosha pujas Deepavali, Pongal, Tamil and English New Year days are also the festive events in the temple drawing huge crowd. The Gajasamhara festival in the months of February-March (Maasi) is very grand. It is a three day (on the Pusam, Ayilyam and Magha Nakshatras) celebration, with the actual Gajasamhaaram taking place on the evening of the second day. Legend of Bitchadanar: In the legend of Bitchadanar, once the rishis of Tharukavanam thought penance itself will provide everything and there is no superior God and their ladies were also equally egoistic. Shiva took the form of a beautiful full-nude beggar as Bitchadanar accompanied by Vishnu as Mohini with all their sheen to teach them a lesson. On getting furious over their ladies getting attracted towards this nude beggar, the rishis did different things like creating a snake, tiger, elephant etc., through yagnas, sending mantras and vedas to fight Bitchadanar but nothing could stand in front of him. It is believed that the heroic feat of vanquishing the rogue elephant that came from the Yagna was staged at Vazhuvur and Shiva is being portrayed as Gajasamhara Moorthy in this act. When the elephant approached Shiva, He assumed a miniscule form and jumped into the trunk of the elephant. He then took his Viswaroopa inside the elephant’s body and came out explosively bursting through the stomach of the rogue elephant and wore its skin as a garment. Therefore, this aspect of Shiva is also known as “Kirthivasa” or “one who wears an elephant skin as garment”. Shiva finally revealed his true identity and did a furious dance in front of them. On knowing their mistake, the rishis at once surrendered to Bitchadanar. The rishis learnt hard way that learning all the mantras and vedas are only to promote the human lives and to do good to the society. Jyestha Devi & Saptha Mathas worshipped Shiva here: The temple has been visited by Jyeshta Devi and the Sapthamadhas, and the Lingas that they had worshiped can be seen even today. Shiva saved Vikrama Chola from Sani Bhagavan: Sani Bhagwan in the temple appears fighting with King Vikrama Raja. Defeated by Sani, the king fell in the Theertha the holy spring. Bathing in the spring, the king worshipped Lord for relief. Sani Bhagwan sought the pardon of Lord. His leg got damaged. There is a separate shrine for Sani in the temple holding a bow. Etymology: As the place eluded (Vazhuvudhal in Tamil) destruction by pralaya floods, the place is called Vazhuvur. Vazhuvur is 7 km from far Mayiladuthurai and 25 km from Tiruvarur. It is on the Mayiladuthurai – Manganallur bus route. The visitor has to get down at Neikuppai Vazhuvur Kaikatty stop near Elanthangudi. The temple is near this stop. It can also be reached from Kumbakonam via Aduthurai, Komal and also Peralam. The place is easily reached from Mayavaram on the Peralam road in about 7 kms. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sri Veeratteswarar Temple, Vazhuvur-609 401, Nagapattinam District Phone: 04364 – 253029 Mobile: 91 – +99437 98083
Aanandheeswarar Temple, Billanthaangal, Kanchipuram Official Address
Anadhi Rushreswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Aramvalartha Eswarar Temple, Kanchipuram At about 1.2 kms after the end of the Palar river bridge, take the right (west) ward deviation towards Maduranthakam for another 5 kms to reach Anaikattu. To reach Anaikattu from Chengalpet, Take Bus No 188 D, 100 D and 100 C. To reach Anaikattu from Maduranthakam, Take Bus No T 10. Aramvalartha Eswarar Temple, Anaikattu, Kanchipuram District, Mobile: +91 89402 81959 / 98439 01221 Official Address
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Athreeswarar & Kutcheswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Chidambareshwarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram Official Address
Adikesava Perumal Temple, Vallipuram, Kanchipuram The Pallava and Chola rulers constructed many temples in the villages and towns of this area with the Vijayanagara dynasty also subsequently contributing to the architectural development of the temples already existing there. The village of Vallipuram, situated close to the Palar, on its northern bank, might have been a Chaturvedimangalam, or a village of scholars learned in the four Vedas, like many others in the nearby areas. According to the Manasara, an ancient text in Sanskrit on civil engineering, a village should have a Siva temple on the north-east, a Vishnu temple on the south-west with a tank on true west. The village of Vallipuram has such an arrangement, conforming to the rules laid down in this treatise. The temple, as well as the central sanctum-sanctorum, faces east. The main stone image of Sri Adikesava Perumal, enshrined here is in a standing posture, wearing a Salagrama garland, holding the conch and discus in his upper left and right hands respectively. His lower right hand is in abhaya hasta and lower left hand is in kati hasta, resting near his hip. His consorts, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are seen on either side. All the three images are seen on the same pedestal. It is interesting to note that unlike most temples, there is enough space between moola-Vigrahas and the rear wall for a person to circumambulate these images. The bronze processional image is also worshipped by the name Sri Adikesava Perumal and has the conch and discus in his upper hands and the lower hands are in abhaya hasta and kati hasta just like the main image. He too wears a Salagrama garland. The beauty of the images, both the achala-bhera and the chala-bhera, are truly captivating. On observing closely, one can even see the beautiful long and pointed tips of the nails of the Utsava-vigraha. The other bronze images which are kept here are Chakrattazhvar, Andal and the Snapana Bhera. This temple is a beautiful specimen of Chola architecture, consisting of a garbha-griha, the antarala (passage between the garbha-griha and the mandapam), the maha-mandapam and the agra-mandapam. In the antarala, the bronze image of Sri Bhakta Anjaneya can be worshipped, along with the icons of Vishvaksena, Nammazhwar and the great Srivaishanva Acharya, Sri Vedanta Desika. The mandapam in front houses the processional image of Ambujavalli Thayar, the consort of Adikesava Perumal as also the stone images of all the Azhwars. The image of the Bhudattazhwar with his right hand in jnana-mudra resting on this chest is very reminiscent of a similar one worshipped at Mamallapuram, his birthplace, not too far from Vallipuram. Above the central sanctum is the vimana in typical Dravidian style of architecture belonging to the Chola epoch. It contains beautiful stucco figures of Lord Vishnu in various forms like Sri Adikesava, Varaha, Venugopala, Lakshmi-Narayana, Krishna, Lakshmi Narasimha and Sita-Lakshmana-Hanumath Sametha Sri Kodandarama. The shrine for Ambujavalli Thayar, enshrining the stone image of this Goddess, is located in the circumambulatory passage, to the right of the main sanctum and faces east. Both the stone and processional deities have the thumb of both palms slightly bent as though beckoning the devotees to her presence. The sanctum of Sri Andal, also east-facing is seen on the other side of the main garbha-griha. The sanctums for Garuda and Bhakta Anjaneya are also in this temple. While the former is situated directly in front of the main mandapam within the temple precincts, the shrine for Hanuman is located at a short distance from the temple, but directly facing the main sanctum. The sacred temple-tank is located behind the temple. There was once an underground passage leading from the temple to the tank. Immediately in front of the entrance to the temple is a tall single-stone deepa-sthambham belonging to the Nayaka times. From the post-Nayaka times, the history of this temple is one of neglect. Till recently this temple was in a very dilapidated condition, overgrown with weeds, penetrated by the roots of trees and infested with snakes. This temple was renovated and reconstructed by philanthropists, with the Samprokshanam having been performed in 2007. The temple is open only in the mornings from 8 to 9 am. Vallipuram is a small village approximately 15 kms from Chengalpattu town. Vallipuram is a Village in Tirukalukundram Taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu State, India. It is located 52 Kms towards South from District headquarters Kanchipuram, 10 Kms from Tirukalukundram and 73 Kms from State capital Chennai. The temple is located 3.5 kms further from Aanoor on the Northern bank of the Palar River. Nearest Railway Station is located at Chengalpet and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple, Nadu Palani, Kanchipuram Kanchi Periyavar once visited this place asked the people to name this as ‘Nadu Palani’. This is an Abhimana temple built by Sri Muthuswamy Pillai about 40 years back. Lord Murugan came in his dream and he started in a simple way with the Vel and now it has become a big temple. After Sri Muthuswamy Pillai’s period, the temple is being governed by Mysore Sri Ganapathy Sachthanandha Swamigal. There are 120 steps to the temple on the hillock top and 4 wheelers can go straight to the top. While going through steps, first you can see Anjaneyar shrine on one side and Idumban shrine on the other. Then Siddhi Vinayagar shrine on one side and Raja Rajeswari with a Mahameru gopuram and Navagrahams on the other side. Then there is naga Prathishtai under the combo tree of Arasu and Vembu. There is an artificial fountain in the name of Saravanapoihai. The Samadhi of Sri Muthuswamy Pillai is also present. The temple on top is a small one with only the Murugar shrine with the praharam. First we can see Vinayagar and then the Mayil vahanam and the front mandapam. The main deity is Dhandayuthapani facing east. The old deity got damaged and so a new deity made of Maragatha stone has been installed in Feb 2008. There are two Urchavar Deities namely Kalyana Urchavar deity with Valli and Deivanai and Arumugar on peacock along with Valli and Deivanai under the Rudraksha Pandhal. Vinayagar and Naga Dattareyar, i.e., Dattareyar (Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara) on the Nagar bed with Anaga (Lakshmi) Amman can be seen in this Temple. The Temple will be open from 7 am – 12 noon and 5 – 8 pm. Lot of devotees is taking Patha yatra with Kavadi from Chennai and various places on the occasion of Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram & Iyppasi Month. Rudraksha Kavadi is rare performance in this temple. Tens and thousands of devotees throng in the hill temple on the above days. Annadhanam is being fed on these occasions through the temple trust. Guru Pooja of Muthuswamy Pillai is celebrated on the previous day of Thirukartikai, every year. Every Tuesday and on Krithigai at 8 AM, milk abhishegam is done to the Maragatha Dhandayuthapani. Panguni Uthiram Urchavam is the most popular one and 2-3 lakhs of people usually attend. The important feature of this temple is, Lord will remove the obstacles in the marriage, if devotees pray with whole heartedly. This hill temple is located near Achirappakkam on Chennai to Thindivanam route. After Mel Maruvathur just 2 Kms before Achirupakkam town you have to take a diversion to the left. There is an arch in the highway itself for Nadu Palani Murugan temple. From the arch, we have to go straight without any diversion till to the last for 6.5 kms to reach the temple at the Perukkarani (Perunkarunai) village. Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple, Nadu Palani, Kanchipuram District Mobile: +91 – 96003 90366 / 9655331004
Gauthameswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Ishwarya Lingeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Jayantheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Kadakeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Kailasanathar Temple, Vengalathoor, Kanchipuram Official Address
Kalahastheeswarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram Official Address
Kamala Varadharajar Temple, Arasar Koil, Kanchipuram According to the temple legend, Lord Brahma performed penance under the Peepal tree and prayed to Lord Narayana to appear before him. In response, Perumal appeared before him with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. According to another legend, when Lord Brahma collected earth from River Palar to make the sacrificial altar at Kanchipuram the images of Kamala Varadaraja Perumal and his consorts were unearthed, and he kept them in this temple and worshipped them. Hence this temple, it is claimed, is more ancient than the Kanchipuram temple. Presiding Deity is known as Kamala Varadharajar Temple and Mother is known as Sundara Mahalakshmi. The temple as well as the main shrine faces west. There is a large pillared mandapam in front of the principal sanctum-sanctorum. The main mage of Sri Kamala Varadaraja Perumal is believed to be of Salagrama. Sri Kamala Varadaraja Perumal is seen in a standing pose and holds a lotus in his right hand which is rare. The processional image of this temple is also called Sri Kamala Varadaraja Perumal and is in a standing posture with four arms. His upper arms bear the conch and discus, while his lower right hand holds a lotus and the lower left hand rests on a mace. Since perumal is seen holding a lotus in this temple, he is revered as Sri Kamala Varadaraja Perumal. A shrine for garuda is situated opposite the sanctum for Perumal. This temple is well-known for the image of Goddess Lakshmi, in a separate shrine which faces east. She is called Perundevi Thayar here just as in the Sri Varadaraja Swami Temple, Kanchipuram. She is also called Sundara Maha Lakshmi. Like all images of Goddess Lakshmi, this image of Perundevi Thayar has four arms. In the upper two arms she holds two lotuses while her lower right hand is in the attitude of assuring protection to her devotees and lower left hand is in boon-giving posture. She is called Aadhi Lakshmi Thaayar since she is considered the earliest Thaayar formed in the world. However, this image of Perundevi Thayar in Arasar Kovil, seated in the padmasana pose, is unique as she has six toes in her right foot. Sundara Mahalakshmi sports ‘chubby cheeks’ like a baby sitting in the Padmasana Lotus posture with both hands in abhaya Hastham. The tradition in this temple is that Thayar should be worshipped first and then the devotee should visit the perumal shrine. The shrine for Thayar is also rather unique. It is fashioned like a separate temple with a small but beautiful mandapam in front. This mandapam is of great artistic merit and has pillars made of resonant stone which are called musical pillars as they emit musical notes when tapped. The corbels of these pillars bear the plantain flower motif very characteristic of the architectural style of the Vijayanagara Empire. At the top of the pillars, there is a hole and a thin stick when passed through it, comes out cut into four pieces. Unfortunately this mandapam and the pillars are in a state of neglect and disrepair now. There is also a garbha-griha for Sri Andal in this temple complex. There are images of Vishvaksena and the Srivaishanva preceptors Sri Vedanta Desika and Sri Manavala Mamuni in this temple. In front of the Kamala Varadaraja Perumal temple, is a shrine for Sri Anjaneya. The temple is on the banks of the Palar River. It is more popular as Mahalakshmi temple and if case you need to ask the route you can mention the same. The temple is open only for a short time in the mornings and evenings. This temple is located at Arasar koil about 1.5 km from the Vyagrapureeswarar temple. Travelling on the GST road from Chennai you come across Padalam cross road after Chengalpet. Take a left turn here (boards before this junction will indicate a right turn towards Vedanthangal). Keep going on the road to cross the railway track and continue to reach Arasar koil from GST the temple would be around 6 – 7 kms. The temple is on the left side. By train Padalam station is the nearest. Sri Sundara Mahalakshmi Sametha Sri Kamala Varadharajar Temple, Arasar koil, Kanchipuram District Mobile: +91 – 96985 10956 / 93817 44615
Kanikandeswarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram Official Address
Vishwaroopa Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Kattavakkam, Kanchipuram The temple is open from morning 8 am to evening 7 pm. The temple is located at Kattavakkam village, Walajabad near Kanchipuram. Kattavakkam is located at a distance of 60 Kms from Chennai via Padappai. Travelling on the Bangalore – Chennai highway, cut the bypass to reach Sunguvar Chatram junction and take the left (coming from Chennai) or right (while coming from Bangalore) towards Walajabad just opposite the Ganesha temple in the junction. Keep moving on the road till you reach Kattavakkam which is about 13.5 kms. The temple is a few metres away on the left side and can be seen from the road itself. For devotees from Chengalpet, the route from Chengalpet to Kanchipuram would be shorter. Bus Routes: Vishwaroopa Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Kattavakkam, Kanchipuram District Phone: +91 – 44 – 27290805 Mobile: +91 – 99529 55500 / 9444225091
Kesaveswarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram Official Address
Kalyana Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Kolathur, Kanchipuram Official Address
Somanatheswarar Temple, Kolathur, Kanchipuram It is one of the temples where Moon (Chandran) prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of his sin. There are inscriptions that state the above fact. When Lord Shiva swallowed the Aalahala poison, Parvathi Devi stopped it from entering inside by holding Lord’s neck and converted it into nectar (Amudhu) and hence the name, Amudhambigai. Presiding Deity is known as Somanatheswarar and Mother is known as Amudhambigai. The Nandikeswarar is seen with a broad smiling face. This ancient temple did not survive time like many other temples in India. In 1917, this temple came back to life and some basic pujas were being done. Once while desilting the temple well to perform Abhisekam to the Lord, many other idols were found inside. They were idols of Lord Maha Shashta, Chandikeswarar, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Vinayagar and Durga. The temple had big outer walls whose foundations were found. There is a stand-alone stone inscription near the well which proves that this temple is ancient. The temple has been renovated recently. Somanatheswarar Temple is situated in Kolathur village, 1.5 km from Mambakkam junction on the Vandalur-Kelambakkam Highway route Somanatheswarar Temple, Kolathur, Kanchipuram District Phone: +91 – 44 – 24936910 Mobile: +91 – 98410 81482 / 98401 57028
Macheswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple, Madambakkam, Kanchipuram Madambakkam is an area in the west side of Guduvanchery town. A road from near the traffic signal runs west crossing the railway track leading to Madambakkam. Madambakkam village has a bus facility up to Chennai city Region T. Nagar and Tambaram. Mini buses and share autos are available to reach Guduvanchery railway station. Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Maraimalai Nagar, Kanchipuram Maraimalai Nagar is well connected both by road and rail. Buses and trains plying from Tambaram to Chengalpet stop at this point. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Plot # 138, Door No # 22, Vivekananda Nagar, Maraimalai Nagar Post Kanchipuram District Tamilnadu – 603209 Phone: (044) 27453204
Nallinakka Eswarar Temple, Ezhuchur, Kanchipuram The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and from 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Monthly Pradoshams and Shivrathri in February-March are observed in the temple. People pray to Lord Nallinakka Easwarar for lasting affinity between husband and wife with a loving atmosphere with all members in the family and with relatives and friends. (The word Nallinakkam in Tamil means mutual co-operation with one another. Lord of the temple – Nallinakka Easwarar – is the spring of this noble character flowing through the minds of devotees). Devotees, especially singers, pray for sweet voice. They offer abishek to Lord with milk and honey to gain the boon. Men and women facing adverse effects of Mars pray to Lord Muruga in the temple. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother with milk and honey and offer vastras. Sri Nallinakkeeswarar blesses the devotees for marriage, child birth and harmony within the family. Ezhuchur is a small, beautiful village located about 57 kms south west of Chennai, on the road connecting Tambaram and Kanchipuram. Ezhuchur is 28 km far from Tambaram in Chennai. Autos or cabs may be hired to reach the temple. The temple is around 3 km from the Ezhuchur bus stop. Ezhuchur bus stop is next to Oragadam Koot Road bus stop which comes in the Tambaram Walajabad route. While going from Tambaram, after Padappai, there is a junction called Oragadam Cross Road (Koot Road). There is a Mahameru Dhyana Nilayam about 3 kms from Oragadam Cross Road. One has to take left on the narrow road adjacent to Mahameru temple and go further about 3 kms inside to reach this village. Bus No 55P from Tambaram takes you to Ezhuchur Village (frequency will be very less). Nearest Railway Station is located at Tambaram, Chennai and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Sri Nallinakka Eswarar Temple, Nama Shivaya Trust, 5/9, 2nd street, Ramakrishna Street, Chitlapakkam, Chennai – 600 064 Phone: +91 – 44 – 2223 3857 Mobile: +91 – 94425 55187 / 93806 34880 / 9442555187 Mobile: +91 – 94443 49009 / 9840016882 / 9444046225 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Nandeeswarar Temple, Nandivaram, Guduvanchery, Kanchipuram As per the legend, Lord Brahma advised to churn the celestial sea to obtain “Amrutham” which would help devas to become immortal. Devas, unable to churn the sea alone with Manthara Mountain and Vasuki sought the help of Asuras. In the beginning, poison came out of the sea. Lord Shiva took the poison himself and saved this universe. At the end of the churning, Dhanvanthari appeared with Amrutham pot in his hand. After the brief quarrel with Asuras, devas were able to retrieve the pot and consume the Amrutham. The devas started singing, dancing and enjoying after having Amrutham, and they totally forgot Lord Shiva due to who they were alive. After some time, they realized their mistake and apologized to Shiva. Lord Shiva forgave them and danced in the middle of his vahanam (vehicle) Nandi’s (bull) horns, and hence he got the name Nandeeswarar. The Nandeeswarar Temple is an ancient temple. In fact, the place itself gets its name from this temple. This temple is believed to be built during Pallava period. The temple remains unknown not only for most of the people in Chennai, but even to those who live in Guduvanchery. The main deity of Nandeeswarar temple is Nandeeswarar. The idol of Nandeeswarar is big and attractive. It is facing east and located to the left side from entrance. The Main Sannidhi has a Vinayaka on the right and Murugan on the left. The name of the Goddess is Soundara Nayaki, who is present in a standing posture at a separate shrine with a Simmam and Balipeedam. The Ambal is about 4 feet high. The koshta Vigrahas are as in any Shiva temple with Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu and Brahma, Durga with Chandikeshwarar. Chandikeshwarar Sthuthi and Bhairavar Sthuthi are engraved here. There are separate shrines for Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Devasena. There is beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu and an ancient idol of Nandi (bull) under the holy tree (sthala Vriksham). Sthala Vriksham is cannon ball tree (Nagalinga maram). This Vishnu Idol may be probably displaced from the Koshta during an earlier renovation. There is Navagraha Vigrahas at the right side of the Nandi. The Temple has a Tank (Kulam) on its east entrance and rituals are performed here during Mahalaya Paksha and other special occasions. There are also other idols in the prakara (corridor surround the main deities) such as Ganesh, Shanmuga, another Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswarar, Surya, Bhairava and Veerabhadra. Even though the temple is old, it must have been rebuilt multiple times as there is not much sign of antiques in the temple except the idols and pillars. Nandivaram-Guduvancheri is a panchayat town located in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. The temple is half a km away from the Guduvanchery bus terminus. Guduvanchery is located at a distance of around 35 km from Chennai. The temple is very easily reached from NH 45. After Kattankulathur as you enter Guduvanchery the area is called Nandivaram. There is a road to the left before the bus stand the road leads to the temple in a furlong. There is also a road adjoining the bus stand leading to Thiruporur. The road to the temple is the first left not the Thiruporur road. Official Address
Srardha Samrakshana Narayanan Temple, Nenmeli, Kanchipuram The place where the temple is situated once was under the kingdom of Arcot Nawab. And, in this kingdom, lived an aged couple – Yagna Narayana Sharma and Sarasavani. Yagna Narayana Sharma had a Guru – Yagnya Valkiyar, who belonged to Suklaya jeer Vedam. Yagna Narayana Sharma worked as a Diwan in the Nawab kingdom and both he and his wife Sarasavani had a great bhakti towards Sriman Narayanan. Because of bhakti, the money, which they wanted to pay to the Nawab, was spent towards Deiva Kainkaryam. And as a result of this, they both were ordered to be prisoned. But they don’t want to accept the punishment and thought they spent the money only for good needs and for Deiva Kainkaryam. So, they went towards the Pushkarani of Thiruvidanthai Divyadesam and let their death happen in the Pushkarani. But after their death, both of them were worried that they didn’t have any children to perform the Srardham for them. It is Bhagavan Sriman Narayanan who knows all of his Bhaktas thoughts and he fulfills them. And, he himself performed the Srardham, Thithi for the couples and even today the first theertham is given to the family members of Yagna Narayana Sharma and Sarasavani. And even today, the Perumal himself perform Srardham for the people, who doesn’t have son or anyone else to perform and it is done during the time from 12 noon to 1.00 pm. That’s the reason why the Perumal of this sthalam is called with Thiru Naamam – Sri Srardha Samrakshana Narayanan. The Perumal of this sthalam is called with the thiru Naamam – “Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal”. The Utsavar of this temple is “Sri Srardha Samrakshana Narayanan”. The Maha Lakshmi Salagramam, which is found in the Moolavar Sannadhi, is said to be so powerful and sacred and by worshipping this, we are blessed by Maha Lakshmi with wealth, health and Sakala Soubhagyam. Sannadhis: Nenmeli is situated at about 6 kms from Chengalpet, on the road leading to Mahabalipuram, near Thirukazhukundram. Srardha Samrakshana Narayanan Temple Brahmana Street, Nenmeli Post, Via Nandham, Chengalpet – 603002, Kanchipuram District, Phone: +91 – 44 – 27420053.
Ottiampakkam Otteeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Ottiampakkam is a small village now well connected with OMR, Medavakkam and Siruseri. This temple is close to the Thalambur four way junctions which cross the OMR – Thalambur Road and Siruseri – Medavakkam road. The temple can be reached via Medavakkam and Sithalapakkam. Town bus of the 51 series is also available and passes through Velachery. Ottiampakkam is well connected by following bus routes; Official Address
Pandaveswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Pazhaya Seevaram, Kanchipuram The Temple will be open from 7.30 am – 11 am and 4 pm – 6.30 pm. Lots of Utsavams are performed in this sthalam. Brahmotsavam in Aani month, Pavitrotsavam in Aavani, Narasimha Jayanthi, Theerthavari in Swathi and Parivettai during Thai month are said to be some of the Utsavams that are performed in a great manner. Pazhaiya Seevaram Parivettai: Apart from its holiness due to the confluence of the three rivers, the hill temple is visited by Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram on the day following Sankaranthi, for what is known as “Pazhaiya Seevaram Parivettai”. Parivettai is observed to mark the destruction of evil forces by the Lord and is celebrated in almost all Vishnu temples. It is said the present Moolavar idol of Lord Varadaraja at Kanchipuram was sculpted out of a rock here after the original wooden idol of Atthi Varadar got damaged hundreds of years ago. It is said to mark this, Lord Varadaraja is taken to Pazhaiya Seevaram on the day following Sankaranthi every year, when thousands of devotees gather here for Vana Bhojanam and aradhana. Lord Varadaraja, who leaves his abode at 10 p.m. on Sankaranthi day, accompanied by devotees including those reciting Azhwars’ Paasurams and Vedas, is carried all the way to a distance of 15 km and goes around Pazhaiya Seevaram village at the foot of the hillock. He reaches the Narasimha temple, which is in the middle of the hillock, at noon and then he is taken to the Varadaraja Mandapam atop the hill, by climbing the 140 steps. He stays in the mandapam there till 4 p.m. when Thirumanjanam (sacred bath) and Aradhana are performed. Later the Lord reaches the Narasimha Temple and both the Gods are taken to a temple at Thiru Mukkoodal, on the other side of Palar where a temple for Lord Srinivasa, known as Appan, exists. There the three Gods, along with the Lords of two other temples, give darshan. Later Lord Varadaraja returns to Pazhaiya Seevaram along with Narasimhar and then starts his trek back to Kanchipuram late in the night and reaches there next morning. Lord gave darshan to Athri Rishi: According to the Sthala Puranam, once in Naimisaaranyam, a Rishi by name Vishnu Siththar enquired with the other Rishis about a best place where he can get the Dharshan of Lord Vishnu as result of the penance. Another Rishi called Mareecha Muni explained the him about the existence of such a place on the earth, where one’s penance (Thapas) will get fulfilled with the Dharshan of Lord Narayana and guided him to this place which was called Padmagiri. He also told the story of Athri Rishi, who got the Dharshan of the Lord in this place in the form of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar, after his severe and dedicated penance. It is said that, Athri Rishi, after having Dharshan of the Lord, prayed the Lord to stay in this place and bless the people worshipping here. The Lord accepted his wish and stayed here in the same form to bless the mankind. Holier than Prayag: The place is also marked by the confluence of three rivers — Palar, Cheyyar and Vegavathi — and one can see the three rivers merging together at the place from the temple on the hillock. Known as Dakshina Prayag, it is a much holier place than the Triveni Sangamam or Prayag in the north, according to the octogenarian priest of the temple, Sri Narasimha Sundara Bhattacharyar. This is because, while at Prayag all the three rivers are not visible to the naked eye (river Saraswathi is Antharvahini, running underground) in Pazhaiya Seevaram the three rivers can be seen at the place of confluence. Pazhaiya Seevaram Parivettai: Apart from its holiness due to the confluence of the three rivers, the hill temple is visited by Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram on the day following Sankaranthi, for what is known as “Pazhaiya Seevaram Parivettai”. Parivettai is observed to mark the destruction of evil forces by the Lord and is celebrated in almost all Vishnu temples. It is said the present Moolavar idol of Lord Varadaraja at Kanchipuram was sculpted out of a rock here after the original wooden idol of Atthi Varadar got damaged hundreds of years ago. It is said to mark this, Lord Varadaraja is taken to Pazhaiya Seevaram on the day following Sankaranthi every year, when thousands of devotees gather here for Vana Bhojanam and aradhana. Lord Varadaraja, who leaves his abode at 10 p.m. on Sankaranthi day, accompanied by devotees including those reciting Azhwars’ Paasurams and Vedas, is carried all the way to a distance of 15 km and goes around Pazhaiya Seevaram village at the foot of the hillock. He reaches the Narasimha temple, which is in the middle of the hillock, at noon and then he is taken to the Varadaraja Mandapam atop the hill, by climbing the 140 steps. He stays in the mandapam there till 4 p.m. when Thirumanjanam (sacred bath) and Aradhana are performed. Later the Lord reaches the Narasimha Temple and both the Gods are taken to a temple at Thiru Mukkoodal, on the other side of Palar where a temple for Lord Srinivasa, known as Appan, exists. There the three Gods, along with the Lords of two other temples, give darshan. Later Lord Varadaraja returns to Pazhaiya Seevaram along with Narasimhar and then starts his trek back to Kanchipuram late in the night and reaches there next morning. Dakshina Prayag: In Krutha Yuga, there lived a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, who wanted to take bath daily in river Ganga, which emerges from the foot of Sriman Narayana. He took bath in this Sangamam and treated this water as the Ganga River and worshipped the Vishnu in Sudharsana malai (Hill). Another saint lived here and treated this river as the river Yamuna. Because of this, both the rivers Yamuna and Ganga emerged here and the other river Vegavathi (Saraswathi River) also emerged and these 3 rivers merge in the great Pazhaya Seevaram sthala. This river flows in between Padmagiri and Sudharsana malai. It is believed that if we take bath in this river and get the Seva(darshan) of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in Padmagiri and Sri Venkatesha in Sudharsana malai, it is equivalent to 100 times taking bath in Prayag. It is believed that if we take bath in this river for a month and rest under the shadow of Pipal tree in Padmagiri, it is said to cure all sorts of sins and diseases. Sudharsana Malai (Hill): On the opposite side of Padmagiri another hill is found which is called as “Sudharsana malai” where Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal is giving his Seva. This Perumal gave his Prathyaksham (darshan) to Brighu Muni and King Chakravarthy. Etymology: The name Sripuram has a hoary past. After the annihilation of Hiranyakasipu, Lord appeared ferocious. From the legends it is learned that the Lord was pacified by goddess Mahalakshmi at this shrine. Since goddess Mahalakshmi played the key role in appeasing the Lord and hence the village got the name Sripuram, as a token of gratitude. Legends equate it as ‘Sathya Varadha Kshetram.’ Then it got corrupted to Seevaram. It is difficult to make out the significance for the word ‘Pazhaiya’ or old. Rivers in full flow: Devotees who have been to this temple in the 1960s/70s say that they used to reach here by bullock cart (there were no buses then) and would stay here for a month enjoying the cool breeze and peaceful surroundings. The rivers, they say, used to run full through the year which would make a wonderful sight from the top of the temple. Suyambu Madapalli: The `Madapalli`(place for preparing Prasadam) is believed to be `Suyambu‘ (appeared on its own). Pazhaiya Seevaram is located on the Kanchipuram – Chengalpattu State Highway SH 58 and it is about 16 km from Chengalpattu and about 20 km from Kanchipuram. While going from Chengalpattu, one can reach Pazhaya Seevaram 5 kms before Walajabad. There are lots of buses available from Kanchipuram to this Temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram, Chengalpet and Walajabad. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Pazhaiya Seevaram, Kanchipuram District Mobile: +91 – 94437 18137 /9865494125
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Adhi Parasakthi Siddhar Peetam, Melmaruvathur, Kanchipuram There is a Woman-Siddha in swayambu form in the place wherefrom Mother Adhi Parasakthi emerged. She is head of all Siddhas. It is believed that a huge number of Siddhas are in this holy soil. Fertile lands are on the northern part of the temple. For the convenience of devotees staying during nights, it was suggested that a thatched roof tent may be built. But Bangaru Adigalar says that permission from Mother could be obtained as still many Siddhas exist under this land. Hence, the temple is called Siddhar Peetam. Where the current temple’s sanctum sanctorum stands today, there was only a neem tree in the 1960s. Unlike every other neem tree, which bear bitter tasting fruit, this tree secreted and dripped a sweet nectar. Residents of that village found that they had an urge in their mind to taste this nectar whenever they passed by this tree. Since many passers reported of curing their illness and diseases after tasting this nectar, the word spread swiftly to entire village and its neighborhood. So it became a customary for these villagers to take a drop of this nectar to ailing friends and relatives. They treated this as a medicinal tree and protected it from grazing cattle and wood cutters. In 1966, a severe storm uprooted this neem tree, which exposed the Swayambu underneath to the villagers for the first time. Swayambu means a self-emerging, naturally formed oval shaped object (carved of rock). People built a small hut on top of this Swayambu and conducted poojas (prayer rituals) to it. This place is known as Siddhar Peetam (Siddhar in Tamil language means enlightened or evolved souls. Peetam means throne. Thus Siddhar Peetam means The Throne of Evolved Souls or Great Spiritual Masters/Gurus) where 21 Siddhars are laid in Jeeva Samadhi. Swayambu alone was worshipped for many years. The idol of Mother Adhi para Sakthi was installed later in the sanctum sanctorum on November 25, 1977. The idol of beautiful Mother is three feet tall, seated on thousand-petal lotus seat, with her right leg folded and the left leg resting on the lotus petals. The thousand petal lotus has significance in meditation. In this idol form, she holds the bud of a lotus in her right hand, the mudra (sign) of knowledge in her left hand and with her hair plait and knotted upwards like a crown. The temple is open from 3.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. The timings given are approximate. It may vary on certain special occasions. On Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays, New moon days, full moon days, and Siddhar Peedam festival days, there will be no break in Darshan Timings. Devotees throng the temple for all prosperity in life. Devotees offer Shakti Mala garlands, carry Irumudi as followed in the Ayyappan prayer model and they do the Anga Pradakshina – rolling around the prakara. Melmaruvathur is 92 km far from Chennai on the Tiruchi National Highway and falls 25km before the Tindivanam. It’s a straight single road from Chennai and is well connected through train and buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Melmaruvathur and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Sri Melmaruvathur Adhi Parasakthi Temple, Melmaruvathur, Kancheepuram District Phone: +91 – 44 – 27529217
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Maha Muneeswarar Temple, Pulivaai, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram Maha Muneeswarar Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Uthiramerur. Bus No. 34 D from Kanchipuram to Malayankulam will stop at this Village. Official Address
Ramanadheswarar Temple, Vembakkam, Kanchipuram Official Address
Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Salavakkam, Kanchipuram Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/12/prasanna-venkatesa-perumal-temple_29.html Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Salavakkam Village in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. Salavakkam is 4 kms from Meyyur. Salavakkam is a Village in Uthiramerur Taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu State, India. It is located 32 Kms towards East from District headquarters Kanchipuram, 12 Kms from Uthiramerur and 68 Kms from State capital Chennai. Official Address
Sornapuriswarar Temple, Salavakkam, Kanchipuram Kali slaying Asuras Sumban & Nisumban: Two asuras, Sumban and Nisumban, did penance seeking the blessings of Lord Brahma. When Lord Brahma appeared, they prayed to bless them with the boon that they should meet their end only in the hands of a virgin appearing from Godess Uma Devi. Pleased with their penance, Lord Brahma sanctioned their wish. Having obtained the boon from Lord Brahma, the two asuras became arrogant and started indulging in all types of evil deeds. They declared war against Devas, defeated and made them their slaves and continuously tortured them. Unable to undergo the sufferings, Devas prayed to Siva. To answer their prayer, Lord Siva cast his eyes upon his consort, Goddess Uma Devi and addressed her as Kali. Sri Ambigai transformed her color to black and took the form of Goddess Kali. She came down to earth and on the banks of river Palar, created a theertham, after praying to Sri Vinayaga, installed a Sivalingam and began her penance. After many years of penance, Lord Siva appeared before Goddess Kali. His grace removed her black color and granted golden color. The black color that got out of Goddess Kali fought with the asuras and destroyed them. Since Sri Ambigai obtained golden color (Swarna), thereinafter the place was known as Sornapuri. Arrogance of Lakshmi: Once Goddess Lakshmi became arrogant over her beautiful appearance. Because of that, she was cursed by Sri Vishnu and eventually, she lost her beauty. She came down to Sornapuri and with the help of Kubera, constructed a pond full of golden lotus flowers. She prayed to Lord Sornapuriswarar, by offering those golden lotus flowers and regained her original beauty. Also, Kubera was elevated as head of all wealth. Ardent Devotee attained Salvation here: Sivanesan, an ardent devotee of Lord Sornapuriswarar, was continuously offering worship in this temple. Lord Siva granted his Dharshan to Sivanesan and transformed him into two lingas, namely, Uthira Nadhar and Dakshina Nadhar. Thus, Sivanesan attained Mukthi (Liberation). Presiding Deity is known as Sornapuriswarar and Mother is known as Anandha valli. As Lord Siva ordained, Sri Bhairavar became the controlling deity of this place. Sri Vinayagar deity, installed and prayed by Sri Ambigai, is still found in this temple, as Sri Sakthi Vinayaga. Those who pray to Sri Sornapuriswarar by lighting ghee lamps (Nei Vilakku) and offering Vilva leaves (Vilva archanai) will be bestowed with abundant wealth and excellent health. This prayer is best, if done continuously for 18 Mondays (Somavaram). If one comes around both Uthira and Dakshina Nathars for 18 times daily and offers his sincere prayers, it is sure that his cycle of births – deaths will come to an end and he will attain Mukthi. Salavakkam is situated at about 20 Kms away to the West of Chengalpet and 35 Kms to the East of Kancheepuram. Official Address
Sundhara Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Salavakkam, Kanchipuram Official Address
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Somanatheswarar Temple, Somangalam, Kanchipuram The Temple will be open from 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM – It is preferred to visit the temple only in the mornings since the evening timing is not sure. The temple is strictly closed between 12 pm and 4 pm. People with Chandra and water related Dhoshams, mind and water related problems like Cold, Asthma, mental sickness etc., can worship Somanatheswarar and Chandra here to come out of their problems. Also it is believed that Lord Somanatheswarar blesses people with timely marriage, progeny, peaceful and healthy life. The Somanatheswarar Temple is located in Somangalam, Chennai suburb. Buses are available from Kundrathur bus terminus to Somangalam. The temple is within a km from the Somangalam bus terminus. Somangalam lies at about 35 kms south west of Chennai city. One can take the route from Tambaram via Kishkintha to reach Somangalam. The better alternative is to take the road from Pallavaram going to Kunrathur. After reaching Kunrathur junction, one has to take left (towards south) to reach Somangalam. Somangalam is about 10 kms from Kunrathur. Also plenty of busses ply from Porur directly to Somangalam. Somangalam is in the Kundrathur – Padappai road and can be reached from Tambaram as well. It is 6 kms from Kishkintha. After Kishkintha, while proceeding straight the road divides into two and you have to take the road at the left. Go beyond Sairam Engineering College and you will see a road to the left to Dhanalakshmi Engineering College. Go straight further and you will reach Somangalam and the temple. Somanatheswarar Temple, Somangalam, Kanchipuram District, Phone: +91 – 44 – 2717 8330 Official Address
Adikesava Perumal Temple, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram Adi Kesava Perumal Temple (also called Ramanujar Temple) is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu located in Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram district, in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu. It is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Adikesava Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Yatirajanathavalli Thayar. This is the only temple where Goddess Lakshmi has a name attributed to a devotee of the Lord. She is a varaprasathi who grants all wishes. The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Ramanuja, the exponent of Vaishtavaidata philosophy. The gold plated shrine in front of the hall of Ramanuja is built by the Maharaja of Mysore. The temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m and has six daily rituals at various times of the day. Various festivals are celebrated in the temple, with the Chittirai Brahmotsavam, Masi Pooram festival during February – March and Panguni Uthiram festival during March – April being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. Sriperumpudur is located on the Chennai – Bangalore Highway (NH 4) about 40 Kilometers South-West of Chennai. The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Those facing adverse aspects of Rahu and Ketu planets and those facing delays in marriage due to Kalasarpa dosha in whose horoscopes the snake planets are at both ends covering the other planets in between them, pray here for relief. Devotees perform abishek to Sri Ramanuja with milk as a prayer commitment. The water left over from the daily ablutions and the cloth worn by the deities is squeezed and given as Prasadam (blessing) to devotees at Ramanuja Swamy Temple. This cloth is said to cure skin diseases and bless childless couples with children. Every month, on the day that the Thiruvadirai star reigns in the sky, many people come to witness the milk ablutions and to get the blessings of the Lord. The temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) & deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both adi kesavan and his consort yathirajavalli. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. Various festivals are celebrated in the temple, with the Chittirai Brahmotsavam, Masi Pooram festival during February – March and Panguni Uthiram festival during March – April being the most prominent. During Chittirai Brahmotsavam, the temple car housing the festival deities of Adikesava and Yathirajavalli is drawn around the streets of Sriperumpudur. The festival car was not operational for the 25 years preceding 2003 and was resumed from 2003. The festival is followed by Thiruavadara Utsavam of Ramanuja, the birthday festival of the saint. On the last Friday of Panguni (March-April) or on the last Friday of Chithirai, Thirumanjanam is simultaneously performed for Lord Adikesava Perumal, Mother Yathiraja Valli, Sri Andal and Acharya Sri Ramanuja. In Vaikasi (May-June), the Adhi Kesava Perumal Vasantha Uthsavam is popular. On festival days, the Utsava Murthy (processional image) is decorated with jewels, dressed in glittering robes and Ramanuja carries a sword symbolic of his status as the king of saints. The image is brought to the garden after a ride in the temple car in the morning. Before the Thirumanjanam (ablution), the jewels and robes are removed and the icon can be seen in all its original glory with the back of the head shaped like a hooded serpent, reminding viewers that he was the incarnation of Adisesha, Vishnu’s iconic serpent. Devotees eagerly wait to see the Thirumanjanam and the Pushpa Pallakku (flower decorated palanquin) that follows. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. Major Festivals are listed below; Chella Pillai Utsavam: Once, a king from Delhi took the idol of Narayanapuram to please his daughter. Ramanuja went to Delhi to recover the idol and the idol is believed to have fallen on his lap as a child by divine powers as a child. The Chella Pillai Utsavam is held every year commemorating the event. Story behind the name Boodhapuri: The place is known as Aranyaranam and Boodhapuri. In the Kailasha Lord Shiva once dancing and Lord Shiva was deeply involved in dancing and he was doing Avesha Narthanam and suddenly his robes fell down, seeing this all the Bhootha ganas laughed. Then Shiva becomes very angry on his Bhootha Ganas and curses them that they should go to Bhoo Loka and do Nithya vasam. Then Bhootha ganas realize their mistakes , they repent and pray to Shiva for his mercy , Shiva tells once I have given the shapa (Curse) I cannot take it back, so please go to Brahma ask for Pariharam. Then Brahma tells that please go to the Punya Bhoomi of Great Bharatha Varusham, Go to a place known as Arunaranyam Kshetram which is situated in between Thiruvenkatam Hills and Sathayavratha Kshetram (Kanchi) and pray to Lord Maha Vishnu for Saapa Vimochanam. As instructed by the Brahma comes to Arunaranyam Kshetram and then Lord Narayana is pleased with Bhootha ganas. Then he calls the Shiva and tells him to take back the Bhootha ganas back in Kailasha. Then he instructed Ananthaalwan (Adhi Seshan) to create a Sarasu, and then instructs the Bhootha Ganas to take bath in the Sarasu and get relieved of the curse. Then they Request the Lord also to stay in this Kshetram and bless the world. Then they do Pradhakshinam to Lord Adhi Kesavan (Lord Maha Vishnu). Then they build a Temple, small town and they did Usthavam to Lord Adhi Kesavan and they got rid of the shapa (curse). In those days it was known as Bhoodhapuri and later on it became Sriperambhoothur and now it is Sriperumpudur. Avathara Sthalam of Ramanuja: Once there lived a great King named Hareetha Maharaja, he was the grandson of King Ambarisha and he is the decedent of Ramar. He was passing by a dense forest, then he hears a shrill moaning of a cow, he goes in the direction where the voice was coming, he sees that a Tiger has caught the cow and was about to kill the Cow, and the Kohathi Dosham is going to take place and since he is Kshatriya and a King he thinks that it is his duty to protect the weakling, and there is no sin in killing the tiger, He aims at Tiger, meanwhile tiger thinks i should do something that King also suffers with that he kills the Cow, and King Hareetha kills the tiger. Since he has seen the Kohathi taking place, the Dosham comes to him, he is worried, then suddenly he hears Asareeri (Divine Voice) and asks him to proceed to Sathayavratha Kshetram and take bath in Anantha Sarasu and worship Lord Adhi Kesava, your sins will vanish. Then he goes back to Ayodhya and Consults Vashista Maharishi and, he tells about the Sriperumpudur’s Mahatmiyam and narrates how Bhootha Ganas got rid of the Saapa and also the route. King Hareetha makes alternative arrangement to run the Kingdom and proceeds to Sriperumpudur. Then he takes bath in Anantha Sarasu and prays to Lord Adhi Kesavan. Then finally Lord Vishnu appears before Hareetha Maharaja and instructs him all the Mantras which will help in getting rid of the Dosham, He also tells all these years you were Kshatriya and due to my blessings now you will become Brahmin and henceforth your descendants also will become Brahmin (even today his decedents are from his Gothra and they are known as Hareetha Gothra), He also gives the Upadesha of all Mantras. Then Hareetha Maharaja rebuilds the Adhi Kesava temple and does consecration of the temple on an auspicious day, then he hears the Divine voice (Asareeri) that in near future great soul will be born in your Vamsa (Descendant) who will lead the world to greater height of Gyana and Bhakti, and that Great Soul is none other than Ramanuja. Then in year CE 1017 On a Thursday, in the Tamil Month of Chitrai, Sukla Paksha Panchami, in the constellation of Aridra (Thiruvadirai) Asuri Keshavacharya and Kanthimathi were blessed with the Child and were named as Ramanuja. He was later given the title of Bashyakara, Emperumanar, Elayai Alwan, Yathirajar, Udayavar etc. There is a mandapam in front of the temple where Sri Ramanuja was born. During the 10 day Chithirai festival during April-May, Acharya graces from this mandapam. On his birth star day, he is placed in a cradle as a child and fed with milk in a conch. During this festival, the Parivattam turban linen – is brought from 36 Vaishnava shrines-Divya Desas – as a courtesy to the Acharya. Than Uganda Thirumeni: He toured the length and breadth of Bharatha Desha to preach the Vishistadvaita. Then Just few days before leaving the mortal coil and going to Vaikunta, His disciple Mudhaliandan’s Son Kanthadai Annan got a Archa Vigraham of Ramanuja and presented before him, then Swami hugged the Moorthy and transferred all his power to it, then Udayavar instructed to the Prathistai of this Vigraham on Tamil Month Thai on Constellation of Pushya Star at Sriperumpudur, This Vigraham is what we see in Sriperumpudur and it is known as Than Uganda Thirumeni. Ramanujar’s Vigraha, Divine archa-vigraha made of 5 metals including gold, silver, bronze, copper and iron. Story behind Ramanuja gracing in White Robes during Chithirai Festival: Ramanuja (1017–1137 CE) was a Hindu theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete, born in a Tamil family at Sriperumpudur. Vaishnavites, see him one of the most important acharya (teacher) of their tradition and as the leading expounder of Vishishtadvaita, one of the classical interpretations of the Vedic philosophy. Ramanuja grew up under the tutelage of Tirumalai Nambi, who was working in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. A king wanted to take vengeance on Sri Ramanuja and planned to punish him. Knowing the king’s plans, a disciple, Koorathalwar, wearing the saffron went to the king. Sri Ramanuja escaped in white robes. The king blinded Koorathalwar for failing his plans. With a view to respect the disciple who lost his eyes for him, Sri Ramanuja graces in white robes on one day during the Chithirai festival. Lizard Structure: There is a lizard sculpture behind Sri Ramanuja’s shrine. People worship this lizard for relief from sins. Ramanuja rebirth as Manavala Mamunigal: Acharya Sri Ramanuja lived a full circle of life spanning 120 years. (A full life means that a person should undergo the prescribed period of all the planets in his life that covers 120 years, not a day less.) Sri Ramanuja, in next his birth was born as Manavala Mamunigal who taught the meaning of commentaries on scriptures. His idol is seen on a pillar in the temple. There is also a separate temple for Acharya Sri Manavala Mamunigal outside the temple. Belief of Temple Prasadam curing illness: The Specialty of this Temple and Vigraham is Eravadai Theertham. Here they do Thirumanjanam to Lord Ramanuja daily then after the Thirumanjanam the cloth which Lord is wearing is squeezed and collected in Vatil and given as Prasadam to Bhakthas, it is said it capable of curing Skin diseases, Beget progeny for Issueless couples, and also cures many other ailments like cancer etc. If you take bath in Anantha Sarasu you will get rid of Rahu Kethu Dosham, Also you can light Ghee lamp. Every Thiruvadirai Star people come in large number and witness the Milk Thirumanjanam get the blessings of Udayavar. Swarga Vasal: The temple doesn’t have a Swarga vasal since it is believed that praying to Swami Ramanuja is the way to Vaikuntam. Sriperumpudur is a town panchayat in the Indian state of Tamilnadu located 40 kilometers southwest of the city of Chennai on the National Highway 4. This temple is situated 40 Kms away from Chennai, 35 Kms away from Kanchipuram and 20 Kms away from Thiruvallur Railway Station. The temple is located near the bus stand. From Route No High Court 502 Thiruvanmiyur 549 Broadway 553 Poonamallee 553K, 517 Puzhthivakkam 554A Red Hills 562A Pattabiram 565 Kundrathur 578 Vadapalani 578A Tambaram 583, 583C, 583D Thiruvallur 583A Koyambedu 576 Nearest Railway Stations are Chennai Central & Thiruvallur and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Sri Adi Kesava Perumal & Sri Bhashyakar Temple, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram Taluk, Pincode – 602105 Phone: +91 44 – 27162236 Mobile: +91 – 9444898548 Email: [email protected] Web: www.adhikesavaramanujatemple.com
Bhutapureeswarar Temple, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram Sriperumpudur is a town panchayat in the Indian state of Tamilnadu located 40 kilometers southwest of the city of Chennai on the National Highway 4. This temple is situated 40 Kms away from Chennai, 35 Kms away from Kanchipuram and 20 Kms away from Thiruvallur Railway Station. The temple is located near the bus stand. From Route No High Court 502 Thiruvanmiyur 549 Broadway 553 Poonamallee 553K, 517 Puzhthivakkam 554A Red Hills 562A Pattabiram 565 Kundrathur 578 Vadapalani 578A Tambaram 583, 583C, 583D Thiruvallur 583A Koyambedu 576 Nearest Railway Stations are Chennai Central & Thiruvallur and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Arulmigu Soundaravalli Ambal Samedha Boodhapurishwarar Thirukoil, Sriperumpudur – 602 105, Kancheepuram District, Phone: +91 44 – 27162236
Vaikuntha Perumal Embar Temple, Maduramangalam, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram Life Story of Embar: An Amsam of Garudalwar incarnated as first son of Kamalanayana Bhattar and Srimathi Periya Pirattiyaar in Krothana Nama year, Thai Month, Punarvasu Nakshatram at a sacred place called Maduramangalam, also called as Then Madhura. He was named as Govinda Dhasar and he had a younger brother named Siriya Govinda Perumal. Sri Embar was related to Ramanuja, as his cousin brother and had great Bhakthi and regard for him. Both Ramanuja and Embar were initially learning Vedantha under an Advaitha Acharya named Yadhava Prakasha. On many occasions arose when the Saivite Guru clashed with Ramanuja, when the Guru misinterpreted Vedantic statements. Ramanuja fearlessly pointed out the errors in the Guru’s interpretations and corrected him. This enraged the Guru. Fearing that one day, Ramanuja would demolish Advaita philosophy, he plotted to kill Ramanuja and hence he planned a pilgrimage to Kashi, thinking that they can kill Ramanuja on the way in the forest and clear the sin by taking a holy dip in Ganga. At this point of time Embar somehow came to know about his master’s evil plan and saved Ramanuja’s life. Embar was a Shiva Bhaktha earlier in his life and later accepted Srivaishnavism due to the intervention of Sri Ramanuja and Sri Thirumalai Nambigal and became a great Acharya. He was given the title of “Embar” by Sri Ramanuja himself. Embar is the shortened version of the term Emperumaanar. Sri Embar is referred to as the “Ramanuja padhachhaaya” (shadow of the lotus feet of Bhagavath Ramanuja). Pradhakshinam: Lord gave Pradhakshinam for Saptha Rishis who performed Aswamedha Yaga and Suparna Maharaja the ruler of Thondai Mandalam. Embar, an Incarnation of Garuda: Sri Embar is believed to be an incarnation of Garuda, for which reason the Pushkarini is called Garuda Pushkarini. The villagers firmly believe that poisonous snakes will not harm them. The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Vaikuntha perumal with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoomi Devi Thayar facing East direction. There is a separate Sannadhi for Sri Kamalavalli Thayar in sitting position facing East direction. The place is the Avathara sthalam of Sri Ramanujar’s first cousin Sri Embar. They both were students of Sri Yadavaprakashar at Thiruputkuzhi. Sri Embar gives Dharsan wearing a pendant given by Sri Udayavar. The temple tank is called Garuda pushkarani. The utsavamurti is the Aradhana Murthi of Embar. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 8.30 pm in the evenings. Every day three times pooja is conducted. Every Saturday the Moolavar is decorated with flower in different “avathaarams”. The temple is said to be a Prarthana sthalam for childless couples. It is said if Issueless couple come to Maduramangalam, then get the Kozhukkattai prepared and offer it to Vaikuntha Perumal, then to Garudan and last to Embar Swamy, and then they partake Kozhukkattai they will be blessed with issues (It is said Embar is the Amsam of Periya Thiruvadi a.k.a Vynatheyan). Then it is also said any sort of eye aliments gets cured if you pray to Embar swamy and light the Ghee lamp. The temple is about 60 kms from Chennai and around 20 kms from Sriperumpudur & 7 Kms from Sunguvar Chatiram. By Road: Coming from Chennai on the Bangalore highway, take a right towards Sunguvar Chatram. Then take a right at the Vinayagar temple to reach Maduramangalam via Maduramangalam road. The Central Bus Stand is just two kilometer away from the Temple. By Train: Chennai is well connected from the cities/towns all over India. By Air: Chennai has both national and international airports. Arulmigu Vaikunta Perumal & Arulmigu Embar Samy Thirukoil, Maduramangalam, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram – 602105 Phone: +91 44 – 27162236 Mobile: +91 – 9444898548
Vallakottai Subramaniaswamy Temple, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram Arunagirinathar, the famous Tamil saint-poet has sung about the Vallakottai Subrahmanya Swamy in seven poems in his famous work ‘Thirupugazh’. The temple has a gateway leading to a pillared hall and the sanctum. The temple is open from 6:30 am – 12:00 pm and 5 – 8:30 pm. Five daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Adi Pooram festival being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. The temple will be open between 06.30 Hrs to 13.00 Hrs and in the evening from 16.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs. On Sundays and special pooja days the temple will be kept open between 06.00 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs without closing. Devotees believe that a holy dip in the Vajra Theertham tank with the chanting of the mantra ‘Aum Saravanabhava’ will end all their problems. Murugan slayed Demon Vallan here: As per Hindu legend, there was a demon by name Vallan who was troubling the Devas, the celestial deities. The Devas sought the help of Murugan. He informed them that the time had come to destroy the demon. He eventually waged a war and slayed the demon at the place. He established the place as Vallan Kottai, literally meaning the “Fort of Vallan”. Indra worshipped Murugan here: Indra, the king of Devas, requested his Guru Brihaspati to suggest a place for him to worship Murugan. He suggested going to Vallakottai, an abode of Murugan. Indra came to Vallakottai, pierced the earth with his weapon Vajrayudha to create a tank to extract water. He performed ablution to image of Murugan at this place and attained his needs. Since Indra created the tank with his Vajrayudha, the temple tank is named as Vajra Theertha. Bhagiratha disrespect to Sage Naradha: As per another legend, a king by name Bhagiratha was ruling the Elanji kingdom. He was very haughty to sage Naradha and to teach him a lesson for his behaviour, Naradha infuriated a demon king named Goran to attack Elanji kingdom. Goran was a powerful demon and he made a sudden attack. Bhagiratha was unable to control the forces and eventually lost the battle to Goran. Realizing his mistake, he sought the advice of Naradha. The sage advised him to find sage Durvasa, who could find a resolution. The king roamed around the forest for a long time and finally found Durvasa. The sage advised him to worship Murugan at Vallakottai to get back his kingdom. The king worshipped Murugan at this place for a long time and built the temple. Lord Murugan appeared to Arunagirinathar in dream to tell about this place: Arunagirinathar was advised by Lord to Visit this temple on the way to Thiruthani from Thiruporur, in his dream. He has sung 7 hymns in Thirupugazh in praise of Lord Sri Subramaniyar. Etymology: Arunagirinathar denotes this Vallakottai as Kotainakar, Kotappati, Kotaiyampati, Kottai enumpati, and Kottai’. Though Arunagirinathar mentioned this place by many names, it is presently popular only as Vallakottai. There are many interpretations available for this name; yet only one seems to be plausible. In Kanchipuram District, near Vallakottai, there is another Murugan, ‘Tirupati’ (holy place) by name ‘Vallam’. By connecting this holy place ‘Vallam’, the people of the area would have called ‘Vallakottai’ first. Afterwards it seems that this holy place would have naturally got the name of Vallakottai. Vallakottai is situated on the highway between Sriperumpudur and Singapperumal Koil near Chengalpattu. It is located at about 30 Kms from Tambaram. The place is about 20 kms west of Singapperumal Koil, on Chennai – Vizhupuram National High way. Frequent bus facility is available to the village from Tambaram and Sriperumpudur. From Tambaram Buses 583, 583 D and 55 N to Sriperumpudur pass through this village. From Tambaram Sanatorium new bus terminus 55 L and 55 A are plying to Vallakottai. All buses to Kanchipuram via Oragadam and Sriperumpudur passes through this village. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram, Chengalpet and Tambaram. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed five times a day: Go Pooja at 6:30 a.m., Kalasandhi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikala Poojai at 8:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Arthajama Pooja at 8:15 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) & deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for the presiding deities. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple is open from 6:30 am – 12:00 pm and 5 – 8:30 pm on all days except during festive occasions when it has extended timings. The temple possesses gold, jewels, diamonds, and rubies, silver vessel and other costly articles worth many lakhs of rupees. Every Thursday, Lord Subramaniaswamy is decorated with Diamond Vel. The day of Krittika is very important and thousands of people worship the Lord every month on this day. The main festivals are the Brahma Utsavam, Skanda Shashti, Adi Kiruthikai and the festival of Subrahmanya’s marriage with Valli. A popular event performed a few years ago is the Sri Subrahmanya Sahasranama (1008 names of Subrahmanya) Archana. A Sahasra namamala, a garland of gold coins on each of which one of the 1,008 names of the Lord was inscribed, was made and offered to the deity. Devotees from far and near in large numbers participated in this holy and pious act. Here also pilgrims carry Kavadis to the shrine and abhishekams are performed to the idol on behalf of the devotees. Bathing of the deity in holy ashes, known as Vibhuti Abhishekam is a feature here as in Palani temple and in that Abhishekam the idol has a very captivating and awe-inspiring aspect. The important festivals conducted in the temple are: Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Thirukoil, Vallakottai, Thirupanthur, Kanchipuram – 602105 Phone: +91 – 44 – 27197112 / 2717 2225 Mobile: +91 – 8012418532 / 8012418631 Email: [email protected]
Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Rudhra Kodeeswarar Temple, Thirukazhukundram, Kanchipuram Rudras merged with Shiva Heart: It is said to be 1,700 years old, the Lord in the temple is known as Rudrakoteeswarar. According to legend, the celestial beings who could not bear the torture of the Kodi Asuras who emanated from Kashyapa rishi, prayed to Lord Siva, who let loose a Kodi Rudras from his chest who killed the asuras. The Rudras, after finishing the task assigned to them, worshipped the Lord to atone for the sin of killing them. Rudras were pardoned and got merged in his heart. Story behind the partly buried Nandhi: Once Vishnu came to see Shiva here in the form of Garudan; When Garudazhwar was waiting outside, before Vishnu came out, Nandikeswarar blew his breath over Garudazhwar and the feathers of Garudazhwar fell off. Shiva then punished Nandikeswarar by making him sink to the ground. When Nandhi’s body started to sink into the ground, at the behest of Vishnu, Shiva stopped Nandikeswarar at that point. So, you can see Nandikeswarar partly buried at the ground. Benefit of doing Pradhakshina of a crore of Rudhrars at a time: By worshipping here once, one can get the benefit of doing Pradhakshina of a crore of Rudhrars at a time. Story behind reclined position of Ambal: Ambal, also known as Sri Abirami, has calmed down Sri Kali Devi, who was brimming with anger. Hence, she is appearing in a slightly reclined position. The Rudhran Temple is older than the Vedhagreeswarar temple. As per procedure, one has to first visit Rudhran temple and then only the Vedhagreeswarar. Main Deity is known as Rudrakoteeswarar and Mother is known as Pennin Nallaal. Main deity of this temple is a Suyambu Moorthi. Kodi (One Crore) Rudhra devas have worshipped this deity and got relieved of their curse. Hence, the main deity is called as Sri Rudhra Kodeeswarar. Ambal, also known as Sri Abirami, has calmed down Sri Kali Devi, who was brimming with anger. Hence, she is appearing in a slightly reclined position. The temple entrance has Nandi with his consort, Suyaprabha Devi on the wall. Sthala Vriksham of this Temple is Vilva tree (each leaf containing nine petals) and Theertham of this Temple is Rudhra Theertham (situated inside the temple complex). The temple has an east facing entrance with a Balipeetham, Vinayaka and Murugan sannidhis in front. The Koshta Vigrahas and four savants are represented in statue form. The Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, where the name of the Goddess is Rudrani, (also known as Abhirami Nayaki) has a five-tier Rajagopuram. The tower was in a dilapidated condition, but due to the effort of devotees, four tiers, besides the Kalkaram, have been renovated. The flooring around the prakaram outside the sanctum sanctorum has been newly laid. The superstructure above the Nandi mandapam has been rebuilt. But the Madapalli (kitchen) is in a highly dilapidated condition & requires immediate repair. The shrine of the Goddess is situated on the left side and She looks southwards through an opening on the temple wall towards the Kali Temple at Vattaparai (circular rock), situated at some distance. The temple also has shrines for Dakshinamurthi, Vinayaka and Subramania with his consorts, the Thevaram trio — Appar, Sundarar and Gnanasambandar — and also Manickavasagar. While in the Siva temples the image of Lingodbhavar is found on the western side of the sanctum sanctorum, here one can find the image of Mahavishnu with Varada Hastham. An ancient poem, inscribed in the inner wall of the temple says, while Kasi (Benares), Thiruvarur, Chidambaram, Thiruvannamalai, Kanchi, Kalahasti and Madurai formed the body of Lord Siva the Koteeswarar Temple at Rudrakoti or Rudran Koil is his heart. All the annual functions pertaining to a Sivan temple are being celebrated in this temple. At present, one time pooja is being performed in this temple, every day. Since it is not known to many, the no. of devotees visiting this temple is very less compared to the hill temple in Thirukazhukundram. According to Saiva Siddhanta, Rudra is the presiding deity of one of the five elements of Nature — Fire. Rudra is referred to in the Vedas, not as a sectarian deity, but as the Supreme Lord, who guides the Universe from one level of perfection to the higher one. Sri Rudram, which forms part of the Upanishads, speaks of the glory of Rudra and says that the Lord is always pleased with obeisance and it offers salutations to him many times. Praying to Rudrakoteeswarar at this temple continuously during 16 Pradoshams, would rid one of ailments of the heart, hypertension, diabetes and also problems caused by planetary changes. The Vedas also speak about the presence of 11 Rudras and their consorts, 11 Rudranis. Of the 108 Sakthi Peetams, the 24th is considered to be Rudrakoti’s Sakthi. Devi Bhagavatham says that she adorns the Rudrani Peetam. It is believed that praying to her at the temple on nine full moon days helps a devotee unite in wedlock, lead a happy family life and be free from all afflictions. It is believed that each prayer is multiplied one crore times here hence it is a very sacred place to pray. Thirukazhukundram is located on State Highway 58 between Sadras & Thiruttani, 70 kilometres (43 mi) from Chennai and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the tourist town of Mahabalipuram. It lies 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Old Mahabalipuram Road, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from East Coast Road, and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from GST road. This Temple is located at about half a km east of Vedhagreeswarar temple. Plenty of buses are available from Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Chengalpet. Nearest Railway Station is located at Chengalpet and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Rudhra Kodeeswarar Temple, Thirukazhukundram, Kanchipuram District, Mobile: +91 – 98941 27930
Thiru Mukkoodal Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram The Temple will be open from 8.30 am – 11 am and 4 pm – 6 pm. On Thiruvonam day every month, the temple will be open between 8 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays the temple is open from 08.30 am till 1 pm and from 3 pm till 7 pm. Lord Venkatesa Perumal helping Kind Thondaiman in war: According to the legend, the king Thondaiman once started to Thirupathi to have darshan of Lord Venkatesa Perumal. He then heard a divine voice telling him that it was not the time to visit Thirupathi as a king from a neighbouring country was nearing his kingdom to wage a war. The voice advised him to be with his son during war time to save the country and later to visit Thirupathi. On hearing this Thondaiman prayed to Lord Venkatesa Perumal and the Lord blessed him to win the battle and gifted him with his Sanku (Conch) & Chakra (Wheel). Thondaiman successfully won the battle and on his way back both the weapons Sanku and Chakra vanished. Later, the Lord directed Sri Ramanujar to install Sanku & Chakra for him at this place. That’s how the deity here had got Sanku & Chakra here. Then the king Thondaiman surrendered to Perumal at Thirupathi seeking ‘Moksha’. The Lord directed him to come to Thirumukkudal to grant Moksha to him. The king visited here to have darshan of the Lord. Till then, the Lord here was said to be in ‘Sayana Kolam’ (reclining posture like Ranganathar). When the king visited here the Lord is said to have changed his posture and gave him darshan in standing posture. The king Thondaiman, out of his excitement and bliss, embraced the Lord saying ‘Appaney Venkatesa’ (அப்பனே வெங்கடேசா), means ‘Oh My Father Venkatesa!’ and from then the Lord here came to be known as ‘Appan Venkatesa Perumal’. The king Thondaiman is said to have built this temple initially for Lord Sri Venkatesa Perumal. The same king is said to have built the temple at Thirupathi (Thirumalai) as well as Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor, which is called Southern Thirupathi. Lord Vishnu darshan to Brighu Rishi: Lord Srinivasa provided darshan, facing north, to Brighu Maha Rishi who undertook penance here and hence he is seen in a standing posture facing Northern Direction. Divya Desam Connection: While this is not a Divya Desam, there are some interesting connections with Tirupathi and Oppiliappan Divya Desams. One finds Tirupathi Lord’s Conch and Chakra at this temple. Similar to Oppiliappan temple, Lord Srinivasa is said to have provided darshan to Markandeya Rishi (as Ranganatha in his Sayana Kolam) and to Bhoodevi as Kannan. Hence, Markandeya Rishi and Bhoo Devi are seen by the side of Appan Venkatesan. Equivalent to Kasi: Having bath at the confluence of the three rivers and undertaking Pitru Tharpanam on the river bank is said to provide Puniyam equivalent to having bath in Kasi. Kanchi Varadar’s annual visit to Thiru Mukkoodal: Kanchipuram Sri Varadaraja Perumal’s Parivettai is a very popular festival here. Five Perumals – Lord Varadarajaswamy of Kanchipuram, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, Pazhaya Seevaram, Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal, Thirumukkudal and two other Perumals of nearby temples meet together at Thirumukkudal temple courtyard and stay in different mandapas on Kaanum Pongal Day – Tamil month ‘Thai’ (16th January), which is said to be a delight to watch. On this evening, Lord Srinivasa of Thiru Mukkoodal welcomes Salavakkam Perumal and Pazhaya Seevaram Narasimha, Kanchi Varadar as well as other one nearby Perumal at this temple. Later in the evening, all these five deities go out on a street procession around Thiru Mukkoodal. Other Festivals: Thiru Mukkoodal is a village located about 20 kms from Kanchipuram on the road going towards Chengalpattu. While going from Chengalpattu, one can reach Pazhaya Seevaram, 5 kms before Walajabad. From Pazhaya Seevaram one has to take left and cross the bridge on the river Palar to reach Thirumukkudal. There are frequent bus services available from Chennai to Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and other places. Route 1: Chennai – Tambaram – Walajapet – Pazhaya Seevaram. One has to take a right at Pazhaya Seevaram and cross the Palar Bridge to reach Thiru Mukkoodal – 65kms. Route 2: Chennai – Singapperumal Koil – Palur (SH57) – SH58 – Pazhaya Seevaram. One has to take a right at Singapperumal Koil (45kms from Madras) on to the SH57. 12kms on this road, just after crossing the Chengalpet – Kanchipuram railway gate at Palur, one will join Chengalpet – Kanchipuram SH 58. 5kms on this road, one should take at left at Pazhaya Seevaram and cross the Palar Bridge to reach Thiru Mukkoodal – 65kms. Route 3: Chennai – Chengalpet – Kanchipuram Highway (NH45 – SH58). Take a left at Pazhaya Seevaram to reach Thiru Mukkoodal – 72kms. It is better to take the third route. One can reach Thiru Mukkoodal in 20minutes from Chengalpet. Nearest Railway station is located at Pazhaya Seevaram and Palur, on the Chennai – Chengalpattu – Kanchipuram line. Nearest Airport is Meenambakkam Airport in Chennai. Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple Thiru Mukkoodal, Kanchipuram District Mobile: +91 – 94437 78352
Thiruvankaranai Pattabhiramar Temple, Kanchipuram One Kaala Pooja has been conducted in this Temple. Rama Navami, Athyana Urchavam, Krishna Jayanthi and Karthikai Deepam are the famous festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Kanchi Varadhar used to visit this temple during Maasi Month. Contact: +91 – 9994270953. This Temple is located on Kanchipuram – Sunguvar Chathiram Road. Bus no 76 and 160 from Kanchipuram will take you to this Temple. Official Address
Thiruvandeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanthavar, Kanchipuram Official Address
Thiruvenkaatteeshvarar Temple, Kadapperi, Maduranthakam, Kanchipuram Official Address
Vadamalleeswarar Temple, Oragadam, Kanchipuram Oragadam is located at a distance of 9 Kms on Chengalpattu – Thirukazhukundram Road. Chengalpattu is about 30km from Tambaram. Off the Chengalpattu – Thirukazhukundram road, there is a sign board (which is almost invisible, hidden by posters and stickers) showing the direction of the temple. Official Address
Vaitheeswaran Temple, Pillaipakkam, Kanchipuram Once, the son of the temple’s Archagar was bitten by a snake and the Archagar put him in front of the Lord and prayed to him. The Lord then came in the form of a cow and licked the part of the boy which was bitten by the snake. He got cured and thus the Lord Vaitheeswaran’s curing power came to light. The village was then known as “Pillai Nakkiya Pakkam” and became Pillaipakkam later. This Temple is a Pallava era temple renovated later by Paranthaka Chola II (Sundara Chola). The temple was destroyed by the invasion of Golkonda Nawab around 550 years back and renovated in 1977 by Sri Namachivaya Chettiar of this village. The temple is called as Vada Vaitheeswaran Temple. The vimanam is Gajaprashta Style. Presiding deity is known as Vaitheeswaran and Mother is known as Thaiyal Nayagi. Lord Dakshinamoorthy is very special here and called as Kala Dakshinamoorthy. He is seen with Sulaayutham and Nagabaranam and so he is considered to relieve people from Naga Dhosham. Kala Bairavar is present. As a special feature, Chandikeshwari also present along with Chandikeswarar. Pillaipakkam is located at about 3 kms from the Bangalore highway en route Manimangalam. Official Address
Vanmeeganathar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Veeraraghaveswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Official Address
Veerattaaneswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Legend says that when lord Shiva burnt Kaalaagni Rudhrars with his third eye he danced uncontrollably with a loud laugh in this place. So this linga is also called as Veerattaaneswarar. All the parivara Devtas ran away from this place after viewing this sight. So in this temple they are meant to be invisible. This is said on Sanskrit that they exist in the form of Chitra Roopa and Paadhuka Roopa. Official Address
Ayya Vaikundar Temple, Athalavilai, Kanyakumari Ayya Vaikundar Temple is a Religious Centre in Ayyavazhi religion located at Athalavilai in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Athalavilai is located at about 12 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 6 Kms from Thovalai, 12 Kms from Boothapandi and 82 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Ayya Vaikundar Temple, Saandhupathi, North Sarel, Kanyakumari Ayya Vaikundar Temple is located in Saandhupathi in North Sarel Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. North Sarel is located at about 6 Kms from Eraniel, 10 Kms from Nagercoil, 30 Kms from Kanyakumari and 72 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kailasapuram Ayya Vaikundar Temple, Peruvilai, Kanyakumari In 1836, Ayya Vaikundar, a member of the Hindu lower class, wanted to pull the temple chariot, a task traditionally reserved for the elite. This angered and frightened the members of the upper class. King Swathi Thirunal, who was temporarily residing at Suchindrum (4 miles (6.4 km) away), had Ayya arrested and led away, tied to a horse. In Swamithoppu, where the arrest took place, Ayya’s followers objected but he advised them to remain patient. He said, “Let them learn who I am and I will be back to you without any harm.” Ayya was brought before the king and answered the king’s questions put to him with wisdom. However, when the king asked Ayya to guess the item in his right hand, Ayya dismissed the king, saying everyone’s soul was of the same value because the universe was created by one god. The king was angered and condemned Ayya to fifteen months imprisonment in Thiruvananthapuram and further incarceration from November 1838 in Singarathoppu. Despite all sorts of torture such as brutality or poisoning, being made to walk through fire or being burnt in a lime kiln, being fumigated with burning chillies or being publicly taunted with a hungry tiger, Ayya maintained his composure and appeared showered with flowers. When a guard poked the tiger with a spear, the animal grabbed the spear then suddenly let it go. In the incident, the spear hit a Brahmin chieftain who died of his injury. The king offered to release Ayya if he agreed to remain within his caste but Ayya refused, saying he had no caste. He also refused to leave jail until he was ready. This news spread Thiruvananthapuram and throughout India. People came before him in large groups with fruits, flowers, and other gifts. His followers were from parts of south Tamilnadu. On the 19th day of the Tamil month of Masi (March 3, 1839), Ayya returned to Swamithoppu Pathi. Ayya and his followers reached Swamithoppu on the 20th day of Masi, now an auspicious day amongst Ayya’s devotees celebrated with a procession and a public holiday in south Tamilnadu. Peruvilai is located at about 2 Kms from Nagercoil, 6 Kms from Nagercoil Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Nagercoil Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thuckalay, 13 Kms from Boothapandi, 23 Kms from Kanyakumari and 72 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Swamithope Pathi, Kanyakumari The Palliyarai contains two oil lamps (kuthuvilakku), an elunetru, and a large mirror. On a raised pedestal, covered with Kavi cloth, the temple also preserves some articles believed to have been used by Ayya Vaikundar, including a rattan cane (perampu) and a pair of wooden sandals. The Palliyarai is surrounded by inner corridors. There is a fifty-five feet tall Flag mast at a distance of 50 feet from Palliyarai. And in north of flag mast there is a Unpanpurai. Here, they cook the food and distribute it to the devotees. There is a common well some 300 meters from the main Pathi. Akilathirattu Ammanai states that all the eighteen castes take baths from that well. It was considered sacred to bathe in and to drink the water from that well. Then there found a Paal Kinaru, in the extreme east, Vatakku Vasal in the north and Sivaye Medai, which is also called Karuda Medai in the west of Palliyarai. Then all these were surrounded by outer corridors. There is a bell tower above the spot where Vaikundar performed the Thavam. According to Ayyavazhi legends, Ayya Vaikundar, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, carried out his Thavam at Poovantanthoppe, attracting many followers from across India. On his pass-away Ayya Vaikundar was believed to be interred there, and the square-shaped ‘Pathi’ was constructed enveloping him. The holy book Akilathirattu Ammanai of Ayyavazhi refers to the temple as “Thoppuppathi”. As per Akilam, Ayya Vaikundar incarnated from the Sea, and after providing rules and regulations to God-heads, came to Detchanam (Swamithope) and performed Thavam for six years in the place which was now known as Vada-va-mugam in Swamithope. Then when the Kalineesan came to arrest him he went once again into the sea at Muttappathi and after that (in Tamil called the Vinchai), he returned Swamithope, from where he was arrested. Then after his trial he was carried in a Vahana by his devotees to Swamithope where he incinerated the evil spirits and unified the Seven Virgins with himself. Then after the marriage with the deities in Ambalappathi he returned to Swamithope. According to Akilathirattu Ammanai, Swamithope is the only place Narayana (Vaikundar) slept after the incarnation. Then he send 700 families to Thuvayal Thavasu to Vakaippathi and organised festivals and celebrations. And after all the Avathara Ekanais he attained Vaikundam and his physical body was interred in the place which is now the Palliyarai of Swamithope. Kodiyettru Thirunal: The main celebration of Swamithope includes Kodiyettru Thirunal, which was celebrated thrice in a year during the Tamil months of Vaikasi, Aavani, Thai. It starts with Kodiyettru (flag hoisting) and ends on the eleventh day with Car procession. People from different parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala take part in this festival. Thiru Eadu Vasippu: Then the Thiru Eadu Vasippu, the Seventeen-day festival, in which the whole contents of Akilathirattu where read melodiously. It was celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai, the month at which it was written by Hari Gopalan Siddhar. Nittham Thirunal: As per the instructions in Akilam, the Swamithope Pathi conducts daily festival (i.e.) every day is considered as a festival day. So, the ritual practices conducted during festival days are conducted here throughout the year, though not in a grand scale as during the other festivals. The daily Panividai starts very early in the morning. Every day, around 3:00 A.M the Payyans and the people staying at the temple go to Muthirikkinaru and take a holy bath. Then, they return to the Pathi and start the Panividai. The Payyan chant Ukappatippu, and the devotees repeat it. Then, they open the door of sanctum sanctorum. It is considered sanctifying to witness this scene with the sounding of a dozen temple bells and conch. Then, there is the Vahana pavani. Vahana pavani comes around the temple and along the four car streets, first through the Santhana Veethi and then through Ratha Veethi. The Nithiyapal is prepared daily and offered to Ayya Vaikundar ritually. It was the only food Ayya believed to be ate when in human form at Swamithoppe. This offering is done daily. The descendants of Podukutty, the first Pattathu Ayya of Payyan dynasty, prepare this daily at the Pathi. Thavanaipal, a gruel prepared with rice and green gram, is distributed to the devotees. The Noon Panividai starts around 11 O’ clock. Daily Ucchipatippu is chanted. The devotees will repeat it and Thavanaipal is distributed to the devotees. One Sundays, large number of people from far and near come over here to participate in the Ucchipatippu. In the evening, Panividai starts around 5 O’ clock. The door of the sanctum sanctorum is opened amidst the sound of the temple bells and Conch. Then, the Payyan would chant Ukappatippu. Those followers who congregate for the evening Panividai would repeat this. Then, there will be vaahana Panividai. The Vahana is taken around the temple as well as the four car streets. After this, there will be Annadharmam. This is the daily routine of Swamithope Pathi. One can have a worship at any time of the day in this temple. Ayya Vaikunda Avatharam: The most important festival is Ayya Vaikunda Avatharam, the day at which Ayya Vaikundar incarnated from the sea at Tiruchendur. Though many worship centers including other Pathis conduct celebrations during this festival, it is considered sacred to visit Swamithope on this day. So, on this day Swamithope will get populated with the nationwide Ayyavazhi followers. This is the largest festival conducted in Swamithope Pathi. Several processions were held on that day which starts from different places including Thiruchendur and Thiruvananthapuram and ends at Swamithope. This Pathi lies northern most to all other Pathis within Pancha Pathi. Swamithope Pathi is located at about 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 10 Kms from Kanyakumari, 7 Kms from Suchindrum, 35 Kms from Colachel and 96 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Kanyakumari Railway Station (10 Kms) is the nearest Railway Station and Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest International Airport. Town buses are available to Swamithope from Nagercoil and Kanyakumari. Official Address
Vaikunda Chella Pathi, Thiruvattaru, Kanyakumari The Thiru Eadu Vasippu is conducted during the Tamil Months of Vaikasi, Avani and Margazhi. The Vaikasi festival lasts 10 days while the Avani and Margazhi festivals last 3 days each. The land where the Thangal stood today was owned by Sankaran Thamby, Shanmugam, Thiruvananthapuram until 1940s. The legend goes that Chellan Samiyar, was a palmyra climber. He being a staunch devotee of lord Vishnu, had set a pedestal at his hut and used it to offer his daily prayers. He was said to be instructed by Lord Narayana in his dream to construct a Temple. Samiyar, who was then a teenager, was unable to realize his dream as he had no land of his own. Disappointed by this, he appealed to Lord Narayana that how he could construct a temple without any land. He was said to receive command to make all the arrangements and that the land would be made available when it was time. Meanwhile, Sankaran Thamby received a dream the following day in which a Pandaram (mendicant) ordered Thamby to offer land for a Temple to Chellan Samiyar, whom he did not know. Though Thamby ignored the dream initially, after he and his mother received repeated dreams in the following days, he came to Thiruvattaru to find the person to whom he was to donate the land. He found Samiyar and the land was donated in 1944. The current Temple was constructed in 1959 C.E. and inaugurated by Pattathu Ayya Krishnanama Mony. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Marthandam, 1.5 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 8 Kms from Thirparappu, 14 Kms from Thuckalay, 22 Kms from Colachel, 27 Kms from Nagercoil, 48 Kms from Kanyakumari and 52 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Marthandam and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Vaikunda Malai Temple , Athalavilai, Kanyakumari Vaikunda Malai is a hill which is part of the Mahendragiri Hills situated near Athalavilai of Kanyakumari district in the Western Ghats of India. This hill has religious importance in the Ayyavazhi religion during the festival of Ayya Vaikunda Avatharam, the day of incarnation of Ayya Vaikundar. During the celebration, two processions, one from Thiruvananthapuram and other from Tiruchendur, reach Athalavilai and circle the hill. A Jyothi (flame) is lit at the top of this hill to symbolize the birth of Vaikundar. Unlike other Ayyavazhi holy places, Vaikunda Malai is not mentioned in the Ayyavazhi scriptures. Athalavilai is located at about 12 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 6 Kms from Thovalai, 12 Kms from Boothapandi and 82 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Dharma Shasta Temple, Vettuveni, Marthandam, Kanyakumari This temple is just by the side of National Highway NH-47 connecting Trivandrum with Nagercoil. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kuzhithurai Bus Stop. Marthandam is located at about 4 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 27 Kms from Nagercoil, 48 Kms from Kanyakumari, 7 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 14 Kms from Thuckalay and 46 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Marthandam lies on the National Highway connecting the city of Trivandrum and Nagercoil. A bus stand is also located in Marthandam near the Market Road. Marthandam has a railway line connecting the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, with the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. Kuzhithurai station is found to be centered between Trivandrum — Kanyakumari railway route. Most of all daily trains passing through this route halts in Kuzhithurai station. Marthandam is well connected to Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore by rail service also bus service to all over Tamilnadu. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Karavilagam Krishna Temple, Marthandam, Kanyakumari Karavilagam Krishna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Marthandam in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Marthandam Bus Stand. Marthandam is located at about 4 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 27 Kms from Nagercoil, 48 Kms from Kanyakumari, 7 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 14 Kms from Thuckalay and 46 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Marthandam lies on the National Highway connecting the city of Trivandrum and Nagercoil. A bus stand is also located in Marthandam near the Market Road. Marthandam has a railway line connecting the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, with the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. Kuzhithurai station is found to be centered between Trivandrum — Kanyakumari railway route. Most of all daily trains passing through this route halts in Kuzhithurai station. Marthandam is well connected to Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore by rail service also bus service to all over Tamilnadu. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Manalikarai Azhvar Krishna Swamy Temple, Kanyakumari Manalikarai Azhvar Krishna Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Manalikarai, a small village located in the southern part of ancient Travancore state, presently under Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu in Kalkulam Taluk. The area comes under Padmanabhapuram division in Kalkulam Taluk in Kothanallur Panchayat. The Malayalam name Manalikkara was very popular during the Travancore state rule and after the reformation of Indian states in 1956, this place is more known as Vazhikkalampadu and it became the part of Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu. This place belonged to constituency of Princely Travancore State in 1235 AD. The Inscription about Taxation was written in a pillar in front of the Manalikkara Alwar Temple in year 410 ME during the rule of Venadu ruler King Veera Ravi Kerala Varma. The place Manalikkara has its influence as one of the branch of Travancore royal family in Kalkulam in 1610 AD. Raja Sri Illaya Rama Varma from Venadu was from Manalikkara branch of the family in Kalkulam. Years ago, this temple was known as “Manalikkara Thiruvannur Azhvar Temple”. Azhwar’s are the followers and core devotees of Lord Vishnu. The Kulasekhara Azhvar who had been the 9th Azhvar from Kerala ruled Travancore during 800-825 AD. The presence of Manalikkara Alwar temple is mentioned in the “Manalikkara inscription” during the year 410 (ME). The re-installation of deity is happened by year 411 ME. The present “Kodimaram” (flag pole) in front of the temple is installed in the year 1141 ME. This temple is believed to be found before 411 ME Kollavarsham. The temple main deity is Krishna (Vishnu). The full structures of the temple are made up of long granite stones. This temple is believed to be constructed around 700 years ago. This construction is similar to other old temples in Kanyakumari like Thiruvattaru Adhikesava Temple and Vellimalai Murugan Temple. Although it was part of the Travancore state, the style of construction shows similarities with Tamil style. The Manalikkara inscription issued by the Venadu king Ravi Kerala Varma (AD 1215-1240) was written in 1236. It shows the king’s keen interest in ensuring people’s welfare. The inscription says that while fixing the tax rate for tenant’s exemptions should be given in times of crop failure. The Manalikkara Azhvar Sree Krishna Swamy temple is managed by Tamil Nadu Devasom Board under Tamilnadu Government. This is one of the temple in Tamilnadu follows the Kerala style of tradition and culture. The Major temple festival is conducted by April–May of every year. The yearly temple festival called Utsavam is conducted here on Malayalam month (Malayalam calendar) Medam on Rohini Nakshatram (star) day represents the birthday of Lord Krishna. On Rohini Nakshatram day the “Kodikayataam” (flag hoisting) is carried out in the morning represents the begin of Utsavam which would be followed by another nine days of functions. The ten days of Utsavam is auspicious and covered with special pujas in the morning and evening. Elephant procession is carried out in the temple all the day. In the late evening, cultural programs like Nadakam (Drama), Kathakali (Traditional art), Bale (Dramatic dance), Ottanthullal etc. are conducted. The ninth day of Utsavam, late in the evening the custom called “Palli Vetta” is carried out on the belief that Lord Krishna is on his way for Vetta (hunting). The tenth day function is a “Aaraat Mahotsavam” during which the Lord Krishna is on elephant procession to the place called Valliyatumugham. The procession starts by 4 pm is accompanied by different traditional melas, vadhyas and full of devotees. The whole procession is completely colorful with the presence of traditional instrumental performances like Panchari melam, Chenda melam, Singari melam and other folk artistic performances like Theyyam, Puli Kali etc. The procession would reach to a place Valliyatumugham at 11pm night followed by poojas on the valley of the river and final dip bath in the Valliyar river. Thereby lord Krishna finishes the Aaarat and the procession would be returning to Manalikarai temple. Once lord Krishna is back from Aaarat (holy bath), the last tribute was the Kodiyirakkam. This is the symbolic end of the 10 days Utsavam followed by “Vedikette” (bursting of crackers) to show and notify the pleasing end of Utsavam. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Manalikarai Bus Station. Manalikarai is located at about 13 Kms from Marthandam, 10 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 10 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 12 Kms from Eraniel, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 9 Kms from Thuckalay, 18 Kms from Colachel, 42 Kms from Kanyakumari, 27 Kms from Boothapandi, 16 Kms from Thirparappu and 58 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Esakki Amman Temple, Elankadai, Kanyakumari Esakki Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Elankadai Village near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Elankadai is located at about 5 Kms from the Nagercoil Town in Kanyakumari District. Nagercoil is located at about 21 Kms from Kanyakumari, 13 Kms from Thuckalay, 23 Kms from Colachel, 27 Kms from Marthandam, 12 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 27 Kms from Thiruvattaru and 72 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Adequate rail and road facilities are available to reach Nagercoil from all parts of the state. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kattalai Amman Temple, Perumchilampu, Vellimalai, Kalkulam, Kanyakumari Kattalai Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple in Perumchilampu area in Vellimalai Village in Kalkulam Taluk in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The temple is located in the village, surrounded by mountains and canals. The temple was known originally as Irumpudayaan Kandan Sasthan kovil. Although the exact origins of the temple are not known, it is believed the temple was worshipped for more than 1000 years. The Nagamman (The Snake Goddess) temple and the centre lamp post are the only structures remaining from the original temple. There are broken remains of baked mud statues around the temple. These remains tell us that the temple was worshipped by many devotees during those days. During the early days of the complex, the entire area was covered with wild bushes and trees. Devotees had to make way through the bushes to reach the temple. The Nagamman temple itself was fully covered with bushes. Later, the complex was cleared of these bushes. The current temple complex was built in 1981 and the first Amman Kudai Vizha (annual celebration of the Devi) was conducted on 9 November 1981 (24th Aippasi 1157 of Tamil Calendar). The Nakshatra on this day was Revathi. Thereafter, every year, celebrations are conducted on the month of Aippasi on the day of Revathi Nakshatra. There are three main buildings in the temple: the renovated Nagamman temple, the Amman Temple (built in 1981), and Shiva Maadan Temple (built later), which houses the deity Boothathan. The Temple complex consists of the main campus, which houses the main deities, and the surrounding area. These areas also hold bases for some deities, a spring (ootrukuzhi) where fresh water flows year-round, the temple pond, rocks and trees. The pond is also known as Irumpudayaan Kulam. Legend tells that iron was melted and poured into this pond. The temple is currently maintained by the Elur Chetty community. Vellimalai is located about 14 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 30 Kms from Kanyakumari, 12 Kms from Thuckalay, 8 Kms from Eraniel and 70 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Isakki Amman Temple, Mangavilai, Kanyakumari Isakki Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Mangavilai Village in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu. It is a family temple, that is present in the west side of Shiva Sudalai Maadan temple. The name Mangavilai means undestroyable fame. Mangavilai is located at about 17 Kms from Eraniel, 22 Kms from Colachel, 7 Kms from Rajakkamangalam, 11 Kms from Nagercoil, 22 Kms from Thuckalay, 18 Kms from Kanyakumari, 13 Kms from Suchindrum and 83 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Mandaikadu Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Kanyakumari Note: Pujas performed on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday is believed as Special. Sabarimala for Women: Mandaikadu Bhagavathy Amman Temple is known as a Sabarimala for Women. The 15 feet tall anthill is the Bhagavathy Amman. Women visit the temple with the Irumudi (a bundle containing puja items for the Goddess) as men go to Sabarimala. Shankaracharya attained Samadhi here: His Holiness Sri Shankaracharya was performing Srichakra Puja with his Kerala disciples here. One day the Chakra did not turn back after the puja was over as usual. The Acharya stayed here itself and attained Samadhi. It is on this spot where the Srichakra existed, the anthill began to grow. It is believed that this idol is increasing in size by every year. Children playing this side and hitting the anthill were injured. Marthanda Varma, the king of Kerala came to know of these developments and built a temple and performed pujas regularly. Gradually, the temple assumed significance among the devotees. Today is a famous temple blessing the devotees. Growth of Sand Hill: Few boys who were playing with a palm fruit dropped it inadvertently on the hill. Immediately blood began to ooze from the hill. Scared by this turn of events the children ran to bring the elders to the spot. The elders believed that this was Bhagavathy who was guarding the area and began lighting a lamp daily at the temple. Soon one day there was an incident. A few people were entering the village at midnight. Knocking at the doors of the villagers, they asked them to provide them some food as they were very hungry. The villagers however, were not very hospitable and directed them to the temple nearby to find their own food. Dusk was fast approaching and the village was on the fringes of a dense jungle on the coast. So, the people were scared. Still they went to the temple and said “Mother please give us some food.” Miraculously they heard a voice that said “go take a bath and return, you will get food.” They dutifully did what they were told and Bhagavathy is said to have fed them herself. After a sumptuous meal, they slept in the temple premises. The next morning when they woke up they had a vision of the goddess smiling benevolently at them. Immediately, they left several valuables they had brought with them in a sack and left. Meanwhile the King of Travancore had a vision of Bhagavathy in his dream. She told him to build a temple for her with the money left by the travelers. Next day the king visited the place which had appeared in his dreams and fulfilled the wishes of the goddess. However, as he began construction of the temple, the sand hill continued growing in size. They had to demolish the temple twice because of its gaining height. So, the king implored the goddess not to grow in height. But the goddess said that it would not be possible. However, she said that she would grow only the size of a grain each year. It is believed that to this day the sand hill is growing in height each year. Folklore of Velu Thampi: There is a folk history that Velu Thampi, a minister of Travancore, took over the temple from a local Nayar Tharavadu at Colachel, after a tussle, and the then Karanavar cursed him and killed himself, later Velu Thampi himself driven to the same fate after his fights with the British. The takeover of Hindu temples by the state ensued during the British times in Travancore later The temple is situated in Mandaikadu village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu on the sea shore near to the Nagercoil – Colachel State Highway. Mandaikadu is well connected with Roads and Railways. The Temple is located at about 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 34 Kms from Kanyakumari, 11 Kms from Rajakkamangalam, 5 Kms from Colachel, 8 Kms from Eraniel, 20 Kms from Marthandam, 25 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 6 Kms from Thingal Nagar, 14 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 25 Kms from Suchindrum and 66 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. By Road: Mandaikadu Bus Stand is located adjacent to the Temple. Bus facilities are available to Nagercoil from almost all parts of Tamilnadu. Devotes can reach Mandaikadu by road. Frequent Bus services are available from Thuckalay, Thingal Nagar, Colachel, and Nagercoil. Devotees find difficulties for the transportation during this 10 days Kodai festival because of crowd. During this festival time, Tamilnadu public transportation has arranged special buses from different places to this temple. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are Eraniel Railway Station (7 Kms) and Nagercoil Railway Station (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport (67 Kms). The Kodai festival at Mandaikadu is a major celebration in the region and as in Sabarimala people flock here, especially women. To accommodate the large populations special buses run between Nagercoil and nearby towns at the time, there are also chain services operated from Thiruvananthapuram. The idol here is unique and is earthy. The worship is also unique as it is not forbidden to cook and eat non-vegetarian foods, as in most other major Hindu temples, during the festival. One can see meat being cooked during these days around the temple. This festival falls in the month of March – April of the English calendar. During the festival, the Tamilnadu Tourism Department arranges photographic exhibition and other programs. This festival draws huge crowds of around 10 lakh people. Mandaikadu Kodai Festival is celebrated on last Tuesday in the Tamil month of “Masi” every year. Festival will start ten days prior to this Tuesday.ie, Sunday with flag hoisting in flag mast of the temple. At the time of flag hoisting, priest along with devotees will go for holy bath in the morning and will return with a pot of holy water. The holy water will be sprayed all over the temple premises and cleaned by the cypress cleaning bigcitymaids.com. Then only the festival will start. Throughout the 10 days every day at 8.30 pm after the poojas are over, the goddess will be taken in procession around the temple streets. Valiya Padukkai: It is the sixth day festival held on Friday within the Kodai festival. Even though poojas done for all 10 days. Pooja done at 8.30 pm in this sixth day has more importance and speciality. Lot of devotees will take part in this occasion. Odukku Pooja: Odukku Pooja will be held on the tenth day night at 1am. This is the last pooja of Mandaikadu Kodai festival. Ettam Kodai: Once the Kodai festival is over, coming eighth day Tuesday will be called as Ettam Kodai. In the Ancient days, people around the nearby village peoples took part in this occasion. But nowadays people from all over district and nearby Kerala state coming in large numbers to celebrate this festival. Special bus services are operated from nearby towns for the devotee’s transportation. Bharani Kodai: In the Tamil month of Panguni, Panguni star will occur on one day and that day will be celebrated as Bharani Kodai. Peoples around the Mandaikadu area believe that goddess Mandaikadu Amman born in this day. Apart from the above festival, Pournami (Poornima), Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are important days in this temple. Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Mandaikadu, Kanyakumari District – 629 702 Phone: +91 4651 222 596 Email: [email protected]
Muppandhal Avvaiyar Amman Temple, Aralvaimozhi, Kanyakumari The temple is open daily from 6.30 Am till 8 PM. Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are considered as special days to worship the Goddess. In the temple, a protective sacred thread is tied so that evil spirits and black magic does not give any trouble to the devotees of the temple. They offer White Pongal and Payasam to the Goddess and distribute it to people as Prasadam. There is a huge crowd of devotees at the temple on full moon days. People believe that if they worship on that day, the unmarried girls would get married soon. After the worship on those days, the priests tie a yellow thread on the hands of the girls. It is also a practice of the farmers to offer a part of their harvest to the temple. The Goddess is also offered with a sweet made of jiggery and Gingelly. All the vehicles passing in front of the temple stop there for a minute and drivers pray for their safety. The last Tuesday of the Adi month is celebrated in a grand way in the temple. On the second Tuesday, the Amman is anointed with turmeric water. There is also a ritual of walking on fire by the males who do penance for 41 days at the temple on that day. There is another prayer when the devotees offer scented flowers and cover up the Amman statue. But all festivals and worship start only at the Adhi Moola Sthanam. Muppandhal: In Tamil literature, there are many poetesses with the name Avvaiyar. One of them lived during the Sangam period and was a close friend of the Kings, Pari and Athiyaman. She wrote 59 poems in Purananuru. The other Avvaiyar was a contemporary of Kampan and Ottakkoothar. She was the elderly figure most familiar to Tamil people. There is a traditional story that Avvaiyar had arranged for a marriage or the daughters of Sangavai and Angavai, daughters of King Pari near Aralvaimozhi to which she invited the sovereigns of the Chera, Chola and Pandya kingdoms. The kings erected pandals in the respective places allotted to them and this event led to the place being called Muppandhal. Mother Esakki appeared in the dreams of an Old Devotee: In a place called Panagudi of Tirunelveli district a lady devotee was greatly suffering due to unbearable stomach ache. Though she consulted many doctors nobody was able to cure it. Then she thought of her clan Goddess and shouted crying “Amma (mother)”. That night in her dream her clan God Esakki Amman came, sat neat her and massaged her stomach and asked her, “I am now below a cactus plant. Can you not build a thatched shed for me?” and then vanished. The pain of the lady vanished and she ran to the temple of her Clan Goddess and she saw the mother Goddess in the Idol form made of stone below a cactus plant. The villagers immediately built a thatched shed for the Goddess immediately. Fame of the Temple reached to several devotees and devotees improved the thatched temple to a stone built Temple. Story of incarnation of Lady Prostitute to take revenge on a Priest: There was an ancient temple of Lord Shiva in a nearby village called Pazhavur. Priest of the Temple developed relation with a Prostitute of the village. She being a great devotee of Lord Shiva, protected her virtue by being faithful to only the priest. When the priest lost all his wealth, the other prostitutes were trying to get her separated from the priest. The priest who was interested in getting back all his wealth murdered the Lady Prostitute, near a cactus bush. The lady’s elder brother who saw her dead also died there itself and the priest who tried to escape was bitten by a snake and he also died. The Prostitute girl and her brother to take revenge were born as a Yaksha boy and girl called Neelan and Neeli and lived in Chozha kingdom. When the people found out that they were not human beings, they ran away from their residence and reached a Cactus bush. The brother turned in to a neem tree and the girl lived under that neem tree. The priest was born as a merchant and when he came once near the cactus bush, she created a baby, followed him and told people that he had cheated her and when he came back with her, she killed him near the cactus bush. During that time Avvaiyar told her that her mission is over, she can stay near the cactus bush itself. When Lord Shiva, the friend of Yakshas took pity on Neeli and requested Goddess Parvathi to help her, the Goddess gave her the great power called Veera Shakthi. From that time Neeli was known as Esakki started protecting the villages nearby. Cactus shrub and Neem Tree can be still see even today. People call that place as Adhi Moola Sthanam (The ancient sanctum). There is a goddess statue made of baked clay is still there. People who want to be blessed with children keep cradles at the mandapam at the Aadhi Moola Sthanam. Muppandhal Devi Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Suchindrum, 13 Kms from Boothapandi, 30 Kms from Kanyakumari and 96 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is Aralvaimozhi Railway Station (3 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Bhadra Kali Amman Temple, Vattavilai, Vilavancode, Kanyakumari Bhadra Kali Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Vattavilai Village in Vilavancode Taluk in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The name Vattavilai derived because of its circle (round) shape layout. The Temple is located at the heart of the village. Vattavilai is located at about 23 Kms from Vilavancode, 14 Kms from Marthandam, 10 Kms from Eraniel, 19 Kms from Nagercoil, 9 Kms from Colachel, 44 Kms from Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Aadhi Narayana Perumal Temple, Engan, Thiruvarur Sage Brugu was performing penance here surrounded by Vanni trees. A Chola king raised high sounds while hunting a lion and interrupted the penance of the sage. He cursed the king that he would have a lion’s face as he has chosen this place for hunting where sages are engaged in penance. The king begged for a remedy. The sage suggested him to bath in Vettaru River known as Vriddha Cauvery and worship Perumal to get rid of his curse. The king followed the advice of the sage and got back his human face. Hence why this place is very special to Mrigashirsha Nakshatra as the king was relieved from his animal (Mrigam) face. Presiding Deity is called as Aadhi Narayana Perumal. Lord Vishnu graces from his sanctum sanctorum on his vehicle Garuda, which is a rare form in the Vishnu temples. Here the Lord comes in the mission of rescuing one of his disciples on his Vahana Garuda. Mothers are Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Tree. Procession deity Aadhi Narayana Perumal graces with his discuss and conch along with consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Nardana Vinayaka, Hanuman and Garuda. The temple is an ancient one with traditional architectures and sculptors. The small shrine is built in typical Dravidian architecture style. Nitya Garuda Seva: This is a Vaishnava temple with presiding deity Perumal appears on Garuda in the sanctorum itself. We see Perumal in temples in sitting, standing or reclining form only. The Lord appears on Garuda only during festivals. This is a temple where Garuda Seva is available to the devotee every day. Mrigashirsha starrers worship here for quick solutions to problems they face. The temple is open from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. in the evenings. Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Garuda Panchami, Gokulastami in August-September and Rama Navami in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Besides Mrigashirsha starrers praying in this temple for relief from adverse planetary effects, those seeking child boon, early happy wedding crossing the obstacles, afflicted by Naga Dosha-snake aspects, Pakshi Dosha-bird aspects, suffering from skin diseases, threatened by enemies, family unity and upset by recurring death incidents in family, and child health problems pray in this temple on Poornima days (full moon days) and Mrigashirsha star days. It is believed that performing Tirumanjanam to Perumal on Wednesdays and Saturdays yield all happy results and bring relief to all from any problem the devotee faces. Those seeking a job commensurate with their qualification and a job with a decent package are advised to perform abishek to Perumal on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Those seeking child boon make a frame with four sugarcanes and tie a sari on it as a cradle called Thooli in Tamil and place fruits in it, carry it around the outer prakara of the temple in a step by step manner. The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Thiruvarur, 4 Kms from Simizhi, 34 Kms from Sikkal, 40 Kms from Ettukudi, 30 Kms from Kumbakonam, 40 Kms from Nagapattinam, 25 Kms from Alangudi, 20 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 11 Kms from Kudavasal, 19 Kms from Needamangalam, 8 Kms from Thirukkannamangai and 110 Kms from Trichy. Engan is located in a side road that connects the Thiruvarur – Needamangalam – Tanjore road and Thiruvarur – Kudavasal – Kumbakonam road and so can be reached from either road. Enkan is located to northwest of Thiruvarur in the Nachiyar Kovil, Kumbakonam road and about two kilometers left of the main road before Simizhi. An entrance arch is there on the main road. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvarur and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Aadhi Narayana Perumal Temple, Engan, Tiruvarur District – 612 603 Phone: +91 4366 269 965 Mobile: +91 94433 51528
Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Manjakkudi, Thiruvarur That Mother Sita was enticed by a deer of rare radiance and her pursuing Lakshmana to get it for her and fell abducted by Ravana when Lakshmana went after the deer is a story known to every devout Hindu and scholars of this epic. This is the place from where Anjaneya set out in search of Sita with the ring of Lord Rama and returned back to him with her Choodamani for identification. Honouring Anjaneya for his heroic and devout deeds, people built the temple for him and later installed Lord Srinivasa Perumal with Mother Mahalakshmi on his beautiful chest. Presiding Deity is Srinivasa Perumal and Mothers are Sridevi and Bhudevi. Sthala Vrikshams are Tulsi and Bodhi Tree. Theertham is Rama Pushkarani. The significance of the temple, only in this temple in India, is the festival deity Anjaneya telling Lord Rama with his two right hand fingers “I have found Mother Sita”. The Panchaloka idols are kept in Tiruvarur temple for security reasons. Sri Garuda Bhagwan standing before the Balipeeta on the east entrance of the temple is facing west with his attention fixed on Lord Srinivasa Perumal. Mahamandapam has a capacity to accommodate 200 devotees. Kaaria Anjaneya (Sri Anjaneya in work) on the southern side blessing the devotees is an additional beauty in the temple. Nagar and Lord Vinayaka are at the entrance outside. Holy spring is at the Sani Bhagwan corner at the entrance. The consecration of the temple is being celebrated once in twelve years since the year 1956 and the last was in the year 1997. The Temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Thiruvonam, Aadi New moon day in July-August, Thai new moon in January-February, Hanuman Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September and Navarathri in September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple. People pray to lord for mental peace, success in litigation matters, child boon and successful results in their professional and private family matters. Realizing their wishes, devotees offer curd and a new dhoti on Sri Anjaneya as their prayer commitment. The Temple is located on Thiruvarur – Kumbakonam Road. The Temple is located at 4 Kms from Kudavasal, 10 Kms from Engan, 22 Kms from Thiruvarur, 14 Kms from Koradacherry and 110 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Koradacherry and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Manjakkudi Post, Kudavasal Taluk, Narasingam Pettai, Thiruvarur District. Mobile: +91 94432 82091
Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal Temple, Padagacheri, Thiruvarur Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Padagacheri in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal. Mothers are Sridevi and Bhoodevi. River Vettaru runs in north-south direction in this hamlet. Also, here at Padagacheri is an ancient Shiva Temple and a Bala Dhandayuthapani temple on either side of the Perumal temple. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Aadi Pooram in July-August and Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. The devotee is all happy even at the darshan of Perumal here. He/she is blessed with child. Also, the devotee gets back the money lent to others and standing overdue. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Perumal and mothers and offer vastras. Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal: The legend has that, when Ravana caged Sita, she had the strong hope that Lord Sri Rama would certainly come and rescue her. With a view to offer them clues, she dropped her jewels on the way and one such place was Padagacheri. Padagam means anklet. Lakshmana confirmed that it was the anklet of Mother Sita. When Rama asked how he could be so sure, Lakshmana said that he used to worship the feet of his sister-in-law every day and that he knew it was her anklet. Seeing the anklet Rama was happy and this seeing and being happy also is one of the reasons of Perumal being called Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal (Kandu – Seen, Ullam – heart, Magizhndha – Happy). As Padagam (anklet) fell here, the place came to be known as Padagacheri. Padagacheri Ramalinga Swamigal: Padagacheri village was the home of an enlightened soul Ramalinga Swamigal. Ramalinga Swamigal, a mendicant, whose mission was to renovate temples and build new ones. Padagacheri Mahan, as he is referred to, would visit every house in the village and collect money for this purpose. Endowed with healing powers, he is said to have cured people of many ailments. His name is associated with the massive annadhanam that he would organize on full moon days and during festivals. A mutt is built at the place and Annadhanam-feeding the poor – is grandly celebrated on the Aadi Pooram day in July-August being his Samadhi day. It is noteworthy that even in those days, when basic facilities were not available, he fed more than one lakh people. His Jeeva Samadhi is in Thiruvotriyur near that of Saint Pattinathar. It is said that during the feeding, many dogs would appear in human form, eat the food and disappear miraculously. This miracle happens even now. He attained salvation in the year 1949 on the Aadi Pooram day. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Valangaiman, 12 Kms from Needamangalam, 16 Kms from Kumbakonam, 5 Kms from Alangudi, 26 Kms from Mannargudi, 40 Kms from Thiruvarur, 36 Kms from Thanjavur and 95 Kms from Trichy. From Valangaiman, you have to proceed for about 4 kms in the Needamangalam route and then take a diversion towards west (right side) for another 2 kms to reach the Temple. Padagacheri is located on Kumbakonam – Alangudi Route. The place can also be reached from Kumbakonam on the Valangaiman route also. Take the Mannargudi bound bus from Kumbakonam and get down at Padagacheri, From the bus stop, take the right road (westwards) and walk over a km to reach the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Kumbakonam. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Kandu Ullam Magizhndha Perumal Temple, Padagacheri Post, Valangaiman Taluk, Thiruvarur district – 612 804 Phone: + 91 43746 2815253 Mobile: +91 97517 34868 / 99528 48340 / 98400 53289
Oondreeswarar Temple, Poondi, Thiruvallur The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is considered as the 17th among the Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams located in Thondai region. The temple has three daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. Brahmotsavam festival during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. As the security of the temple resides within the temple campus, devotees can worship the Lord any time. Those facing problems in marriage proposals, vision troubles pray to Lord and Mother for remedy. Those having no hold in life, depressed, suffering due to lack of developments in professions are advised to pray to Lord sincerely for a paradigm shift in life. To those concluding that life is but utter dark, Ambica shows the light and instill in them self-confidence. Lord and Mother in this temple drag them from despair. Hence, the temple is greatly praised as Nambikkai Koil – Trust Temple. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother with honey offering Vastras. Sundarar, an 8th Century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Oondreeswarar in ten verses in Thevaram, compiled as the Ninth Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Thevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. This is the 17th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed three times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m, Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m & Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: Abishekam (sacred bath), Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Oondreeswarar and Minnoli Ambal. Unlike other Shiva temples, anointing with oil is not performed in the temple. There are weekly rituals like Somavaram (Monday) and Sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like Pradosham, and monthly festivals like Ammavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day) and Sathurthi. Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) is the most important festivals of the temple. Masi Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October – November, Tirukarthikai in November – December are the other major festivals celebrated in this temple. Oondreeswarar: Saint Sundarar married Paravai Nachiyar in Tiruvarur. He also married Sangili Nachiyar in Thiruvottriyur who was a staunch Shiva devotee and promised her that he won’t leave her. Lord Shiva was witness to the marriage and the promise. Sundarar breached his promise and proceeded to Thiruvarur. While he was crossing the borders of Thiruvottriyur, he lost his vision. He understood that he was punished for violating his promise and appealed to Lord Shiva. Lord did not respond to the prayer. Sundarar proceeded to Tiruvarur facing all struggles and came to this place on the way and repeated his appeal to Lord for vision. Lord Shiva kept mum but Sundarar was unrelenting. He asked the Lord whether he was really there and if so “give me my vision.” Lord, though sympathized with his fond devotee, gave Sundarar just a walking stick (Oondru in Tamil) saying that he was there only and he could proceed with the help of the stick. Hence he came to be known as Oondreeswarar. Sundarar demanded that the Lord should grace him as a friend but the Lord was unyielding. Sundarar became angry and argued with the Lord loudly but in vain. In a fit of anger, Sundarar threw the walking stick granted to him which hit the right horn of Nandhi breaking it. Sundarar proceeded sadly towards Kancheepuram. In this temple, Sundarar holding a pole adjacent to Nandi with the broken horn are found. Minnoli Ambal: Mother Minnoli Ambal was ready to accompany blind Sundarar struggling to walk with his stick but Lord Shiva prevented her from doing so. Indicating this event, we see the left leg of Mother in a forward motion. Mother told Sundarar that life goes in accordance with one’s good or evil deeds. “Though you have lost your vision now, you will regain it shortly with the grace of the Lord” She assured Sundarar. She guided Sundarar on his way to Kanchipuram from this place, Parvati appeared as a lightning in front of him, giving the name of Minnoli Nayagi (Minnoli indicated lightning in Tamil). Hence, Mother is worshipped as Minnoli Ambal and Kanivai Mozhi Nayaki – Mother with assuring words. This Shivasthalam Temple is located at about 24 Kms from Thiruvallur, 55 Kms from Chennai, 59 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 57 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 37 Kms from Thiruthani, 41 Kms from Arakkonam, 37 Kms from Poonamallee, 24 Kms from Thiruvalangadu and 57 Kms from Chennai International Airport. By Road: Bus facilities are available from Tiruvallur and Chennai – Poonamallee. Town bus services Nos. T-41 and T-52 (via Neyveli Koot road) are available from Thiruvallur bus stand to go to Poondi. The temple is very near to the bus stop. Another way to reach the temple is to travel by bus going to Uthukottai and get down at Neyveli Koot road and go by auto or walk about 2 Kms to Poondi to reach the temple. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvallur. Nearest Major Railway Stations are located at Arakkonam, Chennai Central Railway Station and Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Oondreeswarar Temple Poondi Reservoir Post, Via Tiruvallur Thiruvallur – 602023 Phone: +91 44 -2763 9725 / 2763 9895 Mobile: +91 99432 09387
Jalanatheeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Vellore This temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 10.00 AM in the morning and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM in the evenings. 10 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September-October), Skanda Sashti in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Aani Tirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) Tiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), Masi Makam (February-March), Thai Poosam (January-February) and Tirukarthikai (November-December) are the major festivals celebrated in this temple. Guru peyarchi and Pradosham are also observed regularly. As divine cow Kamadenu worshipped here, prayers offered here bring 100 fold benefits to the devotee, according to Puranas. Almost prayers are for profitable farm yields. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer pudding-Pongal as Nivedhana. Prayers offered by people work wonders for those who are honest in their life even if they face severe problems in public life in a society which is surrounded by corruption everywhere. 99 percent of people reduce their faith when more problems are on the way due to their previous karma and less than one percent pass those tests to get a good and healthy life with wealth by putting more faith in divine power. Daksha’s Olam: Another, legend is Daksha who conducted Yagna in a grand scale without inviting Lord Shiva; the purpose of Yagna was to prove his superiority over Lord Shiva. Though he married off his daughter Dakshayani (Sati Devi) to Lord Shiva, his animosity against the Lord remained the same. He invited all the Gods and sages for the grand Yagna except Lord Shiva. Dakshayani without the consent of Lord arrived at the Yagna and was regrettably, not well received with due honor and was insulted. Consequently, Dakshayani sacrificed her life in the Yagna fire. Lord Shiva sent Veerabhadra a self-manifestation to punish Daksha. Finally, when Daksha is annihilated and his head was replaced with a goat’s head. Daksha realized his mistake and prayed to Lord Shiva to pardon him. Lord Shiva advised him to go the river bank and asked him to invite Lords Vinayakar, Mahavishnu and Brahma to witness his prayers. On Thakkan’s request, Lords Vinayakar, Mahavishnu and Brahma came to witness his prayers. Since Thakkan’s head had been replaced with that of a goat, his prayer sounded like the bleating of a goat like huge cry (“Olam”). Hence this place is called as Daksha’s Olam – changed to Thakkolam. These prayers are called “Chamakam” and each line ends with syllable “may”. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Shiva blessed him with salvation (Moksham). Theenda Thirumeni: Another legend is that Goddess Parvathi returned to this place after having been insulted at her father Daksha’s yagna. She is believed to have installed a lingam made of sand here. Once she was performing her penance, this region was inundated by flood water. To protect the lingam, Goddess Parvathi embraced it. This is evident from the markings that can still be seen on the idol. Since this Lingam is believed to have been embraced by Goddess Parvathi, it is not touched by human hands. Poojas are performed by the priests without touching it. Theerkathar, Son of Sage Udhadhi got relieved of his curse here: Theerkathar was born to Sage Udhadhi the brother of Jupiter (Guru) and Mamata. Theerkadha one day saw divine cow Kamadenu near his hermitage. He requested the cow to be with him for conducting a yagna. Kamadenu said that it could not oblige him without the permission if Indira. The sage cursed the cow to become an ordinary and average animal losing its super powers. The cow in turn cursed the sage to be engaged in menial jobs. Sage Udhathi was sad to see his son doing menial jobs. He came to this place as advised by Maharshi Naradha and worshipped the Lord. Lord Shiva advised Sage Udhathi to perform penance on Nandhi and perform abishek to him with the water springing from Nandhi. It’s believed that the spring from Nandhi is Ganges and Lord Jalanatheeswarar is also referred as Gangadheeswarar. The sage got his son Theerkathar rescued from the curse. Kamadenu too worshipped here by pouring the milk on the Lord and was restored to its original form and power. The Lingam worshipped by the Sage Udhadhi is in the northern side of the temple as Gangadheeswarar temple and opposite to the temple is Ganga Theertha Kulam. Worshipped by Kamadenu: Kamadenu, the divine cow, is also believed to have worshipped the lord here by pouring milk on the lingam. She was relieved from Theerkathar curse and got back her original form and power. On knowing this, Lord Indiran is believed to have come to Thiruvooral and taken her back to the celestial world. Water flowing out from the Mouth of Nandhi: At the behest of sage Uttandi, Nandi brought the river Ganges to this place. In the olden days, it was designed in a way that water would come out of Nandi idol and flow around the Shiva Linga idol; it would reach another Nandi idol and come out of its mouth to ultimately reach the river ‘Kallaru’. Chandran got relieved of his curse here: Thakkan gave all his 27 daughters to marry Chandran. After marriage, he showed interest to only one wife Rohini and the rest he ignored. Thakkan got wild and cursed Chandran with deadly skin disease. Chandran worshipped in this temple and after taking bath in the Ganga Theertha Kulam he was relieved out of the curse. Demon Thakkan: One more legend is that King Sivathithan who ruled Thiruvural was troubled by demon Thakkan. The King prayed to Lord Shiva of this temple who instructed Goddess Kali to destroy the demon. Goddess Kali executed the orders of Lord Shiva. For this reason, there is a separate shrine for Goddess Kali at the border of this place. This shrine attracts a large number of devotees. It is believed that since Thakkan cried loudly before being killed by Goddess Kali, this place got the name Thakkan Olam – Thakkolam (Olam meaning crying loudly). Sthala Vriksham: Another reason why this place is named “Thakkolam” is that the sacred tree of this temple is also called “Thakkolam” (Pottu). Worshipped by Others: It is believed that Sage Samvartha, Lords Mahavishnu, Indiran, Suryan, Chandran, Yama (lord of death), Sage Udhadhi, Sage Theerkathar, Saptha Kannikas (the seven divine virgins), Pandavas and Savitha Sivachariyar have also worshipped the Lord of this temple to seek absolution for their sins. Since the divine cow Kamadenu worshipped the Lord in this place, any good deed by devotees done here pleasing Lord Shiva would bring them 100-fold benefits. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Thakkolam, 30 Kms from Tiruvallur, 15 Kms from Arakkonam, 16 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 29 Kms from Kanchipuram, 18 Kms from Thirumalpur, 11 Kms from Perambakkam, 30 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 53 Kms from Avadi, 28 Kms from Thiruthani, 79 Kms from Vellore, 44 Kms from Poonamallee, 56 Kms from Ranipet and 65 Kms from Chennai. Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thakkolam are Ilambaiyangkottur (11 kms), Thiruvirkolam (14 kms), Thirumalpur (18 kms), Thirupachur (25 kms) and Thiruvenpakkam/Poondi (34 kms). By Road: The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Thakkolam Bus Stand on Sannathi Street. Town bus services to Thakkolam via Marimangalam and Perambakkam are available from Tiruvallur. Town bus services to Thakkolam are also available from Kancheepuram and Arakkonam. Direct bus is available from Poonamallee bus stand. Arakkonam bus from Chennai passes through Thakkolam. If you are going by personal transport, take the Chennai-Bangalore highway, go beyond Kanchipuram. You will come across a flyover. Go beneath it and turn right. Proceed further for another 10 – 11 Kms until you reach Thakkolam railway station. Turn right there and proceed for another 5 Kms to reach Thakkolam. By Train: Thakkolam is on the rail route of Kanchipuram to Arakkonam section of the Southern Railway. The temple is located at about 5 Kms from the Thakkolam Railway station. Nearest Major Railway Station is Arakkonam Junction, located at about 14 Kms from the Temple. Arakkonam can be reached from Chennai by electric train. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (64 Kms). Jalanatheeswarar Temple, Thakkolam Post, Arakkonam Taluk, Vellore District – 631 151 Phone: +91 4177 246 427 Mobile: +91 9994786919
Vilvanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvalam, Vellore This town as is today, was a gateway to the north, during the period of king Rajaraja Cholan. During the same period, the area comprising present day Chittoor to Hosur was called as Thondai Mandalam, which was ruled by Vandhiya Thevan / Vallavarayan Vandhiyaththevan. The town Thiruvalam as is known today was actually Thiruvallam, as the Temple Deity Vallanathar was the family deity of Vandhiya Thevan Vallavarayan. Just outside the Shiva temple, is the Samadhi of the great saint who was known as Thiruvalam swamigal. It is inferred that the temple of Vilvanathar dates prior to the Tanjore Brihadeeswarar Temple. This temple remains open from 6.30 AM to 12.00 PM morning and 4.00PM to 8.00 PM in the evening. On all full moon days, special poojas are performed to the Shiva lingams in the Kanjan hill. The event of Lord Shiva granting “mukthi” to the demon Kanjan is celebrated in a grand manner on the 10th day of the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). On this day, the procession idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Kanjangiri (a nearby hill). Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) and Theerthavari in the Neeva river on Masi Makam day (February-March). Consuming the prasadam here bestows the devotees with wisdom and progeny. It also relieves the devotees from skin problems and laziness. As Lord Shiva is named Vilvanatheswarar, Vilwa leaves are offered as Prasad. Consuming the Prasad, according to faith, relieves devotees from dullness and skin problems and ensures child boon and wisdom. Devotees perform abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother and offer Vastras. Swayambu Lingam: According to legend, in ancient times this region was densely covered with Vilva trees. It is believed that once, a few locals had noticed a cow pouring its milk on a particular ant-hill every day. After clearing that place, they found a Swayambu lingam and built a temple around it. Lord Shiva ordered Nandhi to Kill Demon Kanjan: Another legend associated with this place is that when the temple priest used to bring water for Pooja / Abishekam, he was being troubled by a demon (asura) called Kanjan. The priest complained to Lord Shiva about his troubles and on hearing his plea, Lord Shiva instructed Nandhi (his mount) to kill the demon. Nandhi executed the lord’s order and killed the demon. It is said that Nandhi tore the demon into eight pieces and these eight parts fell in eight different places – Lalapettai (skull), Seekarajapuram (head), Maveri (chest), Vadakal (right leg), Thenkal (left leg), Maniampattu (wrist), Kugayanallur (intestines), Narasingapuram (nerves) and Maruthampakkam (thorax). Later, in all these places Shiva temples were constructed. Seeking absolution for his sins, the demon Kanjan pleaded to Lord Shiva. The lord answered his pleas and his request for pardon and granted him “Mukthi”. The lord also blessed him by saying that wherever his blood had fallen, a Shiva lingam would appear. Even today one can see hundreds of such Shiva lingams on the nearby hill. It is also believed that if one digs anywhere on the hill, he can find a Shiva lingam. Since the lord instructed the Nandi to safeguard this temple from the demon, the Nandi idol at this temple is seen facing away from the lord and looking towards the nearby hill (Kanjangiri). The legend of Nandhi fighting with the demon Kanjan is depicted in a sculpture in the hall (Sabha Mandapam) and also in the form of reliefs chiseled on the hall pillars. Story behind the name of Neeva River: It is believed that since Lord Shiva found that the temple priest was struggling to bring water from the nearby river, he called the river to come near his temple. The river changed its course and started flowing near the temple. Since Lord Shiva called the river to come near to his temple (“nee vaa” meaning come here in Tamil), this river is now called Neeva. Mukthi Sthalam: Another legend related to this temple is that once a person was on his way to Kasi to dissolve a relative’s ashes (“Asthi”) in the Ganges. Since Thiruvalam was a famous pilgrimage centre in the past, he decided to take some rest here and he kept the ashes near the temple tank. When he decided to resume his journey, he was surprised to see the Asthi changed to jasmine flowers. He proceeded to Kasi as planned and after reaching there, another surprise awaited him – the jasmine flowers had again changed back to ashes. Since he found that the Thiruvalam temple had changed the ashes into jasmine flowers, he decided not to dissolve the ashes in the Ganges, but instead bring it back to this temple and dissolve it in the temple tank itself. This temple is considered as holy as Lord Visvanatha temple in Kasi. This temple is also referred to as a Mukthi Sthalam (a place to attain salvation). Theekkali Vallam: It is said that Lord Shiva was worshiped by a demon (asura) called Theekkali, so this place is also known as Theekkali Vallam. Adhi Sankara pacified Mother here: Earlier the temple was called as Theekkali Vallam. The Ambal’s name of this temple was known as Theekkali Ambal (Jadaakalaabambal) and she was adorned an angry look. The Sthala Puranam says that Sri Adhi Sankara calm down the Ambal. Thiruvalam: It is believed that Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya had a quarrel for a mango fruit offered by Sage Narada. A contest was conducted that whoever goes around the world first and comes back here would be offered the fruit. While Lord Subramanya went around the world, Lord Ganesha encircled his Parents and got the fruit as a token of appreciation. Valam in Tamil means circumambulation. This is the place where Lord Vinayaka established the truth that “world” means Father and Mother and “Father and Mother” mean world. He went around his Divine parents to show this truth. As he did the Valam here, the place came to known as Tiruvallam and changed as Tiruvallam. The famous competition between Vinayaka and Subramanya took place at Thiruvalam contrary to another version that states that the competition took place at Kailasam. ‘Thiru’ means ‘Sacred’ or ‘Holy’ while ‘Valam’ means ‘Circumambulation’. Here the Vinayakar is called “Kani Vangiya Vinayagar” (the lord who received the fruit). Lord Mahavishnu worshiped Lord Shiva here: As Lord Mahavishnu worshiped Lord Shiva here, his footprint is kept for worship in front of the flag post. Vilvaranyam: This is a legendary temple with great importance attached to it. This area of the temple was a forest full of Vilva Trees. Hence it was called as Vilvaranyam or Vilvavanam. The Temple is located at about 20 Kms from Vellore, 10 Kms from Ranipet, 18 Kms from Katpadi, 14 Kms from Walajapet, 34 Kms from Sholinghur, 60 Kms from Arakkonam, 58 Kms from Thiruthani, 56 Kms from Kanchipuram, 84 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 124 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 20 Kms from Vellore Bus Stand. Thiruvalam is located on Vellore to Katpadi Route. Thiruvalam is located on the bus route Chennai to Chittoor (Route No 144), after Ranipet. From Chennai, take a bus to Vellore and get down at Muthukadai after Walajah and catch a bus to Thiruvalam. Buses are available from Vellore, Chennai, Arcot, Ranipet, Katpadi and Arakkonam. This temple is on the way to Katpadi from Walajapet via SIPCOT (Ranipet). While traveling from Vellore, take the Katpadi route, and take the road (towards east) to Thiruvalam at Katpadi bus stand. Proceed till you meet the Chennai-Chithur NH4 highway and Thiruvalam is right at this junction. Immediately after crossing the iron bridge of Thiruvalam one can see the temple on the left side. The Vilvanatheswarar temple is on the western bank of Pennai (Neeva) river. While traveling from Chennai on the Bangalore highway, immediately after the tollgate at Walajapet, take the right road NH4 under a road over-bridge towards Chithur (old Bangalore road). Travel in the NH4 itself and you will pass through a railway Over-bridge and immediately after, you can see a junction of two bridges. Take the old bridge on the left and the temple is just at the end of the bridge. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Katpadi Junction, located at about 17 Kms from the temple. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai Airport located at about 115 Kms from the Temple. Vilvanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvalam Post, Ranipet Via, Kudiyatham Taluk, Vellore District – 632 515 Phone: +91 416 2236088 / 2236491 Mobile: +91 9894922166 / 9043363818 / 9360040807 / 9245446956
Venugopala Temple, Anaikuppam, Thiruvarur All Money problem will be get solved by visiting this Temple by performing Archana with lighting 5 deepam each at Lord Venugopalan Sannathi and Kuberar Sannathi. The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Srivanchiyam, 9 Kms from Paruthiyur, 5 Kms from Nannilam, 13 Kms from Thiruvarur, 9 Kms from Thiruvirkudi and 120 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nannilam (11 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kudavasal, Thiruvarur The Temple is located at about 23 Kms from Thiruvarur, 21 Kms from Needamangalam, 20 Kms from Kumbakonam, 4 Kms from Thirucherai, 9 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 12 Kms from Srivanchiyam and 110 Kms from Trichy. This temple is situated at Kudavasal on the Kumbakonam – Tiruvarur route by road. The temple is near to the main road itself. The Temple is located at about 500 metres from bus-stand. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvarur and Kumbakonam. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Haridwaramangalam, Thiruvarur The Temple is having 5 tier entrance gopuram. A smaller 3 tier gopuram is present on the southern side of this medium sized and ancient temple. Presiding Deity is called as Varadaraja Perumal and is facing east. Presiding deity along with Sridevi and Bhoo Devi graces devotees from the sanctum. Mother is called as Perundevi Thaayar and is facing east. There are shrines for Garuda, Varada Anjaneya, Aadhi Kesava Perumal, Thirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, Ramanujar and Vishwaksenar in this Temple. The Temple is located at about 29 Kms from Mannargudi, 3 Kms from Avalivanallur, 15 Kms from Needamangalam, 13 Kms from Ammapettai, 22 Kms from Kumbakonam, 30 Kms from Thanjavur, 10 Kms from Alangudi and 85 Kms from Trichy. Haridwaramangalam is 22 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Ammapettai route. From Thanjavur, the place is 30 Kms on the Nagapattinam road. The visitor has to get down at Ammapet. Haridwaramangalam is 13 Kms northward. Town bus service to Haridwara Mangalam is available from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam. There are direct town buses Nos. 38, 55 and 69 from Thanjavur. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ammapettai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Suyambunadhar Temple, Peralam, Thiruvarur Official Address
Sundareswarar Temple, Kadagambadi, Thiruvarur The Main Deity, Goddess and Durga are made of a very smooth glittering stone. Vishnu Durga is presumed to be made of Emerald. Theertham associated with this Temple is Arasalaru River. Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) is Pavizhamalli (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis). Kadagambadi is located at about 3 Kms from Thiruveezhimizhalai, 30 Kms from Kumbakonam, 8 Kms from Poonthottam, 27 Kms from Thiruvarur and 123 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Poonthottam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Yagneswarar Temple, Thiruvarur The Temple is located on the opposite side of the western gopuram of Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple and on the other side of the pond. Thiruvarur is located at about 70 Kms from Thanjavur, 120 Kms from Trichy, 42 Kms from Kumbakonam, 26 Kms from Nagapattinam, 31 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 41 Kms from Karaikkal and 29 Kms from Mannargudi. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvarur and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mullaivasal, Thiruvarur The Temple is located at about 18 Kms from Mannargudi, 30 Kms from Thiruvarur, 13 Kms from Abivirutheeswaram, 4 Kms from Needamangalam, 11 Kms from Alangudi, 11 Kms from Koradacherry and 91 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Choleeswarar Temple, Sengalipuram, Thiruvarur Choleeswarar Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kudavasal. 20 Kms from Thiruvarur, 22 Kms from Kumbakonam, 4 Kms from Simizhi, 2.5 Kms from Pudukkudi, 8 Kms from Engan, 16 Kms from Koradacherry and 113 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Koradacherry and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Agastheeshwarar Temple, Poonthottam, Thiruvarur The Theertham here is said to have been created by Varuna (one of the Ashtathik Balagas – Kubera, Vayu, Varuna, Nirudhi, Mrithyu, Agni, Indra, Brahmasthan) and hence the name is Varuna Theertham. This is a small and old east facing temple with entrance on the west. Presiding Diety is called as Agastheeshwarar and is facing east. Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini and is facing south. Dakshinamurthy is seen here sitting on top of the 12 Zodiac signs with his hand on the Rishaba vaahana. He is called as Mandala Rasi Gurubagavan. Hence this temple is considered as a Guru Sthalam. Shrines for Ganesha, Muruga, Gajalakshmi, Navagraha, Surya, Chandran, Durga and Dakshinamurthy can be seen in the prakaram. Theertham associated with this temple is Varuna Theertham. There is an Ayyanar Temple adjacent to this Temple. Daily during Guru hora, special poojas are done in this temple. Thursdays are also very special. Local people says that this temple is equivalent to Alangudi. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Poonthottam Railway Station and 1 Km from Poonthottam Bus Stop. Poonthottam is located at about 40 Kms from Nagapattinam, 20 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 21 Kms from Thiruvarur, 40 Kms from Kumbakonam, 8 Kms from Sirupuliyur, 5 Kms from Thirumeyachur, 11 Kms from Thiruveezhimizhalai, 5 Kms from Mudikondan, 14 Kms from Thiruppugalur, 11 Kms from Thirupampuram, 80 Kms from Thanjavur and 134 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Poonthottam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Abayavaradarajar Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur Guru, Surya and Chandran are believed to have received the Darshan of the lord in his wedding grandeur. During the wedding of Lord Vishnu, Surya and Chandra hesitated to come together lest the world should be engulfed in darkness. But the lord made them come and lit up the world with his light. Grateful, the two of them requested the lord to stay here. This Temple is an old and beautiful temple although the surroundings are not so pleasant or clean. The entrance is through a built-up gateway for this spacious temple. There are a lot of trees inside including Amla and Pavizhamalli. Presiding Deity is called as Abayavaradarajar and is facing east. The 7 feet tall main deity of the lord is with his Prayoga Chakra (Chakra ready to use posture for the protection of devotees). is called as Perundevi Thaayar and is facing east. Shrines for Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar, Garudan, Chakkarathalwar, Anjaneya, Yoga Narasimhar, Surya and Chandran can be found in the prakaram. Theertham associated with this Temple is Aayar Theertham. Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) is Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). The Temple is located at about 36 Kms from Thiruvarur, 22 Kms from Mannargudi, 8 Kms from Needamangalam, 40 Kms from Thanjavur, 18 Kms from Kumbakonam and 95 Kms from Trichy. It can be reached from Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur. Bus facilities are available at both ends. Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Kumbakonam. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Matrurai Varadeeswarar Temple, Thiruvasi, Manachanallur, Trichy The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. 11 day Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam in May-June, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai Arudra Darshan in December-January, Thirukarthigai in November-December and Thai Poosam in January-February are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Other festivals like Vinayagar Chathurthi, Vijayadashami and Kanda Shashti are also celebrated in this Temple. Monthly Pradosham is also observed regularly. People pray to Lord lighting lamps with Iluppai oil for family welfare and removal of evil effects surrounding the family. People also pray to Mother seeking child boon. Offering Sweet Pongal to God on Monday (or Thursday) and getting the holy water sprinkled is considered equivalent to visiting Kasi. Devotees believe that worshipping the goddess here for 5 consecutive Fridays will remove obstacles from their marriage proposals. It is also believed that devotees who are facing stomach related illnesses, nervous weakness, epilepsy and paralysis can worship Lord Natarajar here for one Mandalam (45 days) to get relief. Parihar for snake bit, Epilepsy, Stomach ache, Paralysis &Asthma are cured by offering Vanni leaf archana to the Lord Nataraja. Thiruvasi is considered to be equivalent to visiting Kasi (Banaras). This temple is famous as a Parihara Sthalam for those suffering from Balarishta Dosham. Sarpa Nataraja: Kolli hills was ruled over by ‘Kolli Mazhavan’. His daughter was bitten by a snake. He treated medically to save his daughter life and found no way. At last he gave up his hope and left her at the temple step and started praying the lord. Saint Tirugnanasambandar came to this place during his pilgrimage and found the girl suffering. The king explained to the saint the sick story of his daughter and begged him for remedy. Saint Sambandar sang ten verses (Pathigam) in praise of Lord Nataraja with “Thunivar Thingal” as the first line. As he completed each stanza, he sang “Mangai Vaada mayal seivado ivar maanbu” (“மங்கையை வாட மயல் செய்வதோ இவர் மாண்பு”) which means is it right to make this lady suffer?). Lord felt so happy and started to dance for his song, and brought back the snake and made it to take back its venom. Based on this event, Lord Nataraja appears here with his hair tied and dancing on a serpent. He is praised as Sarpa Nataraja. This is a rare darshan of the Lord. Mother married Lord Shiva here: Once a business man and a Shiva devotee called Kamalan was childless. One day when he was going home from the temple he heard a child crying and found a baby in a lotus flower. He named her Amalai and brought her up. When the child was ready for marriage, he wanted her to be married to his brother-in-law. Amalai was a great devotee of Shiva and so wanted to marry Shiva. Shiva came to their house as Kamalan’s brother-in-law and married Amalai. After the marriage, they both left the house saying that they are going to the temple. After they left, original brother-in-law returned home, only then they realized something had happened. They went to temple in search of Amalai and knowing this, Amalai threw her anklet back and it turned to be a river and started flowing. This river came to be known as Silambu river but its name was later changed to Panguni river. Amalai was Parvathi Devi herself and Shiva and Parvathi Devi gave Dharshan to all the people on the Rishaba Vahana. Mattru Urai Nathar: Saint Sundarar used to get gold from Lord Shiva to feed and maintain Shiva devotees following him. After worshipping the Lord in Tiruvanaikkaa, he came to this temple and sang in praise of the Lord seeking gold. Lord Shiva kept mum. Angry Sundarar sang another Pathigam (ten verses) in a loud voice questioning whether there is one called Lord Shiva. Sundarar got the gold. Yet he was doubtful about its purity and was closely looking at it. Two men came there and asked the saint why he was looking at the gold. Sundarar sought their help in the valuation. One of them confirmed the purity of the metal while the other approved it. Both disappeared instantly. Sundarar sang again saying that he did not mean to doubt the Lord. Lord appeared before him and said that he alone was the assessor and his companion was Lord Vishnu. Hence the Lord is named Mattru Urai Nathar – God who confirmed the touch of gold – Mattru means the touch of the gold. Brahmapuriswarar: As Lord Brahma is believed to have worshiped the lord here, the lord is also known as “Sri Brahmapuriswarar”. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Lord Brahma, Goddess Parvathi, Goddess Lakshmi and Sage Agasthiar have worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. Thiruvasi is located on the Trichy – Salem route via Ayyanpalayam. Thiruvasi is on the enroute to Musiri on the north river side. Thiruvasi is located at about 8 Kms from Manachanallur, 5 Kms from Uthamar Kovil, 3 Kms from Pachur, 9 Kms from Thiruvanaikaval, 8 Kms from Thiruppaingneeli, 12 Kms from Samayapuram, 13 Kms from Woraiyur, 26 Kms from Anbil, 12 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 9 Kms from Srirangam and 16 Kms from Trichy. By Road: Buses are available from Thiruchi Chathiram bus stand. From Trichy Town bus route Nos 60 & 40 are passing through this village. From bus stop one has to walk to the temple on the dusty road. The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Thiruvasi Bus Stop. Thiruvasi is located at about 16 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand and 11 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Uthamar Kovil Railway Station located at about 5 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Major Railway Stations are located at Srirangam (9 Kms) and Trichy (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is Trichy Airport located at about 21 Kms from the Temple Matrurai Varadeeswarar Temple, Thiruvasi, Manachanallur Taluk, Trichy District – 621216 Phone: +91 431 6574 972 Mobile: +91 94436 92138 / 98656 64870 / 9786905159 Mobile: +91 9715714228 / 9790382472 / 9842586243
Maragadachaleswarar Temple, Thiruengoimalai, Trichy It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar. This temple is the 117th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 63rd Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery of Chozha Naadu. Poet Nakkeerar has sung a booklet named Eengoi-Ezhupathu (70 Eengoi songs). It is considered very auspicious to visit three Shivasthalams (Kadambar Kovil in the morning, Thiruvatpokki (Ratnagiri) at noon and Thiruengoimalai in the evening) on Mondays during the Tamil month of Karthigai. The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. It would be convenient if the visitor informs the priest before proceeding to the temple in advance. Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April), Masi Magam in February-March, Thai Poosam in January-February and Pujas on all Full Moon days – Poornimas – are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Bee: The name of the place is said to be derived from Thiru-i-ongaimalai (‘i’ meaning bee in Tamil) and to have been so called because the sage Agasthiar, finding the gates of the temple closed one evening, took the form of a bee and entered the temple to perform his worship. Sivasakthi Malai: Ambal worshipped Lord Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi Malai. Attaining Salvation by worshipping three temples in a row: There are three important sacred Shiva temples in this region glorified by the Thevara hymns and Agathiar used to worship all the three in a single day. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. He worshipped Kadamba Nathar at Kadambar Koil in the morning, Rathnagreeswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon, and the Thiruvengi Nathar at Thiru-engoi-malai in the evening. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation. Lord Shiva gave Gold to Sundarar here: When Sundarar went to see the Lord, he hid himself in tamarind and when Sambandhar asked for gold, he gave the tamarind from the tree which became gold. Musukuntha Chakravarthy worshiped Lord Shiva here: Legendary Chola Emperor Musukuntha Chakravarthy worshiped Lord Shiva here. Bogar meditated here: Bogar meditated and attained siddhi of making “Nava Pashanam” in this hill temple, hence there is a Bogar Shrine at the foot hill. Maragatha Lingam: The lingam of the temple is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. It is therefore called the ’emerald’ (Maragatha) lingam. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Manamedu, 6 Kms from Musiri, 7 Kms from Kulithalai, 32 Kms from Thuraiyur, 40 Kms from Srirangam, 40 Kms from Thiruvanaikaval, 10 Kms from Thottiyam, 42 Kms from Namakkal, 38 Kms from Thiruvellarai and 47 Kms from Trichy. By Road: Thiruengoimalai can be reached from Kulithalai by crossing the Kaveri river and turning left. Also, Thiruengoimalai is located very near to Musiri. One can also travel from Trichy to Musiri and from there can go to Thiruengoimalai. Frequent bus facilities are available from Kulithalai and Musiri. Salem to Karur buses passes through this Village. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is located at Kulithalai (7 Kms). Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Trichy (45 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is Trichy Airport located at about 52 Kms from the Temple. Maragadachaleswarar Temple, Thiruengoimalai, Via Manamedu, Thottiyam Taluk Tiruchirappalli District – 621209 Phone: +91 4326 262744 Mobile: +91 9443950031 / 9095102695 / 9095102696 / 9944120135
Thuyartheertha Nathar Temple, Omampuliyur, Cuddalore This shrine is also one of the five Puliyurs associated with Sage Vyagrapada. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanmars Tirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar. This is the 85th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 31st Sthalam on the north side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. This Temple is part of the Nadu Naatu Devara Sthalam. The village Omampuliyur, is a picturesque beautiful village with its rice fields on either side of the road leading to Anakarai from Kattu Mannar Koil. The temple is run by a trust and the Gurukkal also are on hereditary basis. This temple is of special importance to those born under Revathi Star and whose Rashi is Dhanur. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Four worship services are offered each day, and Thai Poosam, Maasi Magam, Navaratri and Shivaratri are the annual festivals celebrated here. Jupiter transition day is celebrated annually in the temple. Vyagrapada Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva here: Omampuliyur is one of the five important Puliyur Siva Kshetrams (Perumpuliyur, Erukkattampuliyur, Omampuliyur, Paatirippuliyur and Perumpatrappuliyur (Chidambaram)), visited by Vyagrapada Rishi. Sage Vyakrapada (the saint with tiger’s claws and feet) came to Omapuliyur and prayed to Lord to grant him dance darshan in Chidambaram. With significance to the visit and prayer of the sage, Lord is named Pranava Vyagrapureeswarar. Lord Shiva gave Moksham to a Hunter: According to the legend, a hunter once was chased by a tiger. Afraid that the tiger will kill him, he climbed a Vilva tree and stayed there throughout the night. Thinking that he may go to sleep and fall down from the tree, he plucked the leaves of Vilva tree and threw it down. Under the tree there was a Shivalingam, and unknowingly he worshipped Shiva with Vilva leaves for the whole night. Pleased with his action, it is believed that God Shiva gave Darshan to him and the hunter attained Moksha (salvation) at this Sthalam. This legend is also linked to another Shivasthalam Tiruvaikavur. Omapuliyur: As the place has clouds of smoke due to the Homas – a puja performance through fire worship – saint Thirunavukkarasar calls it Omapuliyur in his hymn. Lord Shiva taught Pranava Manthra to Mother Parvathi: Mother Uma was listening to Lord Shiva on the Pranava Mantra teaching. As her attention turned off, Lord Shiva cursed her to be born a human on Earth. After severe penance, Lord came to her as Dakshinamurthy and completed the teaching. As this was taking place Lord Muruga was stopped from entering the temple by Nandi. He then transformed into a bee and went in and lodged himself in Amman’s hair to listen to the Mandiram (Holy Words). He then left in anger for Swamimalai. Lord Siva went to Swamimalai to set things right and to his surprise he was told the Mandiram by Muruga. Hence, the place has Guru (Jupiter) importance. Hence the place is called as Umapuliyur which later changed as Omapuliyur. King Sadananda got relieved of leprosy here: A king Sadananda, a staunch Shiva devotee got his leprosy cured with a dip in the holy Varadanan tank here. Celestials got relieved of their curse here: Two virgins from the celestial world came down to earth as swine and a human due to the curse of sage Durvasa. They were chased by a tiger. They ran to escape and reached Gowri Theertha. A woman, after a bath in the tank was drying her hair. A few drops of water from her hair fell on the virgins restoring g them to their original forms. Etymology: The name Omaampuliyur is said to have been derived from this legend (Om Aam Puliyur). Omampuliyur village lies on the northern bank of Kollidam River (Uttara Cauvery) in Cuddalore District. This temple is located at about 8 Kms from Kattumannarkoil, 33 Kms from Chidambaram, 77 Kms from Cuddalore, 68 Kms from Ariyalur, 45 Kms from Kumbakonam, 29 Kms from Sirkazhi, 21 Kms from Vaitheeswarankovil, 10 Kms from Melakadambur, 22 Kms from Gangai Konda Cholapuram, 96 Kms from Puducherry and 153 Kms from Trichy. By Road: The Temple is located at a walkable distance from Omampuliyur Bus Stop. Town bus facilities are available from Chidambaram and Kattumannarkudi. Also buses from Chennai to Ariyalur pass through this place. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is located at Chidambaram (34 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Trichy and Puducherry. Thuyartheertha Nathar Temple, Omampuliyur Post, Ayankudi S.O. Kattumannarkudi Taluk, Cuddalore District – 608306 Phone: +91 4144 264 845
Yogeeswarar Temple, Putheri, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari In olden days, Sastha, as a guardian deity was here on a stone-peeta under the Poolathi tree. People of the place named him as Poola Udaya Kandan Sastha and erected a small temple for him. A yogi came to this place, worshipped Sastha and stayed here for some time and attained Samadhi (salvation) here. On his tomb, an ant-hill came up. People began worshipping this ant-hill erecting a tall wall and began to worship the wall itself. As the devotees felt a Shiva aspect on the wall, named it Yogeeswarar and continued worships. As there was a Puttru (ant-hill) where the Yogi was in the past, the place is named in Puttrur which later changed as Putheri. The Temple covers area of about one acre. There are shrines for Yogeeswarar, Nayinar. Poola Udaya Kandan Sastha and Bhoothathan in the Temple. There is a hall for doing Vazhipadu. The Temple doesn’t have tower, flag post and other structures attributed to normal temples. There is a 22 feet tall wall in the open space. On the top of the wall there is a form as if a Yogi is lying. Poola Udaya Kandan Sastha is in a separate shrine. He is in the form of a Peeta (a seat) and his idol is behind this seat. The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. During other hours, the devotee can worship the Lord from outside also. Chithirai New Year, Guru Pooja for Yogeeswara, Vaikasi Visagam and Panguni Uthiram are festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. On all Saturdays in the Vazhipadu hall, Bhajanai are held. On the Panguni Uthiram day in March-April, Yogeeswara is taken in procession on a horse. On the Friday following the Panguni Uthiram in March-April, the walls are painted with red sand. A festival called Kan Thirappu – Opening the Eyes- is celebrated in the evening that day. The sand on the wall being worshipped as presiding deity is offered as Prasad to the devotees. Consuming a little of the Prasad with water would bless the devotee with a child, is the faith. Those blessed carry Kavadi to Yogeeswarar wearing saffron clothes. Rice is offered as Nivedhana during the daily puja to the Lord. Special pujas are performed to Lord Yogeeswara and Sastha on Vaikasi Visakam (May-June) day, when a Nivedhana prepared from mango, jack fruit raw rice and sugar named Mambal (Mango milk) is offered to the Lord. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Nagercoil, 5 Kms from Nagercoil Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Nagercoil Railway Station, 25 Kms from Kanyakumari and 77 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located at a walkable distance from the Bus Stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Yogeeswarar Temple, Putheri, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District Phone: + 91 4652 275 230 Mobile: +91 94871 01770.
Mutathura Mahadevar Temple, Chenkody, Kanyakumari Mutathura Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chenkody in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be 1200 Years Old. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Chenkody, 2 Kms from Poovancode Junction Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 4 Kms from Mathur Aqueduct (Mathur Hanging Trough), 12 Kms from Marthandam, 16 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 13 Kms from Kuzhithurai, Railway Station, 10 Kms from Thuckalay, 19 Kms from Colachel, 12 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 24 Kms from Nagercoil, 14 Kms from Eraniel, 48 Kms from Kanyakumari and 58 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari The temple is open from 4.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Thai Brahmmotsavam & Thai Poosam in January-February; Avani Sundays, Aavani Aslesha (Aayilyam) Star day & Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October, Skandha Sashti, All Sundays and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. During Aavani Sundays, Lord Krishna is kept in a Adhishesha Temple car. Lord Krishna along with Sridevi and Boodevi will come around four Ratha street on the day of Thaipoosam. Devotees pray in the temple for relief from the adverse aspects of serpent planets. Devotes perform abishek to Nagaraja with milk and offer milk porridge – Paal Payasam – Nivedhana. They also install Naga idols in the temple campus. The Prasadam here is the sand from the ground in the sanctum of Nagaraja. The red color of the soil is said to be due to the blood shed from the idol when it got struck by the sickle. The soil that is given as ‘Prasadam’ has medicinal properties capable of curing skin ailments of the devotees. Nagercoil Nagaraja is believed to bless the childless couples. If the couple come to this temple and pray with sincere faith and devotion, soon their request for a kid will be answered. Several childless couples are reported to have admitted that they were blessed with children after their visit to this temple. To get rid of ‘Sarpa Dosham’, besides worshiping the snake stone images in the temple, devotees offer stone images of 5 headed snakes in silver to the temple and participate in a puja ritual called ‘Noorum Palum’. This will relieve them of the bad effects of Ragu and Ketu. Naga Worship: Worship of Serpents had been there across all parts of the world since ancient times. Snakes had been worshiped by Hindus, Buddhist, Jains for ages. Even in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, the worship of Snake had been in vogue in ancient period. The Egyptian king had the symbol of cobra’s hood in his crown, even their Gods and Goddesses. (e.g. Osiris). There are similar instances from Babylon and Mesopotamia. Greece worshiped snakes as god for protection. They believed that the slain soldiers will be reborn as snakes. Even its believed that Athens was guarded by a snake in 5th century BC. It is also their national symbol. In Ancient Rome, people believed that while felling a tree, if a snake is killed, its considered as bad omen, and God also moves out of that place. Australians and the Mayans also worshiped Snakes. Excavations in Mexico have lots of pots and utensils with Snakes symbol embossed on them. In Africa Pythons are being worshiped even today and they worship it as God for Knowledge. In India worship of serpents is there from pre-historic period. In U.P, Naga Panchami is observed even now. In Punjab, people draw pictures of Snakes on the wall and worship. In Bihar, ladies take fast for 3 days and worship Serpent God. In West Bengal, Manasa Devi is considered as the head of all Serpents. In a place called Subramanya in Karnataka, Snake is the worship deity. In Andhra in Laepakshi, there is a 6 feet high snake idol that’s worshiped. In Kerala, worship of Cobra is of paramount importance. There are close to 16,000 temples (Sarpakkaavu) in Kerala, across all villages. Prominent among them are Manaarshaala, Vettikaadu, Paambummekaatu mana. In Manaarshaala, even today, a lady remains as Spinster, throughout her life, and does daily puja for this deity. In Tamilnadu, in Thiruverkadu, Devi is believed to have appeared initially as Cobra. In Tiruchengode, there is a 60 feet long cobra statue for worship. In Nagercoil, a temple is dedicated exclusively for Nagaraja. The name of this town is named after this temple only. If we look at Valmiki Ramayana (episode 67, sloka 46-49), its mentioned that Nagas lived in Mahendragiri mountain area (20kms from Nagercoil) and worshiped Serpent god. Nagas are children of Kashyapa and Kadru. Among the prominent Nagas of Hinduism are Manasa, Sesha, and Vasuki. The Nairs of Kerala and the ethnically related Tulu people of Coastal Karnataka are clans which are believed to have originated from the serpent dynasty. Legends says that the Nagas also carry the elixir of life and immortality. Garuda once brought it to them and put a cup with elixir on the ground but it was taken away by Indra. However, a few drops remained on the grass. The Nagas licked up the drops, but in doing so, cut their tongues on the grass, and since then their tongues have been forked. Nagas are snakes that may take human form. They tend to be very curious. According to traditions, Nagas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind’s disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters — rivers, lakes, seas, and wells — and are generally regarded as guardians of treasure. They are objects of great reverence in some parts of southern India where it is believed that they bring fertility and prosperity to their veneration. Expensive and grand rituals like Nagamandala are conducted by Tuluva’s in their honor. The prominent of Nagas in the Puranas are; Ashta Nagas: The eight revered Nagas are referred as Ashta Nagas they are Shesha, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkodaga, Shankhapala, Gulika, Padma and Mahapadma. It is said about the colors of Nagas that Vasuki is pearl white, Takshaka is red, Karkodakan is black with 3 white stripes in his hood, Padma is pink as lotus with white streak and coral ornaments, Mahapadma is white with trident mark in head, Shankhapala is yellow with white streak in hood, Gulika is red with crescent mark in hood. Origin of Nagaraja Temple: It is believed, it was established by a senior member of the Nampoothiri Brahmin family of Kerala -‘Paambummekaatu Mana’ of ‘Mala, Trissur. The Nampoothiri consecrated a Nagaraja image in his residence after he had a vision of Vasuki, the head of snakes. Whoever came to his place with skin related problems, presumably caused by Sarpa Dosham – ill – effects of snakes as per horoscope were cured. Once the Nampoothiri priest visited the palace of a Pandya king on his request and cured his skin problem which happened to be leprosy, using his mystical power. On his way back to Kerala, in the place where Nagaraja temple stands now, he saw a peasant woman quite upset over an incident in which her sickle had just hit the head of a Nagaraja stone idol hidden in the ground covered by bushes, etc. Surprisingly blood was oozing out of the idol. The place used to be a wooded area then. The learned Nampoothiri pundit realized it was five headed Nagaraja idol with enormous power. Without wasting time, with help from the local community, in the same place he consecrated the Nagaraja idol with consent from the local ruler, which later became the famous Nagaraja temple of Nagar Kovil. Initially the temple was a hut with thatched roof. Responding to yet another vision he had during his sleep, he finally consecrated the Nagaraja idol in the same place where it was found and the idols of Shiva and Vishnu were consecrated in the new structure which became Sanctum Sanctorum or Srikoil. The temple rituals and pooja protocols being followed here are based on Kerala tradition as this part of Tamil Nadu was under the control of Travancore princely ruler prior to 1956. The main tantri is from Kerala from the Nampoothiri family of Paambummekaatu Mana’ of ‘Mala, Trissur. Because of dispute over the puja rights, in this temple, the tantric rights are bestowed for alternative years only. One year for the tantri from Thiruvalla Illam and next year it will be tantri from Paambummekaatu Illam. This system is followed at present. The temple has been under the management of Tamil Nadu Devastanam since 1956. King of Kalakad: Once the King of Kalakkad, who was stricken with leprosy, came to the temple on Sunday in the Tamil month of Avani and did penance before the deity. Miraculously, he was cured of the disease, and the fame of the temple spread far and wide. The king built the present temple in gratitude. On every Sunday during Avani (August/September) the king, accompanied by his wife and children, used to visit the temple and offer poojas. Ever since, the temple is visited on every Sunday in Avani by thousands of devotees and the serpent shrine is worshiped. Cobra saved Marthanda Varma: In mid-18th Century, King Marthanda Varma of Venadu kingdom (South Travancore) had lot of enemies. One day he was taking rest in the South side building of the temple. Knowing this, his enemy went up to kill him. His sword missed target as he was interfered by a cobra in between. The king woke up in the meantime and caught his enemy. From then on, the South Entrance is called as Maha Meru Maaligai. Jain Belief: Once upon a time, a pair of Snakes lived in this place. Mahibalan killed them. During death, they were listening to the chanting of Parsvanatha. By virtue of that, they got rebirth as the King and Queen of Snakes in the underworld. Later, a Gandharva named Samwaran was travelling across the sky. He was disturbed by the chanting of Parsvanatha. So, he made heavy rain fall to submerge him. The king cobra (Dharnendra) raised its hood over Parsvanatha and protected his tapas from the rain. As rain continued, water level raised. To prevent Parsvanatha from sinking, the Queen Cobra (Padmavathy) became a Lotus flower and gave seat to Parsvanatha. Samwaran couldn’t succeed in his effort. People can see 2 huge snake statues in the temple, depicting this story. No report of Cobra Bite: A fascinating fact about this temple is there are several cobras moving here and around the temple prescient and so far, there has been no report of any cobra bite what so ever. No report of bite in the adjacent areas as well. Nagaraja Temple is situated at the heart of Nagercoil Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Nagercoil Bus Stand and Nagercoil Railway Station. Nagercoil is located at about 20 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Suchindram, 14 Kms from Boothapandi, 12 Kms from Villukuri, 13 Kms from Eraniel, 24 Kms from Colachel, 15 Kms from Thuckalay, 14 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 83 Kms from Tirunelveli, and 74 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil (1 Km) and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil – 629 001, Kanyakumari District Phone: +91 4652 232 420 / 241 270 Mobile: +91 94439 92216
Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram, Kanyakumari One of the unique aspects of Thanumalayan Temple is the presence of many gods from the Hindu pantheon and the different sects like Vaishnavism including Rama and Krishna to more localized Tamil traditional worship of Amman/Devi and Kandan or Muruga. The temple is rich in sculpture and architecture and a visitor to this temple is amply rewarded with the sight of such exquisite art of hundreds of years old. The town along with Kanyakumari was part of Travancore. It became part of Tamil Nadu in 1956. Non-Hindus are permitted inside the temple but photography is prohibited. There are two important festivals, one in Margazhi (December/January) and the other in Chittirai (April/May). During the Margazhi festival, on the 9th day the deities are taken out in procession around the streets on three festival cars. The 10-day Car Festival celebrated in this temple during between December and January every year attracts crowds of thousands of people. Another festival known as Theppam is celebrated during between April and May every year. Prathana Sthalam for marriage, children, longevity and prosperity needs. Worship of Lord Anjaneya of this temple for physical and mental health. Suchindram: As per legend, Indra got relieved of a curse here. The term “Suchi” in Suchindrum is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit meaning that stands for “purify”. The place purified Indra from his curse. Hence it got the name Suchindrum. Accordingly, Lord Indra is supposed to visit the temple for performing “Ardhajama Pooja”, or worship, at midnight every day. Story of Anusuya, wife of Sage Athri: Anusuya, the wife of Athri Maharishi was famous for her chastity and her devotion to her husband – an embodiment of a Hindu wife. She could perform miracles by sprinkling the ‘Paatha Theertham’ (water with which she washed her husband’s feet) to bring rain to a parched earth or to transform objects to her desire. When the three Devis, – Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathy and Parvathy (Adishakti) heard through Sage Naradha the powers of this earthly woman they wanted to test her chastity. They approached their husbands, Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to test Anusuya’s devotion to her husband. The three Moorthys transformed into three old mendicants and went to the hermitage where Anusuya was living and sought alms from her. When Anusuya was about to serve them food they told her that they had taken a vow whereby they could not accept alms from a person wearing clothes. As it was a sin to refuse alms to mendicants she prayed to her Lord and sprinkled a little ‘Paatha Theertham’ on the three old beggars. They were all immediately transformed into babies and throwing off her clothes she offered them food. The Goddesses learning what had happened pleaded with Anusuya to grant them ‘Mangalya Bhiksha’ (gift of married life) and to give them back their husbands. Anusuya showed them the three babies. The Devis ran to the cradle and picked one baby each. Anusuya then prayed to her Lord to restore them back to their original form. Lord Sri Vishnu was in Lakshmi’s embrace, Siva in Parvathy’s lap and Saraswathy with Brahma. They accepted that Anusuya’s fame as the chaste woman on earth was justified. Thus, the Trimurthy came to be represented by the Lingam at Suchindram; the bottom represents Brahma, the middle represents Vishnu and the top Shiva. Indra got relieved of his curse here: There is another lore associated with this temple. Once Indra was infatuated with Ahalya, the wife of Rishi Gautama. One night he came to the hermitage where Gautama was living and made a sound like a cock indicating the approach of dawn. Rishi Gautama thinking that dawn was imminent awoke from his sleep and went to the river for his ablutions prior to commencing his prayers. Realizing that it was too dark for dawn and too early for morning to break he returned to his hut. In the meantime, Lord Indra took the physical appearance of Rishi Gautama, approached Ahalya and satisfied his desire. Rishi Gautama returning from the river was enraged when he saw his wife in another man´s embrace and cursed the man’s entire body be covered with ‘yoni’ (the female organ) and his wife Ahalya to become a statue of stone. Lord Indra to get rid of this curse went to Gnanaranya and prayed to the three Moorthys to rid him of this curse. When he was rid of his curse and transformed into his original form he built a temple and installed the Lingam to represent the three Moorthy – Thanu – Maal – Ayan, and the name of the place came to be known as Suchi-Indran (the place where Indran was purified). Narada foiled Lord Shiva plan to marry Devi Kanyakumari: Narada Lord Siva started from this place to wed Kanyakumari Amman, but returned when he heard the cockcrow made by sage Narada. Thus, successfully foiling the plan, the Goddess Kumari resides here as a virgin, unable to marry Lord Shiva. Agnipariksha: Another story of note about Suchindram Temple is the age-old practice of Agnipariksha that was practiced here up until the 1860’s, when it was forbidden by the government. This ritual could only be engaged if the king gave his consent, and then it was done on a designated date. The ritual involves Kaimukkal, or ‘dipping of the hand’, in which any Namboothiri, or a high caste Brahmin who was under threat of excommunication due to immoral behavior, had to prove his innocence. A small silver ox statue was placed in a copper vessel of boiling ghee. The accused Brahmin had to reach in and pull the figure out of the ghee. A complex ritual followed in which the hand was bandaged, and the Brahmin taken to the home of a senior man, who watched over him. On the third day his hand was unwrapped. If the fingers were black and burned, the Brahmin was excommunicated, and pushed to the fringe of society. If his honor was vindicated, and the hand was normal, he was returned to his post, given gifts from the king, and all due respects were given to him by the temple community. One can only imagine the level of integrity required of Brahmins who faced such a method of oversight. Thanumalayan Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Nagercoil, 14 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Kottaram, 16 Kms from Boothapandi, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 19 Kms from Eraniel, 29 Kms from Colachel, 18 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 14 Kms from Thovalai, 87 Kms from Tirunelveli and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. By Road: The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Suchindram Bus Stop. Suchindram is well connected to Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli, Thiruvananthapuram and other nearby places by Bus. By Train: Nagercoil Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station, located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. By Air: Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at about 80 Kms from Thanumalayan Temple. Thanumalayan Temple Suchindram – 629 704, Kanyakumari District Phone: +91 4652 241270 Email: [email protected]
Aappudayar Temple, Thiru Aappanoor, Sellur, Madurai Aappudayar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sellur in Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is also called as Thiru Aappanoor. This temple lies in the shadow of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The Pandya Kings and the Royal Sethupathi kings have made many contributions to this temple although little is known of its history to the thousands of visitors that throng Madurai. Presiding Deity is called as Aappudaiyaar / Rishabeswarar / Idapureesar / Vrusharesar / Anna Vinodhan, Appanur Nathar / Anna Lingeswarar. Mother is called Kuravankamazhum Kuzhalammai / Suganda Kundalambal. The temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Thirugnana Sambandar. This is the 246th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 2nd Sthalam of Pandya Nadu. The temple is opened from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. The Brahmmotsavam festival is very famous in the month of Masi (February-March), 10 day Navarathri festival in Purattasi (September-October), Ani Uthiram with special Pujas to Nataraja (June-July), Adi Pooram (July-August), Aipasi Poornima (October-November), Mondays in the month of Karthikai (November-December), 10 days Margazhi Thiruvanandal (December-January), Panguni Uthiram (March-April), Deepavali, Pongal, New Year day of both Tamil and English Calendars, Ganesh Chaturthi are the festivals very devotionally celebrated in the temple. Images of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar visit this temple from the famed Madurai temple, on the day of Panguni Uttiram, and return on a Rishabha Vahanam. The festival idols here – made of silver are of great beauty and they are taken in procession during the biweekly Pradosham festival. Those facing Mars planet adverse aspects (Sevvai Dosham) pray to Lord Muruga and those aspiring prosperity pray to Lord Shiva performing archana with Vilwa leaves. Realizing their wishes devotees perform abishek and archanas with Vilwa leaves to Lord and offer vastras. Aappanoor: King Cholandhagan was a staunch Lord Shiva devotee. During his reign, the land was fertile and prosperous with timely rains. Farm yields were plenty. His subjects were happy. All this was due to his devotion to Lord Shiva. He went on hunting on a day. As he could not succeed in chasing a deer, he felt fainted at last. Shocked attendants offered food and water to the king to recover from the weakness. The king said that he could not afford to take food before doing his usual Shiva Puja. There was no Linga for the puja. A wise minister fixed a wooden piece (Aappu) on the ground as Shivalinga and suggested that he can worship and take his food. The king believed the minister, worshipped the Aappu and ate his food. He found then what he worshipped was not a Shiva Linga but a piece of wood fixed on the ground by his minister. He cried to the Lord that if he was indeed his devotee, Lord should come into the Aappu and accept his worship. Lord appeared on the Aappu and became Aappudayar. The place came to be known as Aappanoor. Anna Lingeswarar: During the period of another king Suguna Pandya belonging to the same dynasty, the place faced a severe famine. Yet, the priest of the temple grew some grains with difficulty and was offering the Nivedhanas to Lord. Seeing this, people grew angry on the priest and harassed him for his feeding the Lord while people were starving. The priest fell at the feet of the Lord for help. Lord asked the priest to follow him with his wife and set on his Rishaba to another place. He stopped at this place – Aappanur. As Lord stopped here on his Rishaba – Idaba in Tamil, this also came to be known as Idabapuram. The priest used the sands of the Vaigai River to cook the Nivedhana for Lord. By the grace of Lord, the sand became rice-Anna. This event brought the Lord the name Anna Vinodhan / Anna Lingeswarar. Punyasenam becoming Kubera by the grace of Lord Shiva: Punyasenam in the lineage of Lord Brahmma was a staunch Shiva devotee. As advised by Sage Agasthya, he performed severe penance on Lord Shiva to become as wealthy as Kubera. Pleased with his penance, Lord Aappudayar with Mother Sugantha Kundalambikai granted darshan and the boon he sought. But as fate had it, he became immediately arrogant and cast a mischievous look on Mother and lost his eyes and fell dead. Merciful Lord Aappudayar gave back his life and called him Kubera. Since then, he became the Lord of North with two wealth – Sanga Nidhi and Padhma Nidhi. Aappudayar Temple (Thiru Aappanoor) is located in Sellur, part of Madurai City on The Northern bank of the river Vaigai in Tamil Nadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Sellur, 750 meters from Simmakkal Bus Stop, 550 meters from Simmakkal, 1 Km from Goripalayam, 900 meters from Goripalayam Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Thiruparankundram and 2 Kms from Meenakshi Amman Temple. By Road: The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Simmakkal Bus Stop, 900 meters from Goripalayam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Madurai Central Periyar Bus Stand and 5 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus. The Temple can be reached from the Madurai Central Periyar Bus Stand through buses passing through Simmakkal and those from Goripalayam via Sellur. Town bus to Chozhavanthan to Mattuthavani passes through Thiruvedagam and Sellur. By Train: Madurai Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station located at about 3 Kms from the Temple. By Air: Madurai International Airport is the nearest Airport located at about 13 Kms from the Temple. Aappudayar Temple, Thiru Aappanoor, Sellur – 625 002, Madurai District Phone: +91 452 253 0173 Mobile: +91 94436 76174
Edaganathar Temple, Thiruvedagam, Madurai The original complex is believed to have been built by Pandyan Empire, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. This temple is erected to commemorate the victory of Saivites over Jains and to emphasis that Shiva is the greatest God of all. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Muthu Pandal festival is celebrated during the day of the Magam (February – March) is the most prominent festival. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is closely linked with the history of Saivite Child Saint Thirugnana Sambandar and is praised in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 248th Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the banks of river Vaigai and 4th Sthalam of Pandya Naadu. Thirupugazh, the work of Arunagirinathar, a 13th-century saint glorifies the temple. The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. As people perform remedial prayers and pujas in Tirumananjeri for removal of obstacles in marriage efforts, devotees do it in this temple also. They offer garlands to Mother Elavarkuzhali and take to their homes. They worship the garland and perform pujas for 48 days to realize the wedding wish. After marriage, couple come to the temple and offer prayers to Ambica. Devotees offer vastras to Lord and Mother and contribute for the renovation of the temple. The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Irandam Kalm at 9:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m, Irandam Kalm at 7:30 p.m., and Arthajamam at 9:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Edaganathar and Elavarkuzhali. There are weekly rituals like Somavaram (Monday) and Sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like Pradosham, and monthly festivals like Ammavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day) and Sathurthi. Sambandar’s miracle is celebrated every year as Edu Ethireriya Utsavam remembering the event of the palm leaf of Gnanasambandhar floating against the current of Vaigai River on Aavani Avittam Star day combined with full moon day during the Tamil month of Vaikasi. Sankabisheka, performed during Karthikai (November – December) is considered very sacred in the region. The Muthu Pandal festival is celebrated during the day of the Magam (February – March) is the most prominent festival. Chithirai Tamil New Year day falling almost on April 14 or a day before or after occasionally in some year; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Lord Nataraja Tirumanjanam on Aani Uthiram in June-July; Special abishek to Ambica (Poopunitha Neerattu) on Aadi Pooram day in July-August; Karthikai Deepam in November-December; Margazhi Arudra darshan in December-January, Masi Float festival in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple. There is a festival in the temple almost each month for a day only. Only Navarathri is celebrated for 10 days. Though there is a flag post – Kodimaram in Tamil – Brahmmotsavam is not celebrated in the Temple except an abishek to the post in Chithirai first day-Tamil new year day when Panchanga-almanac is read out. For Mahasivarathri puja, the fourth puja of the night is dedicated to Bhairava, unlike in most other temples where all pujas are for Siva. Thiruvedagam: Pandya kingdom with its capital at Madurai was under the rule of Koon Pandian (hunchback Pandiyan) then. Those were the days when Jainism was dominant in the kingdom with political support – king’s support. Saivism and Shiva worship were almost routed out. Child Saivite Saint visited the city in such a situation. This created a fear in the minds of the Jain monks. They set fire in the camp of the saint to eliminate him. Knowing their evil design, Gnanasambandhar sung 10 verses directing the fire on the king who was their support then. The effective verses had their impact on the king affecting him with severe burning small pox boils in the whole body. The Jain monks did their best with the mantras they knew, but in vain. The king appealed to people to help him in his distress. All merciful Gnanasambandhar came to his palace, sung a Pathigam-10 verses- beginning with line “Mandhiram Avathu Neeru” meaning the best Mantra is the sacred ash on the Body of Lord Shiva, brought the ashes from the kitchen of Mother Meenakshi Amman temple and applied it on the body of the king. The small pox disappeared miraculously immediately even with any of symptoms. King began to think of the glory of Saivism. The Jains, shaken by the incident said that it was witchcraft work of the saint and challenged him to a contest and vowed that they would leave Madurai if defeated. The contest was that both will write a verse and place it on the floods of Vaigai River. The victor will be the one whose song leaf swims against the current and reaches the banks. If lost in the current, they will be the loser. Jains wrote the verse beginning with the lines Athi Nathi. Sambandars’ verse began with “Vazhga Andanar, Vanavar Aaninam”. Jains leaf was washed away. Sambandar continued his song Vanniyum Mathamum and the verse leaf reached the shores establishing the Might and Glory of Lord Shiva. Yedu in Tamil means the palm leaf used for writing in those days. The place where the Yedu reached the shore came to be known as Thiruvedagam. Vaaduvenra Vinayakar here is said to have stopped the movement of the palm leaf in the guise of a fish, in response to Sambandar’s patikam. The palmyra leaf which the Samanars left was swept away by the river and reached ‘Thirupasethi’ (Thiru + pa + Serthal) later to be known as Thirupachetty. Sattainathar Adhishtanam: There is still a controversy about the place where Sattainathar Siddha attained Samadhi. Seven places claim this honour. During his visit to Thiruvedagam, he saw Shivalingas scattered on the way and was afraid to tread on the way. Boys in the place use to simply carry him to the temple. He changed the river sands into some useful things and offered them to the boys. Sattainathar and his followers used to put the sacred ash in the water soaked rice (Neeraharam in Tamil) and cured stomach aches. Following this example, even today people use to bring the water soaked Neeraharam to the Sattainathar Adhishtana (Samadhi), place it on the Linga there and consume it for stomach problems. On the new moon day in the month of Aadi – Aadi Amavasya in July – August, Guru Puja is dedicated to Siddha. Seshanur: As per local legend, the place was called Seshanur as Adisesha, the serpent snake of Vishnu worshipped Shiva and later went on the become Edakam. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Shiva here is believed to have been worshipped by Garuda, Adhiseshan and Vishnu. Edaganathar Temple is located at Thiruvedagam on the banks of the river Vaigai to the North-West of Madurai. The Temple is located at about 20 Kms from Madurai, 24 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 20 Kms from Meenakshi Amman Temple, 5 Kms from Sholavandan, 17 Kms from Vadipatti and 28 Kms from Thirumangalam. By Road: Thiruvedagam Temple located on the Madurai – Sholavandan bus route on the banks of the river Vaigai. Town buses are conveniently available from Madurai Central Bus Stand. Buses to Sholavandan go via Thiruvedagam and the temple is very near the Thiruvedagam Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 22 Kms from Madurai Central Periyar Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Vadipatti Bus Stand and 24 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus. By City Bus: By Long Route Buses: By Train: Sholavandan Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station. It is located at about 5 Kms from the Temple. Devotees must take a bus to reach Thiruvedagam from Sholavandan Railway Station. Express trains do not stop in Sholavandan, except the Nellai Express (Train number: 2631/2632) and Mysore Express (Train number: 6731/6732) which stop at Sholavandan on both directions. Madurai Railway Station is the nearest Major Railway Station located at about 20 Kms from the Temple. By Air: Madurai International Airport is the nearest Airport located at about 30 Kms from the Temple. Edaganathar Temple, Thiruvedagam – 624 234, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District, Phone: +91 4543 259 311 Mobile: +91 99432 61487 Email: [email protected] Web: thiruvedagamedaganaathar.tinfo.in
Pathanchali Nathar Temple, Kanattampuliyur, Cuddalore It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. This is the 86th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 32nd Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. It is noteworthy that three Shiva temples in Chidambaram, Kanattampuliyur and Omampuliyur are in a row. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Four worship services are offered each day. Shivarathri in February-March, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Vaikasi Visakam and Arudra Dharisanam are the other noted festivals celebrated here. Those seeking promotions in jobs and transfers, those pained to see their hard work not recognized, pray here for benefits. Devotees perform abishek and vastras to Lord. Women offer sari and bangles to Ambica seeking child boon. Those seeking promotions in jobs and transfers, those pained to see their hard work not recognized, pray here for benefits. Those seeking relief from adverse effects of serpent planets pray to Sage Patanjali for relief. Those seeking promotions in jobs and transfers, those pained to see their hard work not recognized, pray here for benefits. Devotees perform abishek and vastras to Lord. Women offer sari and bangles to Ambica seeking child boon. Those seeking promotions in jobs and transfers, those pained to see their hard work not recognized, pray here for benefits. Those seeking relief from adverse effects of serpent planets pray to Sage Patanjali for relief. Patanjaleeswarar: Divine serpent Adisesha serving as a bed to Lord Mahavishnu in the nectar ocean took the form of Sage Patanjali to enjoy the dance of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva granted Adisesha his Dance Darshan in Chidambaram. Sage Patanjali came to this place as advised by Lord Shiva and performed penance. Lord appeared before the sage and asked him if he was satisfied with his dance darshan, Patanjali replied that he would never be content with the darshan once or twice and that should be before him forever. Lord assured Patanjali that he would be offering the darshan in many places. As a mark of recognition of the devotion of the sage, Lord took the name Patanjaleeswarar himself. Sacredness of the Sand of this place: When the sages of Dandakaranya came here to worship Lord Shiva, every particle of sand appeared to them as a Shivalinga, they worshipped the Lord from outside. Hence, the sand of the place is considered very sacred which is carried by devotees and kept in their houses believing that it would bring them all welfare and prosperity and cleansing them of their sins. Three Puliyur Shrines in a Row: Omampuliyur temple, where Sage Vyakrapada worshipped Lord Shiva is nearby. It is noteworthy that three Shiva temples in Chidambaram, Kanattampuliyur and Omampuliyur are in a row. Madhookavanam: Patanjali Munivar is said to have worshipped Shiva here and this shrine is also known as Madhookavanam. The temple is situated on the northern bank of river Kollidam at Kanattampuliyur near Muttam village. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Muttam, 4 Kms from Thiru Omampuliyur, 12 Kms from Melakadambur, 10 Kms from Kattumannarkoil, 10 Kms from Thirunaraiyur, 28 Kms from Sirkazhi, 20 Kms from Vaitheeswarankovil, 29 Kms from Chidambaram, 92 Kms from Puducherry and 128 Kms from Trichy. Town bus services to Muttam village are available from Chidambaram and Kattumannarkudi. The Temple is about 2 Kms from Muttam village bus stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Chidambaram. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Trichy. Pathanchali Nathar Temple, Kanattampuliyur, Muttam Post, Via Ayankudi, Kattumannarkudi Taluk, Cuddalore District – 608306 Phone: +91 4144 208 508 / 208091 Mobile: +91 93457 78863 / 9790333377
Palvannanathar Temple, Tirukkazhippalai, Chidambaram, Cuddalore The Temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. Thai Poosam in January-February, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Mondays of Karthikai Tamil month covering November-December, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Thiruvadirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. It is believed that consuming the milk used for the abishek of Lord Shiva – Linga – will bless the devotee with a child. It also cures diseases caused due to heat in the body. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Vijaya Vinayaka on Sankatahara Chaturthi day seeking success in their endeavors. Palvannanathar: Sage Kabila during his pilgrimage to Shiva temples, saw this place dense with Vilwa trees and desired to stay and perform pujas to Lord. The sand in the place was white as cows voluntarily poured their milk in the place. He collected the sand and made a Linga for his puja. While a king was coming there on his horse, the Linga got split by the hit of its leg. Sage Kabila was very sad. When the sage tried to prepare another Linga for his worship, Lord Shiva appeared before him with Mother Parvathi and advised him to install that Linga itself though damaged as the milk was brought there by the Divine Cow Kamadenu. It is believed that those worshipping this Paalvanna Nathar Linga would be blessed with all prosperity in life. It is believed that consuming the milk used for the abishek of Lord Shiva – Linga – will bless the devotee with a child. It also cures diseases caused due to heat in the body. Lord Shiva darshan to Sage Agasthya: This is one of the places where Lord Shiva granted darshan to Sage Agasthya in wedding form. Sage Valmiki worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Valmiki worshipped Lord Shiva here, according to scriptures. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Sivapuri, 5 Kms from Chidambaram, 4 Kms from Chidambaram Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Chidambaram Railway Station, 5 Kms from Kavarapattu, 46 Kms from Neyveli, 30 Kms from Kattumannarkoil, 64 Kms from Cuddalore, 67 Kms from Puducherry and 175 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Chidambaram. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy and Puducherry. Palvanna Nathar Temple, Tirukazhipalai-608 002, Sivapuri Post, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram Taluk, Cuddalore district Mobile: +91 98426 24580
Thirukkadigai Temple, Sholinghur, Vellore Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines uphills. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram at the top of hill, while the temple tank is located opposite to the temple, outside the main entrance in the foothills. As the presiding deity, here is Lord Narasimha the place could have been known as Simhapuram and as it was in the Chozha country it might have got the name of Chozhasimhapuram. One who visits this temple and stays here for 24 minutes is said to attain moksham. The temple follows Thenkalai tradition of worship. Six daily rituals and many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Karthikai festival during November – December, Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March – April), and Narasimha Jayanti during Vaikasi (May – June) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The name Sholingapuram stems from the legend that a Chola Raja discovered a Shiva lingam and built a temple here (Chola Linga Puram, hence Sholingapuram). The Bhrama Puranam refers to this shrine as Katikachalam and Chintamani. It is also referred to as Vada Tiruvarangam. Sholingapuram is a town of historical importance as this is where a battle was fought between Hyder Ali and the British in 1781. The Malai Adi Vaaram (Bottom of the Mountain) of this temple is called “Konda Palayam”. Konda means Hill and Palayam means a town. The belief is that by worshipping this Lord, the problems of mental disability, witchcraft and incurable diseases get dissolved. For conjugal problems, sterility and marriage impediments, the devotees offer prayers and are alleviated from their distresses. People have faith that to offer worship in this sacred place will relieve them from troubles such as loss in business, poverty and sorrow of old age. The unshakeable belief of the devotees is, by piling the stones and building a tower around the hill-path will give them sanction to buy a new plot or build a new house. The traditional faith is that by taking a bath in the Narsimha pond will annihilate a person’s Brahmahatti sin. To perform charitable acts and distribute alms is equivalent visiting Gaya. Those who pray for issues, those with mental disorder and incurable diseases bathe in the pond and worship the Lord of the hill and Anjaneyar. The important offerings dedicated by the devotees are to offer rock-candy, jaggery, plantain fruits, give clothes, curd-rice, and conduct Abhishekam and poojas. On all Fridays Abhishekam is performed to both the Lord and his Spouse. The ingredients used for the abishekam such as milk, curd, honey and sugar are known as ‘Panchamritham’ and are distributed as prasadam (the Lord’ blessings). If anyone pays the prayer-fees to Thaayar (Goddess), Utsavam is conducted for her. The devotees serve the Lord in different ways like creating temporary halls when the Lord goes in procession, building stone-halls and creating endowments. Devotees believe that if a person visits the temple and spends 24 minutes on the hill, he/she will attain Moksham (salvation). The temple also attracts devotees who are in search of cures for mental disability and chronic diseases. Devotees perform Girivalam, (circumambulation of the hill) on Pournami days (full moon). On Sundays in Karthigai (November-December), people worship at this temple after taking a bath in the temple tank, Chakra Theertham. They lie flat on every step as they climb, as a penance. Devotees believe that the Lord comes and fulfils their wishes in their dreams. Kadigai: Sri Vishnu Puranam and Sri Padma Puranam speak about the greatness of the place and it is said that sage Viswamithra became a Brahma Rishi by staying in this place for one “Kadigai”. Saptharishis worshipped Lord Vishnu here: According to legend, Saptharishis – Athri, Kashyapa, Vasishtar, Jamadagni, Gautama, Bharadhwaja and Viswamithra – did penance here to have a vision of Lord Narasimha. Anjaneya stayed here on Lord Rama request: The Lord, in his incarnation as Rama, after slaying Ravana, wanted to return to his abode and when Anjaneya expressed the wish to accompany him, he directed him to stay here and offer protection to the Saptharishis. When two demons, Kalan and Keyan, caused hindrance to the penance of the Saptharishis, Anjaneya tried to defeat them. The Lord gave him his sacred conch and holy discus to slay the two as well as other demons. The Lord also appeared before the sages as Narasimha. He directed Anjaneya to sit atop the nearby small hill and bless the devotees till the end of Kaliyuga. Anjaneya was doing penance here to become the next Brahma: According to a few Vaishnavite scholars, Anjaneya was doing penance atop the hill to become the next Brahma and he suspended the same in the Karthigai month as per the directive of the Lord to bless the devotees. Amritabalavalli: The Goddess here is known as Amritabalavalli or Sudha Valli as she emerged sitting on a thousand-petal lotus in a tank near Kadigachalam. As she was holding the Amrita creeper in her hand, she came to be known as Amritabalavalli and was married to the Lord on a Friday. Budha got relieved of Sage Durvasa curse here: Sage Durvasa, who was overwhelmed with joy after getting a Tulsi garland from Lord Narayana, began to dance. On seeing this, Budha, one of the nine planets, laughed, and was cursed by the sage. He got relief from the curse after visiting the hill temple and taking a dip in the “Pandava Theertham”. Thirukkadigai: The hill temple is also known as Kadigachalam or Thirukkadigai. Peyazhwar refers to the Lord here as “Vann Poonkadigai Ilankumaran.” It is known as Kadigai as, one could get salvation if he stayed in the place for one “Kadigai” (24 minutes). It is believed that those afflicted with psychological ailments, find cure upon residing here. Sholinghur or Chola Simhapuram was known in ancient times as Thirukkadigai and is mentioned in the sacred poems of the third Thiruvanthathi of Peyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar (Vaishnava saints). The Lord is referred by Nammazhwar in a Paasuram (verse set to music) as Thakkan, the Lord who has the right to fulfil all the wishes of the devotees. Equivalent to Gaya: It is also claimed that performing the rites for our forefathers in this holy place is more effective than performing the same at Gaya in the North. Lord Anjaneya helped King Indradhyumna to defeat a Demon: There is a legend associated with this shrine. Once a king named Indradhyumna came to this place chasing a deer. When he attempted to shoot an arrow at it, the deer disappeared and there came ablaze a flame. From then on, he left his hunting activities. He received an extraordinary prowess with which he routed a rakshasa called Kumbhodharan and protected his citizens. It is believed that at the behest of Lord Narasimha, Lord Anjaneya came to help the king. The former bestowed the latter with the wheel (chakra) and the conch (shanku), and also four arms. Like the Master, Lord Anjaneya also sits in yogic posture, containing within himself, his immense energy. Worshipping this Lord, along with the Prime Deity, drives off insanity and evil doings, is the staunch belief of the devotees. Balarama pressed down the height of the Hills: There is also a legend that this hallowed hill which arose out of the surrounding plains, continued to rise in height much to the chagrin of Indra, who requested Balarama to press it down to its present height. Valmiki worshipped Lord Vishnu here: Valmiki, author of Ramayana is said to have worshipped Lord Vishnu here. Narasimha came to this place after killing the demon Hiranya: It is believed that Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar (the lion-man avatar of Lord Vishnu) came to this place after killing the demon Hiranya and stayed here forever in this peaceful Yoga posture. Narasimha gave mukthi to Prahaladha: Lord Narasimha gave mukthi (salvation) to Prahaladha, the son of Hiranya. Prahaladha was a staunch devotee of Narayana and was given a darshan (appearance) by Lord Narasimha in his calm and peaceful Yoga pose. Narasimha gives darshan to Anjaneya through a small Window: There is a small window opposite to Lord Narasimha’s sannidhi at Big Hill, through which the Lord gives darshan to Yoga Anjaneya Swamy at Small Hill. Yoga Narasimhar is facing east and the Small Hill is at the eastern side of the Big Hill. Dodda Acharya and the Sholinghur – Kanchi connection: The Sholinghur Narasimha Koil has been managed and taken care of by the descendants of Dodda Acharya for the last several centuries. Dodda Acharya was the grandson of Muthalai Andaan and to him, it is said, goes the credit of creating this beautiful temple town of Sholinghur in the Arcot region of Tamil Nadu. Dodda Acharya used to visit the Garuda Sevai of Varadaraja Perumal at Kanchipuram every year. However, once he could not make his annual trip to Kanchi as he fell ill. Saddened by this, he bathed at the temple tank at Sholinghur, invoked the blessings of Varadar of Kanchi and sang 5 songs in praise of Lord Varadaraja Perumal. So, pleased was the Lord with his devotion that he is believed to have provided darshan to Sholinghur Dodda Acharya from his Garuda Vahanam. In memory of this event, every year on the third morning of Brahmotsavam at Kanchi, the temple door is closed for a few minutes and Lord Varadaraja Perumal, in his Garuda Vahanam, says ‘I am now going to give darshan to Dodda Acharya of Sholinghur. The Lord waits at the entrance of the temple, faces the direction of Sholinghur and provides darshan to Dodda Acharya. This is called the Dodda Acharya Sevai in Kanchipuram. Prarthana Sthalam: This is a Prarthana Sthalam. Belief is that the Lord cures devotees, who bathe here and walk up the two hills, from all kinds of diseases and is said to give them peace of mind. Lord Narasimha is also said to fulfil all the wishes of the devotees. Every Friday at 7am in the morning, there is a Prarthana Utsavam for Amruthavalli Thaayar with special Abishekam for the Thaayar and Perumal. On Sunday at 7am, there is special Abishekam for Lord Anjaneya. According to the puranas there are 14 peaks at Kadigachalam and the hill temple has existed for eons. If one takes a dip in the holy tanks here and goes around the two hills they can achieve many things in life. The circumambulation of the two hills has been classified under two heads. Sholinghur, also known as Cholasingapuram or Sholingapuram is located at about 30 Kms from Arakkonam, 44 Kms from Thakkolam, 26 Kms from Walajapet, 28 Kms from Ranipet, 55 Kms from Vellore, 27 Kms from Thiruthani, 43 Kms from Chittoor, 65 Kms from Kanchipuram, 80 Kms from Thiruvallur, 74 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 117 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Sholinghur. By Road: The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Sholinghur Bus Station. Sholinghur is well connected to Vellore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, Thiruthani, Arakkonam and other nearby places by Bus. There are also direct buses from Madras to Sholinghur but it is better to take the train-bus option. Auto will charge Rs.10/- from Arakkonam/Walajah highway to the foot of the Periya Malai. One can take another auto for Rs.10-15/- from the foot of the Periya Malai to the foot of the Chinna Malai. Several routes are there to reach Sholinghur and some of the popular routes are. Route 1: Poonamallee – Sunguvar Chathiram – Vellai Gate (Kanchi outer) – Kaveripakkam – Sholinghur Route 2: Poonamallee – Sunguvar Chathiram – Vellai Gate (Kanchi outer) – Arakkonam – Sholinghur Route 3: Poonamallee – Sunguvar Chathiram – Madhuramangalam – Parandhur – Thirumalpur – Arakkonam – Sholinghur Route 4: Poonamallee – Thandalam (MP Distilleries) – Narasingapuram – Perambakkam – Arakkonam – Sholinghur Route 5: Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thiruthani – Sholinghur Route 1 & 2 are in good condition, as we can travel in Bangalore Highway for most of the distance. Route 3, has advantage of visiting Madhuramangalam Embar Swamy Temple. Route 4, has advantage of visiting Narasingapuram Narasimha Swamy Temple. Route 5, has advantage of visiting Thiruvallur Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple. In general, all the roads above are equally good. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Sholinghur Railway Station located at about 17 Kms from the Temple. Sholinghur is situated in the Chennai-Bangalore railway line. Train is the best choice of public transport from Chennai to Sholinghur. Plenty of local trains are there between Chennai Central – Arakkonam. Arakkonam Bus stand is around 1 km from Railway station. From Arakkonam, plenty of buses are there to Sholinghur (30 Km). Devotees can get down at Temple foothill itself (Thakkan Kulam / Konda Palayam). Though, Sholinghur itself has a railway station, it is nearly 10 km away from the town. Train Options: By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (123 Kms) and Thirupathi (91 Kms). Official Address
Soundaryeswarar Temple, Thirunaraiyur, Cuddalore The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Vaikasi Thiruvadirai in May-June, 13 day Rajarajan festival and Vinayaka Chaturthi are the festivals celebrated in the temple. The Nambiyandar Nambi (Vaikasi) festival, sponsored by the Thiruppanandal Matham witnesses the chanting of the Thirumurais. Other festivals include Navaratri and Skanda Sashti. Lord grants all that the devotees wish. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother offering new vastras. Polla Pillaiyar: Nambi Andar Nambi, who collected and saved the sacred Thevaram hymns from pests and edited them, while young, was watching his father offering Nivedhanas to Polla Pillayar – Vinayaka. He wanted to know whether the Lord would accept only the nivedhana offered by his father and not his. The time came to Nambi to take charge of the priesthood of the temple. He offered Nivedhana to Pillayar and insisted him to consume the offer. But Pillayar was silent and Nambi began to weep. He dashed his head at the feet of Vinayaka and cried. Pleased with his Bhakti, Vinayaka accepted the Nivedhana of Nambi and consumed it. King Rajaraja Cholan did not believe this miracle and came with different Nivedhana and asked Nambi to offer it to Lord Vinayaka. Pillayar was smilingly silent. Nambi sang the Irattai Mani Malai hymns with a touching prayer. Polla Pillayar ate the Nivedhana in the presence of all. The indebtedness to Nambi by the Saivite devotees is endless as we would have lost the treasure of our Thevaram Bhakti literature to pests but for the painstaking efforts of Nambi. The idol of Nambi and king Rajaraja also are in the temple. Thirunaraiyur: Sage Durvasa known for his temperament was on an intense penance to have the darshan of Lord Shiva. A Gandharva from the celestial world caused hindrance to Rishi’s penance. The Rishi cursed him to become a Narai-crane. He also refused to accept his apology and suggest a relief. The Gandharva appealed to Lord Shiva for relief. Lord said that he would be relieved of the curse if he performed abishek to him with Ganga water fetched each day from Kasi. As a bird, he flew to Kasi each day as fast as he could, fetched Ganga Water in his mouth, performed abishek and got the relief. As Narai the crane bird was granted salvation here, the place is named Narayur – Thirunaraiyur. Nambiyandar Nambi: This Shivasthalam is famous for the shrine of Polla Pillaiyar who blessed a small boy by name Nambiyandar Nambi with divine knowledge. According to legend, the Chola King First Rajarajan was informed by Polla Pillaiyar the whereabouts of Thevara Paadal. Even though Thirunavukkarasar, Sambandar and Sundarar composed the Thevara Pathigams during 7th to 9th Century AD, the inscriptions of the same were lying buried inside Chidambaram Temple. Chola King First Rajarajan with the help of the blessed boy Nambiyandar Nambi saw to it that the Thevara Paadal were recovered and preserved. Apart from what were destroyed by white ants, the remaining Thevara Paadal (Pathigams) were indexed and arranged in proper order and what we know today of Thevara Paadal were thus recovered from destruction by the blessings of Polla Pillaiyar, whose shrine inside Tirunaraiyur Shiva Temple is well known. The credit of compiling and classifying this colossal collection of Tamil Thirumurais. He compiled the works of the 3 saints into the 1st through 7th Thirumurais; Manikkavacakar’s Tiruvasagam & Thirukkovayar into the 8th. He included Thiruvisaippa and Tiruppallaandu in the 9th & Tirumular’s Thirumanthiram in the 10th. Tirumukhappaasurm and other works were included in the 11th Thirumurai. With the aid of a descendant of the musical Nilakanta Yaazhpaanar he assigned and fitted Panns to the Thevaram Hymns, (after worshipping Shiva at Erukkattampuliyur). Nambi is also credited with several other literary and devotional works. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: A Narai (stork), Surya and others are believed to have worshipped here. The Temple is located at about 4.5 Kms from Kumaratchi, 6.5 Kms from Lalpet, 8 Kms from Kattumannarkoil, 18 Kms from Chidambaram, 63 Kms from Cuddalore, 81 Kms from Puducherry and 156 Kms from Trichy. On the bus route Chidambaram to Kattumannar Koil via Kumaratchi, get down at Polla Pillayar temple Bus Stop and Thirunaraiyur is 1 Km. (Town Bus routes are 23, 28 from Chidambaram). Nearest Railway Station is located at Chidambaram. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy and Puducherry. Soundaryeswarar Temple Tirunaraiyur Post, Via Lalpet Kattumannarkoil Taluk Cuddalore District – 608303 Mobile: +91 94425 71039 / 94439 06219
Panangaateeswarar Temple, Panaiyapuram, Villupuram This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM in the morning and 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings. Amongst others, Surya Pooja in the Tamil month of Chithirai, Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai, Maha Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi, Thiruvathirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi are celebrated in a grand manner. This temple is a Parihara Sthalam for people suffering from problems relating to eyesight. Sincere prayers have seen many a devotee have his/her eyesight improved or restored, even in recent times. Devotees also pray to Lord Shiva here for the removal of hurdles from marriage proposals, to attain knowledge and wisdom. After the fulfillment of their prayers, the devotees perform Abhishekam to the Lord and offer new clothes. They also donate their munificence to the temple renovation. Surya penance on Lord Shiva: The legend is that Dakshan (father of Goddess Parvathi) once performed a yagna where he invited all the devas (celestial gods) but intentionally left out Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was angered by this slight and all the devas who attended the yagna and consumed the yagna-food (avirbhaagam), became the object of his fury. Lord Shiva instructed Aghora Veerabhadrar to go to Dakshan’s yagna-hall and punish all the devas. Agora Veerabhadrar carried out the lord’s instruction and as a result the Sun God (Suryan) who was one of the attendee lost his eye sight and lustre. To seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness, Suryan went to several holy places and offered his prayers. It was finally at this place (Puravaar Panangkattur) that Suryan’s eye sight and his brightness were restored. Hence, Lord Shiva is also praised here as “Kan parithu aruliya kadavul” (the God who took and later restored the eye sight). As Suryan got back his brightness at this temple, it is believed that every year, he worships Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for a period of seven days from the 1st day of the Tamil New year by illuminating the idols in the two sanctums i.e directly on the lord as well as the Ambal bathing them from top to bottom as he transits from morning to evening. So, all sannidhis of the temple face east. King Sibi’s sacrifice: One day, Indra and Agni wanted to test him and appeared before him in the form of a vulture and dove. When the vulture chased down its prey to eat it, the dove sought refuge in the lap of King Sibi. Sibi requested the vulture to let go of the dove. The vulture refused as he was hungry and asked the King to let go of his rightful meal. The King asked the vulture if he would be satisfied with flesh equal to the weight of the dove to let go of it. The vulture accepted. The King asked for a pair of scales, and without hesitation, sliced a portion of his thigh and placed it on the scales to equal the weight of the dove. It is believed that Goddess Parvati (Satyambigai) was pleased with King Sibi’s sacrifice and righteousness and gave him moksha at this palm grove (Panangadu in Tamil) which is why it was called ” Puravar Panangattur” in ancient times. The later Cholas are said to be descendants of King Sibi which was why they assumed the title of “Sembian” and rightfully they have built a beautiful temple at the spot associated with King Sibi. Puravaar Panangaatoor: To distinguish it from the other holy places, this was named ‘Puravaar Panangattur’ since it was surrounded by thick woods (puravu: grove, wood / forest). As this holy place was enclosed by the woods of Mullai region, the place is called ‘Puravaar Panangaatoor’. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Kurinchipadi, 26 Kms from Panruti, 5 Kms from Vikravandi, 17 Kms from Villupuram, 14 Kms from Thiruvamathur, 6 Kms from Mundiyampakkam, 25 Kms from Thiruthuraiyur, 11 Kms from Mannadipet, 17 Kms from Thiruvakkarai, 35 Kms from Thiruvennainallur, 24 Kms from Thiruvandarkoil, 30 Kms from Thirumundeeswaram, 40 Kms from Puducherry, 158 Kms from Chennai and 176 Kms from Trichy. By Road: The Temple is located on the Pondicherry to Mundiyampakkam route. The temple is hardly one Km away from the Vikravandi tollgate on the Panruti / Kumbakonam route. People taking bus from Chennai to Villupuram, get down at Mundiyampakkam. All the buses going to Pondicherry via Mundiyampakkam is going through Panayapuram. Auto / Share Autos are available from Mundiyampakkam Sugar Factory opposite side. On the NH45 from Chennai to Trichy after the Vikravandi Toll plaza the road takes a left turn towards Tanjore, Kumbakonam. Proceed for 2 kms on this road and take the second left turn you will come alongside the temple. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Vikravandi Railway Station located at about 8 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Villupuram. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy. Panangaateeswarar Temple, anaiyapuram Post, Mundiyampakkam Via Villupuram District – 605 601 Mobile: +91 9942056781 / 94448 97861
Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple, Theerthanagiri, Cuddalore This temple is situated on the banks of river Pennai and is believed to have been built in the 6th century. The historical name of the village around the temple is Thiru Thinai Nagar. It has now been changed to Theerthanagiri. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Four worship services are carried out each day here. Important festivals celebrated in this temple are 13-day Vaikasi Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Annabishekam in in the Tamil month of Aipasi (Oct-Nov) and Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan). Pradosham is also observed regularly. Worshiping of Lord Natarajar here is considered to be auspicious for those seeking excellence in the fields of music and dance. It is also believed that worshiping Lord Dakshinamurthy here will reward devotees with a rich yield from their farms. People pray for good farm yields and to excel in the art of dancing. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. The Temple is located at about 27 Kms from Cuddalore, 8 Kms from Alapakkam, 25 Kms from Bhuvanagiri, 26 Kms from Chidambaram, 15 Kms from Parangipettai, 10 Kms from Puduchatiram, 10 Kms from Kullanchavadi, 35 Kms from Neyveli, 26 Kms from Vadalur, 12 Kms from Thiyagavalli, 29 Kms from Thiruvandipuram, 46 Kms from Puducherry, 200 Kms from Chennai and 176 Kms from Trichy. By Road: The Temple is located on the Cuddalore – Chidambaram Road, Mettupalayam is situated 20 Kms away. Take a right turn here and Thiruthinai Nagar now called Theerthanagiri can be reached (5kms). On the eastern side bank of Perumal Eri. Town bus services from Cuddalore to Chidambaram via Mettupalayam goes to Theerthanagiri. Bus No: 39 from Cuddalore to Karuveppampadi, Bus No: 34 from Cuddalore to Kundiyamallur, Vasantharaja Bus from Cuddalore to Kurinjipadi go through this place. By Train: This Temple is located 10 Kms from Alapakkam railway station which is on the Cuddalore – Chidambaram section of the Southern Railway. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Cuddalore. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy. Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple, Theerthanagiri Post, Via Alappakkam, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu – 608801 Phone: +91 4142 278324 Mobile: +91 90471 40464 / 91501 51195 / 97864 67593 Mobile: +91 8870740464 / 99653 28278 / 94434 34024
Sudarkozhundeesar Temple (Pralayakaleswarar Temple), Pennadam, Cuddalore This is the 34th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 2nd Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. The temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. This is the birth place of celebrated saints Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar, the pioneer of Saiva philosophy. Saint Marai Gnanasambandhar, the third Santhana Kuravars is also believed to have lived here. The last consecration ceremony took place on 10.05.1989. Before that, the consecration ceremonies were held on 18.03.1981 and 13.07.1973. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. 12 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) is celebrated in a grand manner. Maha Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Thiruvadirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan), Karthikai Deepam, Skanda Sashti, Arudra Dharisanam, Thai Poosam, Sankaranthi, Panguni Uthiram and Aadi Pooram are the other important festivals celebrated in this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly. This is a parihara Sthalam for those who born during the periods of the constellation Kettai (Jyeshta Nakshatram). Devotees whose birth star is Kettai visit this temple for special poojas. Those suffering from any kind of body pain can visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek relief. People pray to Lord of the temple seeking cure from hand ailments. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Shiva and offer vastras. According to the inscriptions found in this temple it is one of 78 shrines build by the legendary Chola king Kochenganan. This king is only known from legends and Tamil texts from the Sangam age (approximately the centuries just before and after CE). The main shrine belongs architecturally to the Early Chola period. It is a vimana (garbhagriha=sanctum plus the roof) in the form of an elephant’s back which is called a Gajabrushta. The historical names of this place are – Soundarya Chola Puram, Thiru Kadanthai, Parvathi Puram, Pushpavanam and Dhayarasapathi. Kalikamba Nayanar: Kalikamba Nayanar is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the forty-third in the list of 63 Nayanmars. His hagiography speaks about how he cut the hand of his wife, who did not help in serving a Shaiva, devotee of the god Shiva. The primary account of Kalikamba Nayanar’s life comes from the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar(12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanmars. Kalikamba Nayanar was born and lived in Pennagadam also known as Tirupennagadam. In Kalikamba Nayanar’s times, Pennagadam was part of the Chola kingdom. Kalikamba was a Vaishya, the merchant caste that flourished in Pennagadam. He was a devotee of Shiva and used to serve the devotees of Shiva (Shaiva’s). Every day, he welcomed them, washed their feet, and worshipped them. He also served lunch to the devotees and offered them money and gifts. Once, when the devotees gathered for lunch at Kalikamba’s house, he started with his daily ritual of pada-puja (washing of feet to show respect) of the devotees. His wife helped him in the service. The wife would pour water from the pot, as Kalikamba washed the feet. When Kalikamba was about to wash the feet of a devotee, she recognized the devotee as their former servant and hesitated from pouring water from the pot. Kalikamba felt that the wife has desecrated the sacred service. He took the pot from her hand and cut off the hand by his sword. He continued to wash the feet of the devotees and served them food, a duty generally performed by his wife. For his act of devotion, he attained the grace of Shiva. The tale of Kalikamba Nayanar is also recalled in the 13th Century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha with some variation. The devotee is recognized the son of their servant Mallandu or Malla. He had refused to serve Kalikamba and left Kalikamba’s house and become a Shaiva mendicant. The wife refuses to serve a son of a slave and advises her husband not to do so, however Kalikamba considers every Shaiva as a manifestation of Shiva and refuses to pour water to wash his feet. Kalikamba considers this as an insult of Shiva and cuts both her hands as a punishment. Pleased with his dutifulness, Lord Shiva restored his wife’s hands and blessed both of them with salvation. Hence the lord here is also praised as “Sri Kaivazhangeesar” – (in Tamil “Kai” means hand and “Vazhangu” means to give). Kalikamba Nayanar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanmars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals. Pralaya Kaleswarar: The world was once destroyed by Lord Shiva. Barring this place, all parts of the world was submerged in water. Devas rushed to this place and begged the Lord to protect all beings by keeping them here. Lord directed Nandhi to prevent the flood entering here. Nandhi, till then facing Lord Shiva, turned the other side to swallow the waters of the great deluge and saved the place. Hence, Lord of the place is praised as Pralaya Kaleswarar – Lord who protected the world. He destroyed and also protected. Nandhi, which turned the other side to protect the place from the deluge is still in the same position facing the entrance of the temple. Pennagadam: Indira, the king of Devas needed flowers form Earth to perform Shiva Puja in his place. He sent two maidens to earth to bring flowers, who found them in plenty but stayed here itself seeing a Shivalinga in the garden and began doing pujas. As they did not return, he sent the Divine cow Kamadenu to bring them back. Kamadenu found the maidens and only joined them in the Shiva puja by pouring its milk on the Lord. As it did not return, he sent his white elephant Iravadham in search of them. The elephant, seeing them in worship also joined the camp by standing in such a way to create a cool shadow for the Shivalinga. Finally, Indira himself came down, saw the maids, cow and the elephant and also joined them in the worship. All returned together with the blessings of Lord Shiva. Since Virgins (Penn in Tamil), Divine cow (Aa) and Elephant (Gadam) worshipped Lord here, the name of the place was called “Penn- aa- Gadam – Pennagadam” which later became Pennadam. Thirunavukkarasar appealed to Lord Shiva to inscribe the stamp on him with the symbol of his Trident and Nandhi: It is in this temple Thirunavukkarasar appealed to Lord Sudarkozhundhu Nathar to inscribe the stamp on him with the symbol of his Trident (Trishul) and Nandhi (Vrushba) if he so considered him deserved for the honour. Lord honoured the saint with his own hands in all his mercy. This episode is described by divine poet Sekkizhar in his magnum opus Peria Puranam in touching devotional lines. Lord Shiva raised the ground level to help a Chola King to worship him: Version 1: A Chola King had to worship the Lord from the other side of the bank of the river due to heavy floods. Lord acknowledged his worship by raising the ground level. There is a temple within the temple, 30 meters above the ground level remembering the event. The place is referred to as Tunngaanai Maadam in scriptures. Version 2: Another legend associated with this temple is that of Anandvalli Ammaiyar, an ardent Shiva devotee, who used to worship the lord here regularly. Once there was a heavy flood in the river Vellaru that prevented her from reaching the temple. She decided to perform her daily worship from the other bank of the river itself. Although she completed her worship, she could not see the lord. Lord Shiva realized this and as a token of his appreciation for her devotion, he raised the ground level by about 40 to 50 feet. Even today, the shrine is an elevated position and one has to climb up some steps to enter it. Birthplace of Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar: This is the birth place of celebrated saints Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar, the pioneer of Saiva philosophy. Marai Gnana Sambandar lived in this place: Also, Saint Marai Gnana Sambandar in the Saivite Guru tradition lived here. Kadanthai Nagar: Once this place had six thousand brave army men were living. They were called as Kadanthayar and this town used to be called as Kadanthai Nagar. The Temple is located at about 19 Kms from Vridhachalam, 15 Kms from Thittakudi, 23 Kms from Srimushnam, 60 Kms from Chidambaram, 34 Kms from Neyveli, 48 Kms from Kurinjipadi, 42 Kms from Sethiyathope, 50 Kms from Gangai Konda Cholapuram, 29 Kms from Thozhuthur, 39 Kms from Ulundurpet, 78 Kms from Cuddalore, 97 Kms from Puducherry, 257 Kms from Chennai and 106 Kms from Trichy. By Road: The Temple is located on Vridhachalam to Thittakudi Route. Frequent Bus facilities to reach this temple are available from both ends. By Train: There is a railway station at Pennadam which is on the Vridhachalam – Tiruchirappalli section of the Southern Railway. Pennadam Railway Station is located at about 3 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Vridhachalam (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy. Sudarkozhundeesar Temple (Pralayakaleswarar Temple), Pennadam Post, Thittakudi Taluk, Cuddalore District – 606 105 Phone: +91 4143 222 788 Mobile: +91 99940 88359 / 98425 64768
Vamanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumanikuzhi, Cuddalore This temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM in the morning and 4.30 PM to 8.30 PM in the evenings. Devotees seeking “Santhana Prapthi” (child boon) come here and worship Goddess Ambujakshi. There is also a procedure involved in this worship. The devotees are advised to circumambulate the shrine eleven times wearing wet clothes on a new moon day. They are also advised to offer butter as “neivedhyam” and consume it for 45 days. Couples who are separated due to family problems worship Lord Shiva in this temple and offer their prayers. Devotees perform abishek to Mother and Lord and offer vastras. Thiru Manikkuzhi: The legend of this temple involves Lord Mahavishnu and Mahabali Chakravarthy – the grandson of the celebrated Vishnu devotee Prahladha. It is believed that Mahabali was a rat in his previous birth. While eating the ghee from a lamp in this temple’s sanctum, it incidentally raised the lamp’s wicks which was about to burn out. Pleased that the rat had lit a lamp in the temple, Lord Shiva granted the rat a boon that it will be reborn in a family of asura (demon) kings. This is how Mahabali Chakravarthy came into existence. Mahabali was very charitable by nature. He would be ready to offer assistance to anyone in need of help. The celestial gods were very jealous of him and they sought the help of Lord Mahavishnu to bring about his downfall. Lord Mahavishnu took the avatar of “Vamana Brahmmachari” to destroy Mahabali. Vamana approached Mahabali seeking three feet of land which he readily offered. Lord Mahavishnu then took his Thiruvikrama avatar and measured the entire earth with a single step of his feet. His second step covered the entire space. He then asked Mahabali what he had to offer for the third feet. Left with no other option, Mahabali politely offered his head. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Mahavishnu pushed him down towards the underworld (“Paadhalam”) and made him one of the “Chiranjeevis” – the immortals. It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu came to this place as a bachelor (Brahmmachari), and worshiped Lord Shiva at the end of his “Vaamana Avathaar”, to seek respite from his “Brahmahatti Dosham”. Since Vaamana was of small stature and he would not have been able to see Lord Shiva face, Lord Shiva took a smaller form and appeared inside a pit (pit is called “Kuzhi” in Tamil) to enable Mahavishnu to worship him. Since Lord Mahavishnu worshipped the lord here as a bachelor (bachelor means “Maani” in Tamil) and since the lord appeared inside a pit (Kuzhi), this place is called “Thiru Manikkuzhi” (“Thiru” is a respectful prefix). The lord here is praised as “Sri Manikkavarathar”. It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu is always worshiping Lord Shiva here. He also requested Lord Shiva that there should not be any disturbances to his worship. Lord Shiva asked one of his “Sivaganams” (guards) – Kubera Bheema Rudra, to stay back at this place, form a protective screen and protect Mahavishnu any interference. Lord Shiva also absolved Lord Mahavishnu of his sins. It is to be noted that Pooja is first offered to Kubera Bheema Rudra to get his permission and then offered to Lord Shiva. Kubera Bheema Rudra’s image can be seen on the screen in front of Lord Shiva. This screen is closed after every Aarathi. This procedure is unique to this temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy worshiped by the Naga Devars here: The Sthala Puranam also says that Lord Dakshinamurthy here was worshiped by the Naga Devars and they were blessed with his discourses. Markandeya worshiped Lord Shiva here: It is also believed that Markandeya visited and worshiped the lord here before visiting Thirukkadaiyur. Sthala Viruksham: This temple’s Sthala Viruksham, Kondrai tree is very old and is said to have existed through the previous yugas. Mythology behind Temple Structure: The Sthala Puranam says that the four pillars in the hall (mandapam) before Lord Shiva’s shrine represent the four Vedas. In the next hall, the six pillars represent the six shastras. The 28 pillars in the corridors represent the 28 agamas. Dharisanam of Lord Shiva can be done with the help of Priest: This is the only Shiva temple where you cannot have dharisanam of the lord without the help of a priest. Devotees can worship the lord for a matter of 2 minutes when the screen is removed. As per the Sthala Puranam, it is believed that this 2 minutes worth of worship is equal to performing Shiva Pooja for 12 days. If this darshan happens on a Pradosham day, it is considered to be equivalent to worshiping 3 times at Chidambaram, 8 times at Thiruvannamalai and 16 times at Banaras (Kasi). Udhavi Nayakar: Another legend associated with this place is that Lord Shiva saved a north Indian merchant called Athri from thieves. Hence the lord here is also praised as “Sri Udhavi Nayakar” and the Goddess Parvathy is called “Sri Udhavi Nayagi” (Udhavi means help in Tamil). This place was also earlier known as Udhavi. This has been mentioned in the stone inscriptions present in this temple. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar has referred to this place as “Udhavi Maanikuzhi” in his hymn of this temple. Surya performed Pooja to Lord Shiva here: There is another legend which states that this temple was raised by Lord Suryan (Sun God) to perform his poojas to Lord Shiva. Sangamam: Gadilam River represents the grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi while Goddess Saraswathi flows in the form of the river Swetha. It is believed that Thirumanikuzhi is the meeting point of both these rivers. Sanctum as Palliayarai: It is believed that Shiva is always with Ambal and is guarded by Sivagana Beemaruthrar (also known as Beemangaran printed on the front screen). Hence Aarathi will be shown first to Beemaruthrar to get permission and then to Shiva. After Aarathi screen will be closed. Since Shiva is always with Ambal there is no Palliayarai in this temple. Place of Worship: Also, it is believed that by worshiping Shiva in this temple will be equal to worshiping of 16 times Kasi, 3 times Thiruvannamalai and 3 times Chidambaram. The temple is located on the banks of the Kedilam River. The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Cuddalore, 5 Kms from Thiruvandipuram, 18 Kms from Panruti, 9 Kms from Thirupapuliyur, 8 Kms from Nellikkuppam, 30 Kms from Puducherry, 200 Kms from Chennai and 177 Kms from Trichy. By Road: The Temple is located on the Cuddalore to Panruti (via Palur) route (SH 68). Bus No 16 from Cuddalore to Panruti is passing through Thirumanikuzhi. Devotees must walk 1.5 Kms to reach this temple from the Bus Stop. Take the road to Thirupathiripuliyur and Thiruvaheendrapuram temples and drive further ahead to reach Thirumanikuzhi. This road will take you on wards to Thiruvadigai and Panruti. Buses are available from Panruti and Cuddalore. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Cuddalore Port Railway Station located at about 13 Kms from the Temple. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy. The important festivals celebrated in this temple are as follows – Vamanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumanikuzhi Post, Cuddalore District – 607 401 Phone: +91 4142 224 328 Mobile: +91 9486387154 / 9047238423 / 9626321383 / 9787607727
Panchanadeeswarar Temple, Allur, Trichy This is an ancient large temple but sadly unprotected. The entrance has a large 5 tiered Rajagopuram which leads inside through a passage. the walls are broken here but fortunately a large entrance gateway is safeguarding the inner Prakaram. The temple is constructed of stone and has many inscriptions all around. This is an east facing Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Panchanadeeswarar / Aiyarappar and is facing east. Mother is called as Dharma Samvardhini / Aram Valartha Nayaki and is facing south. Bikshadana, Dhakshinamoorthy, Durga, Vishnu and Chandikeswara are the Koshta Idols on the walls of the sanctum. There were the sculptures of Kshetra Devi, Udhanga Maharishi, Santhana Krishnan and Vinayaka in Artha Mandapam. The Dwarapalaka (door keeper sculptures) here were named Dindi and Mundi. There is a beautiful row of yali at the Adhishtanam in the inner prakaram. There are shrines for Nrithi Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Mahalakshmi, Balamuruga, Saneeswara, Bhairava and Surya in the inner prakaram. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Allur, 200 meters from Allur Bus Stop and 400 meters from Mekkudi Railway Station. Allur is located at about 3 Kms from Jeeyapuram, 7 Kms from Mukkombu Dam, 30 Kms from Gunaseelam, 13 Kms from Vayalur, 10 Kms from Woraiyur, 12 Kms from Srirangam, 14 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 16 Kms from Trichy. Chatram Bus Stand, Trichy (9 Kms) and Trichy Central Bus Stand (13 Kms) are the major Bus Stands located very near to this Temple. Nearest Railway Station is Mekkudi Railway Station (250 meters) and Trichy Railway Station (14 Kms). Nearest Airport is Trichy International Airport (21 Kms). Official Address
Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Allur, Trichy This is a beautiful ancient temple. The surrounding area is planted with Teak trees and surrounded by Mango grove. Presiding Deity is called as Pasupatheeswarar and is facing east. Mother is called as Parvathi and is facing south. Temple Tank is located adjacent to the Temple. Sculptures of Karthikeya, Surya, Bikshadana and Ayyanar are in north east corner of Artha Mandapam. Sculptures of Bootha Gana rows, Yalis, Rows of monkeys praying Shiva Lingam and Women in Sleeping Posture are attractive piece of architecture in this temple. The Temple is believed to be built by Parantaka Chola. Inscriptions belonging to Later Cholas period can be found in this temple. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Allur, 1.5 Kms from Allur Bus Stop and 1.5 Kms from Mekkudi Railway Station. Allur is located at about 3 Kms from Jeeyapuram, 7 Kms from Mukkombu Dam, 30 Kms from Gunaseelam, 13 Kms from Vayalur, 10 Kms from Woraiyur, 12 Kms from Srirangam, 14 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 16 Kms from Trichy. Chatram Bus Stand, Trichy (9 Kms) and Trichy Central Bus Stand (13 Kms) are the major Bus Stands located very near to this Temple. Nearest Railway Station is Mekkudi Railway Station (250 meters) and Trichy Railway Station (14 Kms). Nearest Airport is Trichy International Airport (21 Kms). Official Address
Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesha Perumal Temple, Allur, Trichy The temple is located at the center of Agraharam. It’s a beautiful Agraharam which has not yet lost its original beauty. Perumal temple is small. It must have been built few hundred years ago and it does not appear to be very ancient. Presiding Deity is called as Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesha Perumal. Mothers are called as Alarmel Mangai and Padmavati. The Utsava idols are also placed in the sanctum. Garuda is found facing towards the temple. Ganesha is found at the entrance of the temple. The temple also enshrines a small idol of Hanuman. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Allur, 150 meters from Allur Bus Stop and 200 meters from Mekkudi Railway Station. Allur is located at about 3 Kms from Jeeyapuram, 7 Kms from Mukkombu Dam, 30 Kms from Gunaseelam, 13 Kms from Vayalur, 10 Kms from Woraiyur, 12 Kms from Srirangam, 14 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 16 Kms from Trichy. Chatram Bus Stand, Trichy (9 Kms) and Trichy Central Bus Stand (13 Kms) are the major Bus Stands located very near to this Temple. Nearest Railway Station is Mekkudi Railway Station (250 meters) and Trichy Railway Station (14 Kms). Nearest Airport is Trichy International Airport (21 Kms). Official Address
Analadeeswarar Temple, Thottiyam, Trichy Analadeeswarar Temple is the place believed to be where Lord Shiva came down to earth and danced. It is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva here. Thottiyam is one of the small towns surrounded by fertile land on the banks of River Cauvery. There is no clear historical evidence of this temple’s construction. However, there are symbols of Fish at this temple so it is possible that one of the Pandya kings could have constructed this temple. Banana fruit is the main cultivation in this area so Thottiyam is also called as Banana Town. Large section of the town’s population is from Thottiya Nayakar’s community hence the town is called as Thottiyam. Presiding Deity is called as Analadeeswarar and Mother is called as Thiripurasundari. At this temple Murugan Sannidhi is located straight behind of Lord Shiva’s Sanctum. Eswara Theertham is in front of Thiripura Sundari’s Sannidhi. Shrines for Appu Lingam, Prithvi Lingam, Lakshmi and Dhandapani can be found in the prakaram. Theertham of this temple is Eswara Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Vilva Tree (Aegle marmelos). The tributary of Cauvery river flows in front of the Shiva temple. The Temple remains open from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Shiva Rathri, Sura Samharam, Navarathri and Vaikasi festival are the few festivals celebrated at this temple. The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Musiri, 33 Kms from Namakkal, 9 Kms from Thiruveengoimalai, 7 Kms from Srinivasanallur, 15 Kms from Kulithalai, 48 Kms from Srirangam and 55 Kms from Trichy. The temple is located about 600 meters from the Bus Stand located on Trichy – Salem Road. Kulithalai Railway Station is located at about 15 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (60 Kms). Analadeeswarar Temple, Thottiyam, Trichy District. Phone: +91 4326 254 338
Thirumalai Mahadevar Temple, Munchirai, Kanyakumari Temple standing here in all Yugas: As per Hindu Mythology, this temple stands through all the four Yugas. In Kirudayugam it was known as Sreesylam, in Threthayugam Swamy Sylam, in Dhwaparayuga Bavyasylam and in Kaliyuga Sivasylam. The temple is believed to have found mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata. Uthachi, Mother of Thirumalai Nayak prayed to Lord Shiva for Off Spring: Uthachi, the mother of Thirumalai Nayak had no off-spring and as such she undertook a penance at a place surrounded by a fort near Thirumalai. As a result she brought forth a male child. The new born was named after the deity of Thirumalai. The fort is known as Uthatchikkottai and can be seen very near to the Thirumalai Temple. Later Thirumalai Nayak presented golden Angi and crown of 182 tolas each to the deity when he visited the temple. Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The priests perform daily rituals like Palliunartal, Abhishekam, archana, neivedhyam etc. Abhishekam or bathing is done with milk, curd, ghee, honey and the juice of tender coconuts. The daily way of worship of the Thirumalai Mahadevar Temple to the several deities at different times is of great significance. The daily rituals related to worship are called Nitya Puja. The ceremonies about some special festivals are named as Naimittika. The day to day offerings are very essential to preserve the sanctity of the shrine. They exhibit the fundamental ceremonies, rituals to be performed in the temple. Inscriptions found in the Siva temple reveal the endowments given by the Kings and the individuals for the conduct of daily offerings and numbers of festivals connected therein. The ceremonies performed in the Thirumalai Temple may be broadly classified into ordinary and extraordinary ceremonies. The ordinary ceremonies consist of:- The second set of ceremonies viz., extraordinary ceremonies consist of those which do not form part of the regular routine of ceremonies provided for in the sanctioned Pathivus, but which are performed once in a way for special reasons. Palliunartal: The daily routine of ceremonies in the temple may be said to begin at 5’ 0 clock, to the booming of the conch by the parasava, the doors of the temple are opened. The dress, jewels and flowers, found on the images, are removed, and then, commences the preparation for the earliest function of the day called Palliunartal. The idea underlying this ceremony is that the God is to be roused from his sleep. After the Palliunartal, abishekam or bathing is done with milk, curd, ghee, honey and the juice of tender coconuts in succession. During the abishekam, the Archakar chants vedic hymns. Next followed by the decking of the images with new clothes, flowers and sandal- paste. During the process of decoration, too, the Archakar continues to chant sacred hymns, especially invocations like the Astra mantra. Oblations: The abishekam is the prelude to the neivedhyam or the offer of food to the deities. In the Thirumalai Temple, cooked rice is the principal item offered as oblation. Fruits, varieties of sweets and pudding are also offered at times. The offer of the oblation is followed by the fumigate of incense and illuminated lamps one or more, the entire ritual is accompanied by the reciting of hymns and mantras by the priest. The main item in the daily pujas is the offerings of oblation or prasadam to the deities on the different occasions or stipulated hours of the day. Apart from these normal daily offering, special offerings or services were instituted by Kings and other individuals. Such offerings or Santhis were arranged in large numbers and they were often named after the donors. Besides the annual festivals, certain ceremonies take place every month. Pradosham, Ekadasi, Pournami are the days when special features appear. The routine puja time is morning 5-11’0 clock, evening 5-8’0 clock. The annual celebration conducts in the Tamil month of Panguni in every year. Kerala Pottis are performing the daily pujas and ceremonies. The expenditure on account of the above ceremonies is generally met from the Devaswam Fund. In some Devaswams, the ceremonies on days are conducted at the expense of certain private individuals. Besides these, vazhibadus are offered by the worshipping public. Shivalaya Ottam Festival: One of the colourful festival by name ‘Shivalaya Ottam’ in Kanyakumari District starts from this temple. Thus, it seems that this temple has been a very famous pilgrim centre from very early times. Shivalaya Ottam is the most colorful festival in Kanyakumari District. It is a festival not only to worship at a favourite deity’s altar, but also to meet friends and make new acquaintances. Shivalaya Ottam, falls on the Tamil month of Masi corresponding to February-March on the previous night of Shivaratri festival. On that day, the devotees of Lord Siva start running from the Thirumalai Siva Temple the other eleven Siva temples situated in and around Kanyakumari. Other Festivals: The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Vilavancode, 8 Kms from Marthandam, 7 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 15 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 10 Kms from Nattalam, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 19 Kms from Colachel, 35 Kms from Nagercoil, 56 Kms from Kanyakumari, 22 Kms from Eraniel and 46 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai (7 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram (46 Kms). Official Address
Thikkuruchi Mahadevar Temple, Kanyakumari Thikkuruchi Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thikkuruchi Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. This temple is part of the famous Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Shivaratri. This shrine is the second temple of the holy Shivalaya Ottam, a run through twelve Shiva temples undertaken on Shivarathri. Lord Shiva is believed to be in meditation in the temple. It is believed that Sage Vyagrapathar visited this temple. This temple is situated east-facing on the bank of river Thamiraparani. The Sanctum Sanctorum is a square one. A very ancient temple and the second one in the sequence of Shivalaya Ottam, the shrine is believed to have been renovated during the reign of Marthanda Varma. Presiding Deity is called as Thikkuruchi Mahadevar. The temple did not have a Nandi statue for a very long time. Recently the statue of Lord Shiva’s mount has been installed in the temple. The temple built in granite and stone, is adorned with pillars are wall carvings. The temple does not have a Kodimaram like other shrines in the area. There are shrines for Vinayaka and Nagas. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Marthandam, 6 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 10 Kms from Vilavancode, 5 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 9 Kms from Kulasekharam, 18 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Thuckalay, 27 Kms from Nagercoil, 50 Kms from Kanyakumari and 47 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Virabadhreswarar Temple, Thirparappu, Kanyakumari The Lord after destroying the Yagam of Dakshan as Veerabhadra has taken abode over here. It is believed Sage Vyagrapathar worshipped Lord Shiva here. The temple has been built around 9th century though some carvings suggest it existed even before that. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya used to visit and stay at this temple. King Sree Visakam Thirunal also used to visit this temple to offer his prayers. The Temple is located on the left bank of the river in between the water falls and the weir. The Temple is enclosed by walls on all sides. This temple is situated in a very scenic background as the Kothaiyar river makes beautiful waterfalls near the temple. This temple is one in the Shivalaya Ottam temples. This temple is facing west. Presiding Deity is called as Veerabhadrar / Jatadharar. This Lord is very sweet for the sincere worshippers, is in a fierce form. The Vimana(roof) of the shrine is adorned with sculptures. A stone Mandapam and a marker for a secret passage are the other important attractions. The Nandhi, in this temple, faces the north. At the entrance, on both sides, there are sanctorums for the Ambal and Vinayagar facing the east. On the outside of the temple there are statues of Lord Krishna with ghee and Lord Murugan with Vel. The gold statue in the temple was kept in the Adhikesava Perumal Temple. The Sanctum is round shaped at the bottom and cone shaped toward the top. There is an abode for jvaradevar in the temple. Theertham of this Temple is River Kothaiyar. There are many old inscriptions in this temple including the one of the Pandiya king dated to ninth century. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The temple is open for a longer time during festival and other important days. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Thirunanthikarai, 17 Kms from Vilavancode, 9 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 7 Kms from Kulasekharam, 15 Kms from Marthandam, 15 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 30 Kms from Colachel, 22 Kms from Thuckalay, 36 Kms from Nagercoil, 60 Kms from Kanyakumari and 53 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple, Kanyakumari Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple located near Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu state of South India. It is part of Thirunanthikarai Nandeeswarar Temple. It is one of the most famous and ancient temples of Kanyakumari district in Tamilnadu, situated on the river banks of Nandiyaru. It is believed that it was established in the 9th Century AD and it remains one of the founding stones of Jain religion. Once upon a time, there existed a lot of sculptures inside the temple. Although the sculptures are not available at present, there are numerous stone carvings that narrate many interesting tales related to the Indian culture and religion. One of the stone carvings state that King Raja Raja Chola captured Muttom and renamed it as Mummudi Chola Nallur. According to research, King Raja Raja Chola celebrated his birthday at this temple in AD 1003. This temple served as home to an ascetic named Veeranandi, who preached Jainism during the 8th century. Up to the recent past before 1956, the region around the temple was part of Kerala but is now under the jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu. It was originally established by Jains in 7th century CE and later turned into Hindu shrine. The Temple is located on Marthandam to Pechiparai road at a walkable distance from Thirunanthikarai Bus Stop. Thirunanthikarai is located at about 4 Kms from Kulasekharam, 6 Kms from Pechiparai, 7 Kms from Thirparappu, 9 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 15 Kms from Marthandam, 20 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 20 Kms from Thuckalay, 23 Kms from Eraniel, 21 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 30 Kms from Colachel, 32 Kms from Nagercoil, 57 Kms from Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Thirunanthikarai and its nearest town Kulasekaram are well connected from Thiruvananthapuram or Kovalam Beach or Kanyakumari. You can get busses from Nagercoil, Thuckalay, Marthandam, Kulasekaram. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) organizes local site seeing tours. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Eraniel. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Thimbileshwarar Temple, Ponmanai, Kanyakumari Swayambu Lingam: It is said that a shepherd by name Theembil Adhipan when cutting grass for the calf’s, was shocked to note the outpouring blood from a stone. When he removed the covering bushes, he saw a self-appeared lingam (Swayambu). He started worshipping the Lingam. Hence, the lord is called as Thimbileshwarar. Later the temple was built up the Chozha and Pandiya kings. Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple is situated on the banks of river Thamiraparani facing east. The temple of Thimbileshwarar is a very ancient one as seen by the architecture here. The temple has a Kodimaram and a tiered granite lamp in the front. The stone pillars, corridors, mandapams, tiled roofs all point to the architectural style of the bygone eras. Presiding Deity is called as Thimbileshwarar. The Sanctum is round in shape. The nine planets are carved nicely on the roof of the Nandhi Mandapam. Theertham associated with this temple is Thamirabarani River. The temple is believed to have undergone renovations during the period of Chola and Pandiya kings. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The Temple is located at about 19 Kms from Kumaracoil, 26 Kms from Vilavancode, 20 Kms from Marthandam, 24 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 12 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 20 Kms from Nattalam, 16 Kms from Thuckalay, 27 Kms from Colachel, 30 Kms from Nagercoil, 20 Kms from Eraniel, 53 Kms from Kanyakumari and 62 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kirathamurthy Temple, Pannippagam, Kanyakumari Lord Shiva blessed Arjuna with Pasupatha Asthra: Arjuna, to win the war in Mahabharata, wanted to get the Pasupathasthiram. So, he went to the forest and did meditation upon the Lord Siva. To spoil this, Duryodhana sent Moohasuran. Moohasuran metamorphosed himself into a Pig and attacked Arjuna. Lord Siva came to his rescue as a hunter and attacked the pig with his arrow and at the same time, Arjuna also did the same. But Arjuna’s bow broke and he beat the hunter with his broken bow on his head and it was felt by all the people of the world. Then Arjuna understood that he was the Lord Siva and Arjuna fell at his feet. Since the Lord Siva came as a hunter to kill the Pig, this Place has got such a name. Lord Shiva blessed Arjuna with Pasupathasthiram (missile of the Lord of the animals). There is another temple in the middle of the paddy field and it is still known as Kattalan Koil. Pannippagam: The name of the village Pannippagam itself means pig (Panni=Pantri). True to its name, wild boar menace is a problem for farmers in this part of Kanyakumari district. Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The temple is surrounded by lush green fields and located near the foothills of Mookkunnimala. The Lord here is in the form of Kirathamurthy or the hunter incarnation. This is a small temple built in Tamil architectural style. The Vimana or the roof above the sanctum is well sculpted. The temple has a state of Nandi wherein, the bull sits in a mandapa surrounded by lamps facing his Lord. There is a shrine for Kala Bhairavar in the north-east corner of the temple. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Kumaracoil, 24 Kms from Vilavancode, 16 Kms from Marthandam, 20 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 13 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 17 Kms from Nattalam, 7 Kms from Thuckalay, 18 Kms from Colachel, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 10 Kms from Eraniel, 27 Kms from Boothapandi, 44 Kms from Kanyakumari and 62 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Neelakandeswarar Temple, Kalkulam, Kanyakumari The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Padmanabhapuram Palace, 4 Kms from Kumaracoil, 2 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 23 Kms from Vilavancode, 15 Kms from Marthandam, 19 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 14 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 13 Kms from Nattalam, 3 Kms from Thuckalay, 14 Kms from Colachel, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 40 Kms from Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Thuckalay is well connected to other parts of the state by road. Buses, autos, taxis are available from Thuckalay to the temple. Buses and Taxis also ply from Kulasekharam, Marthandam Nagercoil etc. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kalakalar Temple, Melancode, Kanyakumari Lord Shiva saved Markandeya from Lord Yama: This temple is linked to Markandeya. When Yaman came to take off the life of Markandeya at his 16th age, Markandeya holds the Shiva lingam tight. The Shiva lingam slants as Yama was trying to use his cord to take off Markandeya life. Shiva appears, breaking open the lingam and uses his Trident on Yaman and rescues, Markandeya. The Shiva Lingam in this temple is also slanted to one side. The lingam also has a semi spherical form slightly bulged in the top, as if it’s been squeezed by the rope (of Yaman). Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. This temple is by the side of an ancient fort called Puliyoor fort and at the base of Vellimalai hills. The Temple is situated in the middle of the paddy fields facing east. This temple is surrounded by green groves on all 3 sides except the west side. Presiding Deity is called as Kalakalar / Mahadevar. Lord of this temple is a Swayambu Lingam. This temple is linked to Markandeya. The Shiva Lingam in this temple is also slanted to one side. The lingam also has a semi spherical form slightly bulged in the top, as if it’s been squeezed by the rope (of Yaman). Sastha is called as Kundala Sastha. There is a famous temple called Kumara Koil near to this Shivalaya on the mountain for Lord Subramanya where he is said to have married Valli. There is a Ganapathy shrine in the south west corner. This is the smallest of the 12 temples. There is no annual 10-day festival for this temple. This is the only Shiva temple of the 12 that had Vedi Vazhipadu (worshiping by using crackers). But now, it’s getting common in other temples also. Melancode is famous for the Yakshi temple. This Yakshi temple is famous across south Kerala. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. he Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kumaracoil, 26 Kms from Vilavancode, 18 Kms from Marthandam, 21 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 18 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 16 Kms from Nattalam, 4 Kms from Thuckalay, 15 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Nagercoil, 8 Kms from Eraniel, 41 Kms from Kanyakumari and 63 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located little off from the road that goes to Kumara Kovil (Vellimalai) from the Nagercoil – Thiruvananthapuram highway. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Sadaiappar Temple, Thiruvidaikkodu, Kanyakumari Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. This temple could have got some association with the Siddhar Idaikkadar. Presiding Deity is called as Sadaiappar / Mahadevar. Theertham associated with this Temple is Idaikkadar Kulam. There is a temple of Lord Vishnu to the south of this temple. This temple is by the side of a stream that runs in a bridge above the road. The Lord is with matted hair. Hence, he is called as Sadaiappar. The Lord is Swayambu Lingam. The Deity was later discovered by a Muslim. To this day the members of the Muslim family have special honours. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The Temple is located at about 28 Kms from Vilavancode, 19 Kms from Marthandam, 23 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 19 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 18 Kms from Nattalam, 6 Kms from Thuckalay, 14 Kms from Colachel, 10 Kms from Nagercoil, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 30 Kms from Kanyakumari and 65 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Parithipani Mahadevar Temple, Thiruvithamcode, Kanyakumari The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The temple is open for a longer time during festival and other important days. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Thiruvithamcode Bus Stop. Thiruvithamcode is located at 3.5 Kms from Thuckalay, 13 Kms from Marthandam, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 6 Kms from Azhakiyamandapam, 6 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 10 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 16 Kms from Nagercoil, 40 Kms from Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. If enroute on NH 47 towards Kanyakumari, take a right at Azhakiyamandapam to Thiruvithamcode. If coming from Madurai / Kanyakumari, at Thuckalay Main bus stand take a right to reach Thiruvithamcode. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Bhaktavachleshwarar Temple, Thirupanticode, Kanyakumari Bhaktavachleshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirupanticode, Kanyakumari. Presiding Deity is called as Bhaktavachleshwarar / Mahadevar. This temple is one in the Shivalaya Ottam temples. Thirparappu is the eleventh temple for the Shivalaya Ottam. Lord Shiva broke Vishnu Horn in Varaha form: After Mahavishnu in the form of a wild pig brought back the earth in place by killing the demon king Hiranya, he is still not came out of his anger of war, was disturbing the worlds. The devas surrendered to the Lord Shiva who broke his horn and brought him back to his normalcy. Lord Vishnu realized his mistake and worshipped the Lord and requested him to be adorned by the horn he broke. The Lord blessed him wearing the horn to his head beautifully. This temple is supposedly associated with this puranic event. Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The temple is open for a longer time during festival and other important days. The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Vilavancode, 7 Kms from Marthandam, 11 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 10 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 1 Km from Nattalam, 11 Kms from Thuckalay, 12 Kms from Colachel, 25 Kms from Nagercoil, 47 Kms from Kanyakumari, 13 Kms from Eraniel and 61 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Nedungalanathar Temple, Thirunedunkulam, Trichy The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Monthly Pradoshas (thirteenth day of new moon or full moon days) are devotionally observed in the temple. Special pujas are dedicated to four Saivite Saints, Gnanasambandhar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manicka Vasagar (praised as Naalvar-Four) on their respective birth star days. On Aadi Fridays in July-August special pujas are performed. It is noteworthy that Surya Puja is devotionally performed in the temple from Aadi 7 to 12 – July-August. Devotees pray for wedding and child boon and for excellence in education. Devotees perform special abishek to Lord and Mother offering Vastras-clothing. Worshipping the Lord here for 8 Fridays continuously with lighting ghee lamp brings attraction to face. It also brings one fascinating features. Worshipping Mother continuously for nine Tuesdays during Ragu Kaalam lighting ghee lamp in lemon along with nine lemon fruits relieves one of impediments, diseases and poverty according to popular belief. Worshipping the Ayyanar here with ghee lamp of Panguni Uthiram brings one prospects for constructing a house. Yoga Dhakshinamoorthy here offers knowledge and intellect if offered worship with ghee lamp on Thursdays for 5 weeks continuously. Devotees pray for wedding and child boon and for excellence in education. Devotees perform special abishek to Lord and Mother offering Vastras-clothing. Worshipping the Lord here for 8 Fridays continuously with lighting ghee lamp brings attraction to face. It also brings one fascinating features. Worshipping Mother continuously for nine Tuesdays during Ragu Kaalam lighting ghee lamp in lemon along with nine lemon fruits relieves one of impediments, diseases and poverty according to popular belief. Worshipping the Ayyanar here with ghee lamp of Panguni Uthiram brings one prospects for constructing a house. Yoga Dhakshinamoorthy here offers knowledge and intellect if offered worship with ghee lamp on Thursdays for 5 weeks continuously. Artha Nareeshwarar: Devotees know that Lord Shiva is praised as Artha Nareeshwarar as he had parted his left part with Mother Parvathi. While Lord Shiva is seen occupying the central space in the sanctum sanctorum in temples, He is on a siding to the right leaving the left for Mother Ambica. Though the sanctum has only a Shiva Linga, it is the belief that Mother too is in – formless. Utsavar without right thumb: It is noteworthy that procession deity Lord Somaskanda does not have his right thumb. It is said that an angry king cut it when he deposed as a witness in disguise to protect a devotee, according to puranas. Tiru Nedungalam: Tiru Nedungalam in Tamil means a vast place in plains. Mother Parvathi performed penance here: Mother Parvathi performed penance in this place and Shiva came in the form of a thief. Parvathi was frightened and hid herself in a garden of Thazhai plants at a place called Olimadhi cholai. Later Shiva took Parvathi to Kailash. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Agasthiar, Vandhiya Chola and Mother Parvathi worshipped Lord Shiva here. Nithya Sundareswarar: The Lord here is called ‘Nithya Sundareswarar’ as he appeared to Vandhiya Chola king in his celestial beauty. The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Thiruverumbur, 22 Kms from Trichy, 29 Kms from Woraiyur, 27 Kms from Srirangam, 25 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 4 Kms from Thuvakudi, 33 Kms from Samayapuram, 39 Kms from Lalgudi and 45 Kms from Thanjavur. By Road: The Temple is located on Trichy to Thanjavur Road. Devotees must get down at Thuvakudi Bus Stop (18 Kms from Trichy), The Temple is 4 Kms away from this Bus Stop. Share Autos are also available from this place to reach the Temple. Direct town bus service to Nedungalam is available from Trichy Chathiram bus stand. Trichy to Mangavanam town bus from Trichy bus stand passes through this temple. Frequency is very limited. From Chatram bus stand buses available up to Vazhavanthan Kottai, from there it will be about 2 km (after Thuvakudi). Frequency is very limited. The Temple is located at about 26 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand and 27 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Trichy (25 Kms), Thiruverumbur (13 Kms) and Thanjavur (65 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is Trichy International Airport located at about 26 Kms from the Temple. Thiru Nedungala Nathar (Nitya Sundareswarar Temple), Thirunedungalam – 620 015, Trichy District Phone: +91 431 252 0126 / 2510241 Mobile: +91 9965045666
Manikka Vinayakar Temple, Rockfort, Trichy At Manikka Vinayagar Temple, the Utsavar Murthi of Ganesha is taken on a procession around the temple on Chathurthi, the fourth day of the waxing and waning moon. This is a special day for Vinayaka. Archanais are performed all through the day. Abhishekams are performed twice a day. Originally, the shrine is supposed to have faced the east according to legend. The king of those times stole the Sevvanthi flowers and disturbed the puja of Sarama Munivar. The Lord turned west to punish the king and so the shrine now stands permanently facing west. That is why the flag post is behind the sanctum. During puja, the musicians and the chanters of the Thevaram songs stand on the eastern side behind the shrine. Manikka Vinayagar Temple is located at the base of Rock Fort Temple Complex. Rockfort is located at about 5 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station, 5 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 4 Kms from Woraiyur, 14 Kms from Thiruverumbur, 4 Kms from Srirangam, 7 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 6 Kms from Trichy and 10 Kms from Trichy International Airport. Lots of buses ply from both Central & Chathram bus stands of Trichy. One can get down at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach Rockfort. Official Address
Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort, Trichy The Temple remains from Morning 06.00 A.M to Evening 08.00 P.M. Six worship services are offered each day here. This well-endowed temple celebrates the annual Brahmotsavam in Chithirai. Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni are also of significance here. 15 days Chithirai (April-May) car festival; 12 days Teppa Thiruvizha in Panguni (March-April); Summer festival on the hills during Vaikasi (May-June); Navarathri in Purattasi September-October); Skanda Sashti in Aipasi (October-November) 13 day Vinayaka Chaturthi festival and Aadippooram 8 days festival in July August are the festivals very grandly celebrated in the temple. Also, Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali, Pongal days are devotionally observed with special Pujas. The Skanda Sashti festival dedicated to Ganesha’s brother, Muruga or Karthikeya, in Aipasi (October-November), six days after Deepavali is grandly celebrated. Any undertaking whether domestic, religious or professional, started after praying Lord Uchi Ganapathy is sure to go progressively, profitably and happily. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Vinayaka with milk and offer garlands made of a grass called Arugampul. Lord Vinayaga plan to retain Vishnu Idol in Srirangam: Vibhishana, was the younger brother of the Asura King Ravana who ruled Lanka. Lord Rama in the epic of Ramayana rescues his wife Sita, who was kidnapped and held by Ravana, with the help of Sugriva and Hanuman defeated him. In this war, the moral and truth-abiding brother of Ravana, Vibishana aids Rama in his battle against his brother. Ultimately Rama wins the war and as a token of love, he gives Vibishana a Vigraham (idol for worship) of Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. Vibhishana, though he supported Rama, was basically an Asura, hence the Devas (who are arch rivals to Asuras as per Hindu mythology) wanted to stop this idea of an Asura taking Lord’s supreme form to his Kingdom. They request the help of the Remover of obstacles and God of learning, Lord Vinayaka and the Lord accepts the plan. Vibhishana, while on his back to his Kingdom, goes through Trichy, and wanted to take his bath in the river Kaveri and do his daily rituals. However, he is perplexed as the deity, once kept in land, can never be removed and has to be in that place forever. As a solution, Vibishana tries to find someone to hold the deity while he was taking bath. He finds the Lord Vinayaka under disguise of a cowherd boy. As per the plan, when Vibishana is fully into water, Vinayaka takes the deity and keeps it firmly in sand, in the banks of Kaveri. On seeing this, the angry Vibhishana chases the boy, to punish him, and boy keeps running and climbs over the rock near the Kaveri bank. Vibhishana finally reaches the boy and hits him on the fore-head. One can see a pit in the forehead of the idol even today. The little boy then reveals himself to be Vinayaka. Vibishana immediately apologizes and the Lord gives him his blessings, reveals that the idol is destined to remain in Srirangam and sends him off to Lanka. This is similar in many regards to the story of Lord Ganesha in Gokarna with Ravana in the same Ramayana period. The place in which the Ranganatha deity was kept was later covered in deep forests, due to disuse and after a very long time, it was discovered when a Chola king chasing a parrot found the deity accidentally. He then established the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam as the largest temple complexes in the world. Meanwhile, the Pallavas built the Vinayaka temple and the Thayumanaswami temple, in the rock which Vinayaka used to escape Vibishana. Association with Manicka Vinayagar: Uchi Pillayar is always associated with Manicka Vinayagar at the foothills. It is a general worship practice to pray obeisance with Manicka Vinayagar before visiting Uchi Pillayar. Ancient Names: This place was also known as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam & Dhakshina Kailasam during ancient days. Tirishiramalai: According to Hindu mythology, the city Tiruchirappalli derives its name from legend associated with the Thayumanaswami Temple. Demon Tirishira (demon with three heads) was on penance on Lord Shiva. Though many years passed, Lord Shiva delayed his darshan to test his purity. He threw two of his heads in fire and was about to throw the third, Lord appeared before him and restored his two heads. As requested by him, Lord Shiva agreed to stay here in the name of Thirisira Nathar (based on demon Tirishira story). The place came to be known as Tirishiramalai, now changed as Trichy. Thiri Sikarapuram: There are also stories that since there are three peaks on Rock Fort, occupied by three Gods Shiva, Parvathi & Vinayakar (Uchi Pillaiyar), the place was called Thiri-sikarapuram and later called Tirisirapuram. Contest between Adisesha and Vayu: A furious contest arose between Adisesha and Vayu to decide the supremacy of their prowess. The condition was to shake violently Mount Kailash. Defeating Adisesha, when Vayu broke the mount, the top of the Kailasam was disturbed by Vayu (air) and thrown in three places and this is considered one among them and that is why this is called Dakshina Kailasam. The other two places are Kalahasthi and Tirikonamalai (Srilanka). The temple is located at top of the Rockfort Temple Complex. Rockfort is located at about 5 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station, 5 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 4 Kms from Woraiyur, 14 Kms from Thiruverumbur, 4 Kms from Srirangam, 7 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 6 Kms from Trichy and 10 Kms from Trichy International Airport. Lots of buses ply from both Central & Chathram bus stands of Trichy. One can get down at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach Rockfort. Ucchipillaiyaar Temple, Trichy – 620 001 Phone: +91 431 270 4621 / 270 0971 / 271 0484
Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort, Trichy The Rockfort is a fortress which stands atop a 273-foot-high rock, consisting of a set of monolithic rocks accommodating many rock-cut cave temples. Originally built by the Pallavas, it was later reconstructed by the Madurai Nayaks and Vijayanagara rulers. The major complex in the temple are believed to be built during the 8th century by the Pandyan Empire. According to geologists, this Rocky Mountains dates back to 3500 billion years old. This place was also known as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam & Dhakshina Kailasam during ancient days. Thirugnana Sambandar, a 7th century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Thayumanavar in eleven verses in Thevaram, compiled as the First Thirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Thayumanavar in 10 verses in Thevaram, compiled as the Fifth Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Thevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. Muthukumaraswamy in the temple is revered in Thirupugazh, the hymns of Arunagirinathar, a 15th-century saint. This is the 123rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 6th Shiva Sthalam located on the southern bank of River Cauvery in Chozha Naadu. Pujas are conducted under two codes – Shivagama and Kameekam. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The Chittirai festival during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April – May) is celebrated for fifteen days, portraying the various incidents associated with the temple legend. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram(decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Thayumanaswami and Mattuvar Kuzhal Amman. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals like Pradosham and monthly festivals like Ammavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day) and Sathurthi. The temple celebrates dozens of festivals throughout the year. The Chittirai festival during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April – May) is celebrated for fifteen days, portraying the various incidents associated with the temple legend. The car festival is held on the ninth day, when the processional deities of Thayumanaswami and Mattuvar Kuzhalammai are taken out in separate chariots around the temple in NSB Road, Nandikovil Street, North and East Andar streets and the Malaivasal. The event of Lord Shiva servicing Rathnavathi during her labour moments is celebrated on the 5th day of Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May. Curtain is downed during this event. They decorate Rathnavathi with child on her lap. The curtain is then lifted for darshan offering light puja- Deepa Aaradhana. After the puja, the oil and the maternity medicine given to mothers after delivery are given to the devotees as Prasad. It is believed that pregnant women consuming this will be blessed with safe delivery. The Karthigai festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthikai, between November and December, concluding with the celebration of Karthikai Deepam. A huge lamp is lit in a cauldron, containing three tons of ghee, at the top of the Malai Kottai hills during the Deepam. To mark the occasion, the festival deity of Thayumanaswami circumambulates the mountain. Every full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims worship Thayumanaswami by circumambulating the Tiruchirappalli hill barefoot. The circumambulation covers the circumference around the hill, and is referred as Girivalam. On the day of yearly Chitra Pournami, the full moon of the Tamil calendar, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come from across the world to worship Thayumanaswami. Thayumanavar Guru Puja is celebrated in the month of Thai (January-February) on the day that the star Visakam reigns. Lord Shiva is brought in a procession on the first day of every Tamil month and on new moon days. Lord Shiva as a Swayambulinga graces devotees facing west. The rays of the sun fall on the Lord for three days in the evenings in the month of Panguni (March-April). The float festival also takes place during this period. Pujas are conducted under two codes – Shivagama and Kameekam. Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May; Panguni float festival in March-April; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November; Tirukarthikai in November-December; Panchamurthy procession on Makar Sankranti (Thai Pongal) falling almost on January 14 and Maha Shivarathri in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Thayumanavar: According to Hindu legend, a pregnant woman named Rathnavathi was an ardent devotee of Shiva. While nearing labor, she requested her mother to come over. Her mom could not reach on account of heavy floods in river Cauvery. As delivery time came closer, Rathnavathi prayed to Shiva. Shiva, moved by the devotion of Rathnavathi, took the form of Rathnavathi’s mother and helped with her smooth delivery. After the delivery, Shiva vanished and Rathnavathi’s mother who arrived later. The family came to know that it was Shiva who attended to the delivery. Henceforth, Shiva in the temple came to known as Thayumanaswami, meaning the Lord who could act like a Mother. The temple obtained the name from the presiding deity, Thayumanaswami. Shiva disguised himself as a mother for a pregnant lady, leading to the name Thayumanavar, meaning the one who became a mother. This incident is also celebrated as a special event called “Chettipenn Maruthuvam” on the fifth day of the Chithirai Festival at the temple. Tirishiramalai: According to Hindu mythology, the city Tiruchirappalli derives its name from legend associated with the Thayumanaswami Temple. Demon Tirishira (demon with three heads) was on penance on Lord Shiva. Though many years passed, Lord Shiva delayed his darshan to test his purity. He threw two of his heads in fire and was about to throw the third, Lord appeared before him and restored his two heads. As requested by him, Lord Shiva agreed to stay here in the name of Thirisira Nathar (based on demon Tirishira story). The place came to be known as Tirishiramalai, now changed as Trichy. Lord Shiva caused Sand Rain to punish Chola King: The region was ruled by a Chola king having Woraiyur as his capital. During this time, Sarama Munivar created a flower garden here and was worshipping Lord with Sevvanthi flowers. A trader stole the flowers from this garden and gave them to the king. As the king became very fond of these flowers, he asked the trader to supply them to him daily. The trader continued his theft business. This caused disturbance to the Shiva Puja of Sarama Munivar. His appeal to the king was in vain. Munivar appealed to Lord Shiva who looked at the direction of the court of the king and caused sand rain in the place. The king realized his wrong doing, prayed to Lord Shiva and was pardoned. Contest between Adisesha and Vayu: A furious contest arose between Adisesha and Vayu to decide the supremacy of their prowess. The condition was to shake violently Mount Kailash. Defeating Adisesha, when Vayu broke the mount, the top of the Kailasam was disturbed by Vayu (air) and thrown in three places and this is considered one among them and that is why this is called Dakshina Kailasam. The other two places are Kalahasthi and Tirikonamalai (Srilanka). Shrine turned west from east: The shrine was previously facing east. As Lord turned west to punish the king who stole the Sevvanthi flowers and caused disturbance to the puja of Sarama Munivar, the shrine stood permanently facing west leaving the flag post behind. During the puja times, the music and Thevaram recitals are followed only from eastern side behind the shrine. Kediliappa Pillai named his son after the Lord: One Kediliappa Pillai was the treasurer – accountant of King Vijaya Raghunatha Chokkar during his rule of the region. Pillai was a staunch Shiva devotee and was gifted with a handsome son. Pillai named him Thayumanavar after the name of the Lord. The boy showed all signs of brilliance in education and characters. The king retained him in his services. He served the king for a long time, while his heart was with the Lord. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Agasthya, Arjuna, Hanuman, Rathnavathi, Rama, Saptha Kanniar (seven virgins) and Saptha Rishis (seven sages) are supposed to have worshipped Shiva in this place. Sevvanthi Nathar: Sarama muni (sage) worshipped Shiva with Sevvanthi flowers (chrysanthemums) brought from Nagaloka, the abode of the Nagas or serpents. So, the Lord is called Sevvanthi Nathar. Thiri Sikarapuram: There are also stories that since there are three peaks on Rock Fort, occupied by three Gods Shiva, Parvathi & Vinayakar (Uchi Pillaiyar), the place was called Thiri-sikarapuram and later called Tirisirapuram. The temple is located halfway up the Rockfort Temple Complex. Rockfort is located at about 5 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station, 5 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 4 Kms from Woraiyur, 14 Kms from Thiruverumbur, 4 Kms from Srirangam, 7 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 6 Kms from Trichy and 10 Kms from Trichy International Airport. Lots of buses ply from both Central & Chathram bus stands of Trichy. One can get down at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach Rockfort. Thayumanavar Temple, Rock Fort, Trichy – 620 002 Phone: +91 431 270 4621 / 271 0484 / 270 0971 Email: [email protected]
Vada Theerthanathar Temple, Andanallur, Trichy This place has been a holy place and been a temple since the days of Periyapuranam, as Sekkizhar has written about this temple. However, this was built as a granite temple by Parantaka Chola (9th C). Later on, Rajaraja I also did several donations and services for the temple. The Pandya King Vira Pandya has also done a lot for this temple. The Hoysala king Sri Krishna Veera Vallalar and also the Nayaka rulers later on have also done a lot for the temple. The historical name of the village is Andavanallur. As per the inscriptions, the main deity is named as Alanthurai Mahadevar. Hence, we can understand that this village was also called as Alanthurai. The Temple is located at about 19 Kms from Trichy, 3 Kms from Allur, 1 Km from Tiruchendurai, 10 Kms from Vayalur, 13 Kms from Woraiyur, 15 Kms from Srirangam, 17 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 63 Kms from Karur. The Temple is located on the Trichy-Karur route between Allur (Jeeyapuram) and Tiruchendurai. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Jeeyapuram Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station and 16 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand. Nearest Railway Station is located Jeeyapuram (1 Km) and Trichy (17 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (24 Kms). Official Address
Adhisaya Sastha Temple, Suchindrum, Kanyakumari Anjanam Thadavia Kandan: In days of yore, the devotees of the place worshipped Sastha as their family deity. They made a small idol of Sastha, built a small temple and installed the idol. Later, a person with impaired vision was lying in the temple and was worshipping the Lord seeing him with the eye of the mind. He felt as if somebody was sitting by applying Kajal in his eyes. He regained his vision. Based on this event, the Lord is also known as Anjanam (Kajal) Thadavia (applying) Kandan. Kandan is the short form of Manikandan, another name of Sastha. Yaga Gunda Theertham: Yaga Gunda Theertham has special significance in the temple. Maharshi Athri stayed in his hermitage here with his wife Anusuya. With a view to show her chastity to her Rishi husband, the three Lords – Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva – visited the hermitage in the guise of ascetics. When invited for lunch, the three said that they will accept her hospitality only if she serves them nude. Anusuya had no hesitation. She immediately took the water from the plate with which she performed the pada puja for her husband (washing the feet of the husband), spilled on the ascetics. The ascetic became simply infants. Stunned by her instant action, the Lords appeared before Anusuya with their respective consorts. As Maharshi Athri had his Ashram here, the place was first known as Asramam and later Asraamam. The spring created by Maharshi Athri is outside the temple, known as Yaga Gunda Theertha. Presiding Deity is called as Adhisaya Sastha. Lord Sastha graces in the temple in quite a different form against the traditional style, keeping his right leg bent and the left toe pressed on the ground. He holds a club in his right hand wearing a necklace and the sacred thread. His curling hair is beautifully dressed. This is a form of Sastha exclusively in this temple only and nowhere in India. There are elephant and horse vahans in front the shrine. Yaga Gunda Theertham has special significance in the temple. The spring created by Maharshi Athri is outside the temple, known as Yaga Gunda Theertha. Vilwa the sacred tree of the temple, 3 in numbers has its bunches with three, five and nine leaves. The famous Sthanumalayan temple in Suseendram is very near to this temple within a walkable distance. Madan Thambiran, Bhoodathar, Eenan, Vanniar and other deities are in the corridor. The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Following Panguni Uthiram in March-April on the 7th and 8th day a festival is celebrated for Sastha when he comes in procession on Horse vahanam. Those suffering from vision problems are advised to pray in the temple. Devotees perform abishek to the Lord and offer Vastras. The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Nagercoil, 14 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Kottaram, 16 Kms from Boothapandi, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 19 Kms from Eraniel, 29 Kms from Colachel, 18 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 14 Kms from Thovalai, 87 Kms from Tirunelveli and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Suchindram Bus Stop. Suchindram is well connected to Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli, Thiruvananthapuram and other nearby places by Bus. Nagercoil Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station, located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at about 80 Kms from this Temple. Adhisaya Sastha Temple, Suchindrum, Kanyakumari District Mobile: +91 94434 94473 / 94430 02731
Alappancode Easwara Kala Bhoothathan Temple, Anducode, Kanyakumari The Temple remains open from 5.30 AM to 10.30 AM and 5.00 PM to 6.30 PM daily. The sanctum will only be opened till 12.30 AM on all Saturdays and Wednesdays. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Marthandam, 5 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 3 Kms from Anducode, 5 Kms from Vilavancode, 19 Kms from Thuckalay, 22 Kms from Colachel, 33 Kms from Nagercoil, 57 Kms from Kanyakumari and 43 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Aadhikesava Perumal Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m and has six daily rituals at various times of the day. We can pray for the opulence of the family and for diminishing enemies’ nuisance. The offering is done by performing the holy bath (Tirumanjanam) to the Lord and Thaayar and donning them with new clothes. Birthplace of Peyazhwar: The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Peyazhwar, one of the first three of the twelve Azhwar saints of the 6th-9th century AD. The legendary Azhwar was believed to have come to earth from the 60 ft. (18 m) well called Manikairavam inside the temple premises. One of the weapons of Lord Vishnu Nandakam the Sword, urged Mahalakshmi to preach the mantras. Mahalakshmi accepted on condition that the Sword must be born in the earth, worship Lord Vishnu and then she would teach. Accordingly, Nandakam was born in the lily flower blossomed in the Manikairavam Theertham. He was called Mahataahvayar. He was performing the duty of garlanding the Lord every day and Lakshmi happily preached him. He came to be known as Peyalvar because of his immense bhakti to Perumal. Pey means an elderly person. It is said that he was called so since he was the senior most Alvar. Thirumalisai Alvar adopted him as his Guru and received his spiritual teachings (upadesam). In the front mandapam of the Perumal’s sanctum Peyalvar is in a separate sanctum, seated and facing south. Even now we can see the Manikairavam well where Peyalvar was born, at a distance near the temple. This was on a Dasami day (Sadayam asterism) of Aippasi in the year Siddharth of the Dwapara Yuga. Bell Prayer: Sage Bhrigu was in tapasya at the banks of Manikairavam Pushkarini, praying to beget Mahalakshmi as his daughter. Baby Lakshmi crawled in a flower at the pond, on a Panguni Uthiram day. He brought her up and when she attained marriageable age, the sage got her married to the Lord Himself. As the daughter to sage Bhrigu, she is called Bhargavi. She is in a separate sanctum at the right side of the Lord. Special homam is performed every Friday morning and she is worshipped with Vilva leaves by chanting the Srisuktam. This is a very propitious time to worship Thaayar. The devotees pray to her with Vilva leaves to get relief of the impediments to marriage, to flourish in studies and remain healthy. They also worship her by placing two bells at her feet and then hang them on the door of the sanctum. The belief is that the bells ring and pray to Thaayar for their pleas. When their prayers are answered, once again they hang two more bells and thus complete their prayer and offering. Sarva Theertham: Chandran (Moon) worshipped this Lord to be relieved from a curse. The Lord appeared before him by making all the holy waters flood here. By taking bath in this water and worshipping the Lord Chandran got rid of his curse. The Lord asked all waters to stay back in this place. Since all waters are united and remained in the same place, it came to be known as Sarva Theertham, and because Chandran was eased out of his curse, it also got the name Chandra Pushkarini. Now, it is called Chitrakulam. Maha Vishnu annihilated Demon Madhu here: During Tretha Yugam, sages performed Yaagam at the banks of the Kairavini Pushkarini. The demon Madhu disturbed them from conducting the Yaagam. The sages then, prayed to Lord Vishnu to kill this demon and allow them to perform the Yaagam. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and promised them that he would kill the demon. He directed them to continue with the Yaagam and so did the sages. The demon came there as usual to impede their work. Lord Mahavishnu appeared from the Yaagam and annihilated the demon. Later, as per the sages request he remained in this holy place. He, in the name of Aadi Kesava Perumal now blesses us all. People worshipped Lord Vishnu here: Saint Bhrigu, Adhithyan, Soorya Kula King Sumanagan, Kabali and Chandran (Moon) worshipped Lord Vishnu here. Mother gave alms to Bikshadana: When Lord Shiva plucked the fifth head of the contumacious Brahma, the severed head got stuck in his hands. He was known as Kapali (the possessor of Kapala or skull). When Bhargavi offered grains to Brahma Kapala, the head disappeared, thereby relieving Lord Shiva of his distress. He made Mayurapuri his abode and assumed the name Kapaleeshwarar. Kairavani Neerodai: There was a rivulet that connected Triplicane and Mylapore several centuries ago. Since the origin of the river was at Kairavini Pushkarini it came to be called Kairavani Neerodai. The rivulet was full of fragrant flowers like lily and lotus. The other end of the rivulet was another holy pond which is now the temple tank of Lord Parthasarathy which is also called Kairavani Pushkarini. Aadhi Kesavan: Mention about this hallowed spot is found in Brindaranya Kshetra of Garuda Puranam. Once Mahavishnu mitigated the sufferings of Suryan who is also called Adhithyan. Since Kesavan blessed Adhithyan he is called Aadhi Kesavan. Aadhi also means first in the world. So many say this is the first. Aadhikesava Perumal Temple is located in Mylapore, Chennai very near to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Velleeswarar Temple. The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 1 Km from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Kesavaperumal Sannadhi Street, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Phone: +91 44 4204 0745 / 2464 3873 / 2494 3873 Mobile: +91 9444035591 Email: [email protected] Web: sriaudikesavaperumalpeyalwartemple.org
Anjaneya Temple, Alamelumangapuram, Mylapore, Chennai The highlight of this modern-day temple is the 16 feet monolithic granite idol of Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman). This is perhaps the tallest idol of Hanuman in Chennai city. The deity is facing the north direction. The tall Hanuman was made and installed at the request of Jayendra Saraswathi. At present there are shrines for Hayagriva Perumal, Garuda, Ganapathy, a small shrine for two seated and one standing Anjaneya idols, a shrine for Kothandaramar with Mother Sita and Lakshmana. The corridor surrounding the main shrine has the idols of Hanuman in various forms such as Panchamukha Hanuman (five faced Hanuman) and Yoga Anjaneya. This temple is located near PS School in Alamelumangapuram (a small lane near the famous Sai Baba temple). The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 850 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Apparswami Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Official Address
Gnanasundara Vinayagar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The main deity here was once lying along other stones at the Dharga in Ramakrishna Math road. When Arcot Nawab was going through this route, his horse was tied to this stone but the horse got the Valippu. When the horse was untied, it came back to normalcy but when it was tied again to the stone, it got the Valippu again. They then identified the stone as the Vinayagar idol and this temple was built. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Vinayagar). This small temple also has the idols of Annamalai in the form of Shiva Linga, Unnamalai, Murugan with Valli and Devasena, Durga, Nagathamman, Saneeswara and Navagraha. This temple is around 400 years old. The Temple is located at the junction of Ramakrishna Mutt Road and St. Mary’s Road. The temple is very near to Ramakrishna Math Ashram and Kapaleeshwarar Temple and located opposite to Mandaveli Market Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 900 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Kaaraneeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/12/kaaraneeswarar-temple-mylapore-chennai.html Karaneeswarar Temple is a 12th century Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mylapore in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. Karaneeswarar Temple is located at Bazaar road in the middle stretch of the popular Kutchery road in Karaneeswararpet in Mylapore. It is about half a kilometer from the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Kaaraneeswarar. Mother is called as Porkodi Amman / Sorna Lalithambigai. Karaneeswarar Temple is the first Sapta Sthana Shiva temple (most important seven temples) of Mylapore in Chennai. Saptha Sthana Shiva Temples in Mylapore are; Kaaraneeswarar: As per the legend, there used to be a young Brahman in Mylapore area, who used to perform poojas to Shiva Linga. Through his penance, he found out that Lord Shiva was the cause of creation, protection and destruction of this universe. Thereafter, he named the Shiva Linga (the main deity of this temple) that he worshiped as Kaaraneeswarar. (Kaaraneeswarar means one who has causes). Sage Vasishta worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vasishta worshipped Lord Kaaraneeswarar here. The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM. Lord Kaaraneeswarar is more than happy to grant material boons as well. The worship of Sri Kaaraneeswarar and Mother Porkodi blesses one with a happy family life; there will be much amicability amongst all members of the family. Mix coconut oil, sesame oil (gingelly) and castor oil in equal parts and use this mixture to light oil lamps in multiples of six (6, 12, 18, 24 and so on) in this temple. Pradakshinam (circling the temple) is also very important here. The belief is that a visit to this temple would cure you from all your diseases. Karaneeswarar Temple is located at Bazaar road in the middle stretch of the popular Kutchery road in Mylapore. It is about half a kilometer from the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Mylapore Bus Stop and 1 Km from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Karaneeswarar Temple, Bazaar Road, Thyagarajapuram, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 Phone: +91 44 24985112 Email: [email protected]
Malleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Malleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mylapore in Chennai City of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located near Kaaraneeswarar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Malleeswarar and Mother is called as Maragathambal. Sage Brighu worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Brighu worshipped Lord Malleeswarar here. Malleeswarar: The history of this temple is Prarthan, a Shiva devotee of Ayodhya chose this place full Malligai (Jasmine) bushes to do penance on Lord Shiva & was blessed with the darshan of the Lord along with his consort Maragathambal. The Lingam worshipped by him was in an area of Malligai bushes & hence the name came as Malleeswarar. The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM. The belief about this temple is that the Garlands exchanged between the God & the Goddess during the Kalyana Uthsavam if worn by an unmarried person & kept at home would bring wedlock. Also offering of Jasmine garland on six consecutive Mondays to Lord Shiva will fulfill one’s wishes. The worship of Sri Malleeswarar and Mother Maragathambal will ensure that husband, wife and children are highly moral and they don’t fall into evil ways. Offering fragrant flowers and perfumes pleases Lord Malleeswarar & Sri Maragathambal. Malleeswarar Temple is located in a small lane in Bazaar street near Kaaraneeswarar Temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Lyolds Road Bus Stop, 1.2 Kms from Mylapore Bus Stop and 1.2 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Malleeswarar Temple, Thyagarajapuram, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 Phone: +91 44 2498 1893
Kolavizhi Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Brahmotsavam or any functions preference is given first to Kolavizhi Amman and after that only to Kapali temple. In 63var processions also Kolavizhi Amman leads the other chariots. The important functions held in this temple are Pournami Pooja (the vegetables offered are hanged in the temple), Poochoridal, carrying Poochatti (carrying the fire pots), and Milk Abhishekam carrying in a procession. It was believed that Kolavizhi Amman will remove the hurdles like legal cases, etc., The devotees praise Kolavizhi Amman as the Guardian angel and protects from any danger including Natural disasters. It is believed that those who worship at this temple will be cured of all diseases and blessed with peace & prosperity Kolavizhi Amman Temple is at Gopathy Narayana Chetty Street opposite to Valiswarar temple and to the east of Mundakkanni Amman Temple. From the Mylapore Tank bus stop, you can take the Kutchery Road and from there the G. N. Chetty Street to the temple. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Kutchery Road Bus Stop, 1.2 Kms from Mylapore Bus Stop and 1 Km from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Madhava Perumal Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The Temple remains open from 7.00 AM. to 11.30 AM and 4.30 PM to 9 PM daily. During Margazhi Month, Temple remains open from 5.00 AM. to 11.00 AM and 4.30 PM to 8.30 PM. Those who suffer hurdles in getting married worship Mother by offering a mixture of milk, sugar-candy and saffron. Such an offering would bless them with offspring’s is the belief. Lord Vishnu married Mahalakshmi here: Sage Bhrigu to test Lord Vishnu’s composure kicked the Lord on his chest. Mahalakshmi, angered by this, left the Lord. To find out a solution for this grave mistake, Sage Bhrigu did tapasya praying to have Mahalakshmi as his daughter. Mahalakshmi manifested as a kid in the Theertham here. Since Lakshmi came out of the Milk Ocean that was churned to get ‘Amutham’ (nectar), the sage named her ‘Amirthavalli’ and brought her up. When she attained marriageable age, he requested Lord Vishnu to marry her. The Lord came here and married her and the Divine couple stayed here as requested by sage Bhrigu. Thus, he attained the name Kalyana Perumal. Birthplace of Peyazhwar: The Temple is believed to be the birthplace of Peyazhwar, one of the first three of the twelve Azhwar saints of the 6th-9th century AD. Reference to this is found in the Brahmanda Puranam in the section relating to Mayurapuri Mahatmiyam. The legendary Azhwar was believed to have come to earth from the 60 ft (18 m) well called Manikairavam to the south-east of the temple, which exists to this day in Arundale Street, though in a neglected condition. The Aalvaar has a separate sanctum in this temple. 10 days’ festival is conducted close to Aippasi Sadayam day. Sage Bhrigu had set up a hermitage here: According to Mayurapuri Mahatmiyam in the Brahmanda Puranam, when Sage Vyasa requested the Lord to show him the holiest of places where he could do penance, he pointed out to Madhavapuram (Mylapore) where Sage Bhrigu had earlier set up a hermitage and did penance. Santhaana Pushkarini: Amirthavalli Thaayar was born as a baby in the Pushkarini here on a Maasi Magam day. Hence, the Pushkarini is called “Santhaana Pushkarini”. It is believed that on the day she was born all the sacred waters united here. Based on this a festival is conducted on the Maasi Magam day. On that day alone, Thaayar along with the Lord comes to the Theertha Kulam and graces us. The belief is that by taking bath at the Theertham and worshipping Thaayar, all our sins will be assuaged and we will be blessed. Thirukkovilur Vaibhavam: At Thirukkovilur Lord Vishnu made the three Aalvaars – Poigai, Putam and Peyalvar come together and himself revealed to them. Based on this, during the festival the Tirukoyilur Vaibhavam when the three Aalvaars appear together and on the tenth day the celebration of the Aalvaar visiting his birthplace, the Well are performed. In this holy place, Thirumalisai Aalvaar as a disciple to Peyalvar had his spiritual teachings from him. This episode is celebrated on the fourth day of the festival. Madhavapuram: It is believed that Lord Vishnu came here from his abode in Vaikuntam as Madhava Perumal to marry Amruthavalli Thaayar. Hence, this place came to be called Madhavapuram. Prarthana Sthalam: Santhana Pushkarani, which is now found to the South of the temple was the sacred tank of Sage Bhrigu, who lived in the ashram here. The age-old belief, as referred to in Mayurapuri Mahatmiyam, is that couples who bathe here on the full moon day in the Tamil calendar month of Maasi (mid Feb-mid March) and who offer their prayers to Madhava Perumal and Amruthavalli Thaayar will be immediately blessed with children. This is also a Prarthana Sthalam for unmarried people. Offering prayers to Lord Madhava Perumal who is seen in Kalyana Kolam is said to help one find his or her match immediately. Best place for liberation from Kali Dosham: Lord Vishnu directed Veda Vyasa here as the best place for liberation from Kali Dosham in this Kali Yugam. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 7:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) & deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Madhava Perumal and his consort Amirthavalli. During the worship, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The Theppam or float festival of Madhava Perumal Temple will be held for three days. On the first day, Madhava Perumal and Amirthavalli Thaayar will be taken around the tank. Kothandaramar will be taken around on the second day and Peyalvar on the final day. The sacred tank, also called the Santhana Pushkarini, with an area of 117×100 ft can accommodate only a small float that can carry not more than 10 people. So, only priests were allowed to enter the float. During Maasi Magam, the water from all sacred rivers of India is believed to mingle with the water of the tank of this temple. Taking a dip here on this day is considered holy. The festival is one of the major festivals of the temple, which was not celebrated for a decade before 2011. It is believed that all the rivers converge in the tank during the auspicious day. The annual festival, Brahmotsavam, of the temple is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March – April). In the Tamil calendar month of Aadi, Lord Madhava Perumal is seen in a sleeping posture on the lap of Andal- a special event at this temple. Special poojas are conducted during all the nine nights of Navarathri in the month of Puratasi (mid-September to mid-October) for Mother. On the tenth day of Navarathri i.e. during Vijayadasami, Lord Perumal is carried in a procession to the main entrance. There after special poojas, the Utsav of firing bow and arrow towards the Vanni tree takes place. The blessed bow and arrow from the hands of Lord Perumal is taken and passed on to a member of the Vedhavyasapaatar Community which in is then passed on to the Locality’s Gowder who after all the necessary pooja will start firing the arrow towards the Vanni tree. After all the ceremonies, Lord Perumal is taken in a procession into the temple from where he provides vision to his devotees. Odd numbered Saturdays of Puratasi brings prosperity. Therefore, special worships are held on all five Saturdays of the month of Puratasi signifying the austerity of the days. If the month has four Saturdays only, the last Saturday of the month of Aavani or the First Saturday of the month of Aippasi is considered as the 5th Saturday. These days brings prosperity and are treated as special occasions for the devotees who undergo a fast. The month of Margazhi (December – January) sees a flurry of activities dedicated to Lord Perumal. Every morning during all the ten days of the Vaikunda Ekadasi Lord Perumal is taken on a procession around the temple with verses from Alvar recited invoking his blessings. On the 10th day the Lord appears along with Nachiyar in front of the Devotees. On the eve of Vaikunda Ekadasi Lord Perumal raises up to the golden gates of heaven and from there provides a heavenly vision to his devotees. The Temple Car Festival is celebrated at the beginning of the birth of the star sign of Lord Perumal. The star sign of Perumal of the temple is Aastha. The signs Aastha and Rohini have similar facets. Therefore, at the beginning of the Star Sign Rohini the Car festival is commenced and its ends during the birth of the star sign Aastha. The festival is commenced with hoisting the Holy Flag on the first day followed by the Holy Car processions on subsequent days. Shimmavaganam, Anumandha Vaganam, Karuda Sevai, Thiru Kalyana Pushpa Vimana Utsav are the Holy Cars which are taken in a procession for four subsequent days after the Holy Flag Hoisting. Tamil New Year, Sri Rama Navami & Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi during Chithirai Month, Nammalvar Thiru Natchatram, Narasimha Jayanthi and Pattar Thiru Natchatram during Vaikasi Month, Chakkarathalwar Thiru Natchatram during Aani Month, Thakshinaayanapunya Kaalam and Andal Thiruvaadipooram during Aadi Month, Senai Mudalvar Thiru Natchatram, Manavaala Mamunigal Thiru Natchatram and Deepavali during Aipasi Month, Thirumangai Alvar Thiru Natchatram and Thiru Karthigai Deepam during Karthigai Month, Pagal Pathu and Ra Pathu during Margazhi Month, Pongal and Kurathaalvar Thiru Natchatram during Thai Month and Ranga Naachiyaar Panguni Uthram in Panguni Month are the other festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Under the control of the HR and CE Department, it is well maintained. Festivals are held in almost every Tamil month, except Ani and Purattasi. Madhava Perumal Temple is located in the Madhava Perumal Koil Street, Mylapore, Chennai. From the Mylapore Tank bus stop, take the Kutchery road, then turn left to Mundakkanni Amman Koil Street. After passing by the Mundakkanni Amman temple, turn right to Madhava Perumal Koil Street. This temple is located very close to Mundakanniamman Temple of Mylapore. The entrance arch of this temple can easily be located nearer to Sanskrit college, Royapettah High Road. The Temple can be reached from Luz junction or from Sanskrit College bus stand. The Temple is located at about 850 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop, 650 meters from Sanskrit College Bus Stop, 550 meters from Kutchery Road Bus Stop, 650 meters from Valluvar Silai Bus Stop, 400 meters from Mundaka Kanni Amman Koil Railway Station and 700 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Madhava Perumal Temple Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Phone: +91 44 24985112 / 2466 2039 Mobile: +91 94440 18239 / 90421 76949 Email: [email protected]
Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The Temple is located at Mosque Street – Mandaveli Street Junction. The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 1.2 Kms from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Nagathamman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 1.2 Kms from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The temple is open from 6.00 AM to 12.00 noon and in the evening from 4.00 to 9.00. The six Kaala Pooja are conducted according to the Karana Nagama Pooja system. Amman resides in Hut here: Sanctum In the olden days, there was a lotus pond in this place. Under the Banyan tree in the banks of this pond, Ambal manifested herself in Swayambu form. In the beginning, the devotees erected a small hut as sanctum for Ambal and worshipped her. Later, an elaborate temple was structured. Still Prime sanctum continues to be the hut. It is said that Ambal in order to indicate simplicity lives in the hut and graces us. Kottravai Worship: The classical Tamil literature speaks of Kottravai worship, a cult existed during the age of Tholkappiam and Silapathikaram. This temple is also presumed to have worshiped as Kottravai once. Mundakkanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi: Mundakkanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi who blesses people to excel in their fine arts. Naga Dosha Parihara Sthalam: Amman is also known to relive Naaga Dhosham, as the temple is the residing place of snake anthill along with banyan tree behind the sanctum sanctorum of Amman, and it is believed that nagam (Snake) still worships Amman every day. The Temple is located at the heart of the Mylapore Area. This temple is in Mylapore to the north of Kapaleeshwarar Temple near Madhava Perumal temple beyond the Sanskrit college. Getting down at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple Stop or the Thiruvalluvar statue stop, we can reach the temple by walk. One can easily walk down to the temple either by taking the first left after Saravana Bhavan hotel on North Mada street adjoining the Kapaleeshwarar tank. If you get down at Luz corner, go to Kutchery road till you see an arch on the left side that leads to the temple. Mundakanniamman temple is also a landmark by itself. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Kutchery Road Bus Stop, 550 meters from Luz Corner Bus Stop, 650 meters from Valluvar Silai Bus Stop, 700 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop, 350 meters from Mundaka Kanni Amman Koil Railway Station and 500 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Those afflicted with chickenpox, by praying to her gets relief is the stern belief. The Theertham given in this temple is known as remedy for chicken pox. Devotees who confront impediments in getting married and those affected with eye diseases also pray to her. By lighting 23 lamps, people pray to her to attain rank in studies. When their prayers are fulfilled, the devotees perform Abhishekam to Ambal and do Angapradakshinam (body-rolling around the sanctum). Those who pray to her offer turmeric, sandal, saffron powder, Kappu and also Annabishekam. Generally, only in the Siva temples, the Lord is worshipped performing Annabishekam. Since the Ambal here is an aspect of Parvati Devi, she is worshipped by performing Annabishekam. To prepare the Pongal offering to her, the temple uses only the dried cow dung. The residue ashes are distributed as prasadam. The main prasadam in this temple are the neem leaves, lime fruits, turmeric and holy water that are offered to Amman during prayers. Mundakkanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi who blesses people to excel in their fine arts. This place is also known to relieve naga Dosham of the worshipping devotees. Aadi Masam (Month) is considered to be the most auspicious month for worshiping the Amman. During this month, women from all corners of Chennai flock to this temple to cook and offer Sweet-Pongal to the Amman. The deity being near and dear to the female devotees, Prarthana exclusive for them is offered in this temple. Therefore, all Tuesdays, Fridays and in the month of Aadi, this temple is seen as crowded with ladies clad in yellow. Special offerings to ward off ill spells, curses, Occults and other influences of bad spirits are exclusive for this temple. The Temple celebrates the whole of Aadi and Thai months, Chithra Pournami, Chithirai, Vijaya Dasami, Navarathri, Aadi Pooram and Last Friday of Thai Month. Generally, Annabishekam is performed to Lord Siva on the Aippasi Full Moon day. But, it is quite significant that Annabishekam is performed to Amman in this sacred place. The 1008 Flower-basket abishekam on the last Friday of Aadi, the 108 Lamp Pooja on the last Friday of Thai and on the Chithira Pournami day, the 1008 Milk-pot abishekam are important features. The Porridge distribution festival in the month of Aadi and the Pongal offering in the month of Thai are very famous festivals. On the ninth day of the Navarathri festival, Ambal in the guise of Mahishasuramardhini goes in procession along the streets. There is also a practice amidst the devotees who take vow to her of going around the sanctum wearing neem leaves attire. Every evening Ambal goes in procession in her golden chariot. The fee to participate in this is Rs.1000/-. Official Address
Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, Luz, Mylapore, Chennai Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located at Luz corner in Mylapore in Chennai City of Tamilnadu. This Temple attracts large no of devotees. The specialty of this temple is Sannidhi of Goddess Mahalakshmi along with Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar. There are shops nearby for archanai and flowers, if you are visiting the temple early in the morning the shops may not be open, hence it would be better to carry flowers and other pooja items to avoid any disappointment and stress. Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is located on the main road of Luz corner, just opposite to Mylapore Railway Station. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Pattu Kolavizhi Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Kolavizhi Amman is the power of protection for Mylapore and during the Panguni festival (March-April) Amman gets the first pooja to ensure the safety of the carnival Amman leads the Arupathimoovar festival and makes the journey smooth for Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal. The other important festivities include 1008 milk pots carried by the devotees for Amman, and as usual Aadi has its own importance here. The lid of well is locked with hundreds of locks offered by the devotees. They believe that the Goddess would relieve them from the legal issues if they offer locks to her. It is believed that worshippers at this temple will be cured of all diseases and being blessed for peace & prosperity. The Pattu Kolavizhi Amman temple is situated at Mylapore (near Sanskrit College) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Temple is located very near to Mundaga Kanni Amman Temple. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Mundaga Kanni Amman Koil Railway Station, 200 meters from Sanskrit College Bus Stop, 750 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 700 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Ramakrishna Mutt Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The Temple remains open from 5.00 am to 11:45 am and 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm. The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ramakrishnananda and Kalpataru Day (January 1) are celebrated with great fervor and on a grand scale. More than 3000 devotees participate in these celebrations that are spread throughout the day from 4.30 AM to 9.00 PM. Other prominent Hindu festivals like Navaratri, Durga Puja and Kali Puja are also celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion in the Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna Math Temple is located near Mylapore Bus Stop in the R.K Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai. The Temple is located near Velleeswarar Temple and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 650 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Ramakrishna Mutt Temple, RK Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 Phone: +91 44 2462 1110
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Indian Saint Sai Baba of Shirdi located in the Mylapore in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. The Sai Baba Temple located at Venkatesa Agraharam Street in Mylapore is also known as All India Sai Baba Samaj. The temple was built in commemoration of Saint Shirdi Sai Baba who became a proponent of Sufism and used to perform miracles. To the present day, the light lit by Sai Baba is still here. The Temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Sai Baba in South India. It is the first Sai Baba Temple in the entire Chennai. Sri Narasimha Swamy was the founder member of this temple. The temple, also known as ‘Shirdi of the South’, it sees many devotees from all over the country paying a visit to the temple. The temple is administered by All India Sai Baba Samaj. The temple allows people from all walks of life irrespective of their religion. The large hall inside the temple is suitable for meditation as well. Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Chennai was built to commemorate the memory of Shirdi Sai Baba who was born in Shirdi as a Hindu and was brought by a Muslim Fakir. He later became an exponent of Sufism. He too performed “Sithu” (Miracles) like his mentor. The temple was built in 1952 by Narasimhaswami, Sai Baba devotee from Salem, out of money donated by a Chettiar merchant. In the beginning, he worshipped a picture of Baba under a tamarind tree on the street where the temple is now located. Later, he moved the picture to a small house in Nanjunda Rao Colony in Mylapore. Swamiji constructed the present temple with help from his friend J.D. Pannalal, and performed the first consecration. This is considered the most trusted temple in India. The temple is the headquarters of the All India Sai Samaj. Its main object being propagation of the life and teachings of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Through two decades of tireless preaching, during which he travelled almost the entire Bharat, Sri Swamiji made the name of Sri Sai Baba as familiar as that of Siva, Rama and Krishna. Sri Swamiji authored many books highlighting that Sri Sai Baba’s mission was to bring together two communities opposed to each other – the Hindus and Muslims – within a common fold, that Baba promoted a religion of love with peace and harmony, and that Baba belonged to no particular religion or faith, that he was neither Hindu nor Muslim, with his birth and early life shrouded in mystery. On Thursdays, the temple is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on other days it is open from 5 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Many festivals are organised here, the most important one being the 10-day Navarathri celebration, which ends on Mahasamadhi day, which falls on Vijayadasami. As Baba wanted his devotees to celebrate his birthday on Sri Rama Navami day, various events are organised that day. Guru Poornima is also celebrated. Birth anniversary of Narasimha Swamiji will be celebrated every year on August 21. Devotees throng the temple on Thursday, the special day for Sai Baba, following the preaching and bhajans of Bhagwan Shirdi Sai, in the heart of the city of Chennai. On Sundays Agni Pooja is performed. People come here to attend the Agni Pooja, a special pooja which is performed on every Sundays. The Sai Baba Temple located at Venkatesa Agraharam Street in Mylapore. The temple is easily accessible from all parts of Chennai by means of local transport like bus, autos and taxis. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 650 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. All India Sai Samaj, 56, Alamelumangapuram Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Phone: +91 44 2494 0784
Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Vedanta Desikar Temple), Mylapore, Chennai The temple is open from 6.30 am to 11. am in the mornings and 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the evenings. This is a very active and vibrant temple with Urchavams all through the year like Thiru Aadi Pooram & Neerattu Uthsavam (10 days) for Andal; Utsavams commemorating the Thiru Nakshatrams of Azhwars and Acharyas; Sri Bhashayakarar Uthsavam (10 days) culminating in the Satrumurai on Chithirai Thiruvadirai; 10-day Uthsavam for Peyazhwar concluding on Aippasi Sathayam, the Azhwar’s Avathara day; Sri Rama Navami Uthsavam for 10 days etc., Hayagriva Aradhanai celebrated in a grand manner on the seventh day of Desikan Uthsavam is very special. Although the age of the temple is not clear the Idols of Vedanta Desikar and Lakshmi Hayagriva has been in existence here for more than 350 years. Idols of Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Alarmelmangai were installed much later in 1924. The temple, however, continues to be known by the name of the acharya. The temple has been notified as one of historic importance by the Government of India in the year 1973. Vedanta Desikar, Incarnation of the Thirupathi Divine Bell: Vedanta Desikar, one of the most important Acharyas of the Vaishnava tradition was born to the devout couple Ananthasuri and Thotharamba. Instructed by the Venkatamudayan, the couple went on a pilgrimage to Thirumalai. The Lord appeared in the couple’s dream as a Vaishnava youth and handed over a golden bell which Thotharamba swallowed. The following morning, they were astonished to find that both of them had dreamt the same sequence of events. When the Archaka opened the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he found the bell missing. During an investigation ordered into the loss of the bell, the Lord appeared by Avesa (spiritual trance) on Tirumalai Nambi and told that he had himself presented the bell to the Ananthasuri couple and thereafter, the small hand-bell need not be used in the Tiruvaradhana in the temple. Hence, Swami Vedanta Desikar is considered as the incarnation of the Divine Bell. Vedanta Desikar as prime deity here: Azhwars and Acharyas travelled throughout the country extolling the beauty and grace of Narayana. However, in the case of Mylapore, the Supreme Lord and the Acharyan switched roles. Lord Srinivasa and Alarmel Mangai Thayar willed to grace the abode of the Acharyan (Swami Desikan) and relish his company. The Temple is located very near to Chitrakulam in Mylapore and adjacent to Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple. The Temple is located at about 850 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop, 800 meters from Kutchery Road and 1 Km from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Vedanta Desikar Temple), No. 4, K.P. Sannidhi Street, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Phone: +91 44 24953799 Mobile: +91 98410 47064 / 9444 576601 / 94443 98347 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Srikara Anjaneya Raghavendra Swamy Sannidhanam, Mylapore, Chennai The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Kutchery Road Bus Stop, 750 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 950 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai City. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Swetambara Jain Temple, Mylapore, Chennai The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 500 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Thiruvalluvar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai This is a memorial believed to have been constructed in the early 16th century, the temple was extensively renovated in the 1970s. As a book on Mylapore temples published in 1929 refers this temple as Thiruvalluvar temple, we could safely assume that this temple is older than 1929 CE. But people considered Thiruvalluvar as God and performed poojas and changed the memorial in to a temple. Hence, it is called Thiruvalluvar Temple. In his book called Thirumayilayin Thirukoilgal, published in 1989, Dr. S. Rajendran believes that the temple was built in the early part of the 16th Century. This is not evident, as the temple was extensively renovated in the early 1970s and most of the stone structures were replaced by concrete. This Temple is a simple, two-roomed shrine enclosed by an open-pillared portico. The east facing sanctum enshrines big idol for Thiruvalluvar. The stone idol appears to be old. It’s interesting to find the stucco idols of Valluvar on his own vimana. The bronze idols of Valluvar and his wife Vasuki are also located in the sanctum. As part of the grand Mylapore annual festival (of the famous Kapaleeshwarar temple), on the 8th day of the festival, the bronze idol of Valluvar is also taken into procession along with 63 Nayanmars. Vasuki is found in a separate east facing shrine, which is found on the left side of the sanctum. A holy tree with a lot of snake stones and a stucco image of Mari Amman is found. There is a larger than life marble statue of Thiruvalluvar in sitting posture and of his parents Sri Adi and Sri Bhagavan, with Sri Adi holding him as a child in her arms and kneeling before her husband. A cylinder with an inscription (dated 1935 CE) that reads that it was the base of the Iluppai tree where the poet was born, is found on the pedestal. This Tree is located just by the side of the Maha Mandapam or the Meditation Hall This Iluppai Tree is more than 2000 years old Iluppai tree under which Thiruvalluvar is said to have born got damaged in 1935 and the base of the tree is being protected with a cover. There is a separate shrine for Ekambareswarar Shiva Linga. The sub-shrine of Kamakshi is located near this shrine. The koshta images of Dakshina Murti, Lingodhbava, Brahma and Durga are found on the wall of the shrine. The niche images of Ganesh and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena are found at the entrance. The stucco image depicting Valluvar worshiping Shiva and Parvati on the lintel is interesting. Valluvar is treated on par with the other Saivite saints. The small sub-shrines of Hanuman, Ganesh, Chandikeswara, Bhairava, Saneeswara and Navagraha are also found in this temple. The Ekambareswarar shrine is considered as the birth place of Thiruvalluvar by some researchers and as the Samadhi by others. This temple is completely dedicated to his contribution to Tamil literature. Classes on the Thirukural are also held in the evenings for children. To the rear, near a neem tree surrounded by naga statues, was a shrine for Amman. All these suggest that the temple was originally a village temple that slowly gained prominence as a Shiva temple and then became the shrine for Thiruvalluvar. Except for the stone idols, there are no traces of the structure of the original temple after the renovation by the Government. The processional deity of Ekambareswarar is stored in a temple vault and the ones of Thiruvalluvar and Vasuki are clearly a century or two old. There is a famous incident in Thiruvalluvar-Vasuki life in which, while Vasuki was fetching water in a pot from a well, Thiruvalluvar called her and she went leaving the pot as it was but incidentally the pot remained half way as it was. This historical well can be seen here, but there is no water now and is closed with sand. It is also covered with a steel grill for safety reasons. When death separated his wife, Vasuki Ammaiyar from Thiruvalluvar, the saint, laments like all other commoners, unable to bear the grief of her separation. The poet, noted for his unique style of the couplets in Tamil, changes to quatrain, which he did only once, and dedicates this verse, to his bereaved wife. The Temple is situated at about 700 meters East of the statue of Thiruvalluvar on the Royapettah High road near Luz Anjaneyar Temple. The access to this temple is through narrow roads after crossing the Buckingham canal bridge towards Nattu Subburaya Mudali Street. Then the road branches off to North, leading to an arch way into the temple. This Temple is also located very near Mundaga Kanni Amman Temple. The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Thiruvalluvar Statue Bus Stop, 1 Km from Mylapore Bus Stop and 700 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Vaaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Vaali performed penance here: Vaali performed a penance and got a boon from Shiva that he will get 50% of his opponents strength when he faces them in a battle. So, no one could defeat him. This is the Sathru Samhara Sthalam. Vaali got all his powers after his tapas towards Easwaran here. Hence, the deity is named after him as Vaaleeswarar. Vaali’s idol is also installed here. Lord Hanuman worshipped Lord Shiva here: Legend has it that due to a curse, Lord Hanuman was not aware of his own strength and power and to overcome that he worshipped Sri Valeeswarar. Sage Govardana installed the Shiva Linga here: It is also believed that a Rishi named Govardana installed the Shiva Linga originally. Pancha Lingams: Pancha lingams came out from the earth as seen in a separate shrine which is an appropriate place for meditation. Sage Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM. People pray for release from sins, for wisdom and intelligence, and remedy from the adverse planetary effects of Shani (Saturn). Married and pregnant women offer bangles to the Goddess before they wear them. They believe the prayer would ensure safe delivery of the child. They also pray to the mother for relief from adverse planetary effects from affecting their children. It is the faith of devotees that prayer to Lord Valeeswarar would reward them with a satisfied life and salvation at the end. Sri Valeeswarar is the Lord of strength and power. According to the Puranas, if you worship Sri Valeeswarar you will get good physical and mental health and pure heart. For protection women should worship Valeeswarar and children to get courage, respectively. Valeeswarar Temple is in the Valeeswarar Koil Street, near the G.N Chetty Road, Mylapore, Chennai. From the Mylapore Tank bus stop, take the Kutchery Road and from there to G.N. Chetty Road. The Temple is located opposite to Kolavizhi Amman Temple and Kaaraneeswarar Temple. As you come out of the nearby Kaaraneeswarar Temple take a right and turn first left to reach Vaaleeswarar Temple. The Temple is located at about 400 meters Marina AIR Bus Stop, 550 meters from Kutchery Road Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms Mylapore Bus Stop and 1.3 Kms from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Valeeswarar Temple, G N Street, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004 Phone: +91 44 2498 1893
Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Mylapore, Chennai According to Hindu mythology, Veerabhadra is a God, who was born out of Lord Shiva’s wrath to destroy Daksha. In all ancient South Indian Shiva temples, you can find the idol of Veerabhadra. However, it is very rare to find the temples with Veerabhadra as the presiding deity. There is one such rare temple dedicated to Veerabhadra in Mylapore area of Chennai in South India. The north facing temple does not have a tower but just an arch at the entrance. The north facing sanctum enshrines the big idol of the presiding deity, Veerabhadra who is found along with the small image of goat headed Daksha. In Maha Mandapam, the shorter flag staff, bali peetha and Nandi are found facing towards the sanctum. Small shrines of Bala Vinayaka and Subramanya are located on either side of the main shrine. The Goddess of the temple is Abhayambikai who is found in a separate shrine adjacent to the sanctum. There are so many small sub-shrines located on either side of the sanctum. Some of the other shrines that are found near the sanctum include Virupaksha-Vishalakshi, Sivasundara Vinayaka, Sarabeswarar, Murugan-Valli-Devasena, Perumal and Adi Shankaracharya. At the entrance of the Maha Mandapam, the idols of Bala Vinayaka and Bala Murugan are located. The prakara around the sanctum has few shrines such as Dyana Anjaneya, Saneeswara, Navagraha, Vishnu Durga, Shiva Durga, Chandikeswara and Dhakshinamoorthi. It is believed that if you perform pooja with water and Vilva Bhadra leaves to Veerabhadra Swami on Ashtami Tithi, he will be pleased and your desires will be fulfilled. Veerabhadra Swami Temple is located near Madhava Perumal Temple in VSV Koil Street, Mylapore. The Temple is located at about 850 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 700 meters from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Mylapore, Chennai This small temple is located at the narrow lane of Mari Chetty street close to the Mandaveli bus stand. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Mandaveli Bus Stop, 750 meters from Mylapore Bus Stop and 2 Kms from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Official Address
Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Builder of this Temple: It is believed that it was built by a devotee named Shivanesan Chettiar. As per the popular legend, his daughter Poompavai died and the great saint Thirugnana Sambandhar brought her back alive from her burnt bones. Virupaksheeswarar: ‘Viroopam’ means ‘Contradicting the Nature’ and since Shiva’s third eye contradicts the nature, He is called Virupaksheeswarar. Sage Kutsa worshipped Lord Shiva here: Legend says Sage Kutsa worshipped Lord Shiva here. Sundarar saw Nataraja Thandavam here: Sundaramoorthy Nayanar after worshipping the God here saw Nataraja Thandavam. This is a 1000 years old temple. There are 20 inscriptions dating from 11th century to 16th century. Many of them are in the Sanctum Sanctorum and are inaccessible. The oldest is the 11th century kalvettu of Veera Rajendra Chozha (1063-70) in the Karuvarai of the temple mentioning the donation of cows. Unfortunately, except for a few inscriptions in the South and North walls of the temple most of them are dilapidated and or are covered with new structures due to renovations. The Kumbabhishekam was held in May 2016. The temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM. The Virupaksheeswarar temple is situated at Bazaar Road, in Mylapore locality of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This temple is located at close proximity to the popular Kaaraneeswarar Temple and Mundakkanni Amman temple in the same locality. One has to take a bus from the Mylapore Tank bus stop to the Kutchery Road, and from there to Bazaar Road. It can be reached easily from AIR Bus Stop on Marina. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Mylapore Bus Stop, 600 meters from AIR Bus Stop and 1 Km from Mylapore Railway Station. Mylapore is located a few kilometers to the south of the British-built Chennai city. It lies between Triplicane and Teynampet in the west then across to the coast in the east. It is bounded by Royapettah to the north. Its southern frontier corresponds roughly with that of the River Adyar. It extends for around 4 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west. Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is linked with local trains and bus facilities. Mylapore is located at about 5 Kms from Triplicane, 3 Kms from Teynampet, 2.5 Kms from Royapettah, 6 Kms from Adyar, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 3 Kms from Marina Beach, 3 Kms from Santhome, 3 Kms from Alwarpet, 5 Kms from Nungambakkam and 7 Kms from Kodambakkam. By Road: Mylapore is connected to other parts of the city by MTC buses, with connections including Chennai Central, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Broadway. Mylapore is located at about 10 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. List of MTC bus routes covers through in and out of Mylapore; By Train: Thirumayilai Railway Station, on the Mass Rapid Transit System network, connects Mylapore to Chennai Beach to the north and Velachery on the south. Mylapore is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 6 Kms from Egmore Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at about 17 Kms from Mylapore. Virupaksheeswarar Temple, PV Koil Street, Karneeswarapuram, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 Phone: +91 44 2498 1893
Vengeeswarar Temple, Vadapalani, Chennai Legend says that this temple was built by Sage Patanjali and sage Vyagrapada for their daily worship (Vengai=Vyakara=tiger). The temple is in Puliyur Kottam of Thondai Nadu. Pradhosha pooja is one of the most important among the poojas performed to the Graceful Lord Shiva. In Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from New moon to Full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from Full moon to New moon) the evening of the Thrayodasi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is called Pradosham. It comes once in fifteen moon days. Pradhosha time is especially meant for praying Lord Shiva. Praying during that time is believed to free the believers from their sins and gives ‘moksha’ (heaven) finally (hence the name Pradosham). Vengeeswarar Temple is located at about 700 meters from Vadapalani Bus Depot, 250 meters from Vadapalani Metro Station, 4 Kms from Nungambakkam Railway Station, 11 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 9 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 3 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus and 11 Kms from Chennai Airport. Vengeeswarar Temple is located in the Saidapet Road, Vadapalani, Chennai. The temple is on 100 feet road after the Vadapalani junction. It can be easily approached by the main entrance on the eastern side by a road parallel to the 100-ft. road from the Kodambakkam high road this is the way traffic is directed towards Vadapalani from Nungambakkam side. The temple is on the second road on the right and can be seen from the main road. The temple is in the heart of Chennai city with transport facilities from all corners. Vadapalani Temple is easily accessible by Bus, Metro Train, Autos. Temple is very near Vadapalani Dhandayuthapani Temple. The temple is very near to Vadapalani bus stop and new Metro Railway station. Lot of town buses available from various parts of Chennai city. Vengeeswarar Temple Vadapalani, Chennai Phone: +91 44 2483 8362
Chirai Meeta Kumaresa Perumal Temple, Chiramadam, Kanyakumari In olden days, the demon tortured the Deva’s and they put them in a prison, usually the prison is called as “Chirai” in Tamil. The King of Deva’s Indiran went and Informed this to Lord Shiva, he told Lord Muruga to rescue the Deva’s. Lord Muruga accepted his father command and went to fight with the Demon. Finally, Lord Muruga defeated Demons and rescued the Deva’s. The most historic incident was happened in this place and the Deva’s praised Lord Muruga as “Chirai Meeta Kumaresa Perumal” as he rescued Deva’s from the prison. Lord Muruga is called here by the name of “Chirai Meeta Kumaresa Perumal” with his better half’s Lord Valli and Lord Deivayanai. Theppakulam, the Temple Pond is located nearby. Kantha Sashti Festival is celebrated here with much fanfare. This festival is celebrated, the very next day to Diwali continuing for six days. Lord Murugan will come in six different get ups in all six days. The last day is the most important day for “Surasamharam”. Here the same war will once again be played between Lord Muruga and Demon called “Suran”. The Suran is the most vigorous person to be portrayed at last, Lord Muruga will conquer the Demon and after that he will give Dharshan as a Shanthi god. The very next day Lord Muruga’s wedding with Lord Valli and Lord Deivayanai will happen. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Derisanamcope, 4 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 5 Kms from Boothapandi, 3 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 16 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 9 Kms from Thazhakudy, 17 Kms from Nagercoil, 18 Kms from Thovalai, 22 Kms from Suchindram, 35 Kms from Kanyakumari and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kumarapuri Subramanya Swamy Temple, Manakalai, Kanyakumari Kumarapuri Subramanya Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Manakalai Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Kollemcode, 5 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 9 Kms from Marthandam, 35 Kms from Nagercoil, 58 Kms from Kanyakumari and 43 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Murugan Kundram Temple, Kanyakumari Murugan Kundram Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located near Kanyakumari Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Kanyakumari Town is well connected to major cities by road / rail / air across India. Kanyakumari is located at about 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 13 Kms from Suchindrum, 47 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 33 Kms from Thuckalay, 47 Kms from Marthandam, 100 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 245 Kms from Madurai. The Temple is located about 5 Kms from Kanyakumari State Transport Corporation Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station, 105 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport and 239 Kms from Madurai International Airport. The Temple is well connected from Bus Stand and Railway Station by means of Buses, Taxis and Autos. Official Address
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Marungoor, Kanyakumari Chithirai Thirukalyanam, Tirukarthikai, Kandha Shashti and Soora Samharam are the famous festivals at this temple. For little children, festival for giving first rice food after birth was conducted here. Six types of rices are cooked and offered to Lord Muruga specially during this festival. Sage Agastya installed Lord Murugan here: It is believed that when Sage Agastya came down to Podhigai malai, he has installed this Murugan here. Indra’s horse, Uchchaisiravas attained salvation here: After Indran got cleansed from the curse of Sage Gowthama at Suchindrum temple, Indra’s horse, Uchchaisiravas also wanted salvation. It asked the same with Suchindrum Lord Shiva. He directed the horse of Indran to go to Marungoor and worship the Murugan there for salvation. It came along with Sunandhan and worshiped Murugan here and got salvation. Since the horse got salvation, this place is also called Vaaji Puram. Thirumalai Amararpathy kaaththa Perumal Subramanya Swami: Since Lord Murugan of this this place saved Indran from danger and hence he is called as Marungoor Thirumalai Amararpathy kaaththa Perumal Subramanya Swami. Indra worshipped Lord Murugan here: It is believed that after doing the Artha Jaama Pooja at Suchindrum temple, Indran comes to this place, takes bath in Amaravathy Kulam here and worships Aabhaththu Kaatha Devi and Murugan here. The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Boothapandi, 8 Kms from Thovalai, 12 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 6 Kms from Suchindram, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 10 Kms from Vadiveeswaram, 15 Kms from Kanyakumari and 100 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Marungoor can be reached from Kanyakumari, Nagercoil and Suchindram by Bus. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Kanyakumari, Nagercoil and Thovalai. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Subramanya Swamy Temple, Marungoor, Kanyakumari Phone: +91 4652 241 421
Kumara Gurubaran Temple, Thazhakudy, Kanyakumari Kumara Gurubaran Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Thazhakudy Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Thazhakudy Village is situated between 2 rivers “Puthanaar” and “Palaiyaar”. The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 27 Kms from Kanyakumari, 15 Kms from Suchindram, 14 Kms from Boothapandi, 25 Kms from Thuckalay, 23 Kms from Eraniel and 86 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Aralvaimozhi and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Chekkargiri Malai Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thovalai, Kanyakumari Chekkargiri Malai Subramanya Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Thovalai in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Boothapandi, 15 Kms from Suchindram, 24 Kms from Kanyakumari, 15 Kms from Nagercoil, 5 Kms from Aralvaimozhi and 85 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is Thovalai Railway Station located at about 2 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located on the National Highway running between Tirunelveli and Nagercoil near Aramboly gap. Frequent bus services are available, as the village is situated in between the Nagercoil and Tirunelveli. All the passenger trains and some express trains are also having stop at this Thovalai Railway station. Official Address
Thovalai Murugan Temple, Kanyakumari Thovalai was among several in Thiruvananthapuram district that with the passage of the States Reorganization Act of 1956 were transferred from Thiruvananthapuram district, Travancore-Cochin State to the newly created Kanyakumari district of Madras State (the latter later renamed as Tamil Nadu State). Thovalai Murugan Temple, being located on a small hill, offers beautiful views of the surroundings. The temple is dedicated to Subramanya, the younger son of Shiva. The temple enshrines a beautiful idol of Kumaraswamy or Lord Muruga in standing posture. Paintings of the six adobes of Murugan or Arupadai Veedu can be seen inside the temple walls. Soora Samharam or Sooranporu and Malar Muzhukku Vizha are the important festivals celebrated at Muruga Temple at Thovalai. Shasti and Kiruthigai days are considered important to Murugan and hence special poojas are prayers are conducted on the temple. At this temple, the Pushbabishekam festival is commonly celebrated at the end of May. The temple at festival time is filled with all varieties of flowers. Thovalai Murugan Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Boothapandi, 14 Kms from Suchindram, 23 Kms from Kanyakumari, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 4 Kms from Aralvaimozhi and 84 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is Thovalai Railway Station located at about 1 Km from the Temple. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Thovalai Murugan Temple is located on the National Highway running between Tirunelveli and Nagercoil near Aramboly gap. Frequent bus services are available, as the village is situated in between the Nagercoil and Tirunelveli. All the passenger trains and some express trains are also having stop at this Thovalai Railway station. Official Address
Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Vellimalai, Kanyakumari Sasti Sura Samharam, Aadi Kirthikai, Vaikasi Visakam and Thai Poosam are the festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Kerala Tantram is the protocol of worship offered here as with most other temples in Kanyakumari district. As with Vellimalai, the last Friday in every Tamil month is considered to be auspicious and Kanji is offered as prasadam here. It is believed that not only the devotees who come here for prayer are benefited, but also the people who visit the hill. It is because that the Lord of this hill blesses one and all without any discrimination. Those who make any request at this holy place would get relief from their impediments and attain happiness. The sick people may find much relief if they stay for some days here. Mental depression and worries can be reduced by the holy visit of this hill temple. The poor may find guidance to get relief from their poverty. The depressed may find peace and solace. Austeries and Vratha (restriction afford) taken for six days of Skanda Sasti period with deep prayers are equated with many years of penance and Yoga practices. The Karthika Vratham, and the visit on that day for the Dharshan of the deity will bring more benediction than the one gets taking baths in several sacred rivers. The devotees get relaxation and mental peace when they sit before the deity and pray earnestly. Annadhanam and other charities bring prosperity in one’s life. This place attracts the great and noble persons with spiritual turn of mind. Local belief has it that barren women go on to deliver healthy children upon worshipping at this temple. Temple Construction: Nearly 1200 years back the village Vellimalai was covered with thick forest. At that time, there lived a saintly person on the hill. He had the divine power of healing chronic diseases. So, the surrounding people visited this noble soul for getting his blessings and got their diseases cured. He was known as a great ‘Siddhar’. He lived in a cave which was at the foot of the present steps on the eastern side of the shrine. One day, a small crowd of the people came to see the Siddhar. He came out of the fire cave and reached the top of the hill where the sanctity of Sanatorium of the present Muruga Temple is situated. He then miraculously disappeared. From that incidence, the people believed that the holy person was none other than the God himself. From that time onwards, people came there on every Friday to worship the God by lighting lamps there and a small temple was built. In due course, it developed as a pilgrimage centre of Lord Muruga. A small temple was built by erecting a thatched shed on the hill top. The devotees felt the need of improving the thatched shed temple. With their service of enthusiasm, they erected a tile structure for the temple. People of all communities namely Nadars, Brahmins, Washermen, Parayas, came on every Friday and worshipped the idol of Muruga. Till 1937, the people worshipped the God in the tiled building. After that, the devotees revealed their intention of building a full structured temple in this place. At that time, there was no facility for the devotees either to take rest or to eat food. There was hardly a place to sit for some time. There was no road or path to reach the temple. A strong plan was developed then in the minds of the surrounding villagers to improve this place. The credit of the development of the Vellimalai Temple goes to Mr. A. Palaniyandi Pillai of Thalakulam who was a staunch Muruga devotee. With his earnest effort, he collected Rs. 100/- as contribution from the people of the surrounding places and handed over the amount to Mr. Unnithon, Chairman of Kochi Devasom Board, as caution money and requested him to erect a new temple by replacing the tiled building. Mr. Swaminathan Pillai became the Chairman of the Temple Endowment Committee and Mr. Brammananda Swamy Nadar became its Secretary. With the help and interest of these members who hailed from South Travancore, a new mandapam was built for the temple. As a matter of fact, there was no road or path-ways then to reach this temple. With the efforts of the local people and by the grace of Lord Muruga, two roads were laid, one through Kalpadi and another from Manavilai to reach the base of the hill. There was a great hurdle to construct the eastern side road. The lands spread on the eastern side of the hill belonged to Dr. Chellakkan from Nagercoil. The eastern road from Manavilai was laid up to the boundary of Dr. Chellakkan. Mr. Palani Appan, son of Arumughan, who was a staunch believer of Muruga led a delegation to Nagercoil, met the doctor and explained to him that a road had already been constructed up to his plot. They requested him to part with some area of his plot so that the already constructed road could be extended up to the Sannidhanam of the temple. He did not accept their request. Again Mr. Gnayam Pillai Nadar, a pious teacher from Manavilai, personally requested Dr. Chellakkan to donate a piece of his land stating the social, cultural and religious need of the public. Though he was a rich man having several acres of land there, he flatly denied their request and the delegation and the teacher returned with broken hearts. On the same night, the doctor had a miraculous dream in which Lord Muruga appeared before him and instructed to donate the land for the extension of the road to reach the temple. He summoned the members next day and narrated them the dream that he had seen the previous day. He came forward to give his land for the road purpose. Thus, the first road was formed to reach the Temple of Muruga at Vellimalai. Birthplace of Valli: It is popularly believed that Valli was born here, and raised by a tribal king and she got married to Lord Murugan in a Love marriage. Nonetheless, similar story is associated with another namesake place, Vallimalai in Vellore district and Thiruthani of Tiruvallur district in the far north of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Eraniel, 7 Kms from Manavalakurichi, 10 Kms from Mandaikadu, 10 Kms from Thuckalay, 12 Kms from Colachel, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 15 Kms from Villukuri, 5 Kms from Thingal Nagar, 7 Kms from Muttom, 32 Kms from Kanyakumari and 72 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The frequent bus facilities are available to this temple from Nagercoil, Monday Market Bus Terminals. Apart from this, mini bus-services also touch this spot. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Azhwar Swamy Temple, Cheramangalam, Kanyakumari Azhwar Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Cheramangalam Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located very near Cheramangalam Shivan Temple and on Thingal Nagar to Manavalakurichi Road. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Cheramangalam Sivan Kovil Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thingal Nagar, 7 Kms from Eraniel, 3 Kms from Manavalakurichi, 7 Kms from Muttom, 19 Kms from Nagercoil, 33 Kms from Kanyakumari and 78 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Emperumal Temple, Chiramadam, Kanyakumari Emperumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Chiramadam Village near Azhagiapandipuram in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is Emperumal along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Derisanamcope, 5 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 6 Kms from Boothapandi, 4 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 17 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 10 Kms from Thazhakudy, 18 Kms from Nagercoil, 19 Kms from Thovalai, 23 Kms from Suchindram, 36 Kms from Kanyakumari and 81 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Bhadrakali Devi Temple, Nangarathala, Kanyakumari Bhadrakali Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Nangarathala Village in Mancode in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located on Pulioorsalai – Manjalumoodu – Arumanai Road. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Mancode, 13 Kms from Parassala, 13 Kms from Thirparappu, 15 Kms from Kulasekharam, 15 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 17 Kms from Marthandam, 17 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 41 Kms from Nagercoil, 67 Kms from Kanyakumari and 42 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Parassala and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kolathoor Brahmarakshi Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Chiramadam Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Derisanamcope, 4 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 5 Kms from Boothapandi, 3 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 16 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 9 Kms from Thazhakudy, 17 Kms from Nagercoil, 18 Kms from Thovalai, 22 Kms from Suchindram, 35 Kms from Kanyakumari and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Sridhara Nangai Amman Temple, Derisanamcope, Kanyakumari Sridhara Nangai Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Derisanamcope Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Goddess is quite Powerful. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 4 Kms from Boothapandi, 2 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 15 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 8 Kms from Thazhakudy, 15 Kms from Nagercoil, 16 Kms from Thovalai, 20 Kms from Suchindram, 34 Kms from Kanyakumari and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Ayya Vaikundar Temple, Anjugramam, Kanyakumari Ayya Vaikundar Temple is a Ayyavazhi Temple located in Kanahappapuram in Anjugramam in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Anjugramam, 9 Kms from Kottaram, 5 Kms from Vattakkottai, 12 Kms from Kanyakumari, 25 Kms from Koodankulam and 110 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanyakumari and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Korakkar Siddhar Temple, Theroor, Kanyakumari The Temple is located at about 1.3 Kms from Theroor, 5 Kms from Suchindram, 8 Kms from Vadiveeswaram, 10 Kms from Nagercoil, 18 Kms from Kanyakumari and 82 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Painkulam Shiva Temple, Munchirai, Kanyakumari Painkulam Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Munchirai Taluk in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. This Village is in the border of the Kanyakumari District and Thiruvananthapuram District. The Temple is located in Marthandam to Thengapattinam Road. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Painkulam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thengapattanam, 11 Kms from Marthandam, 5 Kms from Munchirai, 11 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 34 Kms from Nagercoil, 55 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kasi Vishwanathar Temple, Kesavanputhoor, Kanyakumari Kasi Vishwanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kesavanputhoor Village near Azhagiapandipuram in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Vishwanathar and Mother is called as Visalakshi. The Temple is famous for Lord Ganesha called as Padma Vinayagar. A beautiful temple pond is located adjacent to the Temple. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Kesavanputhoor, 700 meters from Azhagiapandipuram, 3 Kms from Derisanamcope, 6 Kms from Boothapandi, 18 Kms from Nagercoil, 24 Kms from Suchindram, 44 Kms from Kanyakumari and 83 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Keleshwaram Shiva Temple, Vellamcode, Kanyakumari Keleshwaram Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vellamcode in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Vellamcode, 6 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 6 Kms from Kulasekharam, 10 Kms from Marthandam, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 32 Kms from Nagercoil, 57 Kms from Kanyakumari and 48 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kattala Mahadevar Temple, Kumarapuram, Kanyakumari Kattala Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kumarapuram Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kumarapuram, 5 Kms from Manalikarai, 13 Kms from Kulasekharam, 17 Kms from Marthandam, 20 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 24 Kms from Nagercoil, 44 Kms from Kanyakumari and 70 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Ilampalamukku Mahadevar Temple, Kollemcode, Kanyakumari The Temple is located on Pazhaya Uchakkada Kanyakumari West Coast besides the Ilampalamukku Bus Stop. Road. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kollemcode, 16 Kms from Marthandam, 9 Kms from Munchirai, 28 Kms from Thuckalay, 12 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 15 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 42 Kms from Nagercoil, 63 Kms from Kanyakumari and 40 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Mahadevar Temple, Ilampalamukku, Kollemcode, Kanyakumari – 629 160 Phone: +91 4651 246 021 Email: [email protected]
Guganathaswamy Temple, Kanyakumari Guganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanyakumari Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. This is a 1000-year-old temple and is said to have been built by the King Rajaraja Chola. The architectural style of the Cholas is quiet apparent in this temple. There are 16 inscriptions found in this temple that dates back to 11th Century A.D. The Temple remains open from 06.00 to 11.15 A.M and 05.00 P.M to 08.45 P.M. Kanyakumari Town is well connected to major cities by road / rail / air across India. Kanyakumari is located at about 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 13 Kms from Suchindrum, 47 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 33 Kms from Thuckalay, 47 Kms from Marthandam, 100 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 245 Kms from Madurai. The Temple is located about 2 Kms from Kanyakumari State Transport Corporation Bus Stand, 200 meters from Kanyakumari Railway Station, 102 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport and 239 Kms from Madurai International Airport. The Temple is well connected from Bus Stand and Railway Station by means of Buses, Taxis and Autos. Official Address
Sambhasathashivan Temple, Chitharal, Kanyakumari Sambhasathashivan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chitharal Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Chitharal Village is famous for its Jain Monuments. The Temple is located in Chitharal Malai Kovil Road. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Chitharal Jain Monuments, 500 meters from Chitharal Junction Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Vellamcode, 8 Kms from Kulasekharam, 6 Kms from Marthandam, 8 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 16 Kms from Thuckalay, 30 Kms from Nagercoil, 50 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Raghaveswarar Temple, Derisanamcope, Kanyakumari It has its history related to Ramayana (The Epic of India). When Lord Ram had killed Thadagai (Demoness), he worshiped Lord Shiva at this place in order to get relief from the sin of killing a woman. Thus, the Lord Shiva here was consecrated by Lord Ram before he had worshipped at the more famous Rameswaram. So, this place is also called Adi Rameswaram and the Lord is known as Raghaveswarar. Derisanamcope is so called because Lord Ram had shot three arrows at the Thadaka which together had stitched up her body. Thus, Trisharam (Three arrows) Korpu (stich) has become today’s Derisanamcope. It is believed that Rajaraja Chola build this temple with the same structure of Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Raghaveswarar and Mother is called as Ulaga Nayaki Ammai. Lord Shiva and the Mother shrines are seen facing the east. In between the two is the shrine of Lord Subramanyar along with his consorts Valli and Deivayanai. Hence, the place is also referred to as Somaskanda Sthalam. The roof above the Lord is in the shape of Meru. The main shrine is at a height above the prakaram due to which devotees have to climb up a few stairs to reach it. Ulaga Nayaki Ammai is seen holding the flower Neelotpalam in her right hand. It is believed that this idol, about 5 feet high, was obtained in the Ganga river and brought here. Locals believe that by worshipping the Goddess here the devotees derive the benefit of worshipping the Goddess Ulaga Nayaki at Papanasam. On the right side of the shrine, stairs leading into a tunnel underground is visible. It is believed that this was created to hide temple properties etc. during times of enemy attacks. Shrine of Lord Vinayakar is in front of Lord Shiva. On the left side of the Lord Shiva, bronze idols of Aadalvallan, Sivagami, Chandrasekhara Murti, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman are seen. In a corner of the inner prakaram, Lord Dakshina Murti is seen. Shrine of Lord Chandeswara is also seen. The Holy tree of the temple is Vilvam. The shrine of Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar faces east. Worshipping here is believed to bestow prosperity and wealth on the devotees. A sculpture of Lord Ram killing Thadaka is seen inside the Mahamandapam on the west Prakaram. Inscriptions are seen in some stones which were written during the eighth and tenth years of the reign of the King Rajaraja Chola. In these inscriptions, the Lord is referred to as Cheeraghavan Iswaramudai Nayanar. In a pillar, the figure of Adi Shankaracharya is inscribed from which it is inferred that the saint had visited this temple. As at Rameswaram, there are two Theerthams (ponds) are located in the front and back of the temple. The pond in the front is called Theerthavari Kulam and the pond at the back is called Godavari Theertham. A small rivulet case Nanjil Nattu Gangai flows in front of the temple. Outside the temple, on the way to the rivulet, there is the Vadakku Vazh Selvi temple. The Goddess, Munnootru Nangai is worshipped as the guardian deity of this village. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 4 Kms from Boothapandi, 2 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 15 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 8 Kms from Thazhakudy, 15 Kms from Nagercoil, 16 Kms from Thovalai, 20 Kms from Suchindram, 34 Kms from Kanyakumari and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Kalimala Durgadevi Temple, Pathukani, Kanyakumari Kalimala Temple is a beautiful shrine situated on the Western Ghats, about 3000 ft above sea level, near the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border, in Tamil Nadu. It is positioned towards the eastern part of Kurisumala, on the same mountain. The word ‘Kalimala’ literally means ‘the mountain of Goddess Kali’. The temple is structurally very small but it houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Kali. A narrow path (about 6 km) connects the temple with the foot of the mountain. Kalimala has Kaali Theertham situated near to a place where Sage Agasthya is said to have done his holy Thapas. The Kaali Theertham which never gets dried up is considered sacred, on par with the Ganges. This water is used by thousands of women during the Pongal Mahotsavam. Hindu devotees go to a temple there mainly during Durgashtami that is September to October for offering prayers and “Ponkala”. It’s advisable to go there during off seasons (religious) so that one can enjoy the mist and fog. The place is situated at an altitude of 3,000 ft from the sea level. The temple is deserted one and only during Durgashtami, it gets crowded. Otherwise only limited devotees go there to offer prayer. The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Pathukani, 5 Kms from Vellarada, 5 Kms from Vellarada Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mancode, 22 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 13 Kms from Thirparappu, 22 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 22 Kms from Marthandam, 20 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 18 Kms from Parassala, 46 Kms from Nagercoil, 68 Kms from Kanyakumari and 44 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Parassala. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Saptha Mathargal Devi Temple, Aruvikarai, Thiruvattaru, Kanyakumari Saptha Mathargal Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Seven Virgins located at Aruvikarai in Thiruvattaru in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Marthandam, 10 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 10 Kms from Azhagiyamandapam, 6 Kms from Kulasekharam, 14 Kms from Thuckalay, 23 Kms from Colachel, 10 Kms from Thirparappu, 29 Kms from Nagercoil, 46 Kms from Kanyakumari, 16 Kms from Padmanabhapuram and 52 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located at about 1.2 Kms from Thiruvattar Bus Stand. This place can be reached by taking a bus from Thiruvananthapuram to Nagercoil and alighting at Marthandam and then travelling another 9 km by taking another bus or from Azhakiyamandapam take a bus to Thiruvattar. Bus No. 89 to Thiruvattaru from Marthandam about 6 Kms (on the way to Kulasekaram). Temple is about 10 minute’s walk from the bus stop. Thiruvattaru is situated about 6 miles from Thoduvetti, Kerala which can be reached by bus in the Thiruvananthapuram Nagercoil route. After getting down in Thoduvetti, catch another bus to reach this Temple. Take bus from Nagercoil to Marthandam on the Trivandrum Highway (will take about 45minutes). Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai (Marthandam) – Ananthapuri Express stops here. Kuzhithurai Railway Station is located at about 8 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport, located at about 57 Kms from the Temple. Official Address
Ujjain Maha Kali Amman Temple, Theroor, Kanyakumari Ujjain Maha Kali Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Theroor Village near Suchindram in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.3 Kms from Theroor, 5 Kms from Suchindram, 8 Kms from Vadiveeswaram, 10 Kms from Nagercoil, 18 Kms from Kanyakumari and 82 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Valikoli Amman Temple, Parakkai, Kanyakumari The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Mathusoothana Perumal Temple, 4 Kms from Suchindram, 4 Kms from Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, 9 Kms from Nagercoil, 15 Kms from Kanyakumari and 93 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Chakala Perumal Temple, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari Chakala Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Thuckalay, 2 Kms from Thuckalay Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 200 meters from Padmanabhapuram Palace, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 13 Kms from Nagercoil, 40 Kms from Kanyakumari and 59 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Maha Vishnu Temple, Chathencode, Kanyakumari Maha Vishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Chathencode in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 5 Kms from Munchirai, 11 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 11 Kms from Marthandam, 26 Kms from Thuckalay, 37 Kms from Nagercoil, 9 Kms from Parassala, 60 Kms from Kanyakumari and 44 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Parassala & Kuzhithurai. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Chirakkara Mahavishnu Temple, Malaicode, Kanyakumari Chirakkara Mahavishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Malamari in Malaicode in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located on Malaicode to Manjalumoodu Road. The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Malaicode, 1.6 Kms from Manjalumoodu, 10 Kms from Thirparappu, 12 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 4 Kms from Anducode, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 12 Kms from Marthandam, 38 Kms from Nagercoil, 59 Kms from Kanyakumari and 43 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Dwaraka Krishnan Temple, Suchindrum, Kanyakumari Dwaraka Krishnan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Suchindram Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Nagercoil, 14 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Kottaram, 16 Kms from Boothapandi, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 19 Kms from Eraniel, 29 Kms from Colachel, 18 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 14 Kms from Thovalai, 87 Kms from Tirunelveli and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Suchindram Bus Stop. Suchindram is well connected to Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli, Thiruvananthapuram and other nearby places by Bus. Nagercoil Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station, located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at about 80 Kms from the Temple. Official Address
Krishnaswamy Temple, Thavittavilai, Kanyakumari Krishnaswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Thavittavilai in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Killiyoor, 23 Kms from Thirparappu, 15 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 14 Kms from Anducode, 9 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 8 Kms from Marthandam, 30 Kms from Nagercoil, 53 Kms from Kanyakumari and 48 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Meenachal Krishna Swamy Temple, Padanthalumoodu, Kanyakumari Meenachal Krishna Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Padanthalumoodu in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 5 Kms from Vilavancode, 18 Kms from Thirparappu, 13 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 9 Kms from Anducode, 4 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 7 Kms from Marthandam, 33 Kms from Nagercoil, 63 Kms from Kanyakumari and 40 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Mathusoothana Perumal Temple, Parakkai, Kanyakumari Pakshirajapuram: According to a legend, a sculptor who was an ardent devotee of the Lord etched an image of Garuda in wood while in Kanchipuram and as the bird was made according to Shilpa Shastras, it came to life and flew Southwards. After arriving at the Parakkai village, Garuda, it is said, had a dip in the tank in front of the temple and exclaimed “kandaen kulam”, with joy. Immediately after, he hovered around the deity as though he was making a Pradikshina and began to fly away. An artisan, who was renovating a pillar at the temple, saw the bird and hurled a chisel at it. The bird fell down crying `Madhusudhana’, much to the shock and disbelief of the man. As a result, its right wing suffered a wound. A stone image was later carved at the spot where he fell. The village came to be known as Pakshirajapuram as per this legend. Other Names: Parakkai is also known as Pakshirajapuram, Kezharmangalam and Paravaikasur. Madhusudhana Perumal: It is also said Lord Vishnu came to be known as Madhusudhana after he slew the demons Madhu and Kaidapan. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Suchindram, 4 Kms from Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, 9 Kms from Nagercoil, 15 Kms from Kanyakumari and 93 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagercoil and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Perumal Swamy Temple, Kannankulam, Kanyakumari The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Vattakottai Fort, 3.5 Kms from Anjugramam, 3 Kms from Anjugramam Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Kanyakumari and 110 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanyakumari and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Sivananintha Perumal Temple, North Kundal, Kanyakumari Sivananintha Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at North Kundal in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kanyakumari, 2 Kms from Kanyakumari Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station and 102 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport. Official Address
Thiruvenkada Vinnaperumal Temple, Ashramam, Kanyakumari Thiruvenkada Vinnaperumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Ashramam near Suchindram in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Nagercoil, 14 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Kottaram, 16 Kms from Boothapandi, 21 Kms from Thuckalay, 19 Kms from Eraniel, 29 Kms from Colachel, 18 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 14 Kms from Thovalai, 87 Kms from Tirunelveli and 80 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Suchindram Bus Stop. Suchindram is well connected to Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli, Thiruvananthapuram and other nearby places by Bus. Nagercoil Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station, located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at about 80 Kms from the Temple. Official Address
Tiru Vikramar Temple, Vellamcode, Kanyakumari Tiru Vikramar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Vellamcode in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at 7 Kms from Thirparappu, 6 Kms from Kulasekharam, 6 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 9 Kms from Marthandam, 32 Kms from Nagercoil, 10 Kms from Thirunanthikarai, 57 Kms from Kanyakumari and 48 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Parthasarathy Temple, Parthivapuram, Kanyakumari The temple is open from 05:00 am to 10:00 am and from 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm. The festival of Thiru Onam which falls in the Malayalam month of Chingom (August/September) is the most important festival of this temple. The annual festival of ten days duration is in Chingom from Atham to Tiruvonam asterism. Other than this, the auspicious occasion of Ekadasi which falls every month, is considered special here, just like any other Vishnu temple. Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali and Chithira Vishu are the other major festivals celebrated in this temple. Parthivapuram Parthasarathy Temple is located on the western side of Marthandam – Thengapattanam highway. The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Kollemcode, 2 Kms from Munchirai, 9 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 9 Kms from Marthandam, 8 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 33 Kms from Nagercoil, 55 Kms from Kanyakumari and 46 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Maathoorkonam Mahadevar Temple, Muzhucode, Kanyakumari The Temple is located at about 1.5 Km from Arumanai, 7 Kms from Thirparappu, 9 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 9 Kms from Marthandam, 11 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 22 Kms from Thuckalay, 34 Kms from Nagercoil, 60 Kms from Kanyakumari and 47 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Malayadi Mala Mahadevar Temple, Malayadi, Kanyakumari The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Vilavancode, 3 Kms from Kaliyakkavilai, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 10 Kms from Marthandam, 4 Kms from Parassala, 36 Kms from Nagercoil, 65 Kms from Kanyakumari and 38 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Parassala & Kuzhithurai. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Sudalai Maada Samy Temple, North Sarel, Kanyakumari Sudalai Maada Samy Temple is located in North Sarel Village in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. North Sarel is located at about 6 Kms from Eraniel, 10 Kms from Nagercoil, 30 Kms from Kanyakumari and 72 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Dharmasastha Temple, Kaithapuram, Manalikarai, Kanyakumari The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Manalikarai Bus Station. Manalikarai is located at about 13 Kms from Marthandam, 10 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 10 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 12 Kms from Eraniel, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 9 Kms from Thuckalay, 18 Kms from Colachel, 42 Kms from Kanyakumari, 27 Kms from Boothapandi, 16 Kms from Thirparappu and 58 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Vana Sastha & Vana Durga Temple, Ithiyapuram Kaavu, Kanyakumari Long time ago, Travancore King Marthanda Varma ran via this place to save his life and after becoming the King he handed over a copper record of legal documents as a gift to this temple and was said by the people during his period. There was no one to maintain this temple for a long period and was lying dilapidated. In the reason past this temple was well maintained because of the action taken by the local public and regular worships are taking place. It is believed that Goddess Vana Durga came all the way from the dense jungle of Pechiparai and in protection to her God Vana Sastha and Snakes troops came here to this place. During every Pournami days we could have a Dharshan of Nagar without fail. Main Deities of this Temple are Vana Sastha and Vana Durga. Other Deities available in this temple are Bala Ganapati, Nagaraja, Naga Yakshi, Naga Kanni, Krishna, Eeshvarakala Boothathan. Vana Sastha, Vana Durga and Bala Ganapathy are self-manifested in this temple. Here, in this shrine, Goddess Vana Durga is in the state of Penance, and God Bala Ganapathy is regaining his original form on his own day by day. There are Golden colored snakes, white colored snakes and Cobras are in the forest which is in the back side of this temple and many have witnessed it long time ago. The gigantic trees which are surrounding the temple is a vital sign for this temple’s eon. And no one is permitted to go into the forest area which is behind the temple. During Panguni Uthram, a festival of five days is grandly celebrated in this temple. In the month of Karthigai Mandala Pooja of 41 days, Pournami Pooja, Aayilya Pooja are also taking place. During every evenings Sandhya Pooja is taking place as a Nithya Pooja. This Temple is situated in the National Highway NH-47 which runs from Kanyakumari to Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is situated Swamiyar Madam – Verkilambi Road, near the Kovikal Bridge. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Swamiyarmadam, 2.5 Kms from Verkilambi, 6 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 11 Kms from Kulasekharam, 15 Kms from Thirparappu, 7 Kms from Marthandam, 11 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 10 Kms from Thuckalay, 16 Kms from Colachel, 11 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 13 Kms from Eraniel, 22 Kms from Nagercoil, 28 Kms from Boothapandi, 42 Kms from Kanyakumari and 52 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Eraniel. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Dharma Sastha Temple, Chemmuthal, Kanyakumari Panguni Uttara Mahotsavam and Pongal Festivals are the other festivals here with much fanfare. The festival will start during the Tamil month of Panguni by village peoples. Pongal festival is conducted in Tamil month of Thai. It is a two-day festival organised by Vivekananda Youth Club. In addition to Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, there are 7 Hindu temples and 3 Christian churches near Chemmuthal. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Killiyoor, 13 Kms from Vilavancode, 5 Kms from Marthandam, 9 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 4 Kms from Nattalam, 16 Kms from Kollamkode, 8 Kms from Munchirai, 10 Kms from Thiruvithamcode, 13 Kms from Colachel, 13 Kms from Thuckalay, 16 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 26 Kms from Nagercoil, 46 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Nattalam and Kuzhithurai. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Dharmasastha Temple, Choozhal, Kanyakumari Dharmasastha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan located at Choozhal Village located at Kerala Border in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. Though the temple is in Tamil Nadu, it follows typical South Kerala rituals and it is managed and owned by Kalpazhamadom Choozhal. The other deities worshiped in the temple are Ganapathy and Nagaraja. It is open during the Mandalakalam, Makaravilakku Pooja, all saturdays, every Uthram Nakshatram day (Pakkanal of Ayyappan), Aayilyam and the other important dates as per the Hindu Calendar. The Temple Puja timing is from 6 Pm to 8pm however in some occasions the puja used to perform in Morning also. The temple festival is in Makaravilakku which start on Makaravilakku day and continue for another 10 days. The festival starts with the Ponkala and followed by Special Pujas, Sapthaham. On the Last day of the Festival, the Idol of the God Dharmasastha is taken out on a procession around the village in elephant followed by Arati. During the visit, devotees of the Village used to worship the God with Thattapuja. The procession accompanied by Tharappoli and some cultural programmes. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Kollamkode, 6 Kms from Parassala, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 15 Kms from Marthandam, 10 Kms from Vilavancode, 20 Kms from Chitharal, 28 Kms from Thuckalay, 40 Kms from Nagercoil, 60 Kms from Kanyakumari and 40 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is located 1 Km from Choozhal Bus Stop in Parassala – Poovar / Kollemcode Road. Nearest Railway Station is located at Parassala and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Nageswarar Temple, Ambur, Vellore The Temple remains open from 6.30 AM to 12 Noon and 5.30 PM to 9.00 PM. Ambur is located at about 52 Kms from Vellore, 28 Kms from Gudiyattam, 18 Kms from Vaniyambadi, 38 Kms from Tirupattur, 44 Kms from Yelagiri, 30 Kms from Pallikonda and 188 Kms from Chennai. Nageswarar Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Ambur Bus Stand, 1.2 Kms from Ambur Railway Station and 177 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Periya Anjaneyar Temple, Ambur, Vellore The Temple remains open from 6.30 A.M to 11.00 A.M in the mornings and 4.30 P.M to 8.00 P.M in the evenings. Hanumantha Jayanti is the special festival, which is performed in a great manner in this temple and also all the Saturday’s are said to be special day to visit this place. Devotees who are much affected by Shani Bhagavan can visit this temple to minimize the ill effects, Marriage, Obstacles in any form and all sincere devotee prayers are answered. If the coconut that is placed for pooja in this temple is taken home and worshipped, it is believed to fulfill one’s wishes. Devotees who are much affected by Shani can visit this place and lit the Deepam and can do Apprathakshanam (round in anti-clockwise direction) for 9 times This will minimize the effect of Shani on us. And lots of Devotees have found a positive result by visiting this Temple. The Sthala Puranam (history of the temple) is very interesting. While fighting the demon Ravana to take back the abducted Sita, Lakshmana, brother of Rama is injured in the battle hurt by a missile from Ravana’s son. Jambavan, the bear Advisor, says that he can be rescued by an herb called Sanjeevini. Hanuman is sent back to India to bring the herb. Hanuman sets out to the Himalayas, finds the hill where the herb grows but cannot recognize it. He uproots the entire mountains and returns. Meanwhile, Sukracharya, Ravana’s Guru and the preceptor for all Rakshasas (demons) says that he needs to be stopped from returning. Ravana, sends Saturn one of the nine enslaved planets who form the nine steps to his throne to stop Hanuman. Sani (Saturn) accosts Hanuman. Hanuman asks Sani the reason for stopping him from returning. Sani says that he is now under the rule of Ravana and has come to stop Hanuman from proceeding to Sri Lanka. Hanuman places the entire mountain on Sani who is unable to bear the weight. Sani surrenders. Hanuman then lifts the mountain and crushes Sani under his foot. Sani requests for forgiveness. Hanuman does so under the conditions that Sani is not to impede anyone’s path who chants Rama’s name. Hanuman then returns to Sri Lanka with herb and rest of the story is known. The temple idol of Hanuman here is in the posture of crushing Sani Bhagwan under his foot. This is the history that is told about this temple and a huge sanctum of Hanuman, about 11 feet height with Shani being stamped under his leg. Ambur is located at about 52 Kms from Vellore, 28 Kms from Gudiyattam, 18 Kms from Vaniyambadi, 38 Kms from Tirupattur, 44 Kms from Yelagiri, 30 Kms from Pallikonda and 188 Kms from Chennai. Periya Anjaneyar Temple is located at about 1.4 Kms from Ambur Bus Stand, 1 Km from Ambur Railway Station and 177 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Getting down from the Ambur railway station, this temple can be reached by Auto easily. Periya Anjaneyar Temple, Ambur, Vaniyambadi Taluk, Vellore District Phone: +91 4174 243989 Mobile: +91 9443390140 / 9443966433 Email: [email protected] Email: i[email protected] Email: [email protected]
Athitheeswarar Temple, Vaniyambadi, Vellore Athitheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vaniyambadi Town in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at Old Vaniyambadi. The shrine is believed to be more than 1000 years old. This is the special parihara Sthalam for people born on “Punarvasu” star. The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, Mahasivarathri in February-March, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are grandly celebrated in the temple. The temple is associated with Punarpoosam Nakshatra born people. Those people born in Punarpoosam star having trouble in horoscope will get relief after doing pujas here. Punarpoosam Star people are advised to visit this temple during their star day and are suggested to do flower pooja to the God, in order to get rid of their adverse planetary effect. Vaniyambadi: The legend goes that Lord Brahma once cursed mother Saraswathi to lose her sense of speech. Saraswathi came to Earth and reached Sringeri and began to meditate. Lord Brahma went in search of her and finally found her in Sringeri, convinced her and took her back to Heaven. While going back they reached this temple on the Northern belt of River Palar, stayed and worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva pleased on her worship and gave back her speech. On getting back the speech mother Saraswathi sang here. Hence this place was called as Vaniyambadi. Athitheeswarar: The other Legend is Saint Kashyap’s wife Athithi worshipped Lord Shiva here on every Punarpoosam day and got a boon. Hence Lord Shiva here, being called in her name as Athitheeswarar. This temple is also Parihara Temple for person born in Punarpoosam star. The shrine is located on the Vellore – Ambur – Krishnagiri Road. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Vaniyambadi Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Vaniyambadi Railway Station, 5 Kms from Vaniyambadi, 300 meters from Old Vaniyambadi, 20 Kms from Jolarpettai, 23 Kms from Tirupattur, 21 Kms from Ambur, 10 Kms from Vadachery, 47 Kms from Gudiyattam, 70 Kms from Vellore and 206 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Vaniyambadi and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Athitheeswarar Temple, Vaniyambadi (Old Vaniyambadi), Vellore District – 635 751 Phone: +91 4174 226 652 Mobile: +91 99941 07395 / 93600 55022
Azhagu Perumal Temple, Vaniyambadi, Vellore The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Vaniyambadi Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Vaniyambadi Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Vaniyambadi, 1 Km from Old Vaniyambadi, 19 Kms from Jolarpettai, 22 Kms from Tirupattur, 20 Kms from Ambur, 10 Kms from Vadachery, 46 Kms from Gudiyattam, 69 Kms from Vellore and 205 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Vaniyambadi and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
Bindhu Madhava Perumal Temple, Thuthipattu, Vellore Annual Chithirai Brahmotsavam, Purattasi Utsavams, Navarathri and Margazhi Utsavams are celebrated with religious fervor and piety. All Naga Dosha and Angaraka Dosha are completely washed out if one who does Pradikshina for 7 times around the temple daily during early hours and Lit Ghee Deepas for 21 Days. There are 5 (Five) Madhava temples in India; 1) Bindu Madhava is one among them in Thuthipattu near Ambur in Tamilnadu and another similar Madhava Temple is in Varanasi. 2) Veni Madhava at Prayag or Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh in North India. 3) Kunti Madhava at Pitapuram near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. 4) Sethu Madhava at Rameshwaram in Tamilnadu. 5) Sundara Madhava at Thiruanantapuram or Trivandrum in Kerala The mythological story related to this Pancha Madhava Kshetras goes like this. Twashta was one of the Prajapatis created by Lord Brahma. He had one son named Vishwarupa. Vishwarupa was very noble. He once started doing great tapas. Indra became afraid that Vishwarupa might take his kingdom so resorted to all kind of tricks to destroy and disturb his tapasya but all in vain. Then Indra chopped Vishwarupa’s head with his Vajrayudha. Indra also lured Taksha to help him in chopping heads of Vishwarupa. Vishwarupa is said to have three heads. On hearing the sad end of his beloved son Twashta got enraged and started Homa to create a massive Asura from his krodhagni. Twashta named him viratasura and ordered him to defeat Indra to avenge the death of his elder brother. Viratasura defeated Indra. Later, the treacherous Indra befriended him and killed him. Thus, Indra acquired the sin of Brahmahatti, which is considered to be worst kind of sin. To absolve himself of this great sin Indra consecrated these Pancha Madhava Temples. So, it is believed that a pilgrimage to these Pancha Madhava Kshetras has a power to absolve one off all one’s sins. This temple is located on the main road 2 Kms before Ambur on the Gudiyattam-Ambur Road. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Ambur, 4 Kms from Ambur Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Ambur Railway Station, 17 Kms from Vaniyambadi, 55 Kms from Vellore and 190 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambur and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
Bala Murugan Temple, Rathnagiri, Vellore Balamurugan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Rathnagiri Village atop Thirumanikundram Hill in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be built around the 14th century. It is situated on top of a hill. There are 130 steps to the hillock top. Ancient Hindu scriptures say where there is a hill, there is Lord Murugan. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine. Ratnagiri is a small village near Vellore on the way from Chennai to Bangalore in South India. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung Thiruppugazh on this temple. Of these Tiruchendur, Tiruparankundram, Tiruvavinankudi, Tiruveragam and Palamuthircholai are famous shrines, collectively called ‘Kundruthoradal’. The holy shrine at Rathinagiri also features in this category. Skanda Shashti is the most important and auspicious festival of the temple when thousands of people gather. In the month of July-August, Aadi Kruthikai is also celebrated with great joy. During the festivals, the idols of Lord Muruga and his wives are decorated with gold and silver. The idols are then taken for a procession on a Golden chariot around the temple. As the Lord is a Bala – child, Surasamharam does not take place during the Skanda Sashti festival. Tamil New Year Day; Aadi Velli (auspicious Friday in the month of August or September); Navaratri (Nine Nights of the Goddess Festival); Panguni Uttiram; January 1st; The anniversary of Swamiji’s enlightenment 20th March are the other festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. Ratnagiri Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Arappakkam, 3 Kms from Ratnagiri Kilminnal, 10 Kms from Arcot, 7 Kms from Thiruvalam, 4 Kms from Melvisharam, 13 Kms from Ranipet, 15 Kms from Vellore, 18 Kms from Katpadi, 20 Kms from Timiri and 124 Kms from Chennai. Ratnagiri Temple is situated right on the Chennai-Bangalore highway just before Vellore when you travel from Chennai. It is very difficult to miss it from the highway as the temple is on top of a small hillock. You have the option of parking your vehicle and climb the Hill (100-150 steps) or taking your vehicle (provided it is a small car or less) to the top or taking an Auto (Fixed price) to the top. If you decide to climb, it will hardly take 10 minutes and the whole pathway is covered. TTDC runs a package tour from Chennai every Saturday and Sunday to Sripuram Golden Temple and Ratnagiri Murugan Temple. AC Bus costs about Rs.600 for this one day trip. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Vellore, Katpadi and Ranipet. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Balamurugan Temple, Rathnagiri. Keel Minnal, Walajah Taluk, Vellore District – 632 517 Phone: +91 4172 266 350 / 266 330 Mobile: +91 94436 25887
Kandhaswamy Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Manavur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Pazhayanur, 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thakkolam, 23 Kms from Arakkonam, 67 Kms from Chennai and 59 Kms from Chennai Airport. T2 Bus is available from Thiruvallur to Thiruvalangadu via Manavur (Daily two trips only). Manavur Railway Station is very near to the village on the Chennai to Arakkonam route and it is 4 stations away from Thiruvallur enroute Arakkonam-Central. Official Address
Karkadeswarar Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Manavur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Pazhayanur, 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thakkolam, 23 Kms from Arakkonam, 67 Kms from Chennai and 59 Kms from Chennai Airport. T2 Bus is available from Thiruvallur to Thiruvalangadu via Manavur (Daily two trips only). Manavur Railway Station is very near to the village on the Chennai to Arakkonam route and it is 4 stations away from Thiruvallur enroute Arakkonam-Central. Karkadeswarar Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur District – 631 210 Mobile: +91 80122 47358 / 80987 95873
Sakthi Ganapathy Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Manavur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Pazhayanur, 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thakkolam, 23 Kms from Arakkonam, 67 Kms from Chennai and 59 Kms from Chennai Airport. T2 Bus is available from Thiruvallur to Thiruvalangadu via Manavur (Daily two trips only). Manavur Railway Station is very near to the village on the Chennai to Arakkonam route and it is 4 stations away from Thiruvallur enroute Arakkonam-Central. Official Address
Thirunandheeswarar Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Margazhi Thiruvizha in the months of Dec and Jan and 11 days Vaikasi Visakam Utsavam are the festivals celebrated here. Worshipping Lord Vinayaga of this Sthala helps cure aliments related to stomach. Those who have huge debts, worship goddess Ananthavalli for six weeks by lighting a deepam with lemon shell, will get their debts cleared. Since Sage Agastya got to witness the wedding of Lord Shiva, worshipping the deities of the temple removes obstacles to marriages. This is a parihara Sthalam for delay in marriage. Lord Brihaspathi (Guru) present in the outer sannidhi, when worshipped every Thursday by lighting a ghee deepam, facilitates timely marriage, when there are marriage obstacles. It is a general practice in villages that the panchayat decisions or people’s issues will be addressed amidst large village gathering. Before such important decisions/verdicts are to be made, people promise in front of lord Poi Solla Pillaiyar and then decide. Inscriptions found in Koovam and Thakkolam temples talk about the glory of this temple. Manavur, dates back to the 7th century AD when the Kurumbas ruled the ancient Thondai Mandalam. They divided it into 24 divisions of which Manavur happened to be the 4th division. True to its legacy, this small village boasts of several inscriptions and sculptures found in the sanctum sanctorum of the 1200-year old Thirunandeeswarar, Kandaswamy and Vinayagar temples. Of the three, the villagers have embarked on a mission to renovate the Thirunandeeswarar temple, which is in a dilapidated state. Thirunandheeswarar & Nandhi Theertham: Nandhi Bhagavan, initiated a sacred water source, which is now serving as the temple tank, took holy dip in the beautiful temple pond, worshipped lord Shiva and got his curse relieved. Hence the temple tank has the name Nandi Theertham and the Lord is called Thirunandeeswarar. It is also believed that Ganga Devi who captivated in Lord Shiva’s Head, is the source of water flow to this temple tank. Manavur: Lord Shiva after his celestial dance performance in Thiruvalangadu, which Karaikal Ammaiyar witnessed, came to Manavur and gave darshan to sage Agasthiar with his consort Ananthavalli. There is a famous saying “ஆடியது ஆலங்காட்டில், அமர்ந்தது திருவூறலில், மணந்தது மணவூரில்”. Which means, Lord Shiva danced in Thiruvalangadu, rested in Thiruvooral (now known as Thakkolam) and married Parvathi at Manavur. Hence the village got the name Manavur. Temple Door: It is also being said that when this temple was well maintained, the doors of this temple, when closed, the bell sound will be heard in Chidambaram, only after which the Chidambaram temple will be closed. Also, during mogul invasion, the villagers, in a measure to save such beautiful doors, seem to have hid these doors, by throwing it in the village pond. Construction of Rajagopuram: There was story for the construction of Rajagopuram. When they tried to construct the Rajagopuram and do the Kumbabishekam, faced lot of problems and work was moving in a snail space. After prasannam they came to know that the delay was due to neglect of Ganapathy temple in front of Rajagopuram. After Kumbabishekam was performed to Rajaganapathy, they could able to construct the Rajagopuram without any hurdle. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Manavur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Pazhayanur, 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thakkolam, 23 Kms from Arakkonam, 67 Kms from Chennai and 59 Kms from Chennai Airport. T2 Bus is available from Thiruvallur to Thiruvalangadu via Manavur (Daily two trips only). Manavur Railway Station is very near to the village on the Chennai to Arakkonam route and it is 4 stations away from Thiruvallur enroute Arakkonam-Central. Thirunandheeswarar Temple Manavur, Thiruvallur District – 631 210 Phone: +91 44 2461 1244 Mobile: +91 80122 47358 / 80987 95873 / 94449 17124 Mobile: +91 99404 44681 / 98841 26417
Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Manavur, Thiruvallur he temples in Manavur has been built with perfect alignment as mentioned in the Aagama Sastras (Karshanathi, Prathishtandham, Prathishtandhi, Uthsavandham and Uthsavandhi). Karkadeswarar Temple is built in Easanya, Vijayaraghava Perumal temple in Nirudhi moola, Sakthi Ganapathi temple facing north and Kandasamy temple facing east have been consecrated. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Manavur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Pazhayanur, 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thakkolam, 23 Kms from Arakkonam, 67 Kms from Chennai and 59 Kms from Chennai Airport. T2 Bus is available from Thiruvallur to Thiruvalangadu via Manavur (Daily two trips only). Manavur Railway Station is very near to the village on the Chennai to Arakkonam route and it is 4 stations away from Thiruvallur enroute Arakkonam-Central. Official Address
Rajarajeswaramudaiya Mahadevar Temple, Sivapuram, Thiruvallur The temple remains open from 07.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 03.00 PM to 07.00 PM. Monthly Pradoshams and Maha Shivaratri are the festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Sivapuram Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Perambakkam, 8 Kms from Koovam, 9 Kms from Thakkolam, 12 Kms from Manavur Railway Station, 22 Kms from Arakkonam, 20 Kms from Thiruvallur, 30 Kms from Kanchipuram, 56 Kms from Chennai Airport and 57 Kms from Chennai. Rajarajeswaramudaiya Mahadevar Temple, Sivapuram, Thiruvallur District – 631 210 Mobile: +91 9965886184
Agastheeswarar Temple, Solipalayam, Thiruvallur Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Solipalayam Village near Cholavaram in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Solipalayam Bus Stop, 500 meters from Cholavaram, 8 Kms from Redhills, 13 Kms from Minjur, 14 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 42 Kms from Thiruvallur, 24 Kms from Chennai and 42 Kms from Chennai Airport. Bus No 57 E from Redhills to Orakkadu pass through Solipalayam and Bus No 57 G from Redhills to Vazhuthugaimedu pass through Solipalayam. Official Address
Ramalingeswarar Temple, Soolaimeni, Thiruvallur Ramalingeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Soolaimeni Village near Periyapalayam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Ramalingeswarar and Mother is called as Parvatha Vardhini. The Temple is situated on Chennai to Thiruppathy Road. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Chennankarani Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Periyapalayam, 11 Kms from Uthukottai, 35 Kms from Thiruvallur, 47 Kms from Chennai and 60 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Dharaneeshwarar Temple, Thandalam, Thiruvallur The Temple is situated on Chennai to Thiruppathy Road. The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Thandalam Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Periyapalayam, 14 Kms from Uthukottai, 37 Kms from Thiruvallur, 45 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. Bus No 562 from Ambattur Industrial Estate to Thandalam, Bus No 592 A from Redhills to Uthukottai and Bus No 593 from Broadway to Thandalam will take you to Thandalam Bus Stop. A 5-minute walk from the bus stop will take you to the Temple. Official Address
Hanuman Temple, Sitharkadu, Thiruvallur Hanuman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya located at Sitharkadu Village near Poonamallee, Chennai Suburb in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is found outside the temple complex and it faces the Raja gopuram of Sitharkadu Sundararaja Perumal Temple. The Temple is located at about 850 meters from Sitharkadu Bypass Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Vellavedu, 5 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 7 Kms from Thiruninravur, 9 Kms from Poonamallee, 9 Kms from Avadi, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 24 Kms from Thiruvallur, 30 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 29 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 27 Kms from Chennai Airport and 29 Kms from Chennai. While travelling from Chennai on the Chennai – Poonamallee Bypass. On the left-hand side, you will find a brewery and RRB Energy factory. On that signal, turn right. There is a Board which shows the direction towards Pattabiram before you turn right. Go down that not-so-good route for about 8 kms. You will come across a bridge being constructed and a board which says Sitharkadu. Take left there – you would be able to see the Rajagopuram from there itself. You could also go upto Thirumazhisai and turn right at Vellavedu and go down 4 kms to reach here. Sitharkadu can be reached via Poonamallee, Tirumazhisai and taking a turn to right while going from Chennai. Shared auto-rickshaws are available from the back side of the Poonamallee bus terminus. Buses are also available for Sitharkadu from the Poonamallee bus terminus but they are infrequent. Sitharkadu can also be reached from Vellavedu which is around 4 Kms from there. Before the Vellavedu bus stop, the right turn leads to Sitharkadu. However, there are no buses or shared-autorickshaws in this route as of now. attabiram is on the Chennai to Thiruvallur main road and also on the railway route. From Pattabiram at the end of the bridge on the south side Share autos are available up to National hi-way bridge. There are buses too upto Pattabiram from Koyambedu Bus Stand – M153 and from Poonamallee – M 54C which goes via Sithukadu. Nearest Suburban train station is Pattabiram from where one can take a share auto. Share autos are available up to bridge and from there can be reached through a small walk. Official Address
Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Sitharkadu, Thiruvallur Lord Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Brahma: In the olden days, this village was in the form of a forest with a lot of Sowgandhika flower plants. Hence, it was called as Sowgandhika Puram. Lord Brahma liked this beautiful forest much and started his penance towards Vishnu in this site. Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi gave darshan to Brahma. Brahma became excited and called them as Sundararaja and Sundaravalli as they appeared to him extremely beautiful. (The word ‘Sundara’ means beautiful). Etymology: It is believed that the village was originally called as Tirumandram or Harisaranalaya Nallur. Tirumandram has become Tirumanam nowadays. Tirumazhisai Alwar: It is believed to be the site where Tirumazhisai Alwar performed penance towards Lord Vishnu. Garudakkodi Siddhar: The sculpture of Garudakkodi Siddhar found in a pillar in the mandapam of Andal shrine. It is believed that this Siddha lived in this village and was a great devotee of Garuda. It is believed that a prayer to this Garudakkodi Siddhar will cure all eye related problems. There are instances of complete cure for even chronic diseases without operation/surgery. Siddhar Kaadu: Since the place featured Siddhas who prayed and performed penance, the town, which was once dense in vegetation, came to be called Siddhar Kaadu, which means forests of the Siddhas. Later, the name became Chithukadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Sitharkadu Bypass Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Vellavedu, 5 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 7 Kms from Thiruninravur, 9 Kms from Poonamallee, 9 Kms from Avadi, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 24 Kms from Thiruvallur, 30 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 29 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 27 Kms from Chennai Airport and 29 Kms from Chennai. While travelling from Chennai on the Chennai – Poonamallee Bypass. On the left-hand side, you will find a brewery and RRB Energy factory. On that signal, turn right. There is a Board which shows the direction towards Pattabiram before you turn right. Go down that not-so-good route for about 8 kms. You will come across a bridge being constructed and a board which says Sitharkadu. Take left there – you would be able to see the Rajagopuram from there itself. You could also go upto Thirumazhisai and turn right at Vellavedu and go down 4 kms to reach here. Sitharkadu can be reached via Poonamallee, Tirumazhisai and taking a turn to right while going from Chennai. Shared auto-rickshaws are available from the back side of the Poonamallee bus terminus. Buses are also available for Sitharkadu from the Poonamallee bus terminus but they are infrequent. Sitharkadu can also be reached from Vellavedu which is around 4 Kms from there. Before the Vellavedu bus stop, the right turn leads to Sitharkadu. However, there are no buses or shared-autorickshaws in this route as of now. Pattabiram is on the Chennai to Thiruvallur main road and also on the railway route. From Pattabiram at the end of the bridge on the south side Share autos are available up to National hi-way bridge. There are buses too upto Pattabiram from Koyambedu Bus Stand – M153 and from Poonamallee – M 54C which goes via Sithukadu. Nearest Suburban train station is Pattabiram from where one can take a share auto. Share autos are available up to bridge and from there can be reached through a small walk. Official Address
Dhatreeswarar Temple, Sitharkadu, Thiruvallur The temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Sri Panchamurthy procession on Chitra Poornima day in April-May, Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September, Shivarathri in February-March, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Aadi Kruthika in July-August, Thai Kruthika and Thai Poosam in January-February and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals of the temple. 10-day Margazhi festival is grandly celebrated. The wedding festival for Lord Nataraja and Mother Sivakami is celebrated on Margazhi Tiruvadhirai day. Chithirai Thiruvonam, Aani Uthiram, Margazhi Arudhra, Pradhosham and Aavani, Purattasi and Maasi Valarpirai Chathurthasi (day before the new moon day) totally 6 times a year Natarajar Abhishekam is done in this temple. Special abishekams are performed for Lord Muruga on Aadi and Thai Kruthika days and Panguni Uthiram day. The Manickavasagar Vizha is celebrated for 9 days. On the Karthigai Deepam day based on 27 stars, 27 Madakku (a large sized mud lamp) Deepa Aaradhana festival is celebrated. During the reign of the Pandyas the Gudhirai Chokkar Vizha was celebrated in a grand manner. Swati Starrers: The temple is known to be particularly relevant to those born in Swati Nakshatra, with many benefits such as long life and the removal of obstacles associated with impending weddings. The sacred word Swathi has in it the combined graceful powers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The letter ‘Va’ is in Namasivaya Mantra. It also contains the sacredness of the seed letters in the names of Vishnu – Sundararajar, Vasudeva and Trivikrama. Swathi starrers are advised to worship in the Chithukadu temple filled with the combined grace of Shiva and Vishnu. They are advised to offer curd rice Nivedhana with gooseberry pickle, tamarind rice and offer the same to the poor for a prosperous life. Those who have heart problems are encouraged to pray in the temple, lighting lamps with ghee and offering them to the Lord. Besides Swathi people generally worshipping for relief from adverse planetary effects, those facing obstacles in marriage proposals and those suffering from cardiac problems pray to Lord for solutions. Marriage Parihara Sthalam: Wedding worship is mainly followed in this temple. A king, while commencing the renovation of the temple, found the idol of Mother, named her Poonkuzhali and erected a shrine. Those facing obstacles in their marriage proposals, perform abishek to Lord with gooseberry powder, juice and seeds and milk to Lord and offer green vastras and bangles to Mother and light ghee lamps. Prayers for longevity: There are carvings of some Siddhas in the pillars ensuring longevity to devotees. Padukkai Jadamudi Siddha and Prana Deepika Siddhas are in the Nandhi shrine pillars. Offerings: Devotees perform abishek to Lord with gooseberry powder and juice and milk. They offer green vastras and bangles to Mother Poonkuzhali Thayar and light ghee lamps in her shrine. A number of garlands are offered. Devotees bring lot of flowers –in large quantities lotus, koovalam etc. Dhatreeswarar: The Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and Prana Deepika Siddhar while meditating in this region installed a Shiva lingam under an Amla Tree because of which he came to be known as Dhatreeswarar. Thirumanam: The Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and Prana Deepika Siddhar created a beautiful garden here which gave sweet smelling flowers for the worship of the Lord because of which this place came to be known as “Thirumanam” – Holy Fragrance. Poonkuzhali: It is believed that the idol of Goddess was found in a flower garden and hence she was named as Poonkuzhali. The word ‘Poo’ means flower in Tamil. The Sanskrit name of Poonkuzhali is Prasunakundalambikai. Siddhar Kaadu: Since the place featured Siddhas who prayed and performed penance, the town, which was once dense in vegetation, came to be called Siddhar Kaadu, which means forests of the Siddhas. Later, the name became Chithukadu. Siddhars association with this Temple: Prana Deepika Siddhar is said to protect people from life threatening ailments and several people with chronic ailments are said to have prayed to him and become better. The Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar can be seen with very long hair on which he is said to lie down in Yoga Nitra and move around saving people and protecting lives then and now. On every Pradhosham days 2 owls come to the temple. After the Utsavar is taken inside they fly away. These 2 owls are believed to be Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and Prana Deepika Siddhar. On Thiruvadirai Days a crow comes near the lamp and eats the ghee and fly away without disturbing anything. People believe that a Siddhar comes to worship in the form of a crow. To the left of the temple a snake appears now and then and comes around the temple but does not harm anyone. People believe that a Siddhar comes for worship in the form of a snake. Some villagers have felt Siddhars chanting Vedas on the right side of the temple. Adi Shankara visit to this Temple: Adi Shankara had visited the temple and worshipped the God and Goddess and his statue is also found inside the temple. Veera Bhadra, as a guardian to the Siddhars: Veerabadraswami is said to be in meditation here and serves as the guard for the siddhars and his idol is also worshipped with reverence. Lord Kubera worshipped Lord Shiva here: Lord Kubera worshipped at the sacred shrine situated at Sithukadu, the place of manifestation of abundance of wealth. He performed penance for thousands of years by standing on the toe of his right foot and worshiping with Nagalinga flowers to Dhatreeswarar. After performing Abhishekam with the essence of Emblic Myrobalan fruit, he worshipped Lord Maha Vishnu in Sundararaja Perumal Temple. Lord Kubera was granted the blessing to aid in the form of immense wealth to those worshipping with great devotion at this sacred shrine. Sowgandhika Puram: In the olden days, this village was in the form of a forest with a lot of Sowgandhika flower plants. Hence, it was called as Sowgandhika Puram. Etymology: It is believed that the village was originally called as Tirumandram or Harisaranalaya Nallur. Tirumandram has become Tirumanam nowadays. Marriage Parihara Sthalam: This temple is also famous for Wedding worship. It is strongly believed that by doing special Abishekam and pooja for the Goddess and the Lord would remove all the obstacles in the marriage. People who are seeking early marriage are advised to do Abishekam to Lord with Gooseberry Powder, juice and seeds, offer green vastras and Bangles to Goddess and light Ghee Lamps. The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Sitharkadu Bypass Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Vellavedu, 5 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 7 Kms from Thiruninravur, 9 Kms from Poonamallee, 9 Kms from Avadi, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 24 Kms from Thiruvallur, 30 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 29 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 27 Kms from Chennai Airport and 29 Kms from Chennai. While travelling from Chennai on the Chennai – Poonamallee Bypass. On the left-hand side, you will find a brewery and RRB Energy factory. On that signal, turn right. There is a Board which shows the direction towards Pattabiram before you turn right. Go down that not-so-good route for about 8 kms. You will come across a bridge being constructed and a board which says Sitharkadu. Take left there – you would be able to see the Rajagopuram from there itself. You could also go upto Thirumazhisai and turn right at Vellavedu and go down 4 kms to reach here. Sitharkadu can be reached via Poonamallee, Tirumazhisai and taking a turn to right while going from Chennai. Shared auto-rickshaws are available from the back side of the Poonamallee bus terminus. Buses are also available for Sitharkadu from the Poonamallee bus terminus but they are infrequent. Sitharkadu can also be reached from Vellavedu which is around 4 Kms from there. Before the Vellavedu bus stop, the right turn leads to Sitharkadu. However, there are no buses or shared-autorickshaws in this route as of now. Pattabiram is on the Chennai to Thiruvallur main road and also on the railway route. From Pattabiram at the end of the bridge on the south side Share autos are available up to National hi-way bridge. There are buses too upto Pattabiram from Koyambedu Bus Stand – M153 and from Poonamallee – M 54C which goes via Sithukadu. Nearest Suburban train station is Pattabiram from where one can take a share auto. Share autos are available up to bridge and from there can be reached through a small walk. Dhatreeswarar Temple South Mada Street, 1/144, Thirumanam Village, Via Pattabiram, Vayalanallur Post, Thiruvallur – 600072 Mobile: +91 93643 48700 / 93826 84485 / 9445603942 Mobile: +91 9444562335 / 9444793942
Theerthapaleeswarar Temple, Triplicane, Chennai The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Masi Theerthavari and Shivarathri in February-March and Aadippooram in July-August are the major festivals celebrated in this Temple. The temple has significance that when the seven deities of the Sapthasthana temples take bath in the sea during the Theerthavari festival in the Tamil month of Masi, this deity takes the first place. Devotees pray here for relief from various adverse planetary aspects affecting their wedding process, health and happy family life. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother. Theerthapaleeswarar: When the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati happened in the Himalayas, all the Devas went there to attend the function. To balance the earth from the south, Shiva asked Agastya to go towards the south direction. On his way to Podhigai hills, Agastya took rest under a Vanni tree in the site where this temple is located today. As per the advice from Lord Shiva, he took a dip in the ocean and also performed pooja to the Shiva Linga idol using the sea water. As the sea water was used for abhisheka by the sage, the Lord was named as Theerthapaleeswarar. In order to help the dwarf sage Agastya to perform poojas, the Shiva Linga Murti reduced his height. Agastya & Atri worshipped Lord Shiva here: The current structure of the temple might be around 500 years old. However, as per the legend, the temple was worshiped by the sages Agastya and Atri. Triplicane (Tiruvallikeni) is an important division in Chennai city. Triplicane is located at about 1.5 Kms from Marina Beach, 6 Kms from Nungambakkam, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 10 Kms from Anna Nagar and 8.5 Kms from Vadapalani. By Road: Town buses are available from every corner of the city to reach the temple comfortably. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Mount Road Government Hospital Bus Stop and 11 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. The temple is situated in a very congested area at Dr. Natesan Street near Lloyds Road in Triplicane. Lloyds Road is an important location in Chennai. You can reach Lloyds road easily either by public transport or on your own vehicle. From there, anyone can direct you to Natesan Street. By Train: The Temple is situated at about 3.5 Kms form the Chennai Central Railway Station, 3 Kms from Tiruvallikeni Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Chennai Egmore Railway Station. Nearest Metro Station is Nehru Park Metro Station located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. By Air: Chennai International Airport is located at about 18 Kms from this Temple. Theertha Paleeswarar Temple, Tiruvallikeni, Chennai Phone: +91 44 2844 4054 / 2844 5322
Vaaleeswarar Temple, Sitharkadu, Thiruvallur Vaaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sitharkadu Village near Poonamallee, Chennai Suburb in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. It is believed that Vanara King Vali worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Sitharkadu Bypass Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Vellavedu, 5 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 7 Kms from Thiruninravur, 9 Kms from Poonamallee, 9 Kms from Avadi, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 24 Kms from Thiruvallur, 30 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 29 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 27 Kms from Chennai Airport and 29 Kms from Chennai. While travelling from Chennai on the Chennai – Poonamallee Bypass. On the left-hand side, you will find a brewery and RRB Energy factory. On that signal, turn right. There is a Board which shows the direction towards Pattabiram before you turn right. Go down that not-so-good route for about 8 kms. You will come across a bridge being constructed and a board which says Sitharkadu. Take left there – you would be able to see the Rajagopuram from there itself. You could also go upto Thirumazhisai and turn right at Vellavedu and go down 4 kms to reach here. Sitharkadu can be reached via Poonamallee, Tirumazhisai and taking a turn to right while going from Chennai. Shared auto-rickshaws are available from the back side of the Poonamallee bus terminus. Buses are also available for Sitharkadu from the Poonamallee bus terminus but they are infrequent. Sitharkadu can also be reached from Vellavedu which is around 4 Kms from there. Before the Vellavedu bus stop, the right turn leads to Sitharkadu. However, there are no buses or shared-autorickshaws in this route as of now. Pattabiram is on the Chennai to Thiruvallur main road and also on the railway route. From Pattabiram at the end of the bridge on the south side Share autos are available up to National hi-way bridge. There are buses too upto Pattabiram from Koyambedu Bus Stand – M153 and from Poonamallee – M 54C which goes via Sithukadu. Nearest Suburban train station is Pattabiram from where one can take a share auto. Share autos are available up to bridge and from there can be reached through a small walk. Official Address
Kariamanicka Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Thiruvur, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Tirur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 2 Kms from Sevvapet Railway Station, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur, 8 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 40 Kms from Chennai and 39 Kms from Chennai Airport. Thiruvur is situated on the highway between Chennai to Thiruvallur. All the buses used to stop on the main road of Thiruvur. Official Address
Sringandeeswarar Temple, Thiruvur, Thiruvallur Sage Rishya Shringa, (also called as Kalaikottu Muni by Kambar in his Kamba Ramayana) the son of Sage Vibhandaka and Urvashi (There is another version which says that he was born out of a deer which had swallowed the semen of the sage released in water and hence had the face of a deer with horns) had mystical and magical powers. The place where he lived was blessed with abundant rainfall and fertility. Sage Vashista advised King Dasaratha to perform the Putra Kameshti Yagna, through Sage Rishya Shringa in order to be blessed with sons. On hearing this, the women of the assembly vowed to go and bring the Sage to Ayodhya. They met him at his hermitage and offered fruits and flowers and won his good will. After a few days, they invited him to go with them. As the sage moved from the hermitage, the rain God followed him, showering good rains and pleasant weather as he went along. King Romapada, of Anga, whose kingdom was suffering from drought and famine, met the Rishi as he passed through his province, and invited him to stay there. He offered his daughter Shanta, (originally born to King Dasaratha and Kausalya and adopted by King Romapada, and his wife Vershini, who was the elder sister of Kausalya) hand in marriage to the Saint. The saint accepted the invitation and stayed at Anga Desa (today’s Bihar and Jharkhand). On hearing this, King Dasaratha went and met King Romapada and requested his help to bring Sage Rishya Shringa to Ayodhya. The King agreed to help and with his humble request, Sage Rishya Shringa proceeded to Ayodhya with his wife Shanta and performed the Putra Kameshti Yagna for twelve months. At the end of Yagna, a demon appeared with the Pinda which was shared between the three queens of Dasaratha, Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumithra, resulting in the birth of Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrugna. Sage Rishya Shringa has installed Shiva Lingas in different parts of the country for rains and fertility. This is one such temple situated on the banks of the Cooum at Thiruvur. Since Lord Shiva was installed by Rishya Shringa, Lord Shiva is called as Sringandeeswarar. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Tirur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 2 Kms from Sevvapet Railway Station, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur, 8 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 40 Kms from Chennai and 39 Kms from Chennai Airport. Thiruvur is situated on the highway between Chennai to Thiruvallur. All the buses used to stop on the main road of Thiruvur. The Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 08.30 AM and 06.00 PM to 10.00 PM. Temple priest has to be informed in advance. Sringandeeswarar Temple Thiruvur, Thiruvallur District – 602 025 Phone: +91 44 2762 0157 Mobile: +91 99524 14369 / 93826 64946 / 99524 14369
Chidambareswarar Temple, Thottikalai, Thiruvallur Kalasathiyagar: Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva here to get Amirtha Kalasam. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Thiyagesa Peruman. Chidambareswarar: It is believed that Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance similar to the dance performed in Chidambaram. Hence, Lord Shiva is called as Chidambareswarar. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar / Thiyagesa Peruman and Mother is called as Shivakama Sundari / Shivakami. There is a shrine for Vinayaga called Sengazhuneer Vinayagar in the Temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple are Sivagangai Theertham and Nandhi Odai. Margazhi Thiruvathirai and Vasanthotsavam are the festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kilambakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Sevvapet Railway Station, 11 Kms from Thiruvallur, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 42 Kms from Chennai Airport and 40 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Kesava Perumal Temple, Thottikalai, Thiruvallur Kesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Thottikalai Village near Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kilambakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Sevvapet Railway Station, 11 Kms from Thiruvallur, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 42 Kms from Chennai Airport and 40 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple, Thottikalai, Thiruvallur Sengazhuneer Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located at Thottikalai Village near Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kilambakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Sevvapet Railway Station, 11 Kms from Thiruvallur, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 42 Kms from Chennai Airport and 40 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Theertheeswarar Temple, Thiruvallur The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. This ancient temple is moderate in size. The temple has its main entrance and tower facing the east direction. The temple has just one prakara. As usual, the flag staff, bali peetha and Nandi idol are located facing the sanctum sanctorum. Presiding Deity is called as Theertheeswarar. Sanctum is located to the left side. Mother is called as Tripurasundari. The highlight of the temple is that both the sanctum sanctorum of Theertheeswarar and the shrine of Goddess Tripura Sundari are located facing the east direction. The wall surrounding the sanctum sanctorum has the Koshta images of Ganesha, Dakshina Murti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga. Lord Chandikeswarar is in his usual position. There are shrines of Mal Vinai Theertha Lingam along with Vishnu, Palani Andavan, Subramanya with his two consorts, Navagraha, Aastana Vinayaka and Ayyappa in the Temple premises. The Idols of Surya, Bhadra, Bhairava and Ramalinga Adigalar are also found in this temple. Few Naga statues are found below the holy tree. The temple is managed through a permanent trustee Thiru Ravi Gurukkal and it was learned that this temple is not under the control of HRCE. Tiruvallur is situated on the highway linking Chennai and Tirupati. This Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Tiruvallur, 4 Kms from Thirupachur, 11 Kms from Poondi, 18 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 21 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 19 Kms from Pattabiram, 23 Kms from Avadi, 16 Kms from Thiruninravur, 36 Kms from Arakkonam, 40 Kms from Thiruthani, 102 Kms from Tirupati and 52 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located adjacent to the famous Veera Raghava Perumal Temple (Thiruevvul Divya Desam). By Road: The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Theradi Bus Stop and 850 meters from Tiruvallur Bus Stand. Tiruvallur is on the Chennai Tirupati highway. A diversion takes you to the temple. Share autos are the common mode of transport to the temple, although Public transport buses are also there connecting the bus stand and railway station. The temple is close to the bus stand. From Koyambedu CMBT the buses plying to Tirupati and Thiruthani pass through this town and bus services are also available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Arakkonam, Poonamallee, Avadi, Tambaram, Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Redhills, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Kanchipuram and Tiruvannamalai. By Train: The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Tiruvallur Railway Station. This Temple is located at Tiruvallur, a railhead on the (suburban) railroad between Chennai and Arakkonam. By Air: The Temple is located about 46 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Viswaroopa Panchamuga Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 12.30 P.M and from 04.00 PM to 09.30 P.M. Origin of Panchamukha Hanuman: The origin of Panchamukha Hanuman can be traced to a story in the Ramayana. During the war between Lord Ram and Ravana, Ravana took the help of Mahiravana who was the king of pathala. Lord Hanuman in order to protect Lord Ram and Lakshman formed a fortress with his tail. But Mahiravana took the form of Vibheeshana and took Lord Ram and Lakshman to pathala loka. Hanuman entered pathala loka in search of Rama and Lakshmana. He found out that to kill Mahiravana he had to extinguish 5 lamps at the same time. So, he took the Panchamukha form with Hanuman, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda and Varaha faces and extinguished the lamps. Mahiravana was killed immediately. Rudhra Vanam: The place of Pradhishtai was known as Rudhra Vanam in legendary times where great sages like Agasthya have done penance. The Ashram site at Periyakuppam has been chosen after Divine approval. A study of ancient scrolls showed that the site is legendary, as Anjaneya while carrying the Sanjeevi Mountain, stopped here to witness the Siva Puja being performed by Sage Agasthya. Tiruvallur is situated on the highway linking Chennai and Tirupati. This Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Tiruvallur, 4 Kms from Thirupachur, 11 Kms from Poondi, 18 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 21 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 19 Kms from Pattabiram, 23 Kms from Avadi, 16 Kms from Thiruninravur, 36 Kms from Arakkonam, 40 Kms from Thiruthani, 102 Kms from Tirupati and 52 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located adjacent to the famous Veera Raghava Perumal Temple (Thiruevvul Divya Desam). By Road: The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Thiruvallur Oil Mill Bus Stop and 5 Kms from Tiruvallur Bus Stand. Tiruvallur is on the Chennai Tirupati highway. A diversion takes you to the temple. Share autos are the common mode of transport to the temple, although Public transport buses are also there connecting the bus stand and railway station. The temple is close to the bus stand. From Koyambedu CMBT the buses plying to Tirupati and Thiruthani pass through this town and bus services are also available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Arakkonam, Poonamallee, Avadi, Tambaram, Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Redhills, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Kanchipuram and Tiruvannamalai. By Train: The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Tiruvallur Railway Station. This Temple is located at Tiruvallur, a railhead on the (suburban) railroad between Chennai and Arakkonam. By Air: The Temple is located about 46 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Aadhi Mariamman Temple, Inam Samayapuram, Trichy According to a legend, the current deity was initially at the famous Ranganatha Swamy temple in Srirangam. When one of that temple’s chief priests believed that the idol caused illness in him, he is said to have ordered for its removal from the temple. There was a common belief of the people from that in region that such local Gods possess immense powers and so must always be appeased by making appropriate offerings and sacrifices. Thus, the idol was moved out of the Srirangam town, and was later identified by some of the by passers, who is said to have built a temple for this deity called the Kannanur Mariamman temple. Sometime around the 17th century CE, the region surrounding Trichy is said to have been ruled by the Vijayanagar kings who used the area primarily as an army base. It is believed that the Vijayanagara ruler vowed to build a temple for his goddess if they get to win the war. And accordingly, they built this temple on tasting success. The actual history behind the temple’s origin remains unclear. The present temple structures were constructed during the early 18th century by King Vijayaraya Chakravarthy. The Goddess is believed to have been worshipped by locals even before the construction of this temple, but those details remain unauthenticated. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. The following are the list of poojas offered at the temple; Poochoridal (showering of flowers) in the month of Thai (January-February), Masi Thiruvizha in February-March, Vijayadasami in September-October are the festivals very devotionally celebrated in the temple. As a recalling of an earlier festival of S. Kannanore Mariamman invited to Kollidam-Cauvery River, a ritual of inviting Samayapuram Adhi Mariamman here on the first Sunday of Chithirai month (April-May) is being followed now also where the deity stays for a night and return back. Those awaiting marriages worship Nagakanni and tie the yellow thread submitted to the deity on the Neem tree here. The worship expedites marriage processes. Those seeking child boon tie a small wooden cradle on the tree. Devotees worship the Goddess on New Moon and Full Moon days and stay in the temple to get their ambitions realized. Devotees perform abishek to the Goddess on realizing their boons. Goddess Samayapurathal is believed to grant all the wishes of her devotees. After offering prayers to the goddess, many devotees volunteer to stay and serve the temple, as a thanks giving to the deity for curing them from small pox. People who are disabled and vision impaired, pray the divine Mother for getting relieved from their disabilities. People also offer prayers to the deity seeking good agricultural yields and business development. Devotees undertake to Tonsure their heads and offer Archanas and Abishek as a way of showing gratitude to the deity. Ear boring ritual is also done here. Devotees also perform the ritual of pulling the golden chariot, carrying fire pots, performing the angapradakshina (rolling over the temple precinct), etc. They also worship the goddess offering sugarcane cradles, alighting lamps made from flour and ghee during Thaipoosam, donating paddy, grains, sheep, cocks as their prayer commitment. They also arrange for ritual of Annadhaana which involves feeding the poor. Mavilakku is a sweet dish which is made from mixing jaggery, rice flour and ghee. This Mavilakku is offered to the goddess as an important offering. Raw salt is also offered to the deity by the natives. The Temple is located at about 1.5 kms North East of Samayapuram main Mariamman Temple, 2 Kms from Samayapuram New Bus Stand, 1 Km from Samayapuram Temple Old Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Manachanallur, 13 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 13 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 13 Kms from Pachur, 12 Kms from Srirangam, 10 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 17 Kms from Trichy. The temple lies just on the Trichy – Chennai highways, with frequently available state and town bus services and is well connected to Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Pichandar kovil (10 Kms) and Trichy (21 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (22 Kms). Official Address
Shankara Narayanan & Arthanareeswarar Temple, Thirunattalam, Kanyakumari The Temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM. There are morning and evening poojas in this temple. On Shivarathri day there will be four special Yama Poojas, in every two hours from 10 PM. After the fourth Yama pooja, by 4 AM, devotees will get Vibhuti and prasadam, which indicates their Shivarathri fast is over. Maha Shivarathri, Panguni Utsavam, Chithirai Pournami, Krishna Jayanthi and Pradosham, Shivalaya Ottam are the important festivals in this temple. On the day of Shivarathri, devotees of Lord Siva will finish their 24-hour marathon in Thirunattalam starting from Thirumalai. It is the 12th temple in this maratho The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Marthandam, 8 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 12 Kms from Thuckalay, 13 Kms from Colachel, 16 Kms from Eraniel, 12 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 17 Kms from Kulasekharam, 27 Kms from Nagercoil, 50 Kms from Kanyakumari, 15 Kms from Vilavancode and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses, autos, taxis are available from Marthandam to the temple. Buses and taxis also ply from Kulasekharam, Thuckalay, Nagercoil etc. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai (6 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram (50 Kms). Official Address
Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane, Chennai The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century by king Narasimha Varman I. The temple has icons of five forms of Vishnu: Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Ranganatha and Krishna. The temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows Thenkalai tradition. There are separate entrances for the Krishna and Narasimha temples. The gopuram (towers) and mandapas (pillars) are decorated with elaborate carvings, a standard feature of South Indian Temple Architecture. Swami Vivekananda, Maths genius Ramanujam, politician Sathyamurthy had worshipped Lord Parthasarathy. The Parthasarathy Swamy temple in Tiruvallikeni is the only Divya Desam among the 108 strictly within Chennai city limits. The other two Divya Desams close to Chennai are the Nithyakalyana Perumal temple in Thiruvidandai and the Ranganatha Swami temple in Thiruneermalai (both in Kanchipuram District). Steeped in mythologies and eulogized by the Azhwars in their sacred hymns in Tamil glorified as Divya Prabhandham the Parthasarathy temple at Tiruvallikeni or Triplicane, as the Britishers called it, happens to be the oldest temple in the city. The existence of the Tiruvallikeni village is seen in records dating back to the Pallava period and earlier. One of the distinguishing features of Parthasarathy Temple is that it has representations of four incarnations or avatars of Vishnu: Narasimha, Rama, Varaha and Krishna. It also has letters written to the deity by Swami Vivekananda from the USA as he wanted to share his achievements with someone about spreading the message of Hinduism in the World Parliament of Religions that was held in Chicago on September 11, 1893. He chose Parthasarathy. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. Lord Vishnu darshan to King Sumathi Rajan: Vishnu devotee, king Sumathirajan by name had a desire to have the darshan of Lord as the Sarathy of Arjuna in the Kurukshetra battle field. He prayed to God for the darshan which Lord obliged as controlling and managing the Rath of Partha-Arjuna. The king begged the Lord to stay in the place in the same form. Perumal appears only with his conch and not the discus. Lord absorbed the arrows shot by Bhishma aimed at Arjuna and thus sustained injuries. The scars are visible even now. Parthasarathy is the procession deity. As he grew prominent among the devotees, the temple came to be known as Parthasarathy temple. Parthasarathy: As per Mahabharata, Vishnu, in his avatar as Krishna was acting as charioteer for Arjuna, the Pandava prince during the war with Kauravas. Krishna did not take any weapons during the war. During the fight between Arjuna and Bhishma, Krishna was injured by the arrow from Bhishma. The mark in the image in the temple is believed to follow the legend. These scars are visible in Lord’s face even now. Based on this history, Perumal is praised as Parthasarathy – driver of Partha-Arjuna. The Ghee component in the Nivedhana is more to cure these wounds, it is said. No spices are used in the Nivedhanas to Lord. Praying to Lord Parthasarathy, people of unattractive complexion will understand the truth that beauty is not a constant one but may or will vanish one day due to age, illness or any other incidents in life. Mother Vedavalli married Lord Ranganatha here: In days of yore, Sage Brugu performed penance here to have Lord as his son-in-law. He found a female child in the Alli flower in the Pushkarini here. He took the child, named her Vedavalli. When she attained the marriageable age, Lord Ranganatha came to this place and married her. This wedding festival is celebrated in the temple on the 12th day-Dwadasi in full moon fortnight in the month of Masi-February-March. Vedavalli Thayar blesses the devotees from her own separate shrine. She does not come out in procession outside the temple but goes around the prakara only on Fridays and Uthiram star days. People worshipped Lord Vishnu here: Rukmini, Thondaiman, Sumathirajan, Arjuna, Bhrigu Maharishi, Markandeya, Madhuman Maharishi, Saptharoma, Saptha Rishis, Athrimaharishi, Jajalimaharishi, Aniruddha, Pradyumna & Balarama worshipped Lord Vishnu here. Ramanuja’s father conducted an yagna to get Ramanujar as his son: Ramanuja’s father Aasoori Kesavacharyar conducted an yagna here and got Ramanujar as his son. Sage Madhuman got darshan of Lord Rama here: Madhuman, son of a rishi called Sashivadan, heard of the story of Rama from Gargeya rishi, upon whose advice, he came to Brindaranya. Here he performed penance for a darshan of Rama. The Lord obliged appearing with Sita Devi and his brothers Bharata, Shatrugna and Lakshmana. Unlike the Ranganatha in Srirangam, the Ranganatha in Tiruvallikeni does not face south, but east. But Rama here faces south probably to reassure Vibhishana that he is watching over him. Saptharoma Maharishi got darshan of Gajendra Varadhar here: Gajendra Varadhar is said to have been worshipped by Saptharoma Maharishi in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agamam. The Moolavar is worshipped as Sri Gajendra Varadaraja Swamy as he has given Moksha to Gajendra after saving him from the jaws of a crocodile. The Lord in heaven heard the appealing tone of his Bhakta Gajendra who was dragged into the waters by the crocodile and he rushed to the spot seating on Garuda, the king of birds, holding discuss in one hand and conch in another to save his Bhakta and threw the discus at the crocodile and saved him from death. Scars in Lord’s face: In olden days, though the idol of the Lord was cast three times, the face of the Lord continues to have pimples. As the sculptor was worried about it, Venkatakrishnar appeared in his dream and convinced him that he (Krishna) has received injuries on the face by the arrows shot at him, at the Mahabharata war, he appeared so to remind them. The idol of Lord Parthasarathy is fine with all the other parts smooth except the face with its marks. Not only that; the toe next to the big toe in the left leg is without nail. The arrow shot by Bhishma to mark his surrender hit the nail of Krishna. At the hip of Parthasarathy there is a scar, it is said, which was formed as Yasodha tied a rope around the hip. Sage Atreya installed Lord Vishnu here: Sage Atreya requested Vedavyasa to mention to him a place fit for tapas. Vedavyasa directed Sage Atreya to go to Brindaranya, on the banks of the Kairavani Theertham, where King Sumathi was doing tapas. Vedavyasa also gave a Divya Mangala Vigraha (image) with a conch in his right hand and Gnana Mudra in his left hand. Sage Atreya installed Lord here and worshipped. Alwars praise on Lord Vishnu: Among the 12 Alwars three of them namely Peyalvar, Thirumazhisai Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar have sung on the different forms of God in this temple. Resting place for Pilgrims: It has been a resting place for pilgrims who had come down from Thirupathi to have a bath in the sea on the days of Solar and Lunar Eclipses and on other auspicious days it being in a direct line to Thirupathi, Thiruthani and Trivellore and the route being free from swamps. Sage Athri got darshan of Lord Narasimha: It is said that the Lord Narasimha Swamy appeared to Athri Maharishi being pleased with his tapas and at his request took his Abode in Brindaranya. Saptha Rishis worshipped Lord Vishnu here: As per Hindu legend, Saptarishis, the seven sages worshipped five deities Panchaveeras, namely, Venkata Krishnaswamy, Rukmini, Satyaki, Balarama, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Allikeni: The place is called Allikeni, meaning a pond of lily as it is believed that historically the place was full of lily ponds. Lord Vishnu sporting a mustache here: The place is the only place where the presiding deity is sported with a mustache. Brindaranya: The purana refers to the area as Brindaranya because of the Thulasi (Brinda) plants here. Notable personalities association with this temple: Thyagarajar, Muthuswamy Dikshitar and Bharathiyar lived here. Vivekananda also visited this temple. Tiruvallikeni is noted for its colourful festivals throughout the year. The recitation of the 4,000 hymns of the Azhwars is a great tradition preserved in this temple for generations. During festival days, the place is given a new look and accompanied by various traditional rites. Triplicane is known for celebrations held throughout the year. There are festivals held specifically for each of the deities round the year. The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Vaikanasa Aagama. Utsavams take place around the year in Parthasarathy temple. Urchavams (or Utsavams), as these are termed, take place for a god at a particular period of time in the year. It is a religious practice to carry the different gods of the temple through the Mada veethis of Triplicane during some of these festivals. The Gods will move in different religiously built temple vehicles (vahanams, as these are termed in Tamil), like Elephant, Garuda, horse, Yali (a mythical animal), temple Rath (Ther in Tamil, chariot or Ratham, alternative terms), etc. Theppam (Float) Festival: Theppam Festival is also known Theppotsavam (Theppam + Utsavam), this pictorial and colourful festival takes place on 7 days in the Tamil month of Masi, 3 days for Lord Parthasarathy, one each for Sri Narasimhar, Sri Ranganathar, Sri Ramar and Sri Gajendra Varadhar. The seven-day event attracts many devotees and onlookers from different parts of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. A floating structure made up of drums, timber would be constructed and would be beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, religious paintings, silken buntings, etc. which serves as a visual delight. For better ambience, lights were also installed in the garden around the tank and additionally, focus lights were placed on the corners of the Neerazhi Mandapam (the mandapam (structure) in the center of the temple tank). Perumal (God) would come to the temple tank in Purapadu (departure) and be placed majestically inside the float. On all the days, the float completed five rounds around the Neerazhi Mandapam. After this, the deities were taken in a procession around the four Mada Streets. Devotees in hundreds would converge and sit on the steps of the temple tank to have darshan of the Lord on Theppam. The specialty of the third day function is the ‘Thirumanjanam’, performed to the deity inside the float. Other than the bhattachariars (temple priests), no one is allowed inside the float. A Rescue team of about 10 swimmers is usually provided by the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services. This Theppam festival exhibits one of the aspects of the richest cultural heritage aspects of Triplicane which one can see nowhere else in Chennai, other than Mylapore. Thiru Adi Puram Festival: A separate shrine is built for Sri Andal – the incarnation of Bhu Devi and the festivals are being celebrated monthly and annually. In the month of Adi (June-July) Thiru Adi Puram festival for ten days is celebrated ending with the procession of Andal with Sri Parthasarathy Swamy on Pura Thirunakshatram day (Thiru Aadippooram), the birth star of Sri Andal. Neerattu Utsavam: Neerattu Utsavam for nine days is also done in the month of Margazhi (December-January) ending with Bhogi Thirukalyanam with Sri Parthasarathy Swamy. Deepa Alankara Festival: During Karthika Masa (October- November), Deepa Alankara festival is celebrated, when lights of various sizes and shapes are lit throughout the month. On the day of Karthika Poornima, full moon day, lakhs of devotees throng to the temple and light lamps. Dhavana Uthsavam: Dhavana Uthsavam is celebrated for 3 days in the month of Masi commencing from Swathi Thirunakshatram. Theerthavari Festival: In the month of Masi (March- April) a festival for Lord Parthasarathy known as Theerthavari festival is held at sea shore. Pallava Uthsavam: Pallava Uthsavam is celebrated for five days in the month of Panguni and Sthala Puranam is read on all days of the festival and the festival ends with Thirukalyanam with Vedavalli Thayar on the Panguni Uthiram day. Thirukalyanam: The wedding of Lord Ranganatha with Vedavalli is celebrated annually during Masi Shukla Dwadashi (12th day in the month of January- February) Navarathri Festival: Navarathri festival ending with Mahanavami is celebrated in the month of Purattasi (September-October). Narasimha Jayanthi: Sri Narasimha Jayanthi, the birth day of Shri Narasimha, is celebrated on the Suddha Cathurdasi day in the month of Vaikasi. Hanumanth Jayanthi: Hanumanth Jayanthi with procession is done on the day of Suddhya Thrayodasi in the month of Margazhi. Rama Navami: Sri Rama Navami festival is celebrated in the month of Panguni and on the third day morning, Garuda Vahana procession is conducted. Vaikunta Ekadashi: Vaikunta Ekadashi, during December- January is one of the important festivals celebrated with great fervor. It is generally believed that people who go through the Vaikunta Dwara on Vaikunta Ekadashi day will reach Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu after their death. Other Festivals: Festivals are done to Sri Thayar on every Friday and the procession is carried out within the precincts of the temple Thirumanjanam or holy bath is done on every Friday. Procession on every Swathi Thirunakshatram day being the day when he appeared to Athri Rishi, is conducted in the four small Mada veethis. The following are the various festivals or Urchavams or Utsavams or Utsav in Parthasarathy temple in different parts of the Tamil Calendar year. Seer Shri Udayavar Utsavam Vidaiyaatri (Concluding and Leave-Taking Ceremony). Shri Gajendra Varadaraja Swamy Utsavam Shri Ranganatha-Shri Vedavalli Thayar Utsavam Sri Nammalwar Uthsavam (Vaikasi – Visagam) Kodai Utsavam (Summer Festival) Shri Parthasarathy Jestabishekam Thiru Pavadai Utsavam Thiru Aadi Pooram – Birthday of Andal on her Birth Zodiacal Star Shri Jayanthi or Krishna Jayanthi (Birthday of Lord Krishna) Shri Vedavalli Thaayar Laksharchana Deepavali or Diwali – Festival of Lights Anna kooda Utsavam- offering variety of rice Thaila Kappu – anointing of several medicinal oils or his/her corporal Shri Vaikunta Ekadasi (Entering Heaven) Raa Pathu (Night-Ten) Ratha Sapthami (Ratha-Car, Sapthami-Seventh Lunar Occasion) Visiting Festival to Ekkatuthangal Theppam or Theppotsavam (Float Festival in Temple Tank) Dhavana Utsavam (Spring Festival) Shri Rama Navami (Birthday of Lord Ram) Nivedhana: Some Nivedhanas are famous in Perumal temples – Tirupati Laddu, saltless rice in Uppiliappan Koil and Dosa in Madurai Kallazhagar temple. Sweet Pudding – Sarkarai Pongal is famous in Parthasarathy temple. For every 2-kg rice, they add 400 gm cashew nuts and 700 gm ghee in the preparation. Devotees can pay and get it prepared for them for the Nivedhana of Lord. Triplicane (Tiruvallikeni) is an important division in Chennai city. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Marina Beach, 7 Kms from Nungambakkam, 7 Kms from T Nagar, 11 Kms from Anna Nagar and 10 Kms from Vadapalani. By Road: Town buses are available from every corner of the city to reach the temple comfortably. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Lyolds Road Bus Stop, 1 Km from Triplicane Post Office Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Marina Beach Bus Stop and 12 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. By Train: The temple is situated at about 5 Kms form the Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore Railway Stations. The Temple can be reached by the Mass Rapid Transit System of Railways and the Tiruvallikeni MRTS Station is few metres away from the Temple. Electric train facility is also available. By Air: Chennai International Airport is located at about 20 Kms from this Temple. Parthasarathy Temple, Tiruvallikeni, Chennai – 600 005 Phone: +91 44 2844 2462 / 2844 2449 Fax: +91 44 28447042 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Web: www.sriparthasarathytemple.tnhrce.in
Neelakandeswarar Temple, Erukkattampuliyur, Cuddalore The temple complex covers around half acre and entered through a five tiered gopuram, the main gateway. The temple has many shrines, with those of Thirukumaresar and his consorts Verumulai Amman, being the most prominent. All the shrines of the temple are enclosed in large concentric rectangular granite walls. The original complex is believed to have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This is the 36th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 4th Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Arunagirinathar has sung Thirupugazh in praise of Subramanya of this Temple. Sivaprakasa has authored the Sthala Puranam of this Temple. The temple is also the birth place of Saiva saint Thiruneelakanta Nayanar. The temple has four daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. Mahasivarathri festival celebrated during the month of the Chittirai (March – April) is the most prominent festival of the temple. It is one of the five Puliyur shrines worshipped by Vyagrapada, the other four being Perumpuliyur, Omam Puliyur, Paatirippuliyur & Perum Patrappuliyur (Chidambaram). The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.09.1996. This temple remains open from 6.00AM to 11.00AM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.00PM in the evenings. The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m, and Arthajamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Thirukumaresar and Verumulai Amman. There are weekly rituals like Somavaram (Monday) and Sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like Pradosham, and monthly festivals like Ammavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day) & Sathurthi. Mahasivarathri during the Tamil month of Panguni (March – April) is the most important festivals of the temple. Other festivals celebrated here include Kartikai Deepam, Thai Poosam, Aavani Moolam, Aani Tirumanjanam, Navaratri and Aippasi Pournami. Those suffering from speech impairment visit this temple and worship the lord here in order to seek relief. It is also believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to the lord here. The Temple is located at about 26 Kms from Sethiyathope, 7 Kms from Srimushnam, 6 Kms from Karuvepilankurichi, 44 Kms from Chidambaram, 73 Kms from Cuddalore, 13 Kms from Vridhachalam, 16 Kms from Pennadam, 25 Kms from Jayamkondan, 34 Kms from Gangai Konda Cholapuram, 38 Kms from Vadalur, 28 Kms from Neyveli, 92 Kms from Puducherry, 132 Kms from Trichy and 243 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located on Vridhachalam to Jayamkondam route. The temple is easily found just by the side of the highway. Also, it is located on the way to Vridhachalam to Srimushnam route via Karuvepilankurichi. Nearest Railway Station is located at Vridhachalam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy and Pondicherry. Neelakandeswarar Temple, Rajendirapattinam Post, Vridhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore District – 608703 Phone: +91 4143 243 533 Mobile: +91 99761 73524 / 94877 03524 / 93606 37784
Velleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/12/velleeswarar-temple-mylapore-chennai.html Velleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mylapore in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. The presiding deity is Shiva in the form of Velleeswarar. Mother is called as Kamakshi. The temple is located at the South Mada street and is very close to the famous landmark of Chennai – Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This Temple is managed by the HR&CE Dept. of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.30 PM. The prominent festival of this temple conducted on the 8th day of the Tamil month Vaikasi (between May 15th to June 15th), is the Brahmotsavam, during which the restoration of eyesight of Sukracharya would be enacted. The idols of Trimurtis (Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as Vamana) along with idols of King Mahabali and Sukracharya would be brought as procession. In a place near the temple, a stage would be set where Guru Sukracharya would be meditating. An Oduvar (person, nominated by the temple for singing Gods songs), recites the Thirumurai verses related to the restoration of eyesight of Sukracharya. Deeparadhana is performed indicating the conclusion of the event. The temple must have been built over 300 years. One of the carvings at the temple shows the people in charge of the temple between 1875 – 1995. It is believed that initially only the Ganesha statue was installed and later all the other primary deities moved in. This appears to be true as the foremost deity as soon as we enter the temple is Selva Vinayakar, i.e Ganesha along with his wives Siddhi and Buddhi. It is also claimed that this temple is as old as Kapaleeshwarar temple. There is no record on the builder or the construction year. Velleeswarar Temple, 25, TSV Koil Street, Sankarapuram, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 Phone: +91 44 2461 1393
Nandeeswarar Temple, Thirunanthikarai, Kanyakumari Tirunandeeswaram: A bull in the region was threatening the residents. All prayed to Lord Shiva to contain its violence and the Lord obliged. While pulling, the bull fell in a pit and could not come out. It became the Nandhi of the temple. The installation is designed as if it is in the pit. As the Lord Himself installed it, the place is called Tirunandeeswaram. The symbols of the bull foot and the rope are still visible in the temple. Nandhi growing in Size: There is a statue of Nandi which is placed in front Lord Siva. Local fables describe that the bull came from the rock near the temple and took place in front of the Lord. They believe that the bull is growing as the years pass. Sage Vyakarapadhar worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Vyakarapadhar visited this place and worshipped Lord Shiva here. Sage Parasurama got relieved of his sin of killing his mother here: Sage Parasurama sought relief from the sin of killing his own mother by worshipping Lord Nandeeswarar. The temple is believed to have been built by King Rajaraja Chola. The place is called Thirunanthikarai in honour of an ascetic named Veeranandi, who carved the rock cut cave temple. The significance of the temple lies in its Nakshatra Mandapam (hall of stars). There are 27 holes called Ganadwaras representing the 27 star regions. Though the temple is the abode of the Lord Shiva, a shrine of Lord Vishnu is also present in the temple facing Lord Shiva. There are shrines for Ganapathy, Vishnu, Sastha and Nagar in the corridor (prakara) of the temple. The temple is built based on Kerala architectural style. The Vimanam(roof) of the sanctum is conical and tiled. There is pond near by the temple and a garden with varieties of vegetation. There is an ancient rock-cut cave temple situated towards the northern side of this temple. The ancient rock cut cave temple belonging to Jains, where later a Shivalingam was installed is next to this shrine. This temple has inscriptions of the king Varaguna Pandiya (9th century ACE) and Rajaraja Chozhan (11th century ACE). The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Tiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January) and Mahasivarathri in Masi (February-March) are the important festivals celebrated in the temple besides special pujas on Mondays (Somavaram) and Pradosha days. The temple is a part of the famed Shivalaya Ottam conducted during Mahasivarathri. On the Mahasivarathri day, devotees run from one Shiva temple to the other. The distance between the temples is 100 km. Even today, this practice is followed by the people in Thirunanthikarai. As the Nandhi in the temple had been installed by Lord Shiva Himself, it is said that this is choice temple for worship on Pradosha days (the 13th day either from New Moon or full moon days). This is an ideal temple for those seeking to mend their wicked mind with sins of serious crimes as murder committed knowingly or unknowingly. Devotees pay their gratitude to the Lord and Mother by performing abishek and offering vastras – clothes. Generally, devotees go around the Prakaras thrice in the temples. But it is said that even a single round blesses the devotee in this temple with the huge benefit of doing so throughout the year. The Temple is located on Marthandam to Pechiparai road at a walkable distance from Thirunanthikarai Bus Stop. Thirunanthikarai is located at about 4 Kms from Kulasekharam, 6 Kms from Pechiparai, 7 Kms from Thirparappu, 9 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 15 Kms from Marthandam, 20 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 20 Kms from Thuckalay, 23 Kms from Eraniel, 21 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 30 Kms from Colachel, 32 Kms from Nagercoil, 57 Kms from Kanyakumari and 60 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Eraniel. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Adhisaya Vinayakar Mahadevar Temple, Keralapuram, Kanyakumari The king, who ruled Keralapuram, went for a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, a famous Shaivite temple facing Bay of Bengal. A Ganesh idol is washed over while the king and his men were washing their legs at the Rameshwaram beach. The king then gifts it to his Rameshwaram counterpart ‘’Sethu Mannan’’. Sethu Mannan was overwhelmed by the love and affection, however he returns the gift back to the Keralapuram King. It was his opinion and belief that the finder should have it and it was the right thing to do. Along with the idol, the Rameshwaram King gifts another Huge Emerald Idol. However, the Mogul later looted the emerald idol during their invasion. They could not take the idol with them, it was stuck to the ground. So, the idol was left behind. There are two temples inside the temple complex one for lord Shiva and another is for lord Ganesha. Lord Shiva here is known as Mahadevar. It is believed that the temple was built in 1317. The idols were established long before the temple was built. Although, it is primarily a Shiva temple, one can clearly see the Vaishnava’s influence in this temple. Those days Vaishnava’s dominance was high and it reflects through Vaishnava signs throughout the temple. This temple was renovated many times over the centuries and this information is available in the temples scriptures. There are beautiful paintings drawn on the walls inside the temple. There was a huge tree under it is a snake carved out of granite stone. Adhisaya Vinayakar Temple has a long passage and walls are adorned with magnificent paintings. The sacred sanctum has an iron grid sliding door. The sacred sanctum is not an enclosed chamber, as the lord is placed outside, and under the huge banyan tree. The idol here changes its color every six months. Lord Vinayakar’s idol changes its color to black and white once in every six months. During Utharayana (March-June), the idol is black, and in Dakshiyana (July-Feb) idol turns to white. Because of this Vinayaga Idol, this temple came to be known as Adhisaya Vinayagar Temple (Miracle Ganesh Temple). Many devotees will visit here just see the color change. There is a well inside the temple complex and the color of the water too changes every six months. When the idol is white, the water changes to black and vice versa. Though, there is no ‘’fall season’’ in the tropical states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, however the key temple tree has a unique characteristic where leaves start to fall during Dakshiyana, and new leaves starts to sprout from march. This is not a typical behavior of a Banyan tree. Though, the temple was built in the 12th century idols here are quite older than the temple. According to the temple priest, the idol is at least 2,300 years old. The idol was not installed according to the Agama shastra; it is simply kept on the elevated platform. People offer their prayers every morning and in the evening. Abhishekam to the lord takes place every morning and in the evening. Hence the idol found at the Rameshwaram beach is worshiped here. It is believed that those who are looking for their soul mates, married couple wishing to have kids throng this temple. By breaking coconut, and offering rice dumplings to the lord, devotees believe their wishes will come true. The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Mettukadai Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thuckalay, 1 Km from Thuckalay Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 1 Km from Thiruvithamcode, 12 Kms from Colachel, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 40 Kms from Kanyakumari and 58 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Gunaseelam, Trichy Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Gunaseelam in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. It is located on the banks of river Kollidam. This Temple is one of the Abhimana Kshetrams of Lord Vishnu located on the banks of River Cauvery. It is believed that visit to this temple (South Thirupathi) brings abundance of pieties equivalent to Thirupathi Balaji of Andhra Pradesh. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is an eleven-day festival attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. A visit to the temple is believed to be a curative to the mentally challenged people, who are taken to the temple and kept in the temple premises for 48 days. At the end of the 48 days it is believed that their illness is cured by the grace of the presiding deity, Prasanna Venkatachalapathy. The temple has set up a mental health rehabilitation centre that has the official stamp of the Tamil Nadu Government license, the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu. The temple is maintained by a hereditary executive trustee. This temple remains open from 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM in the morning and 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM in the evenings. Those suffering from impaired vision, physical disabilities, depression and mental problems pray for remedy in the temple. People also seek mental peace. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Lord. Pilgrims with mental illnesses, stay here for 48 days, worship the deity and partake of the prasadam (holy offering) from the temple. They believe that this will cure them. The Thirumanjanam (ablution) ceremony is performed every day in the Gunaseelam Temple and the water is distributed to devotees as a curative elixir. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 6:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:30 p.m., Thirumalvadai at 5:30 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:30 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai. Since Tirupathi Lord himself appeared before Gunaseela Maharishi, it is believed that those who are not able to go to Tirupathi can visit Gunaseelam and all their wishes are said to be fulfilled here. During the Uchikalam and Arthajamam, water is sprinkled on devotees, which is believed to expel evil diseases and mental diseases. The major festival of the temple, Brahmotsavam, is celebrated in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September – October) for 11 days that includes a nine-day chariot festival. The Chitrai Theppotsavam festival is the float festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March – April). The Pavitrotsavam is a three-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Aavani, Srirama Navami (Rama’s birthday) in Panguni (March-April) and Gokulastami (Krishna’s birthday) in Aavani (August-September). Unlike other Vishnu temples where Thirumanjanam (ablution) is performed one in a week, the temple has Thirumanjanam performed daily to the central deity. The Lord appears on his eagle vehicle Garuda on each Tiruvonam star day. Special pujas are performed on Vaikasi Visakam day. Mentally ill people stay here to become normal. During the Uchi Kala Pooja (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Artha Jama Pooja (8:30 PM) the holy water is sprinkled on the devotees which is said to be expiating all kinds of evils effects and mind diseases like depression. This is a Prarthana Sthalam and people wanting to get good marriage and childhood come here and get their wishes sanctioned. The temple is maintained by a hereditary executive trustee. Etymology: The name of the place Gunaseelam derives from “Gunam” (meaning cure) and “Seelam” (meaning place), meaning the place in which illness is cured. “Gunam” also means qualities and “Seelam” also means “Assuming a lower position”. Hence Gunaseelam is the place where Vishnu comes down and addresses the devotees problems from his heavenly position. Greatness of Gunaseelam Temple: In Bhavishyotra Puranam, one finds reference to the significance of this temple in Gunaseela Mahatmiyam. Thaalpiya Maharishi along with his disciple Gunaseela Rishi once went to the Himalayas. On his way back, Gunaseela Rishi stayed back at Tirupathi and was so attracted to Lord Venkatachalapathy that he wanted the Lord to appear in Gunaseelam and bless the devotees. He came back, bathed in the Cauvery and undertook severe penance here in his ashram in Gunaseelam. Impressed with his sincerity, the Lord appeared before him along with Goddess and promised to remain here till the end of Kali Yugam. Pleased with the darshan of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, Gunaseela Maharishi continued to offer his daily poojas to the lord from his ashram here. At the end of the Dwapara Yugam, the Gunaseela Maharishi’s Guru wanted him to go to Naimisaranya. Gunaseela Rishi designated his young disciple to continue the daily poojas. However, floods in the Cauvery and dangerous animals in the forest led the disciple to flee the place and thus the poojas ended abruptly. The Lord decided to hide himself in a pit. After several years, Chola king Nyana Varma, who ruled this place with Uraiyur as the capital, used to visit Gunaseelam regularly. Every day, cowherds would milk the cows from near the pit and carry the milk all the way back to his court. One day, to everyone’s shock, the milk that was filled to the brim of the pot vanished all of a sudden. An invisible voice wanted the king to dissolve the pit by pouring milk. The king brought in his army and used thousands of litres of milk to complete this exercise. Once dissolved, Vaikunta Vasudevan is said to have appeared before the king as Prasanna Venkatesan. As per the king’s wishes, the Lord agreed to remain here till the end of Kali Yugam and help fulfil all the prayers of the devotees, who visit this temple. Delighted at the darshan of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, the king shifted from Uraiyur to Kallur, (this place was then called ‘Badra Chakra Pattinam’) near Gunaseelam and built the beautiful Gunaseelam temple and laid down the process of the daily poojas as directed by Prasanna Venkatesan. He also allocated a lot of land for the temple as well as funds to undertake the daily pooja formalities. People with physical problem pray here for cure: It is said that Srudadeva, disciple of Sage Bharadhwaja regained his vision. King Bahuviraja was cured of his paralysis in the legs. Prince of Koorjara kingdom not only was cured of his speech disorder but also became a poet and sung in praise of the Lord. People with any physical problem pray here for cure and mental peace. Destination for mentally ill people: This temple is a destination for those mentally ill. Saint Gunaseela was the disciple of Saint Sreethalpya. He was such an adept at serving his Guru that he was bestowed with all the superior knowledge that the Guru possessed. Once Gunaseelar went on a pilgrimage to the Seven Hills and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara. So, moved was he that he pleaded with the Lord to go with him to his Ashram, as he felt that he could not stay away from him anymore. The Lord who is ever moved by the true love of his devotees spoke to Gunaseelar and told him that as he was in a state of debt, he could not leave Tirumala. He directed Gunaseelar to return to his Ashram on the banks of the Cauvery and do penance. The Lord told the saint that none other than Vaikuntavasa Narayana would appear. Gunaseelar did as the Lord had directed and many years later in Kritha Yuga on Saturday in the month of Purattasi on the day of the star Sravana, Venkatachalapathy appeared in the Ashram of Gunaseelar as a Swayambu. Gunaseelar was overjoyed and spent his days performing pujas to his Lord. At the time, his guru Sreethalpya wanted to go to Badrinath and perform penance. He however didn’t feel like parting from his dear disciple Gunaseela. Gunaseela could feel the desire of his Guru and also his dilemma. But he was himself in the horns of a dilemma: Whether to go with his Guru and in the process, forsake his dear Lord who came to his abode or to forsake his Guru and stay with his Lord? The ever-compassionate Narayana was so moved at seeing the predicament of his devotee that when he prayed to Him to clear his mind and make him do the right thing, the Lord blessed his devotee and bade him to serve the guru. Since Venkatachalapathy cleared his mind, Gunaseela made a prayer that all those who pray to win at Gunaseelam should be rid of illusions and delusions and be blessed with clarity of mind. This is why there is a belief that praying at this temple is a cure to insanity and madness. Equivalent to Thiruppathy: Since Tirupathi Lord himself appeared before Gunaseela Maharishi, it is believed that those who are not able to go to Tirupathi can visit Gunaseelam and all their wishes are said to be fulfilled here. Saturday Visit to this Temple: Visiting this temple on a Saturday is special. Lord Prasanna Venkatesan is said to have asked king Nyana Varma to visit the temple every Saturday and offer special poojas. The Temple is situated on the Trichy – Namakkal – Salem Highway. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Gunaseelam Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Mukkombu Dam, 6 Kms from Thirupparaithurai, 13 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 18 Kms from Manachanallur, 16 Kms from Musiri, 16 Kms from Uthamar Kovil, 19 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 22 Kms from Kulithalai, 23 Kms from Samayapuram, 14 Kms from Pachur, 19 Kms from Srirangam, 19 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 27 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Elamanur (4.5 Kms), Uthamar Kovil (16 Kms) and Trichy (30 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (31 Kms). Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Gunaseelam, Trichy District – 621 204 Phone: +91 4326 275 210 / 275 310 Mobile: +91 94863 04251 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Samavedeeswarar Temple, Thirumangalam, Trichy Sama Vedeeswarar: Veda Vyasa divided the ancient Vedic hymns into four categories and named them as Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. He passed on the knowledge of those four Vedas to his four disciples. Jaimini was one of those four disciples who learnt Sama Veda from Vyasa. It is said that Jaimini interpreted Sama Veda and further classified that into multiple verses as per his interpretation in this temple. Hence, the presiding deity of the temple is named as Sama Vedeeswarar. It should be noted that no other Shiva temple is named after a Veda. Parasurameswaram: Parasurama had to kill his own mother due to some reasons. He came to this temple to get rid of his Matru hatya sin. Hence, the holy tank of this temple is named as Parasurama Theertham and the village is also called as Parasurameswaram. Thirumangalam: Lakshmi worshiped Shiva in this temple. Hence, the village is called as Thirumangalam. Equivalent to Gaya & Kashi: Ravikuruva Rishi, a lesser known sage, wanted to attain liberation and came to this village. As he could not find a river nearby, he decided to go to Gaya and Kasi. Lord Shiva stopped him and he created a river in this village. The river that flows in this village is called as Gaya Phalguni river. This site is considered as equivalent to Gaya and Kasi. Anaya Nayanar: Anaya Nayanar is considered as one of the 63 Nayanmars. He was born in this village. He was a cowherd and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Anaya Nayanar used to play the Panchakshara Mantra in his flute. He was so good in his music and his devotion to Shiva that even the animals and birds would listen to his music. The celestials and the sages would gather to listen to him. Ultimately, Shiva along with his consort Uma, pleased by his bhakti and music, appeared to him. The great devotee got absorbed into the supreme deity in this village. Chandikeswarar got rid of his sin of killing his father here: Chandikeswarar visited many pilgrim centers to absolve his sin of killing his own father. Ultimately, he came to Thirumangalam and worshiped Sama Vedeeswarar. His sins were absolved in this site. Ravana installed Presiding Deity here: As per a legend, the presiding deity of the temple was installed by Ravana. Uthanga Rishi got Amrita here: Uthanga Rishi did penance towards Shiva and got amrita in this site. This temple is a parihara Sthalam for Doshas incurred from neglecting ancestors as seen by Parasurama and Chandikeswara. You can get cured of ills by the Bhairavar here. You can retrieve losses by prayers to Saneeshwara here. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 4 Kms from Lalgudi, 5 Kms from Thirumaanthurai, 20 Kms from Samayapuram, 11 Kms from Anbil, 16 Kms from Srirangam, 16 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 23 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Lalgudi (5 Kms), Manthurai (5 Kms) and Trichy (27 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (28 Kms). Official Address
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram, Trichy The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Thai Poosam Festival – Thai Month: Thai Poosam Festival is being celebrated in grand full manner for 11days. The deity is being taken in procession daily both in morning and evening in different Vahanams. The deity is being taken in procession on Silver Horse Vahanam, on eighth day night and in Theppam (Floating Festival) on Ninth day night. On 10th day i.e., on Thai Poosam the deity in taken in procession from Samayapuram to North Cauvery (Coloroon) near Srirangam in glass palanquin for Theerthavari (taking bath) where goddess Mariamman is being honoured by Lord Sriranganatha by Presenting Seer Varisai (Gifts) to his sister Mariamman. On the 11th day, the deity returns from Coloroon to Samayapuram and the festival ends. Poochoridal (Flower Sprinkling Festival) – Masi Month: The Poochoridal Festival takes place on the last Sunday of month Masi. During Poochoridal lot of beautiful flowers of various kinds are being Sprinkled on the Moolavar deity. More than a lakh of devotee’s visits to this temple for sprinkling flowers and to have Holy Dharshan of the Goddess. The festival is spread over to 4 weeks i.e., four Sundays during the month of Masi and Panguni and sprinkling of flowers are being offered every Sunday. The special feature of this festival is that the Goddess herself adopts fast for 28 days for the welfare of her devotees. During these 28 days cooked food will not be offered as neivedhyam, to the deity. Only simple rice flour, tender Coconut, Sugar Candy, Jaggery water, Butter Milk, alone are being offered as Neivedhyam and Prasadam. Chitrai Festival – Panguni – Chithirai Months: This grand festival is being celebrated for 13 days. On the first Tuesday in the Month of Chitrai, i.e., on 10th day of festival, Goddess Mariamman is being taken in a decorated wooden car and pulled around the temple. This is called as Chitrai Ther festival. On Friday. i.e., on 13th day of festival the Goddess is being seated in a decorated float (Theppam) and pulled around the central Mandapam of Theppakulam. This is called float Festival. During these festivals devotees gather in large numbers offering their Prarthanas such as taking Agni Chatti, Milk Pot and Kavadi and Tonsuring their heads etc. During the Chariot Festival, no vehicle is allowed to go inside Samayapuram Town and all the vehicles are stopped one Kilometer away from the Town and everybody have to go to the temple by walk. The Crowd is so much, though the Government made so many arrangements, still it is un-manageable. Luckily for Devotees, nowadays, they are following the traffic rule of left side walking in the road. This helps a lot for the smooth movement, which avoids any complications associated with big crowds. Still you will find that so many children missing, which is being announced during the festival time in the loud speakers. During the Chariot Festival time, the Local Government arranges a ‘Special Bus Stand’, which is one Kilometer away from the Samayapuram Town. All the Buses and any other 2 / 3 / 4 wheelers are stopped there only. The vehicles which are going beyond Samayapuram in NH-45 will only be allowed with a little bit delay. The 4 laning of the National Highway 45 has helped to ease traffic congestion to a considerable extent. Onward traffic can take the flyover, while those going to Samayapuram for Darshan can take the Service Lane which leads to the Temple. For festival days, during the Chithirai Chariot Festivals, there are 24 hours bus services to nearby places like, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Thuraiyur, Thanjavur and other nearby Small Towns. Further, there are continuous Town Bus Services provided which mainly connect to Tollgate (Salem-Trichy main road junction), Chatram Bus Stand and Central Bus Stand. Pancha Prakaram – Chitrai – Vaikasi Months: This festival spread over for 15 days. The Festival starts on the first day of the month Vaikasi. On 10th day of Festival, special Maha Abishekam will take place. Navarathri Festival – Purattasi Month: This festival starts from New Moon of the Month Purattasi i.e., from Mahalaya Ammavasai and spread over for 9 days. The deity will be seated in Navarathri Mandapam for Golu. Other Festivals: All the Fridays in the Tamil months of Aadi (July 15 – Aug17) and Thai (Jan 15 – Feb 15) are celebrated in a grand manner. Also, Tamil and English New Year days, Pongal and Deepavali are observed with special pujas. While usually the crowd is big in all days, it is particularly more on Tuesdays and Fridays. Several worship services are offered throughout the day here. Offerings of salt, jaggery (brown sugar), lentils, jewelry are made by devotees. During the Festival days we can see that, the Tamil Nadu Police, NCC, Scout (School and College Students) Controlling the Crowd everywhere including the Temple premises. Lord Shiva created Kali from Kaalakoota poison: Legend has it that Shiva created Kali, out of the poison that he had swallowed, and decreed that he kill Darukasura. Having originated from the Kaalakoota poison, she assumed the name Kaali. Mariamman is believed to be a form of Kaali, and is also known as Mahamayee or Seethala Gowri. Emperor Dasaratha visited Samayapuram: There is also a story that Emperor Dasaratha visited Samayapuram to worship Mariamman. Mariamman: Local variations of the worship of Shakti, the mother Goddess are seen throughout the Indian subcontinent. Mariamman is a form of Shakti worshipped in Tamilnadu, and is associated with prosperity and health. Local beliefs associate this deity with cures for diseases such as small pox and chicken pox. Legendary association with Vikramaditya: This Temple legend dates back to the period of Vikramaditya. He undertook penance in this Neem Forest and had darshan of kali. It was then that Ambal appeared here as a Swayambu idol. Headquarters of Amman Temples: Samayapuram is said to be the headquarters of Amman temples. Gifts from Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu: Shiva, Vishnu and Brahmma are believed to have invoked the blessings of Mariamman of Samayapuram. To this day, in memory of this legend, she receives gifts on the day of the Chariot Festival from the Jambukeswarar temple in Thiruvanaikaval. Only after receiving the gifts, does she alight from the Chariot and head back to her sanctum. Similarly, on Thai Poosam day, Amman makes an early morning trip to the Coloroon and stays in the Coloroon in the night and returns the next day only after collecting gifts from her family – Srirangam Lord. Amman changes Form: In the middle of the last century, Tamil cinema actors funded the Poochoridal festival. Dhadhyonam was presented to several thousands of devotees who came in from villages across the state. During the Poochoridal festival, one can see the Mariamman in slim and plump forms. During those 28 days true devotees are able to visualize her change from slim to plump form. This was seen as an aakrosham period for her and she is anointed with only Uthiri flowers and not garlands. Sakthi Peedam: The reason behind Lord Siva bestowing such powers to cure the dreaded Pox diseases to Devi Samayapuram Mariamman is connected with the Puranic legend in which when Goddess Parvathi committed suicide and her body carried away by Lord Siva. On way wherever parts of her body fell they became Sakthi Peedam. Her eyes reportedly fell in S. Kannanur and when Samayapuram Devi Mariamman manifested as aspect of Goddess Parvathi in S. Kannanur Lord Siva bestowed her with thousand eyes and thus she automatically got the powers to cure the Small Pox and Chicken Pox diseases as the boils of Small Pox and Chicken Pox were likened to smaller eyes of Goddess Parvathi. Devotees belief and fear on Samayapurathal: The extent of belief and fear on Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman is so deep that even by mistake if someone casually uttered that they would visit Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman temple to offer prayers for one reason or the other, without fail they would visit the temple at least once in their lifetime to offer prayer to the Goddess even if their prayer had not been fulfilled, lest it will be viewed as insult by the deity and severe problems in many forms will haunt their family or in their own life. Origin of this Temple: The origin and history of this temple is unclear and sketchy. Several stories float on its origin, all of which are word of mouth stories only. The deity, believed to have manifested of its own in the form of clay has been reportedly worshipped by the villagers, in the same place which was jungle area several centuries ago. The general belief has been that the then unknown deity, now known as Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman has been worshipped in open area before 1000 years. The fact that the deity was Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman and manifested there, thousands of years ago as an aspect of Sakthi Devi has been revealed by Devi herself to the devotees through one of the devotees who was possessed by her in the temple festivals. Since the principal deity was of clay, another small deity carved out of stone was has been reportedly made and kept before her to which Abishekam is done and Pooja is performed to ensure the main deity is not damaged. Deity removed from Srirangam Temple: The folklore mentions that much before 18th century when the temple did not exist a deity believed to be aspect of Parasakthi (they did not know that it was Goddess Mariamman) was worshipped in the temple of Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangam. But as the Pundit in the temple experienced severe health problems after the idol was installed and he feared that the cause of his problem was due to the deity, he ensured that the deity was removed from there and kept inside the jungle under a tree. The jungle was no other place but Samayapuram then. The locals in the Village reportedly worshipped Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman as village deity without even knowing the origin, name or other aspect of the female deity they worshipped. Those days out of fear blind belief and worship of self-manifested deities were common. The folklore further mentions that soon when the passersby and travelers felt that the deity in the jungle was protecting them like a guardian deity, they raised a small wall like structure around the idol and converted it into a worship place. True to their belief ever since the deity began to be prayed, people travelled fear free of robbers and animals. Much beyond protection, the villagers experienced that those who prayed to the deity found their desires getting fulfilled. Those were the days when the local deities in the villages held sway over people. Vijayanagar Kings built this Temple after winning a War: As per another lore, the existence of the shrine inside the jungle and the immense power wielded by the deity made people believe that if satisfied with proper offerings and sacrifices she will grant the boons the devotees seek. When this belief spread, the rulers of Vijayanagara emperors who were camping in the district of Tiruchirappalli (which was actually their army base) too reportedly came there to offer prayers and during one of their visits they made commitment to construct a temple if they won the war for which they were camping there and when turned victorious, they constructed the temple in the name of Kannanur Mariamman temple. Family Deity of Vijayanagara Kings: There is yet another belief exists. An unnamed female deity was worshipped by the Emperors of Vijayanagara while they were in Trichy, and when they faced defeat in the war that was going on, they began retreating from there and carried the deity too along with them. It was customary for Emperors of Vijayanagara to carry the deity they worshipped wherever they went and camped. On way of retreat, they happened to pass through Samayapuram, which was then a jungle area and rested there for few hours. When they began to move again, the deity could not be lifted from the ground on which it was placed and therefore they had to leave it there after constructing a roofless structure around the deity which later on came to be worshipped by the travelers and passersby seeking her grace and protection. The small roofless structure was converted into a big temple for Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman by the later rulers. Story behind building this Temple: One of the legends in many such stories floating state that, once during the invasion of a Muslim ruler, the idol worshipped by the locals was forcibly taken away by the invaders to break it in their land before their King. On way when they reached a Canal, they kept the idol and other belongings on the bank of the Canal and rested for a while to get freshened up. After taking bath in the Canal, they returned back to commence the travel, but found that the idol was missing while all other belongings were safe. Even after searching the entire area they could not find the idol and therefore the frustrated solders went away without further searching for the idol. Few days after the soldiers moved away, some of the villagers found the deity inside a bush surrounded by Neem trees and fearing that the deity could be powerful, they began worshiping the deity in the same place after cleaning the surroundings. Nobody knew how the idol went and hid into the bush. When one of the rulers named Vijaya Ranga Chokkanathar of Vijayanagar came to know of the greatness of the unknown deity, he constructed a temple for the goddess in Samayapuram and consecrated the idol inside the temple after realizing from his Raja guru that the deity was aspect of Parasakthi. Thus, came the temple of Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman says the devotees. The Temple is located at about 1.5 kms from Adhi Mariamman Temple, 500 meters from Samayapuram New Bus Stand, 350 meters from Samayapuram Temple Old Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Manachanallur, 12 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 12 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 12 Kms from Pachur, 11 Kms from Srirangam, 9 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 16 Kms from Trichy. The temple lies just on the Trichy – Chennai highways (NH 45), with frequently available state and town bus services and is well connected to Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Pichandar kovil (9 Kms) and Trichy (20 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (21 Kms). Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram – 621 112, Trichy District, Phone: +91 431 2670460 / 2670907 / 2670557 Mobile: +91 99762 77029 Fax: +91 431 2670557 Email: [email protected]
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thinniyam, Trichy It is believed that Raja Raja Chola’s sister, Kunthavai, desired to construct a temple for Lord Muruga and while moving the idols in a bullock cart, the cart got stuck in the mud and would not move. A decision was then taken by her to build the temple in this place. This Temple is an east facing Shiva temple where the beautiful and rare south facing Lord Subramanyaswamy (Muruga) is more popular. The entrance is through an arch gate in the south and Lord Muruga is visible from his shrine as you enter. Lord Subramanya with his six faces is sitting on an elegant peacock. His concerts Valli is seated on his left and Devayani is seated on his right. Both of them are seated in their own separate peacock. To see Lord Muruga, Valli and Devayani in three different peacocks is a unique sight which you can only witness in Thinniyam. Lord Muruga facing south in this temple symbolizes the Lord Dhakshinamoorthy, lord of Knowledge. All are aware Lord Muruga taught the Pranava Tatvam or Brahma Tatvam to Lord Shiva, His own father. So, it is believed worship of Lord Muruga in this temple will bless the youngsters with knowledge and elders with spiritualism and divinity. Presiding Deity is called as Koshteeswarar. Lord Shiva is in his Linga form facing the east and another sanctorum for his concert Goddess Brihannayagi facing the south. In this temple you can pray to both Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan at the same time. It is believed worship of lord Shiva and Lord Muruga together will bless the devotees long and healthy life without any illness. Navagraha Shrine can be found in the outer prakaram, installed differently in Thinniyam Murugan Temple. Auspicious Grahas Moon, Budha, Guru and Sukra are placed in four main direction east, south, west and North facing the Sun. The other four Grahas are placed in South-east, South west, North west and North east facing the Sun. It is believed, worship of Navagraha in this temple will remove all Dosham and obstacle caused by Navagraha. Shrine of Lord Ganapathi is located in the Ishanya-disha – north-eastern direction in the outer prakaram. Shrines of Idumban, Dakshinamurthy, Sivaloganathar, Oppilambal, Kasi Viswanathar, Bhairava and Surya can be found in this temple. Families whose family deity is Thinniyam Murugan, visit Murugan temple for Kavadi, shave their heads and you will find the temple bustling with activities often with devotees from all around the world. There are also an ancient Perumal temple and Shiva Temple nearby. The temple remains open from 6.00 am – 11.00 am and 4.00 pm – 7.30 pm. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thinniyam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Anbil, 11 Kms from Lalgudi, 12 Kms from Thirukkattupalli, 26 Kms from Srirangam and 33 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are Kattur Railway Station (7 Kms) and Trichy Railway Station (37 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (38 Kms). Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thinniyam, Trichy District Mobile: +91 97877 96736
Santhanagopala Swamy Perumal Temple, Thinniyam, Trichy The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Thinniyam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Anbil, 11 Kms from Lalgudi, 12 Kms from Thirukkattupalli, 26 Kms from Srirangam and 33 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are Kattur Railway Station (7 Kms) and Trichy Railway Station (37 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (38 Kms). Official Address
Sundareswarar Temple, Thinniyam, Trichy Shrines of Ganesha and Dhakshinamoorthy can also found in this Temple. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Thinniyam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Anbil, 11 Kms from Lalgudi, 12 Kms from Thirukkattupalli, 26 Kms from Srirangam and 33 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are Kattur Railway Station (7 Kms) and Trichy Railway Station (37 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (38 Kms). Official Address
Thirumoolanathar Temple, Poovalur, Trichy Resurrection of Manmatha: This Temple is especially connected with the legend of Manmathan. Shiva had burnt Manmatha to ashes after he tried to divert his attention by aiming arrows of love at him. A grief struck Rathi Devi prays to Shiva to restore her husband back to life. It is here that Rathi Devi got back Manmatha, the God of Love, by praying to Thirumoolanathar. As Manmathan is believed to have sugarcane bow and flower arrow, he is also known as Poovaliyan and this place came to be known as Puvaliur which in due course, became Puvalur or Poovalur. Place for Salvation: This is also an ancient temple where Brahma, Indra, Agni and Manmathan attained salvation. Gnanapureeswarar: It is also believed that the Saptha Rishis got Knowledge after praying here and hence the Lord is called Gnanapureeswarar. Equivalent to Gaya: Another legend relates to the river Phalguni flowing near the temple. A rishi wanted to perform rituals for his ancestors. As there was no river at that time, he thought of performing it at Gaya. Before leaving this place, he prayed to Shiva in this temple and the Lord threw his anklet (Silambu in Tamil) and Ganges started flowing. Hence those who are unable to proceed to Gaya for Sraddha ceremony, perform it here. This legend is similar to the legend in Samavedeeswarar temple in Thirumangalam. Poovalur: As per the legend, the Devas sought help of Manmatha (Kamadeva) to awaken Shiva, who was in deep meditation. They wanted Shiva to protect them by fighting the Asuras. As they did not have guts to approach the Lord themselves, they persuaded Manmatha to perform this task. Manmatha released flower arrows from his bow aiming at Shiva. The flowers hit Shiva and he turned very furious. He opened his third eye and turned Manmatha into ashes. It is believed that Manmatha released his flower arrows from this village and hence this village is called as Poovalur. The word “Poo” in Tamil language means the flower. Manmathapuram: Manmatha’s wife Rathi worshiped Shiva in this village and got him back alive. Hence, this village is also called as Manmathapuram. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Brahma, Manmatha, Indra, Chandra and Agni also worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. The Temple is situated the Trichy – Ariyalur Road. The Temple is located just opposite to Poovalur Panguni Paalam Bus Stop, The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Poovalur Bus Stop, 350 meters from Poovalur Bypass Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Lalgudi, 6 Kms from Mandurai, 18 Kms from Srirangam and 25 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Lalgudi (4 Kms), Kattur (4 Kms) and Trichy (29 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (30 Kms). Official Address
Veda Narayana Perumal Temple, Thottiyam, Trichy The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. 11-day festival in Vaikasi including a 9-day chariot procession, 21-day Adyana Utsavam in Margazhi, Puratasi Navarathri, Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January and Hanuman Jayanthi are the festivals celebrated in the temple. On the Panguni Uthiram day in March-April, Lord Vedanarayana Perumal visits the shrine of Mother-Goddess Vedavalli Thayar and graces a joint darshan to devotees. Those who have adverse marital aspects called Kalathra Dosha, worship Lord here along with Adisesha and his wife for remedy. As this is the sacred place where Lord Vishnu taught Lord Brahmma, devotees pray here for achieving excellence in their academic pursuit. Special pujas are performed on Tiruvonam star day and Ekadasi and new moon days. Those with weak Jupiter in their horoscopes causing delay in marriage, offer Tulsi garlands to Lord and light 27 ghee lamps in his shrine. This worship is done on Thursdays or on the birth star day of the person. Mahabali built this Temple: When the emperor Mahabali took his army towards Mysore for war, he took rest on the way on a sand dune. At that time, the Lord Perumal appeared in his dream and said that on that spot under the earth there was an idol of the Lord. The Lord instructed the king to unearth the idol and build a temple there. He also blessed the king and said that he would be victorious. After the king got up, he excavated the idol, installed it, built a temple and worshipped there. He established a village there and named it “Tirunarayanapuram”. He granted the lands and the village to the temple’s name and then went to Mysore for war and was very victorious. Lord appeared as Shantha Swaroopa Moorthy to Prahaladha here: Lord Vishnu took the Narasimha Avatar to save Prahaladha and to slaughter demon Hiranyakasipu. When Prahaladha requested to the Lord to give him Dharshan in his composed state, Perumal ordered him to come to Thiru Narayanapuram. Accordingly, the Lord appears as Shantha Swaroopa Moorthy and blesses the devotees who come to worship him here. Lord Vishnu also promised a place for Prahalad near his feet – another unique feature seen at this temple is a 3-year-old boy Prahaladha in a standing posture at the feet of the sleeping Lord. Vedic Initiation to Brahmma: Brahmma once turned arrogant as he was the only one who could ‘create’ things in this world. Wanting to teach him a lesson, Lord Vishnu created a unique idol that left Brahmma wondering about its creator. When asked, Lord Vishnu feigned ignorance saying that Brahmma was the only one bestowed with the rights of creation. While agreeing to this, Brahmma questioned the Lord as to who could have created this image and how this could have appeared without his knowledge and approval. Lord Vishnu brought the truth before Brahmma and a message to the people at large saying that we should do what is expected of us. However, we should not become arrogant as a result of the exclusive/ special powers given to us. Realizing his folly, Brahmma requested Lord Narayana for the initiation of the Vedas. Lord Narayana is believed to have appeared before him here at Thiru Narayanapuram and undertaken the Vedic initiation. As he initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahmma, the Lord is referred to here as ‘Veda Narayanan’. Having played the role of an Acharya and Brahmma having been a student/disciple of Lord Vishnu, this temple is said to be a ‘Guru’ and ‘Budhan’ Sthalam. Other Names: This place which is now called as “Thiru Narayanapuram” was known as ‘Chathur Vedhi Mangalam’, ‘Vedapuri’ and ‘Aadhi Rangam’ in the past. Pillai Thiru Naraiyur Abhimana Kshetram: Thiru Naraiyur Araiyar came here with his wife and 6 children in the hope of finding Moksham. One night, the leaves from the palm tree at the temple caught fire. Shocked at seeing this, Thiru Naraiyur Araiyar immediately threw his 6 children towards the Lord as a cover for him and to protect him from the raging flames. Unfortunately, the Lord continued to burn. Araiyar then threw himself into the flames and hugged the Lord so the fire would not touch his favourite Lord. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before him and granted Moksham to the entire family of the Araiyar. Hence, this place came to be called Pillai Thiru Naraiyur Abhimana Kshetram. Success in Education: Veda Narayana Perumal of Thiru Narayanapuram is said to help devotees in their education and learning. As Brahmma himself was initiated with Vedic Education, this is a special temple on the education front. Students/ children who visit this temple offering their sincere prayers and place their books at the feet of Veda Narayanan are believed to come out with flying colours in their education. Sri Ramanuja in saffron: When Sri Ramanuja visited the place, Lord advised him to have a dip in Cauvery and come back dressed in saffron. Ramanuja did accordingly. The Acharya comes in procession in saffron on Tiruvadhirai star day in the month of Chithirai, April-May. He is dressed in white on other days. People worshipped Lord Vishnu here: This temple which is praised as “Adhi Rangam” or “Mudhal Rangam” is the place where Brahma, Prahaladha, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Garuda, Araiyar, Cholas, etc. worshipped and got divine sanction. The Temple is located on the Northern banks of Cauvery on the Trichy – Namakkal – Salem Highway near Thottiyam. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Thottiyam, 5 Kms from Thottiyam Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Kulithalai, 13 Kms from Thiru Engoi Malai, 18 Kms from Musiri, 52 Kms from Srirangam, 35 Kms from Karur and 60 Kms from Trichy. By Road: Buses from Thottiyam are not conveniently available. Devotees can pick up autos. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Kulitalai (20 Kms), Sithalavai (18 Kms), Mayanoor (14 Kms), Karur (34 Kms) and Trichy (63 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (65 Kms). Vedanarayana Perumal Temple, Tirunarayanapuram, Balasamudram Via, Thottiyam Taluk, Trichy District – 621 203 Phone: +91 4326 254338 Mobile: +91 99766 11898 / 98948 06131 Email: [email protected]
Viswanathar Navagraha Temple, Pazhur, Trichy This temple was built by an Pandian Emperor. The speciality about this is, Trichy was the capital of Chola Kingdom. And Hostility existed between Cholas and Pandians forever. Still it’s a mystery that how the Pandyan temple was built in Chola’s place. In the temple wall Pandian’s have established their sign. The fish sign in the wall denoting that the temple was built by Pandian Emperor. Another mystery in this temple is, the main god is Lord Shiva but the temple was built by Sri Vaishnavas who worship only lord Vishnu. The small temple has very small size Linga as the presiding deity. Presiding deity is called as Vishwanathar. The sanctum is east facing. The south facing shrine enshrines a small idol of the Goddess, Vishalakshi. The temple also has other sub-shrines such as Ganesha, Dhakshinamoorthi, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena and Chandikeswara. The idols of Surya, Bhairava and Saneeswarar are also found in the temple. Navagraha idols were installed in 1932 CE, as per the instructions from Kanchi Maha Swamigal. All Grahas are found with their respective consorts. Their vahanas are found as the relief images below them. Twelve Rasis are installed below Navagrahas. Thus, the Navagrahas in this temple are unique. All the Navagraha god has weapon in their hand. Each Navagraha god has its own Chakra encrypted in the sculpture. The temple is probably a later Pandya period temple. It is not maintained properly. Layers of oil is found on the floor all over the temple, thanks to the religious belief of the devotees. The old temple is completely renovated with concrete. There is nothing found in this temple for those who love heritage, history or sculptures. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Allur, 350 meters from Pazhur Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Allur Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Mekkudi Railway Station, 1.6 Kms from Mutharasanallur, 5 Kms from Jeeyapuram, 28 Kms from Kulithalai, 14 Kms from Vayalur, 9 Kms from Woraiyur, 13 Kms from Srirangam, 16 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 15 Kms from Trichy, 68 Kms from Karur, 13 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 8 Kms from Chatiram Bus Station, 12 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand and 20 Kms from Trichy Airport. This temple is in Trichy – Karur Road after Mutharasanallur. There is an arch announcing the way to the temple at about 1.5 kms from Mutharasanallur. There is also a small village road from Mutharasanallur connecting Pazhur without crossing over the railway line. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mekkudi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Kurathiyarai Cave Temple, Thovalai, Kanyakumari The worship of Avvaiyar in Thovalai taluk in Kanyakumari district is locally as Avvai Nonbu or Avvai Vratham. The Tuesdays of Tamil month Adi is most auspicious for Avvaiyar worship. Womenfolk offer Kozhukkattai (steam boiled rice ball with sweet stuffing) to Avvaiyaaramman. From inscriptions from Chitharal mountain, there was a Jain cave temple at the top of Chitharal mountain and was known as Thiru Charanathu Malai. The monks belonging to the Digambara sect established Thiru Charanathu Palli – the abode of Jain monks during 9th century A.D. Thiru Charanathu Palli was a dynamic center of Jain learning – a monastery and a school. The male teacher was called Kuravar and the female teacher Kurathi. The word Kurathi also denotes a Jain nun. Influence of Jainism in Kurathiyarai is evident from the first syllable Kurathi. The inscription also cites the Ay king Vikramaditya Varaguna (885-925 AD). The scholars assign the date of the cave to 8th century A.D. The south facing rock cut cave is excavated on the slope of the hillock at the outskirts of the village. The cave cell is excavated 0.95 cm in width and 1.77 m in height and east-west in orientation. The entrance is 80 cm in width and 1.30 m in height. Local people made provision for wooden door and walls coated with cement. The horse shoe shaped cave excavation remains incomplete and the floor, roof and walls of the cave appear coarse. The sanctum is 1.52 m in east-west in length and 1.13 m north- south in width and 2.04 m in height. The niche carved on the rear wall measures 40 cm in height. The niche, flanked by two square pilasters, houses Lord Vishnu. The pilasters support the angular potika and uttira. The prastara including vajanam, valabi and kapota are absent. Lord Vishnu image appears in samapatha sthanaka posture on the rear wall and image is dull and smudged with oil. The Lord wears krita makuta, kundala ear-ring, Yagnopavita (sacred cord) runs across his chest, and drapes dhoti as a fivefold tuck in wrap (Pankacha) and the waist cloth (Idaikattu) is tucked with knot. He holds the chanku (conch) in his back-right hand and his back-left hand holds Chakra (disc wheel). His right forearm rests on the hip and the left forehand kept half folded. Scholars assign the date of Vishnu as eighth century A.D. Two niches are carved outside on the rock slope one on each side of the cave entrance. The niche on the west of the entrance is 89 cm in height and 63 cm in width and houses Vinayagar idol. The Vinayagar is seated in posture described as ‘Lalitasana’ (posture of royal ease) with his right leg drawn up and folded and the left leg resting on the ground. The Lord in Lalitasana represents a calm and relaxed deity and the idol appear with trunk to the right side is known as valampuri Vinayagar. The Lord wears karanda-makutam, sarapali in the neck, armlets, bracelets and short robe around the waist. The right tusk is present while left tusk is absent. The back-left hand is damaged and the back-right hand shows kapitha mudra. The right fore-hand holds an object which is not unidentifiable and left forehand rests on the lap. The image on eastern niche is left incomplete and sculpting do not show any shape. However, the local people worship this image as Avvaiyar. Although the presiding deity in this cave is Vishnu, the temple is locally known as Avvaiyaaramman Temple. The image on the left side of Lord Vishnu is believed to be that of Avvai. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Kurathiyarai Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Derisanamcope, 2.5 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 5 Kms from Boothapandi, 16 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 17 Kms from Nagercoil, 18 Kms from Thovalai, 22 Kms from Suchindram, 35 Kms from Kanyakumari and 76 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Kurathiyarai Village is situated in the Nagercoil – Kadukkarai Road. Take diversion before Azhagiapandipuram and find out muddy road and travel one km to reach this village. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Thovalai, Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram. Official Address
Mahishasura Mardhini Temple, Valvachagostam, Kanyakumari The Temple remains open from 5.30 am to10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. Annual festival is a 10-day festival in the month of Medam (April /May). Vaikasi Visakam is also an important celebration here. On the 9th day of Vaikasi Visakam festival, Devi is decorated by all Aparana (jewels). She goes around the temple for Palli Vetta (hunting). The idol is taken 7 times around the temple. The bow and arrow after the ritual is gifted to some devotee. There is no Devi Aaraattu. 5 days prior to Tirukarthika day in the Vrischikam month (Nov/Dec), Thiruvonam, Navarathri, Pongala during Pongal (Jan) are the other main festivals here. Kalabha chaarthu is done on all days in Karthikai month is famous here. Valvachagostam: It is believed that Parasurama, who had killed his mother Renuka to satisfy the wishes of his father, wanted his sin to be forgiven. So, on the advice of Brahmins he went to Himalayas. He left his sword in his village (Val = sword, Vacha = keeping, Goshtam = temple). There the Chera King is said to have constructed a big temple at this place and dedicated it to the Goddess Bhagavathi. Srikoil and Marudha Mandapam: The story goes that Kalisankara Variyar (belonging to the ambalavaasi community – serving the temple) was an ardent Devi devotee and a tantric too. He was working as an accountant to Edathara Potti who was well known in this belt at that time. One-day Variyar was returning home late after work. He found two beautiful ladies crossing him in the night. He could identify that they were not normal ladies, but were divine beings. He gave them a seat beneath the nearby Marutha tree and left the place assuring that he will get a temple for the two beings. The two were Mahishasura Mardini and her friend Yakshi. He consulted Edathara Potti and with the help of Venadu king, the temple was erected. The main deity was Mahishasura Mardini and the Yakshi was offered a place in the north-east part of the temple, within the naalambalam. The place where Variyar initially made the two to wait is a four pillar mandapam. Twice in a year – during Tirukarthika and during the annual 10-day festival, the Yakshi gets offerings. On Tirukarthika, Devi is escorted from this mandapam into the temple with an elaborate ritual. This is done by a young girl, less than 12 years old, from the ambalavaasi family who must fast and observe Vratham for 48 days. It is believed that the Devi comes with the girl from the mandapam to the temple. Tulabaram, Nava kalasa puja, and Devi avahana puja (tantric puja) are done in this mandapam. Hence the sanctity of the temple is equally distributed to both the places, the main Srikoil and this Marudha mandapam. This is a very rare phenomenon found in this temple, that we rarely see anywhere else. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Samiyar Madam, 2.5 Kms from Samiyarmadam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Palliyadi, 7 Kms from Marthandam, 8 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 14 Kms from Kulasekharam, 9.5 Kms from Thuckalay, 12 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 12 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 15 Kms from Colachel, 24 Kms from Nagercoil, 44 Kms from Kanyakumari and 53 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Valvachagostam is situated in the Nagercoil – Trivandrum National Highway (NH47). If coming from Nagercoil towards Marthandam on NH-47, at Eravipudhurkadai take a left into Palliyadi road. Travel for 3 km and take a left just before the railway bridge and the temple is situated at about 1 Km from this place. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Palliyadi (5 Kms) and Kuzhithurai (7 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram (52 Kms). Official Address
Pancha Pandava Malai Jain Cave Complex, Vilapakkam, Vellore This Jain Cave Complex is located at about 3.5 Kms from Vilapakkam Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Arcot, 11 Kms from Ranipet, 13 Kms from Walajah and 27 Kms from Vellore. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (11 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (113 Kms). Official Address
Veera Vijaya Anjaneya Temple, Dakshina Pathapalayam, Vellore Veera Vijaya Anjaneya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located at Dakshina Pathapalayam Village near Tamilnadu – Andhra Pradesh border in Gudiyattam Taluk in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The village is surrounded by hills all the sides. Every month people in and around the village visit this temple and celebrate Purnima and perform poojas. Veera Vijaya Anjaneya Swamy temple was one of the oldest temple in this village and can be dated back to 1900. The monument was carved on stone near a small hill nearby the village, The people in and around the village use to visit the temple once in a year during Kartika Purnima to perform poojas and abhisheka to the lord Hanuman. Then the people of D P Palayam decided to renovate the temple and built the temple for Hanuman. On July 1, 2011 Chaitra Purnima the Kumbabhishekam for this temple is performed. Thousands of devotees and Swami Kanchi Jayendra Saraswathi from Kanchipuram and Durga Prasad Swamiji from Vijayawada or Bejawada joined this auspicious function and made it as a Grand success. Now the temple is well known. The temple is east facing. Huge stone lamp pillar can be seen after entering the Temple. Anjaneya Swamy is carved in the base of this lamp pillar. Subsequently, an excellently carved camel, the vahanam of Sri Anjaneya, can be seen on a raised platform just in front of the lamp pillar facing the Garbhagraham. The vahana is carved so well that despite being in sitting posture, camel looks as if it is ready to move. There is a huge mandapam, which has a beautiful arch on the top decorated with Sri Rama Parivar and Sri Panchamukha Hanuman and Veera Hanuman on either side. The Garbhagraham is in the west side of the mandapam. On the south west corner there is a Sannathi for Valampuri Vinayakar, and in North West corner there is a Sannathi for Sri Rama Parivar. Lord Sri Anjaneya Swamy of this Kshetra has been carved on the big rock boulder of a hillock itself, in the form of an ‘ardha shila’. Lord is seen walking northward with his right lotus foot adoring nupuram and thandai in the front. His left lotus foot is seen slightly raised from the ground. His left-hand adorning bracelet is seen resting on the right hip and in his hand, he is holding the stem of sowgandika flower. The flower is seen above his left shoulder. He is wearing ornaments which adore his bosom. With his raised other hand, he showers blessings on his devotees. The tail of the Lord rises above his head with a curved end. Lord is wearing ear-studs and his Kesam is neatly tied. His eyes are glowing and emitting karuna on the devotee. With such bright glowing eyes Lord of the Kshetra is bestowing the blessings to his devotees. Devotees can also take up a Vrata deeksha called Anjaneya malaadhaarana for a period of 40 days and perform the rituals at the end either at Hanuman Temple in the village or at Vijayawada. Every full moon day and on Hanuman Jayanti people celebrate the occasion in a very auspicious manner, people from many other villages, towns and cities visit the temple in a large number every month. Every month people in and around the village visit this temple and celebrate Purnima and perform poojas. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Paradarami, 25 Kms from Gudiyattam, 30 Kms from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh and 41 Kms from Vellore. The Temple is located approximately 1 Km from the border with Andhra Pradesh. The Temple is situated between Gudiyattam to Chittoor State Highway 88. From Paradarami one can reach D.P Palayam by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Town service buses, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Kalaimagal Transport private bus, and also number of Share Auto services frequently available for the public transportation. Nearest Railway Station is located at Vellore (42 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (174 Kms). Official Address
Karuppuleeswarar Temple, Gudiyatham, Vellore The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Gudiyatham Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Melalathur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Gudiyattam Railway Station, 13 Kms from Pallikonda, 27 Kms from Ambur, 34 Kms from Vellore, 178 Kms from Chennai and 168 Kms from Chennai Airport. One has to take the Bangalore Highway from Vellore and turn right at Pallikonda and go about 12 kms to reach Gudiyatham. Nearest Railway Station is located at Melalathur and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Kailasagiri, Gadambur, Vellore Aadi Kiruthigai, Kiruthigai days, Karthigai deepam and Thai Kiruthigai are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. Kailasagiri has a range of hills and innumerable herbs have spread all over the hill. Sick persons afflicted with incurable diseases come here, get cured and recover completely. People who have lung diseases will be cured almost instantly by walking to top of the hill through steps. Folklore about a Shiva Temple: As per the local folklore, there was a Sivan temple and seven ponds on top of the hill. The main ponds are Theppa Kulam (Thamarai Kulam) and Green (Pachai) Kulam, Surya Kulam (Pond) and Yanai (Elephant) Kulam. Kulam means Pond. The Mughal rulers demolished the temple and threw everything in the pond. Much later that is around 200 years back, this Murugan (Kartik) temple was built during the British period. Achudhananda Swamy attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi here: Age old devotees believe that Sri Achudhananda Swamy received initiation from Sri Nijananda Swamy in this holy Hill. Later Sri Achudhananda Swamy attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi and he remained in the divine conscious state for several years. Lord Muruga Miracles: One devotee from “Kulalar” community who was not blessed with a child for many years, under took pilgrimage to many holy shrines, and at last he later visited Lord Muruga of Kailasagiri Hill, he totally surrendered himself at the feet of the Lord Muruga. Later Lord Muruga blessed him with a child. Once a labour from Pernambut who was dumb and paralytically attacked, visited this temple, and he was blessed with complete recovery. One Sevarathee from Mitalam who was dumb for years together resumed speaking when he visited Lord Muruga of this temple. Place for Siddhars: It is further said that during 1942 one saint visited this hill temple and during meditation, he realized the fact that this hill is blessed with the presence of a number of Siddhars. He advised the devotees to celebrate “Adi Kiruthigai” festival to receive blessings from Lord Muruga. From that day on-wards more than 3,000 Kavadis are being taken by ardent devotees and human hair donations are also given by more than 10,000 people every year. This Hill Temple is located at about 400 meters from Gadambur, 1 Km from Oomerabad, 6 Kms from Ambur, 8 Kms from Ambur Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Vaniyambadi, 13 Kms from Pernambut, 25 Kms from Gudiyattam, 54 Kms from Vellore and 189 Kms from Chennai. This scenic hill temple is situated on the Gudiyatham – Ambur route at a place called Kailasagiri. One can find this place next to Oomerabad Junction, there is an arch welcomes the devotees to the temple, one has to travel 2 Kms on the Ghat road and then climb nearly 300 steps to reach the temple. If you are coming from Chennai then you have reach Ambur via Poonamallee – Ranipet – Vellore – Ambur. Then at Ambur you have to right turn to reach Bye-pass Road (Land mark: Rajiv Gandhi Statue Signal) and you have to travel 7 Kms in Ambur – Pernambut Road. Before Oomerabad Police station you have to turn left to reach Kailasagiri Ghat road. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambur (8 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (180 Kms). Subramanya Swamy Temple, Kailasagiri, Gadambur, Oomerabad P.O., Ambur, Vellore District – 635808 Phone: +91 9600212882 Email: [email protected]
Angala Parameswari Temple, Kalavai, Vellore Angala Parameswari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Mother Parvathi located at Kalavai Town in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. Towards the end of 19th century, a family of Mudaliars who were residents of Kalavai but devotees of Mel-Malaiyanur-Angala Parameswari Temple took efforts to build the Angala Parameswari temple in Kalavai. One Appu Mudaliyar who established the temple and received a yantra from the Kanchi Sri Shankaracharya Mahaswamikal and consecrated it in the temple. Appu Mudaliyar was succeeded by his efficient son Kannappa Mudaliyar who popularized the temple in Karnataka and Andhra besides Tamil Nadu. His statue is placed in the enclosure of the temple. Ever since the worship is in the hand this family. The goddess is seated in the sanctum with four arms holding Udukkai, and trisula in the rear arms and sword and varada pose in the front arms. But what is significant is that an image of the Goddess, over five meters in length, is portrayed in stucco, brightly coloured, with multiple arms wielding weapons, lying face up on the ground in the front mandapa. She is portrayed as if in a Shatkonam (six sided) sacrificial pit. The image is awe inspiring and clothed and decorated with garlands. This temple is attracting large number devotees and believed to cure incurable diseases especially mentally affected patients. Peoples from far off places like even Karnataka and Goa are seen coming here. Thus, it is a great pilgrim center and also a Prarthana Sthalam. Secondly it attracts tens of thousands of devotees on the Mahasivarathri day for the masana kollai festival when the Goddess is taken in procession to the cemetery. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kalavai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kalavai Koot Road Bus Stop, 23 Kms from Arcot, 24 Kms from Ranipet, 25 Kms from Arani, 22 Kms from Cheyyar, 39 Kms from Kanchipuram, 46 Kms from Vellore and 118 Kms from Chennai. Kalavai is well connected to Kanchipuram, Cheyyar, Arani and Arcot by Buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (24 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (100 Kms). Official Address
Ashtalakshmi Temple, Kalavai, Vellore Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Mother Lakshmi located at Kalavai Town in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is situated on Parikalpattu Road. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Kalavai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kalavai Koot Road Bus Stop, 23 Kms from Arcot, 24 Kms from Ranipet, 25 Kms from Arani, 22 Kms from Cheyyar, 39 Kms from Kanchipuram, 46 Kms from Vellore and 118 Kms from Chennai. Kalavai is well connected to Kanchipuram, Cheyyar, Arani and Arcot by Buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (24 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (100 Kms). Official Address
Kamalakkani Amman Temple, Kalavai, Vellore This Temple is situated adjacent to Angala Parameswari Temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kalavai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kalavai Koot Road Bus Stop, 23 Kms from Arcot, 24 Kms from Ranipet, 25 Kms from Arani, 22 Kms from Cheyyar, 39 Kms from Kanchipuram, 46 Kms from Vellore and 118 Kms from Chennai. Kalavai is well connected to Kanchipuram, Cheyyar, Arani and Arcot by Buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (24 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (100 Kms). Official Address
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kalavai, Vellore The incident of how Mahaperiyava took over as the 68th Peetathipathi is an interesting legend. The 67th Peetathipathi was the only son of the widowed and destitute sister of Paramacharya’s mother. There was no one in Kalavai at that time to console her on her son assuming the Sanyasa Asrama. So Paramacharya’s mother with 13 years old Swaminathan (the pre Sanyasa name of Paramacharya) and other children started for Kalavai to console her sister. They travelled by train to Kanchipuram and halted at the Sankara Mutt there. A carriage of the Kalavai Mutt came there to buy articles for the Maha Pooja on the 10th day after the passing away of the 66th Acharya. A hereditary Maistry of Kalavai Mutt, asked Paramacharya to accompany him alone with a separate cart engaged for the rest of the family to follow them. During the journey, the Maistry started with a hint that Paramacharya might have to spend the rest of his life in the Mutt itself and then gradually began to clarify that the present Acharya, Paramacharya’s cousin, had fever which developed into delirium and that was why Paramacharya was being separated from the family to be quickly taken to Kalavai. T he Maistry was commissioned to go to Thindivanam, where Paramacharya was studying, but was able to meet Paramacharya at Kanchipuram itself. Paramacharya was stunned and was repeating “Rama Rama” during the rest of the journey. Paramacharya’s mother later only found that instead of her mission of consoling her sister, she herself was placed in the state of having to be consoled by someone else. It is said that Paramacharya once set foot in the Kalavai mutt, the 67th Peetathipathi also attained Siddhi after 7 days of heading the mutt, as if was just waiting for Paramacharya to arrive. So, the young Swaminathan had no Guru at the time of initiation and sat in between the Adhistanams of the two Gurus to be ordained as the 68th Peetathipathi. Surprisingly, a Tulsi plant is growing in the stone slab on which Paramacharya sat and took initiation. It is said that Paramacharya appeared in the dream of the Mutt Manager not to remove the plant since he Himself is present there. The Kanchi Mutt is located at about 500 meters from Kalavai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kalavai Koot Road Bus Stop, 23 Kms from Arcot, 24 Kms from Ranipet, 25 Kms from Arani, 22 Kms from Cheyyar, 39 Kms from Kanchipuram, 46 Kms from Vellore and 118 Kms from Chennai. Kalavai is well connected to Kanchipuram, Cheyyar, Arani and Arcot by Buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (24 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (100 Kms). Official Address
Karivaradharaja Perumal Temple, Kalavai, Vellore The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kalavai Koot Road Bus Stop, 22 Kms from Arcot, 23 Kms from Ranipet, 24 Kms from Arani, 21 Kms from Cheyyar, 38 Kms from Kanchipuram, 45 Kms from Vellore and 117 Kms from Chennai. Kalavai is well connected to Kanchipuram, Cheyyar, Arani and Arcot by Buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (23 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (99 Kms). Official Address
Thirukkarisanadhar Temple, Kalavai, Vellore Nithya Poojas are being done with local support. Following are the monthly poojas; Arudhra Pooja in the Tamil month of Margazhi is the foremost special festival in this temple, which is a real feast for the eyes and heart of the devotees. Tamil New Year Natarajar Abhishekam during Chithirai, Vaikasi Visagam, Thirumanjanam and Natarajar Abhishekam during Aani, Aadi Pooram, Vinayakar Chaturthi and Natarajar Abhishekam during Aavani, Navarathri (10 days) and Natarajar Abhishekam during Purattasi, Deepavali (special pooja), Skandha Sashti and Annabishekam during Aippasi, Somavara Abhishekam and Deepam during Karthigai, Dhanur Masa Ushadkala Pooja, Natarajar Abhishekam and Arudhra Dharisanam during Margazhi, Makara Sankaranthi Abhishekam and Thai Poosam during Thai, Maha Shivarathri Abhishekam and Natarajar Abhishekam during Masi and Brahmotsavam and Panguni Uthram during Panguni are the festivals celebrated here. Thiruvaadipooram and Navarathri Utsavam are very special in this temple. The goddess is so powerful emanating love and grace. It is so experienced that those who pray to her wholeheartedly get their wishes fulfilled. Women offer bangles during Thiruvaadipooram. The unmarried women will get married soon. The married women will get blessed with child soon. Kariya Nayanar: According to the legend, Kariya Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars witnessed a cow shedding milk near an ant hill and reported the incident to the King Vikrama Chola. When the king came to the spot he was surprised to see the mound dissolving in rains and uncovering the Swayambu Lingam within, on hearing the song of Kariya Nayanar. The king built a temple which came to be known as Thiru Karisanathar Temple. Adhi Shankaracharya visit to this Temple: It is believed that Adhi Shankaracharya had visited this temple and had Dharshan of Lord Thirukkarisanadhar. Kamadenu Abhishekam to Shiva Linga here: The legend has it that Kamadenu, the divine cow did Abhishekam (sacred bath) for the Shiva lingam with the nectar of its milk. Thirumudikkaari worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is said that one of the seven Vallals (munificent chieftains) Thirumudikkaari of Sangam age worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kalavai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kalavai Koot Road Bus Stop, 23 Kms from Arcot, 24 Kms from Ranipet, 25 Kms from Arani, 22 Kms from Cheyyar, 39 Kms from Kanchipuram, 46 Kms from Vellore and 118 Kms from Chennai. Kalavai is well connected to Kanchipuram, Cheyyar, Arani and Arcot by Buses. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (24 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (100 Kms). Thirukkarisanadhar Temple, Kalavai, Vellore District Phone: +91 98407 76475 / 98402 26173
Lakshmi Narayana Temple, Kambarajapuram, Vellore Lakshmi Narayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Kambarajapuram Village near Thiruvalam in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The village could have been originally named Gangarajapuram after the Ganga ruler but now people call it Kambarajapuram. Kambarajapuram is situated to south of Tiruvallam temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Kms from Thiruvalam Shiva Temple, 1.5 Kms from Thiruvalam, 3 Kms from Thiruvalam Railway Station, 2 Kms from Seekarajapuram Bus Stop, 11 Kms from Ranipet, 17 Kms from Katpadi, 20 Kms from Vellore, 20 Kms from Arcot, 125 Kms from Chennai and 116 Kms from Chennai Airport. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvalam and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
{Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kiliyanur, Villupuram This temple is around 1500 years old and was built in the Chola period. “Killi” is the surname of Chola kings and there are historical references to kings from the Chola period like King Nedunkilli and King Killivalavan. It is possible that this place’s name “Kiliyanur” might have been derived from its connection to the Chola dynasty. As per the stone inscriptions in the temple, it can be deduced that this temple was first built using bricks and later reconstructed using granite during King Paranthakan Chola-I’s period. The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.30 PM to 07.30 PM. Amongst others, Maha Shivaratri, Annabishekam, Thiruvathirai are some of the main festivals celebrated here. Devotees visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek remedies for obstacles in marriage proposals and to seek the lord’s blessing for good education. It is also believed that worshiping Lord Shiva here will grant the boon of childbirth to childless couples. It is a common belief that drinking the abishekam milk (milk that has been poured on the lingam) at this temple can cure illness, especially stomach ailments. Since Adhiseshan is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, this temple is considered as a parikara Sthalam for Rahu-Kedu Dosham. Sage Kalava Maharishi visit to this place: It is said that Sage Kalava Maharishi came to this place and stayed here for a long time with his two daughters who were suffering from some critical illness. They prayed to Lord Shiva here. Impressed by their devotion, Lord Shiva blessed the Sage’s daughters and cured them of their ailments. Agastheeshwarar: It is said that the lingam (Moolavar) was installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiyar, so the lord is named Agastheeshwarar. Nandhi Devar is worshiping Ambal during Maha Shiva Rathri: It is also said that Nandi Devar (the bull which serves as the mount of Lord Shiva), who is in front of Goddess Akilandeswari is performing poojas and worshiping her on Maha Shivaratri days. Some inscriptions about this are also available in this temple. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Moolavar was installed by Agasthiyar and worshiped by Sukar, Aadhishesahan, Kalava Maharishi. Sukha Brahmma Maharishi worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is also believed that the parrot-faced Sage Sukhabrahmma Maharishi visited and worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek relief from his stomach ailments. As Rishi is parrot (Kili) faced, the village is named as Kiliyanur after his name. Adhiseshan worshipped Lord Shiva here: Adhiseshan (the serpent on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) is also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Therefore, this temple is Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam. Connection to early Cholas: The name Kili refers to Chola Kings like Nedunkilli and Killivalavan. Therefore, it is considered to be connected to Cholas. The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Irumbai, 19 Kms from Tindivanam, 19 Kms from Mailam, 25 Kms from Puducherry, 48 Kms from Villupuram and 150 Kms from Chennai. The village Kiliyanur is situated on the Thindivanam to Pondicherry bus route. This temple can be reached either from Thindivanam or Puducherry. The place is located at about 2 Kms from the highway 66 (Thindivanam to Puducherry passing via Kiliyanur). There are no direct buses to the temple. Auto facility is available from a nearby place called Tiruchitrambalam Koot road which can be reached by bus from Thindivanam. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Thindivanam and Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Agastheeshwarar Temple, Thiru Kiliyanur, Thindivanam Taluk, Villupuram District – 604001 Phone: +91 9976440754
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Vallimalai, Vellore The Temple remains open from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Masi Brahmmotsavam in February-March, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi float festival in July-August, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Padi Utsavam is celebrated on Tamil New Year’s Day in the month of April, the asterism of Karthikai in the month of Aadi and Thaipoosam in January-February are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Generally, float festival is celebrated in temple for a day only. Here the festival is celebrated for four days going around the hill path. Women of the place, belonging to Valli’s community offer rice, jaggery, cereals, coconut, fruits and vastras as gift to Valli. Valli Kalyanam-Valli wedding is celebrated on the fourth day of the festival – Masi (February-March) Poornima – full moon day. After the Valli Tirumanam, all sumangalis married women with living husband are offered Mangal sutra, Kumkuma red vermilion and turmeric powder presented by Thiruppugazh Asramam. Lord Muruga-Deivanai wedding festival is celebrated the next day of Skanda Sashti in October-November followed by four-day float festival. Lord Muruga visits the Saravana Poigai that day. Those facing adverse effects of planet Mars – Sevvai – pray to Lord Muruga on Tuesdays with garlands of red flowers and offer curd rice as Nivedhana. Devotees perform abishek, offer vastras to Lord Muruga and offer honey and Thinai corn flour as Nivedhana. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Melpadi, 7 Kms from Ponnai, 19 Kms from Katpadi, 22 Kms from Ranipet, 26 Kms from Arcot, 29 Kms from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, 27 Kms from Vellore and 136 Kms from Chennai. By Road: Vallimalai is situated in the Ranipet – Thiruvallam – Ponnai Road, before Ponnai. Vallimalai is well connected to Vellore, Katpadi, Ponnai, Chittoor and Chennai by Buses. Vallimalai is located on Chennai – Bangalore Highway. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Vallimalai Bus Stop. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Bommasamudram (17 Kms), Sevur (18 Kms) and Thiruvalam (15 Kms). Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Katpadi (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (125 Kms). Subramanya Swamy Temple, Vallimalai – 632 520, Vellore District Phone: +91 4172 252 295
Veerattaneswarar Temple, Thiruvathigai The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Panruti, 2 Kms from Panruti Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Panruti Railway Station, 25 Kms from Cuddalore, 25 Kms from Villupuram, 35 Kms from Neyveli, 44 Kms from Puducherry, 162 Kms from Trichy and 199 Kms from Chennai. By Road: This Temple is located at about 2 Kms to south-west of Panruti Bus Stand on the north bank of river Kedilam. Town bus services from Panruti to Cuddalore goes via Thiruvathigai. One must get down at Thiruvathigai temple bus stop and walk a short distance to reach the temple. Another Paadal Petra Sthalam, Thiruthuraiyur is located at about 10 Kms. from this Temple. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is located at Panruti (2 Kms). Buses and Taxis are available to reach this temple from Panruti Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airports are located at Chennai (165 Kms) and Trichy (167 Kms). The immense benefit the devotee derives here is total peace of mind. Every disease will be cured by prayer, stomach related pains and ulcers in particular by applying the sacred ash and consuming it, freedom from enemies, disappearance of any curse following the family generation after generation, releasing the ancestors too from their sins ensuring total salvation are the benefits awaiting the devotee in this temple. Those seeking child boon consume the milk used in the abishek of Lord. People also pray for job opportunities, family prosperity also. Devotees seeking the grace of Lord Veerattaneswarar are relieved from the three basic evils glued with humans – viz. Aanavam-arrogance, Kanma, that which follows birth after birth and illusion. Devotee visiting this temple reaps the benefit of seeing the Lord in his abode Kailash. Those facing delays in wedding pray here for early good results. The devotee should bow down while wearing the Vibhuti-sacred ash. People decorate the entrance of sanctum sanctorum with garlands (Nilamalai) and do traditional offers as Pottu Kattudhal, offer Mangal Sutra to Mother, perform Trishadi archana containing 300 or Sahasranama archana with 1008 names of the Lord, break coconuts, perform abishek to Lord with curd, fruit juices, green coconut, Panchamritham a mixture of five ingredients, scented powders, gingelly oil, sandal, rosewater sacred ash Vilwa leaves etc. and abishek with conches and Kalasas. Abishek is performed to Mother with turmeric powder. Devotees offer vastras to Mother and Lord. They also feed the visiting devotees. Official Address
Swarnakadeswarar Temple, Neivanai, Villupuram The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. As the residence of the priest is just near the temple, the devotees can have the darshan of the Lord any time. Tirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) and Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) are the major festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. Pradosham is also observed regularly. Special pujas are offered to Lord Bhairavar on new moon days. People pray to Lord for release from sins, for wisdom and prosperity in family. Devotees offer vastras to Lord and contribute for the maintenance of the temple. Devotees believe that performing poojas by applying white butter on the lingam (Vennai Kappu in Tamil) will remove obstacles from marriage proposals, help them get better job opportunities and relieve them from their debts. Swarnakadeswarar: Once the place was very fertile with paddy fields and people were happy and prosperous. Wealth and luxuries made people forget God. Lord directed Varuna the God of rain to pour his power incessantly in the region. Heavy floods began to threaten their safety. Lakes, tanks and all water resources began to breach. People ran to Lord for safety. Lord came as a youth, asked the people to bring all the paddy bags from their homes and built a dam preventing further calamity. Though the people lost their possessions, they praised the youth as their saviour. He said that God was the giver of prosperity and they should not be ungrateful to the Almighty. The young man gave them pots of gold (Swarna) and advised them to recover the loss by using it and disappeared. When the villagers were wonderstruck, Lord appeared before them as Swayambu. People built the temple then. As the Lord gave them Swarna-gold, He is praised as Swarnakadeswarar. Nel Anai: Since Lord Shiva himself built the dam (Anai in Tamil) with paddy (Nel in Tamil) the place was named Nel Anai which later changed as Neivanai. Saint Gnana Sambandhar in dancing form: The legend has that Saint Gnana Sambandhar arrived on this land and found the entire area was sunk in the darkness. He was struggling to find the exact location of the temple, instantaneously Lord instructed Goddess to assist Sambandhar to find the location. Mother Parvati guided Gnana Sambandhar to this temple affectionately addressing him ‘My dear child’. As soon as he heard the sweet nectar like voice of Mother Parvati, Sambandhar was in an ecstasy danced and sung praising the compassionate Goddess Parvati. The place from where Mother called the child saint is called Ethalavadi nearby. In this temple Sambandhar can be seen in his dancing form. Disciples of Lord Dakshinamurthy worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that sages Sanakar, Sanatana, Sanandhana and Sanathkumara have worshipped Lord Shiva here. These four saints are collectively called Kumaras or Sanakadi. These four sages are believed to have roamed the universe in the form of young children. As per Hindu mythology, they are described as the “first mind-born-sons” (Manasaputras) or spiritual sons of Lord Brahma. They are the disciples of Lord Dakshinamurthy. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Lord Brahma’s Manasaputras and Sage Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada had worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Kiliyur, 12 Kms from Elavanasur, 15 Kms from Ulundurpet, 18 Kms from Rishivandiyam, 24 Kms from Koovagam, 24 Kms from Thiruvennainallur, 30 Kms from Thirukoyilur, 51 Kms from Villupuram, 138 Kms from Trichy and 222 Kms from Chennai. By Road: Thirunelvennai is 15 Kilometers northwest of Ulundurpet in the Chennai-Tiruchirappalli Highway. Neivanai is situated on the Ulundurpet to Thiruvennainallur route via Adhanur. You can either take a right before Ulundurpet or go through the town and reach the temple. Bus facilities are available only at specific hours. A mini bus is also available to this village. Share autos are available from Ulundurpet. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Ulundurpet (16 Kms), Thirukkovilur (34 Kms) and Villupuram (57 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airports are located at Trichy (143 Kms) and Chennai (202 Kms). Swarnakadeswarar Temple, Neivanai (Nelvennai), Kuvadu Post, Erayur Via, Ulundurpet, Taluk, Villupuram District – 607201 Phone: +91 4149 291786 Mobile: +91 94862 82952 /90477859144
Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Thirunelvayil Arathurai, Cuddalore Thurai Temples: Saptha Rishis worshiped Lord Shiva here and the fingerprints of all the seven sages can be seen on this lingam. They have worshiped Lord Shiva in a similar manner at seven holy places on the banks of river Vellaru /Nee Vaa. These are called the Thurai Temples and they are – Saint Thirugnanasambanthar got Muthu Chivigai, Muthu Kodai and Muthu Chinnam: It is believed that after worshiping the lord Sri Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennaagadam, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed overnight at Maranpadi (Eraiyur). From there, the journey to this temple was tiring and exhausting. On knowing this, the Lord advised the local Vethiyars (Brahmins) to take the pearl palanquin (Muthu Chivigai), a pearl umbrella (Muthu Kodai) and other pearl-bedecked paraphernalia (Muthu Chinnam) to Eraiyur, offer them to Thirugnanasambanthar and bring him here. It is believed that the lord himself had arranged these items for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. On the way to Eraiyur, they met Thirugnanasambanthar at a place called Kudalur and brought him to this temple in a procession in that palanquin. Lord Shiva bestowed him with the title of “Acharyan” (Teacher). From there on, Thirugnanasambanthar travelled to many places in this Muthu Chivigai. As Saint Thirugnanasambanthar got the pearl palanquin here which is considered to be a turning point in his life, devotees believe by worshiping the lord here will also bring changes to their life. Devotees also believe that worshiping the lord here will give them fame, recognition and a better position in life. Nandhi’s head turned towards the right side: The distinctive feature of this temple is that the Nandhi’s head is lifted up and turned towards the right side. The story behind this that once there was a flood in the river Neeva and on the advice of Lord Shiva, Nandhi turned its head towards the river and prevented the water from causing any damage. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Lords Mahavishnu, Brahma, Adhiseshan, Saneeswaran (planet Saturn), Angaraka (planet Mars) and sages Valmiki, Sanakar and Bharadhwaja have worshiped the lord here. It is also believed that king Janakar (Sita’s father) and the kings of Chera, Chola and Pandiya kingdoms have worshiped the lord here. River Nee Vaa: It is believed that Lord Shiva helped the Saptha Rishis to perform their rituals in this place by calling the Vellaru river here (“Nee Vaa” meaning, you come here). Because of this the river is also called Nee Vaa. Sage Vasishtar got Raja Rishi title here: Sage Vasishtar performed rigorous penance here and was blessed with the title of “Raja Rishi” by Lord Shiva. On the basis of this title, he was appointed as the ‘Kula Guru’ (family teacher) for the royal families of Chola King Manu, Dasaratha and Sri Ram. As the guru of Sri Ram, Vasishtar gave a collection of advices which was written down and codified as the ‘Gnana Vasishtam’. This is similar to the Bhagavad Geeta which contains dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Dosha Parihara Sthalam: Since Saneeswaran and Angaraka worshiped the lord here, devotees believe that worshiping the lord here would relieve them of the “Dosham” related to these two planets. Temple for Maham Nakshatram: The sacred tree of this temple is a banyan tree. This tree is believed to be representing the “Maham Nakshatram” (Maham constellation). Due to this reason, this temple is famous with devotees born in the period of the Maham Nakshatram. Aratturai: Aadhi Sesha worshipped Shiva here and hence the name Aravatturai, which became Aratturai. Thirunelvayil Arathurai is another name of this place. The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. 10 days Brahmotsavam (Maasi Maham festival) in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar), Maha Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Marc, Thiruvadirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) and Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly. Lord Shiva mercifully responds to all prayers of devotees. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother offering vastras. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kodikkalam Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Pennadam, 10 Kms from Thittakudi, 25 Kms from Virudhachalam, 22 Kms from Veppur, 24 Kms from Thozhuthur, 48 Kms from Perambalur, 30 Kms from Srimushnam, 67 Kms from Chidambaram, 85 Kms from Cuddalore, 103 Kms from Puducherry and 257 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on the Pennadam to Thittakudi route. In Thittakudi – Pennadam route take a diversion at Kodikkalam for 1 Km towards South. Better to take left turn at Thozhuthur on National High way 45 to Thittakudi. All other branch roads to Thittakudi on National highway are full of pot holes. Nearest Railway Station is located at Pennadam (9 Kms) and Eachangadu (7 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry (110 Kms) and Chennai (238 Kms). Theerthapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvattathurai Post, Thittakudi Taluk, Cuddalore District – 606111 Phone: +91 4143 246 467 / 246 303
Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Thirumalisai Alvar, one of the twelve Azhwars whose work is compiled as Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. There is a separate sannidhi for Thirumazhisai Azhwar in this temple. This temple is one of the three Jagannatha Kshetrams and is referred as Madhya Jagannatha Kshetram. Puri is the Uthra Jagannatha Kshetram and Thirupullani near Rameswaram is the Dakshina Jagannatha Kshetram. Devotees use to have a dip in Bhrigu Theertham and worship the Lord for release from sins. They pray to Mother seeking child boon and prosperity. They worship Mother Vaishnavi holding discus and conch offering garlands for removal of obstacles in wedding talks. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Lord and Mother and offer archanas with Tulsi leaves. The temple follows Thenkalai tradition of worship based on Vaikasana Agamic tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8 a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram(decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Jagannatha Perumal and his consort Thirumangaivalli. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. Various festivals are celebrated in the temple, with the Aani Brahmotsavam (during June – July), Aipasi Manavala Mamuni festival during October – November, Azhwar festival on Thai Magam star day in January-February and Maasi float festival during February – March being the most prominent. During Aani Brahmotsavam, the temple car housing the festival deities of Jagannatha Perumal and Thirumangaivalli is drawn around the streets of Tirumazhisai. During the float festival in February–March, the presiding deities are drawn in a float in the temple tank. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Thirumazhisai is located on the western corridor a suburb of Chennai City in Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is situated on Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thirupathi Highway. Thirumazhisai is located at about 5 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Tiruvallur, 13 Kms from Avadi, 11 Kms from Thiruverkadu, 6 Kms from Narasingapuram, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 31 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 24 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Airport and 25 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Thirumazhisai Koil Bus Stop, 750 meters from Thirumazhisai Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. Buses ply every 30 minutes from Parrys (253,54B) / Koyambedu (153) / T. Nagar (597) / Tambaram (596). Frequent buses are available from Poonamallee and buses from various parts of the city to Thiruvallur passes through Thirumazhisai. From Chennai take the Poonamallee high road, just after Motel Highway on the left-hand side, take the immediate right (usually taken en route to Tirupati). Be cautious as this is a major Bangalore highway and an accident-prone area. After making a right go for 500 yards to reach Thirumazhisai. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Pattabiram (10 Kms), Avadi (14 Kms) and Tiruvallur (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (24 Kms). Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2681 0542 Mobile: +91 96001 81449 Email: [email protected] Web: http://jagannathaperumaltemple.tnhrce.in/
Othandeeswarar Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur Othandeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirumazhisai Town near Chennai City in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple was built during the 11th century by Chola king Kulothunga Chola II. Shiva is worshipped as Othandeeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Kulirvithanayaki. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The Vijayanagar and Nayak kings made further expansion to the temple during the 16th century. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple has many inscriptions from the Chola period during the 11th century. Kulothunga Chola II is believed to have built the temple and the shrines in the current form. The temple exists before 11th century and Somaskandar believed to be of Pallava Period. Historians believe that the shrine of Vishnu seems to be later addition. The Vijayanagara kings, who ruled the region, have done benevolent endowments to the temple. Sengunda Mudaliyars built many shrines in the temple and refurbished the tank. The samprokshanam was performed in 1995. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Kai Thandha Piran: Chola king Karikal Peruvalathan was proceeding on his elephant to worship Shiva in another place. On the way, one leg of the elephant was caught in a creeper. Despite efforts, it could not pull out from the bush. The king tried his hands to remove the bush but could not. He began cutting the bush with his sword which began to bleed. Shocked king, found a Shiva Linga hidden under the bushes. Realizing that he had offended the Lord, he unhesitatingly cut his hand with the same sword when Lord appeared before him with Mother on his Nandi and fixed the hand as before. Remembering the event, Lord is praised as Kai Thandha Piran – Lord who gave hands. Lord consoled the king. The presiding deity at the temple is still believed to have a scar on it. Mother narrated to king the stories of Shiva devotees and cooled his mind. Kulirvithal in Tamil in this context means cooling the sorrows of devotees, hence, she is praised as Kulirvitha Nayaki. Thirumazhisai: As this place was full of Azhinjal trees, it was called as Azhisai in olden days. Later, after God took abode here, the word ‘Thiru’ was added to it and came to be known as ‘Thiru Azhisai’, which later corrupted to become ‘Thirumazhisai’. Sage Agasthiyar worshipped Lord Shiva under Azhinjal Tree: During the Shiva Parvathi wedding ceremony at Kailash, all the Devas, Gods, Rishis and Ganas gathered to witness the holy event. As everyone gathered at the North, that is Kailash, the whole earth tilted to one side towards North, because of the weight. To balance the Bhoomi, Lord Shiva directed Sage Agasthiyar to go to the southern part of the country. As Sage Agasthiyar felt sad that he would miss seeing the holy wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, Lord Shiva granted him a boon that, from wherever Agasthiyar worships him, he would get the Dharshan of God’s complete wedding ceremony. While traveling in Southern region, Sage Agasthiyar worshipped Lord Shiva at Velankaadu (today’s Thiruverkadu), where he wished to see Sri Shiva Parvathi wedding ceremony. The Lord too gave Dharshan of the whole wedding ceremony to Agasthiyar there. On realizing this, Pulasthiyar, who is the primary disciple of Agasthiyar and all other disciples, requested Agasthiyar that they too wish to see the wedding of the Lord. Sage Agasthiyar along with his disciples came walking towards south of Thiruverkadu and stayed in this place, which was a forest filled with Azhinjal trees. As Azhinjal tree is considered most sacred, Sage Agasthiyar installed a Shiva Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva here. God, pleased with Agasthiyar’s prayers again gave Dharshan of His wedding ceremony to Agasthiyar and all his disciples. Sage Agasthiyar overwhelmed by the mercy of the God, requested God to take abode in this place in Kalyana Kolam (posture as just wed couple). As wished by Agasthiyar, Lord Shiva and Parvathi took abode here as Uma Maheshwara just behind the Shiva Lingam, worshipped by Agasthiyar. There are 3 places of then ‘Thondai Mandalam’, where Sage Agasthiyar had worshipped Lord Shiva under Azhinjal tree. They are Azhisoor near Kanchipuram, Thirumazhisai near Poonamallee and Chinnakkaavanam near Ponneri. The divine coincidence is all the 3 temples lie on a straight line. The temple remains open from 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. It is believed that people who are left helpless in life, when prayed to lord here gets a helping hand from him, for sure. The faith is strong among the devotees that unity among the couple would be closer if they worship Lord Nataraja and Mother Ambica both looking at each other ensuring happiness in life. People pray for mental peace and forgiveness for wrongs committed. Devotees perform special pujas to Lord offering vastras. The temple follows Saivite tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:30 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Sayaratchai between 8:00 – 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Othandeeswarar and Kulirvithanayaki. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple has many festivals in its calendar. They are Thirumazhisai is located on the western corridor a suburb of Chennai City in Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is situated on Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thirupathi Highway. Thirumazhisai is located at about 5 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Tiruvallur, 13 Kms from Avadi, 11 Kms from Thiruverkadu, 6 Kms from Narasingapuram, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 31 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 24 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Airport and 25 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Thirumazhisai Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. The Temple is located besides Thirumazhisai Koil Bus Stop. Buses ply every 30 minutes from Parrys (253,54B) / Koyambedu (153) / T. Nagar (597) / Tambaram (596). Frequent buses are available from Poonamallee and buses from various parts of the city to Thiruvallur passes through Thirumazhisai. From Chennai take the Poonamallee high road, just after Motel Highway on the left-hand side, take the immediate right (usually taken en route to Tirupati). Be cautious as this is a major Bangalore highway and an accident-prone area. After making a right go for 500 yards to reach Thirumazhisai. This temple is located right on the main road to the right side when we go from Chennai. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Pattabiram (10 Kms), Avadi (14 Kms) and Tiruvallur (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (24 Kms). Sri Othandeswarar Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur District – 600124 Mobile: +91 98415 57775
Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur The temple remains open between 07.00 Hrs to 11.00 Hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 Hrs. When the great sages Brighu and Markandeya performed tapes in Puri and longed for divine vision, Lord Vishnu appeared only hazily and that too in half form. Pressed for a fuller vision, he indicated that he would do so only in “Maheesara Kshetram”. The sages then prayed to Lord Brahma to identify this sacred place. Lord Brahma found from Lord Vishnu that this could easily be identified since it would outweigh the rest of the world by at least one grain of paddy. He also learnt that this Kshetram was the place where Lord Vishnu would give darshan with his consort, Sri Shenbagavalli. Lord Brahma, acting on these instructions. Located this Kshetram when he saw Lord Vishnu in this posture at Thirumazhisai. This temple is the location where Lord Brahma obtained darshan of Lord Vishnu with all his regalia and in full splendour. Here Lord Vishnu is seen with this consort. He also indicates with his fingers that this Kshetram outweighs the rest of the world by a grain of paddy. Here Lord Vishnu grants darshan with Ashtalakshmis – four Lakshmis on the crown on all four sides, two Lakshmis i.e Sridevi And Bhudevi on either side. The worship of Ashtalakshmi in this temple is always accompanied by the worship of Lord Vishnu. So that the devotee’s life may become more sublime and enriched. Thirumazhisai is located on the western corridor a suburb of Chennai City in Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is situated on Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thirupathi Highway. Thirumazhisai is located at about 5 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Tiruvallur, 13 Kms from Avadi, 11 Kms from Thiruverkadu, 6 Kms from Narasingapuram, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 31 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 24 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Airport and 25 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Jagannatha Perumal Temple and 350 meters from Othandeswarar Temple. By Road: The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Thirumazhisai Koil Bus Stop, 500 meters from Thirumazhisai Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. Buses ply every 30 minutes from Parrys (253,54B) / Koyambedu (153) / T. Nagar (597) / Tambaram (596). Frequent buses are available from Poonamallee and buses from various parts of the city to Thiruvallur passes through Thirumazhisai. From Chennai take the Poonamallee high road, just after Motel Highway on the left-hand side, take the immediate right (usually taken en route to Tirupati). Be cautious as this is a major Bangalore highway and an accident-prone area. After making a right go for 500 yards to reach Thirumazhisai. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations are located at Pattabiram (10 Kms), Avadi (14 Kms) and Tiruvallur (20 Kms). By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (24 Kms). Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur District – 600 124 Mobile: +91 787193820 / 9884274327.
Ilangali Amman Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur langali Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali located in Thirumazhisai near Chennai City in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is located on the western corridor a suburb of Chennai City in Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is situated on Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thirupathi Highway. Thirumazhisai is located at about 5 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Tiruvallur, 13 Kms from Avadi, 11 Kms from Thiruverkadu, 6 Kms from Narasingapuram, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 31 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 24 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Airport and 25 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Jagannatha Perumal Temple, 1.5 Kms from Othandeeswarar Temple, 1 Km from Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, 600 meters from Thirumazhisai Bus Stand and 19 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. Buses ply every 30 minutes from Parrys (253,54B) / Koyambedu (153) / T. Nagar (597) / Tambaram (596). Frequent buses are available from Poonamallee and buses from various parts of the city to Thiruvallur passes through Thirumazhisai. From Chennai take the Poonamallee high road, just after Motel Highway on the left-hand side, take the immediate right (usually taken en route to Tirupati). Be cautious as this is a major Bangalore highway and an accident-prone area. After making a right go for 500 yards to reach Thirumazhisai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Pattabiram (11 Kms), Avadi (16 Kms) and Tiruvallur (22 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (25 Kms). Official Address
Veera Anjaneya Temple, Thirumazhisai, Thiruvallur Veera Anjaneya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located in Thirumazhisai near Chennai City in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is located on the western corridor a suburb of Chennai City in Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Thirumazhisai is situated on Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thirupathi Highway. Thirumazhisai is located at about 5 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Tiruvallur, 13 Kms from Avadi, 11 Kms from Thiruverkadu, 6 Kms from Narasingapuram, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 31 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 24 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Airport and 25 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 50 meters from Thirumazhisai Koil Bus Stop, 250 meters from Jagannatha Perumal Temple, 100 meters from Othandeeswarar Temple, 250 meters from Veetrirundha Perumal Temple, 500 meters from Thirumazhisai Bus Stand and 18 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. Buses ply every 30 minutes from Parrys (253,54B) / Koyambedu (153) / T. Nagar (597) / Tambaram (596). Frequent buses are available from Poonamallee and buses from various parts of the city to Thiruvallur passes through Thirumazhisai. Official Address
Kalamega Perumal Temple, Thirumohoor, Madurai A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and three of its four bodies of water. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower and a huge temple tank in front of it. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandyas, with later additions from the Madurai Nayaks. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (April–May), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Lord Vishnu slaying of Bhasmasura: As per Hindu legend, once a demon by name Bhasmasura did penance. Shiva granted him a boon that when he touches anyone’s head, the person would turn to ashes. Bhasmasura wanted to test the boon and wanted to touch the head of Shiva. A bewildered Shiva ran to seek the favour of Vishnu, who took the form of damsel Mohini. She lured Bhasmasura with her dance and made Bhasmasura touch his head with his hand. The demon Bhasmasura was thus defeated. The place where Mohini lured (meaning Moham) came to be known as Thirumohur. Thirumohur: According to another legend, there was a fight between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) during the churning of the Ocean of Milk for Amrita (ambrosia). Asuras were able to overpower Devas and the Devas sought Vishnu’s help. Vishnu appeared as Mohini to lure the asuras and gave them empty pot. The word ‘Moham’ in Sanskrit means attraction or desire. As Vishnu took the Mohini form, this place became Thirumohanavur that later was shortened to Thirumohur. Place for salvation: The great Vaishnavite saint Nammalwar prayed to all Perumals in the 108 Divyadesas, but Kalamega Perumal of this temple only took the Alwar to salvation. Hence, once a devotee prays to Kalamega Perumal in this temple, his /her seat in the other world – Vaikunta – is ensued. Other Names: It is also known as Mohanapuram and Mohanakshetram. Thirupaarkadal: As the legend goes, when the devas were churning the ocean for Amruta, a drop of that Amruta is believed to have fallen into this temple tank and the lord appeared to the south of this tank. Hence it is also known as Periya Thirupaarkadal and Siriya Thirupaarkadal. People worshipped Lord Vishnu here: Sage Pulasthya, Brahmma, Indiran and Ajaruthar are said to have had darshan of the lord here. Birth of Ayyapan: Lord Shiva too got attracted towards the beauty of Mohini and as a result of this only, Lord Ayyappan was born from the third eye of Lord Shiva. Mohana Kshetram: In centuries gone by, this place was identified as being 1 Yojana from Thirumaliruncholai and South of the Elephant rock. The huge Ashta Giri can be seen even today. It is worth stopping on the highway (Madurai-Madras route) to see this elephant shaped rock that runs quite a distance. Kalamega Perumal: Lord Vishnu helped recover the Vedic Scriptures from two Asuras – Madhu and Kaidapan who had stolen it from Brahmma. It was at this place that Brahmma performed daily poojas, directed at Lord Vishnu, as a gesture to thank the Lord for fighting the Asuras and securing back the Vedic Scriptures. It is said that Brahmma wanted to see the Lord as ‘Narayana’ and not in his Mohini form. Hence, it is said that Lord Vishnu appeared before Brahmma at this place as Kalamega Perumal. Marga Bandhu: Kalamega Perumal is said to be a close friend of the devotees and is said to be one who provides direction and guides the devotees who come to him for Moksham. Hence, he is also referred to as ‘Maarga Bandhu’. Thirupaarkadal Nathan: Wanting to see the Lord churning the ocean to secure the nectar, Sage Pulasthiyar undertook penance here. Pleased with his prayers, Lord appeared before him and gave him darshan. Hence there is a separate sannidhi for the Lord as ‘Thirupaarkadal Nathan’. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Othakadai Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Madurai, 16 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 19 Kms from Azhagar Koil Kallazhagar Temple, 16 Kms from Madurai Koodal Azhagar Temple, 13 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 14 Kms from Meenakshi Amman Temple, 22 Kms from Thiruparankundram and 25 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Buses are available from Central and Mattuthavani bus stands. From Madurai Mattuthavani Bus stand, one can take the Melur bus and get down at Othakadai stop. From Othakadai, one can either take a mini bus / share auto to reach this Temple. Kalamega Perumal Temple, Thirumohur – 625 107, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District Phone: +91 452 2423227 / 2423444 / 2422744 Mobile: +91 98420 24866 / 98422 69683 / 98425 24325 / 95000 43011
Koodal Azhagar Temple, Madurai There are total of 108 Divya Desam or Vaishnavite Shrines in the country. But in only two of these shrines can one witness Lord Vishnu in all three postures – standing, sitting and reclining. The Koodal Alagar Temple is one of those two temples to have this unique feature. This temple is very important as the Tiruppallaandu, the first 12 verses of the 4000 Divyapprabhandhams, was sung by Periyalwar here in this temple praising the splendor of Azhagar. The temple is an ancient one and situated near the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple remains open from 5.30 am to 12.30 noon (and up to 1:00 pm on Saturdays) and 4:00 pm to 9.00 pm. Thiru Pallandu: As per Hindu legend, Pandya king Vallabhadeva wanted to know the Lord with the power to show the way to Paramapatha, the heavenly abode. The King hung a Golden Parrot with the announcement that the parrot would automatically fall, once someone informs him of the right Lord to Paramapatha. Several came and went back without success. It is believed that the Koodal Lord appeared in the dreams of Vallabhadeva’s priest Selva Nambi and suggested the name of Periazhwar of Srivilliputhur. Accordingly, Periazhwar was brought to the court of the Pandya King in Madurai. With several examples from vedic scriptures as well as historical references, Periazhwar showcased to the Pandya King that Lord Vishnu was the Lord who could take one to the heavenly abode. And to every one’s surprise the parrot fell down. The Azhvaar taken on a Street procession in Koodal. A delighted Pandya king praised Periazhwar and took him on an elephant procession through the streets of Madurai. Legend has it that Koodal Azhagar himself came to see this sight on his Garuda Vahanam. Delighted at the sight of the Koodal Lord, Periazhwar showered praises with his Pallaandu. Hence, Koodal Azhagar is credited with origination of Thiru Pallaandu, which now has come to be sung as the first 12 songs of the Divya Prabhandham. Being the place where Periazhwar sang the now famous Pallaandu, this place is considered equivalent to Paramapatham. “Pallandu Pallaandu Pallayirathaandu, Palakodi Nooraayiram Mallanda Thinthol Manivanna Un Sevadi Seppu Thirukkappu” It is said that architect of the Devas (gods), Vishwakarma designed and constructed Koodal Azhagar Koil in Kritha Yugam (Sathya or age of truth), the first of the four epochs in Vedic history. The other three are Tretha Yugam, Dwapara Yugam and the current one called Kali Yugam. Koodal: Koodal is the ancient name for Madurai. Azhagar means the beautiful one (male form) in Tamil. Legend has it that all the Gods and Goddesses got together at the Koodal Azhagar Temple, for Meenakshi Amman’s wedding to Lord Sundareswarar. Hence this place is called as Koodal. The name Koodal stems from the legend that at the behest of Vishnu, four clouds gathered at Madurai in the form of tall buildings, and prevented a deluge from overpowering the city. The legend says that 49 Tamil poets joined their hands to form an academy under the order of Pandya king to promote the growth of Tamil language. The academy which was formed by them stood as a center for the welfare of Tamil language for several centuries making numerous valuable works for the growth of Tamil. The academy stands as a monument for today. It is said that four buildings are joined together to form a fort to prevent the place from intense deluge. Even this was served as a reason for the name “Koodal”, as four building joined to form a fort at this place. The other mythology was that four clouds are sent by Lord Indra, the god of rain, because of the worship made by a Pandya king pleasing for rain. As a result, the four clouds sent by Lord Indra joined at this place causing rain. Hence, the four clouds joined at this place, it is called as “Koodal”, where Koodal means joining. Reference in Maduraikkanchi: In praise of Sri Koodal Azhagar, the Avani Onam festival was celebrated by Pandyan rulers for seven days. This festival is described in Maduraikkanchi, one of the ten epic poems called Pathupattu of the Sangam period. Reference in Silapathikaram: Illangovadigal (the Tamil poet who wrote the epic ‘Silapathikaram’) praises Lord Koodal Azhagar as ‘Needu Neer-Vaigai Nedumal’, meaning the Lord who covered the Universe by taking three strides, and then settled down at the bank of the River Vaigai in this temple. Reference in Brahmanda Purana: Brahmanda Purana vividly describes this Kshetra in seven chapters. The Pandya Symbol: A Pandiyan king by named Sathyaviradhan, devoted to this Koodal Azhagar and had a great belief towards him. One day, when he went to worship Koodal Azhagar. But before going into the temple, he washed his hands in the Kirutha Maala river, where a fish was found in his hand. He thought that the fish might be the Lord Vishnu. Since fish was one of the Avathars of Sri Vishnu. This is stated to be the reason for the Pandyas to have ‘Fish’ as their symbol in their flags. Vaigai And Kritha Mala: At Sathya Logam, Brahmma washed the legs of Lord Vishnu, after his Trivikrama Avatharam, the sacred water drops of which fell on Madurai. These sacred drops spread as two rivers, Vaigai and Krithumala. Koodal Azhagar temple is on the banks of Krithumala river. People worshipped Lord Vishnu here: Legendary Kings Prithu and Malayadwaja Pandya Koodal Alagar, who bestowed them with prosperity and attainment of moksha at the end. Koodal Azhagar Temple is situated in the heart of the city. The Temple is located at about 450 meters from Complex Bus Stand, 1 Km from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 400 meters from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 7 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 1 Km from Madurai Railway Junction, 20 Kms from Thirumangalam and 10 Kms from Madurai International Airport. It is very easy to reach the temple as it is situated very near to both the bus stand and the railway station. This temple is located near the junction of West Masi Street and South Masi street. The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Vaikasana Aagama. In modern times, the temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. Seven poojas or services are performed every day. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Koodal Azhagar and Maragathavalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple celebrates festivals on 253 days of the year. The fourteen-day annual Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) is the most prominent festival of the temple. The festive images of the temple are brought in chariot round the streets of the temple in various mounts during all the fourteen days. The Dasavatharam, the ten reincarnation stories are enacted. The Maasi (February – March) 10 days float Teppa Utsavam on Makam Star in the temple tank, Aadi Pooram (July – August), Krishna Jayanthi – Birthday of Lord Krishna, Purattasi (September – October) Garuda Sevai for the eagle vehicle of Vishnu, Navaratri – the ten-day Dussehra festival, Karthikai (the Full Moon day in November- December), Sayana Seva, Three fruits decoration, Pavithra Utsavam, Five Garuda Seva, The hunting festival, Adhyayana Utsavam, The Birth star Festivals of Alwar and Acharyas, Gajendra Moksham, The New Year Day, Celestial Wedding Festival, Vasantha Utsava and Vaikuntha Ekadasi (the special eleventh day of the waxing moon) are other famous festivals in this temple. Ten days are celebrated as Karthikai Utsavam (festivities in the month of Karthika), in honour of Thirumangai Alwar, who performed the Mangala Sasanam (or sang the poems in praise of the Lord) of the temple. The Vaikunta Vaasal, the symbolic gateway to the spiritual world, is kept open every year on the 24th morning of the month of Karthikai. “Ra Paththu” is a ten-day celebration that begins on the night of Ekadashi, when a hundred of the four thousand Pasurams (verses of poems composed by Alwars) are sung, every night. Two hundred Pasurams are sung every day for the next ten days and this is known as Pagal Paththu, the rest of the thousand songs are sung on the final day of the celebration. Female energy is harnessed on this night, as the Lord is adorned in the Nachiyar Thirukolam. (Where the Lord puts on the attire of Mahalakshmi). Another unique festival is the Vedu Pari Utsavam during which accounts of the temple are submitted to the Lord Himself. Koodal Azhagar Temple, Perumal Koil Sannathi Street, Madurai – 625 001, Madurai District Phone: +91 452 2338542 / 2334015 Mobile: +91 94877 19898 / 96885 88474 / 94873 53461 Mobile: +91 9344113169 / 94420 28447
Bala Subramanya Temple, Andarkuppam, Thiruvallur The temple remains open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Kruthikai in July-August, Kumara Sashti, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Thai Poosam in January-February and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple. His wedding with Deivanai is celebrated on the fifth day of the Chithirai Brahmmotsavam and with Valli on the 9th day of the festival. Kumara Sashti is celebrated in the month of Karthikai when Muruga was born followed by Laksharchana – chanting the glorious names of the Lord one lakh times. People pray for senior job positions, to shine in responsible positions they hold and for wise children. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Muruga with milk and adore Him with sandal paste. It is a parihara Sthalam, so many people come here doing head shave / ear boring to children etc., Devotees perform abishek to Lord Muruga with milk and adore him with sandal paste. Andarkuppam: As he came to this place as a poor little boy (Aandi), the place was called Aandiarkuppam which later changed as Andarkuppam. As Andar means ruler, the name Andarkuppam appears to be an appropriate name. Lord Murugan taught Pranava to Brahmma: Subramanya Swamy asked the meaning of Pranava which Brahma was not able to answer and Lord Muruga taught Brahmma about Pranava. We see a small stone outside the sanctum in front of Subramanya Swamy temple which is considered as Brahma. We can see the carving of the story in one of the pillars here in the temple. Murugan created a spring with his Vel here: In the past some poor people (Aandi) were worshipping him. A devotee on his pilgrimage stayed here and wanted to have a bath and worship the Lord and asked the Aandis for a river or well. They said there is none such nearby. A little boy came there, took the traveler to a place and punched the earth with Vel at a place. A spring came up and the traveler’s joy knew no bounds. Lord Muruga granted darshan to him and stayed as Lord Balasubramanya. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Andarkuppam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Thatchoor, 7 Kms from Ponneri, 15 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 17 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 26 Kms from Pulicat, 12 Kms from Devadanam, 16 Kms from Minjur, 52 Kms from Tiruvallur, 35 Kms from Avadi and 34 Kms from Chennai. The Temple can be reached from Chennai easily. Take Chennai Kolkata Highway towards Nellore, take the right turn at the Ponneri Junction -Thachchur Koot Road and you will see the road to Andar Kuppam on the left in half a Km. The temple is at the end of the road. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Ponneri (7 Kms), Gummudipoondi (14 Kms), Chennai Central (34 Kms) and Egmore (35 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (47 Kms). Balasubramanya Swami Temple, Andarkuppam – 601 204, Thiruvallur District. Phone: +91 44 2797 4193 Mobile: +91 99629 60112 / 97908 32333 / 96771 55245 Email: [email protected]
Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Palaiyur, Tirupattur, Trichy Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Palaiyur Village in Tirupattur near Siruganur in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. This temple is very close to Thirupattur Brahma Temple. This temple with a sacred tank was constructed by Cholas. The Jeeva samadhi of Sage Vyagrapada (Pulikkal Siddhar) is located within the temple. Temple Pond created by Saint Vyagrapada: Vyagrapathar, who had feet of a tiger, was said to have lived here for some time tending to the lord. Once during a drought when he could not get water to bath the Lingam he asked Indra on his white elephant, who used to pass overhead with water from Mount Kailash every day for the lord at Thiruvanaikaval to spare some. This was refused and the sage in anger dug the ground with his clawed feet to bring forth the Theertham of Ganges here – Pulipaichi Theertham. When Indra and his mount reached Thiruvanaikaval late after this episode the lord asked for the reason. When appraised he immediately directed them to provide the water to the sage which was duly rejected by him now. The elephant then performed the ablution to the deity itself. This scene is depicted in the Gopuram. Curse of Ayyanar: As per local legend, Ayyanar cursed all the Brahmins in this village many hundred years ago that their livelihood will be stopped. Slowly all the temples died due to want of maintenance and the priests all migrated. Since the temples have now been redone and the Kumbabishekam of the Ayyanar also arranged hoping for better days. Jeeva Samadhi: Vyagrapada, that is, one having the feet like a tiger, was one of the mythical rishis (sage) of ancient India. His image and iconography depicts him as a human being but with the legs of a tiger. He is also shown having a tiger-like tail. Generally, he is shown alongside Patanjali, and both are depicted as offering homage to Shiva in his aspect as Nataraja. Lord Shiva had blessed him with legs as that of Tiger for him to move around the jungle. His Jeeva samadhi is situated at Kasi Vishwanathar temple situated near Brahmapureeswarar temple. The Temple remains open from 7 A.M to 12 P.M in the morning and from 4 P.M to 8 P.M in the evening. The temple is extremely crowded on Thursdays, Full Moon Days, and Sadhaya Nakshatram. The Temple is located at about 1 Kms from Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple, 5 Kms from Siruganur, 17 Kms from Samayapuram, 25 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 28 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 28 Kms from Siruvachur, 28 Kms from Srirangam and 34 Kms from Trichy. Tirupattur is off the route to Samayapuram Mariamman temple from Trichy on the Chennai Trichy highway. A left must be taken at Siruganur and in about 5 Kms, Tirupattur can be reached. Nearest Railway Station is located at Trichy (37 Kms), Pichandar Kovil (23 Kms) and Srirangam (28 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (38 Kms). Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Palaiyur, Tirupattur, Trichy District – 621104 Phone: +91 431 2650439 Mobile: +91 9443817385
Agastheeshwarar Temple, Perungudi, Trichy Agastheeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Perungudi Village near Vayalur in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. The temple is under the maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India. This Temple was constructed in 969 CE during the reign of Sundara Chola and this temple used to be known as Thiruperumudi as per stone inscriptions. It was renovated during the time of the Hoysala King Vira Ramanatha. The shrine for the goddess was built by Vijayanagara King Viruppanan. This is an ancient east facing temple with entrance in the south-east corner. There is no Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and is facing east. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari and is facing south. Shrines of Bala Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Chandikeswara and Saneeswara can be seen in the prakaram. This Temple belongs to Imperial Cholas and have lots of inscriptions depicting its rich past. This is connected with Kumara Vayalur Murugan temple and is a monument of Sundara Chola and Aditya II periods. Balasubramanya is present with a face and four hands along with Devayani in standing posture. Idols have been discovered in various places inside the temple. At one location Saneeswaran faces Murugan. In another the Shiva statue named Agastheeshwarar is tilted, allegedly because Lord Shiva, while accepting a gift from a handicapped woman (as a token of love), had to bend sideways to receive it. The temple was dated to 969 A.D. In another spot the Vishnu statue is just outside Shiva Sannidhi. The temple is under the maintenance of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Somarasampettai, 3 Kms from Somarasampettai Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Konar Chathiram Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Vayalur, 7 Kms from Woraiyur, 12 Kms from Srirangam and 13 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is situated in Trichy – Kumara Vayalur – Thogai Malai route. Take a right into a small road at the junction where the road forks to the above places and drive for about 1.5 kilometers to reach Perungudi and the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Trichy (9 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (13 Kms). Official Address
Kala Bhairavar Temple, Thiruneermalai, Kanchipuram Kala Bhairavar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva located at Thiruneermalai in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Pallavaram, 10 Kms from Mangadu, 14 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 18 Kms from Taramani, 15 Kms from Guindy and 28 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 100 meters Thiruneermalai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Pallavaram Bus Depot and 23 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, Koyambedu. There are MTC buses to Thiruneermalai from Poonamallee, Kundrathur, Pallavaram and Tambaram. You can reach the temple either by car, taxi or take a bus from Pallavaram bus depot. One can take bus 55A, 55B, 155A & J66 from Pallavaram Bus Stand to reach the temple. In the Guindy – Tambaram GST Road, take the road opposite Pond’s factory (towards West) at Pallavaram and go further for about 3-4 kms to reach the temple. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Pallavaram Railway Station, 26 Kms from Egmore Railway Station and 30 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station. The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Thiruneermalai Dhivya Desam, Kanchipuram Taken From: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/03/thiruneermalai-dhivya-desam-kanchipuram.html Thiruneermalai Dhivya Desam is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thiruneermalai, a suburb of Chennai in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. Thiruneermalai Dhivya Desam is one among the 108 Divya Desams of Perumal. There are two temples, one at the top of the hill and other in the foothills. In all, the temple occupies an area of 15 acres (6.1 ha). At Thiruneermalai, one finds Lord Vishnu in four forms – Sitting, Sleeping and Walking posture atop the hill and Standing posture in the temple at the foot of the hill. While the presiding deity is Neervanna Perumal, all Utsavams (Celebrations) are for Lord Ranganatha. Thiruneermalai Dhivya Desam is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, a great Tamil canon, and the hymns were sung by Thirumangai Azhwar and Boothathazhar. This temple is considered as Mukthi Sthala. Thiruneermalai area is one of the 163 notified areas (megalithic sites) in the state of Tamil Nadu. Ranganatha appearing as Lord Rama due to Sage Valmiki penance: As per Hindu legend, sage Valmiki, after composing the epic Ramayana, worshipped Ranganatha at the top of the hill. When he came downhills, Valmiki is said to have missed the presence of Lord Raama at foot hills and is said to have undertaken penance thinking of Lord Raama. Due to his penance, Ranganatha appeared as Lord Rama, Lakshmi appeared as Sita, Adi Sesha appeared as Lakshmana, Vishnu’s shankha as Bharatha, Sudarshana chakra as Shatrugna, Garuda in the form of Hanuman and Vishwakarma as Sugreeva. Thirumangai Azhwar 6 month wait: Thiru Mangai Azhvaar came here to sing praise of the Lord but heavy rains flooded the place and he could not reach this temple. Having come this far, he decided to wait till the rains stopped. It proved to be a long wait of 6 months before Thiru Mangai could meet his Lord. The hill on which he stayed during these 6 months still exists and is called Thiru Mangai Azhvaar Puram. This is the only Divya Desam where Thiru Mangai waited this long to meet the Lord. One has seen in the stories relating to a few of the other Divya Desams where Thiru Mangai has left/threatened to leave without waiting for the Lord. Pleased with his devotee, Perumal granted four darshans to Azhwar – Neer Vanna Perumal standing, Narasimha sitting, Ranganatha reclining and Ulagalandha Perumal in walking postures. The devotee can enjoy these darshans in the temple. Lord Neervanna Perumal is at the foot of the hills while Ranganatha, Narasimha and Ulagalandha Perumal are at the hill temple. Utsavar goes up the hill only thrice a year: The Utsavar deity of Ranganatha is seen at the Neer Vannan temple at the foot of the hill. Only thrice a year – on the first and last day of Brahmotsavam festival and on the Panguni Uthiram day – is he taken up the hill to be alongside the Moolavar Lord Ranganatha. Madhya Rangam: This place is called Madhya Rangam and Lord Ranganatha is seen in Bhoga Sayanam. Oldest Hill Divya Desams: During Dwapara Yugam, there were only two Divya Desams that were on hills. One was Ahobilam and the other was Thiruneermalai. Lord Narasimha darshan to Arjuna: It is believed that Lord Narasimha gave darshan to Arjuna after he performed the Ashwamedha Yaagam here at this place. Prarthana Sthalam: This is a Prarthana Sthalam and the Lord is said to answer prayers relating to different issues, especially marriage. Ashta Swayamvektha Kshetrams: Eight Vishnu temples in India are considered very important as Lord Vishnu manifested himself and these places are praised as Swayam Vyaktha Kshetras of which this Thiruneermalai temple is one. Others are Srirangam in Trichy District, Srimushnam in Cuddalore District, Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh and Salagramam, Naimisaranyam, Pushkaram and Narayanapuram in north. Only Dhivya Desam where Lord Narasimha in Cool Posture: Only Divya Desams where Lord Narasimha is seen in a cool posture – called ‘Shanta Narasimhar’. Though Lord Narasimha is known for his furious appearance, He is smiling and cool here. After killing Hiranya to save his devout son Prahladha from his tortures, He was still furious. Boy Prahladha was very much afraid of Lord’s fury. To make his devotee happy, Lord Narasimha shed his fury and appeared before Prahladha as a smiling boy himself. He thus became Bala Narasimha. There is a shrine for him in the hill temple. Behind Bala Narasimha is Ugra (furious) Narasimha with two hands. We can worship Narasimha in two forms Bala and Ugra. Girivalam: As this is a hill temple, Giri Valam is observed on Poornima-new moon days. Boga Ranganatha darshan to sages Markandeya & Brugu: After the darshan of Lord in Srirangam in reclining posture, sages Markandeya and Brugu were returning to their places. The darshan at Srirangam was afresh in their minds. They prayed to Lord to grant them darshan again at this place. Lord granted the darshan as Boga Ranganatha in reclining posture in this place and continues to bless from the hill top His devotees. Abishek is not offered to Him except a Thaila Kappu – applying cosmetic oil on the idol- once in a year in Karthikai month-November-December. Etymology: This Thiruneermalai Kshetram is also called as “Thoyagiri Kshetram” and also as “Thothadri”. Thoya means “Water” and Adhiri means “Mountain” (malai). Since the mountain is surrounded by water, this Sthalam is named as “Thiru Neer Malai” in Tamil. Brahmanda Purana refers this place Thodatri, meaning a mountain surrounded by water. Devotees bathe in the tank for health and cure from illness and for a clear mind and worship Perumal. Devotees also seek child boon by placing cradles in a tree and for removal of obstacles in marriage efforts. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam and special pujas to Perumal and offer vastras. The temple remains open from morning 8.00 AM to 12.00 noon and in the evening from 4.00 PM to 7.30 PM. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Pallavaram, 10 Kms from Mangadu, 14 Kms from Poonamallee, 17 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 18 Kms from Taramani, 15 Kms from Guindy and 28 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 100 meters Thiruneermalai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Pallavaram Bus Depot and 23 Kms from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, Koyambedu. There are MTC buses to Thiruneermalai from Poonamallee, Kundrathur, Pallavaram and Tambaram. You can reach the temple either by car, taxi or take a bus from Pallavaram bus depot. One can take bus 55A, 55B, 155A & J66 from Pallavaram Bus Stand to reach the temple. In the Guindy – Tambaram GST Road, take the road opposite Pond’s factory (towards West) at Pallavaram and go further for about 3-4 kms to reach the temple. By Train: The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Pallavaram Railway Station, 26 Kms from Egmore Railway Station and 30 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station. By Air: The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Two worship services are carried out each day here. Two Brahmotsavams and Uttiram (Birth star of mother goddess) are celebrated. Brahmotsavam of Neer Vana Perumal is held in the Tamil month of Panguni (March – April) and for Rangantha Perumal in the month of Chittirai (April – May). While Panguni uttiram is celebrated for Ranganayaki Thayar and Masi Uttiram is the Birth star of Animamalar Mangai, the consort of Neervanna Perumal. Pavithra Utsavam on Purattasi Saturday in September-October is celebrated in the temple. On the Vaikunda Ekadasi day in December-January, Azhagia Manavala Perumal passes through the Sorga Vasal. He also grants the Garuda Seva darshan on Masi Magam day in February-March. A one-day festival is celebrated for Narasimha in Aani (June-July) and for Ulagalandha Perumal in Aadi (July-August). Wedding festival for Neervanna Perumal and Anima Malar Mangai is celebrated on the Uthiram star day in Chithirai-April-May. We have seen Gods coming in procession on one vahanam only during festival days. But Ranganatha comes in seven vahans in procession in a single day on the Ratha Sapthami day in Thai month (January-February). During the sunrise, Lord Ranganatha comes in Surya Prabha vahanam when Arti is shown from foot to face as if Sun God himself performs this puja. Then he comes in procession on Hanumantha, Garuda, Sesha, Horse, Lion and Surya Prabha vahans. Neer Vanna Perumal – Sri Ranganathar Temple,Thiruneermalai – 600 044,Kanchipuram District.Phone: +91 44 2238 5484Mobile: +91 98405 95374 / 94440 20820 / 98940 74360
Madhyarjuneshwar Temple, Pettavaithalai, Trichy Pottralam Poovai Siddhar: It is believed that Pottralam Poovai Siddhar attained Jeeva Samadhi in this temple. He was one of the Siddhas, whose specialty was in producing herbs and medicines for women specific ailments. Parihara Sthalam for Brahma Hatya Dosha: Historically, the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola III. As per the legend, he got Brahma Hatya Dosha (Brahma hatya dosh is the sin caused due to killing Brahmins). To get absolved from the sin, he built many temples for Lord Shiva. This is one among those temples. The temple is believed to have been built by Kulothunga Chola III in the beginning of the 13th century CE. The stone inscription dated 1205-1206 CE from this king is found in this temple. Kulothunga Chozhan had built 64 Shiva temples to get rid of his Brahmahatti Dosham. This was one among those. Another inscription from Rani Mangammal of Nayaka dynasty dated 1685 CE is also found in the temple complex. All types of ladies specific problems like mensus, uterus, menopause related are said to be cured by worshipping Shiva at this place. Worshipping Shiva in this place is recommended to get rid of Brahmahatti Dosha. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pettavaithalai, 2 Kms from Pettavaithalai Railway Station, 2 Kms from Pettavaithalai Railway Station Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Kulithalai, 10 Kms from Thirupparaithurai, 15 Kms from Jeeyapuram, 33 Kms from Trichy, 31 Kms from Trichy Railway Station and 36 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is located between Trichy and Karur and is accessible from both these cities. The temple is located at about 1 Km inside from the Trichy – Kulithalai main road. Passenger and Express trains from Trichy to Karur and Coimbatore stops at Pettavaithalai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Pettavaithalai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Pandurangan Temple, Pichandarkovil, Trichy This was identified by God to a devotee Parangkusa das in dream and was instructed to build this temple. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Uthamar Kovil Railway Station, 1 Km from Uthamar Kovil, 1 Km from Uthamar Kovil Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Srirangam, 5 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 12 Kms from Trichy, 16 Kms from Trichy Railway Station and 17 Kms from Trichy Airport. Nearest Railway Station is located at Uthamar Kovil and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Pachapperumalpatti, Trichy On every Poornima – Sri Sathya Narayana pooja @ 6.30pm: This pooja is usually done on the Purnima day of every month (the day of the full moon) or a Sankranti. It is also done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to the Lord. These occasions include marriage, graduation, new job, and the purchase of a new home and prayers for off springs. On Mula Natchatram – abishekam for Abhayahastha Anjaneyar @ 6.30pm: This Hanuman pooja is really beneficial for all those who want to attain strength, wisdom and knowledge. The worship of Hanuman, the monkey god cures all illness and gives courage to fight the illness. Hanuman puja provides peace of mind as well. On Chithira Natchatram – abishekam for Sri Sudharsana @ 6.30 pm: This is a very powerful pooja It is regarded as the best protection from all evils, Dosha Nivarana, troubles from enemies, black magic, vasheekaran, evil eye, fear and persecution by evil spirits and health problems. Grants the protection of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana chakra. Pooja of Lord Vishnu is performed with Thulasi leaves. Special pooja on Sudarsana Jayanthi: The Sudarshana chakram is the mighty weapon of Lord Sriman Narayana and has many auspicious attributes associated with it. The mighty Jwala is the aspect of Jwala Narasimhar who destroyed Hiranyakasipu and therefore, is resident in the Sudarshana chakram. The Sudarshana chakram has healing characteristics. Legend has it that Swami Desikan composed the Sudarshana Astakam to help the people of a village stricken by the plague epidemic. Every month on the day of Chitra Nakshatram, Sri Sudarshana homam and Thirumanjanam to Sri Sudarshana Chakrathazhwar are being performed at this Temple. Special homam can be performed. On Puratasi: Special alangaram & pooja to the Utsava moorthis – every week, on Saturday. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Pachaperumalpatti Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Puliyancholai, 23 Kms from Thuraiyur, 33 Kms from Musiri, 68 Kms from Trichy, 45 Kms from Namakkal, 46 Kms from Namakkal Railway Station, 38 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 72 Kms from Trichy Railway Station and 73 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is located near the beautiful and popular picnic spot Puliyancholai in the bus routes of Thuraiyur to Puliyancholai; Thuraiyur to Namakkal via Pachaperumalpatti; Thuraiyur to Mettupalayam via Pachaperumalpatti. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kulithalai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Pachapperumalpatti, Trichy District Phone: +91 4327 233530 Mobile: 94420 84316 / 89034 01310 Web: http://pachapperumalpattisrisundaraja.blogspot.in
Thalamalai Perumal Temple, Trichy Annual festival is celebrated in Tamil month of Puratasi (September / October), once in three years poojas for Idi Bhagavan (Thunder) are performed here. Daily poojas and lighting of numerous lamps on every Saturday are also observed. Celebrations are held during the Tamil months of Chithirai, Avani – (Krishna Jayanthi, Navarathri and Vijayadasami), Margazhi and Thai Pongal and lighting of lamps on Thai Thiruvonam day. During the month of Adi – on the 18th day, during the midday pooja after a dip in the Holy river Cauvery, the Dhandam (the long stick) of Karuppannasami would stand automatically erect and at that time Garuda would go around in the sky. At this instance, the devotees would get excited and shout Lord Govinda name and pray. Devotees walk around on a narrow path around the temple for pradakshinams. People strongly believe that going around this rock temple would give them successful marriage, wealth and child birth. But this practice is now banned due to accidents. Thala Malai: The word ‘Thala’ means head. The region gets the name from a hill called Siragiri located here that seems like the head of a person. The local people believe that it resembles the face of Lord Vishnu. Ramar Sunai: In Ramayana, great of the two great epics of Hindu mythology, Lord Rama on his way back to Ayodhya with Sita after rescuing her from Ravana in Lankan lands, he had to stay at this Sthala, a spring by name Ramar Sunai was made and there is water flow always. When a person goes close this spring, he can breathe the pleasurable smell of turmeric. Head Portion of Sanjeevi Hills: In Ramayana, the Yuddha Kanda, Indrajit, son of Ravana and the primary of army of demons showered deadly weapons (the Brahmastra.) to kill his enemies – Rama, Lakshmana and Vanaras and they were unconscious. Jambavan sent Hanuman to fetch the Sanjeevi, a powerful life-restoring herb to revive the unconscious. Unable to find the specific herb before nightfall, Hanuman brought the entire mountain Dronagiri which was full of medicinal plants, to the fight field, thus helping find the herb and even with the approach of the Sanjeevi hill, (fragrance of the herbs) Rama and Lakshmana and the Vanaras felt the darts slip off their bodies. Their wounds healed. Jambavan told Hanuman to replace the Sanjeevi Hill but Hanuman was tired to go back to the spot and he tied the hill in his tail and threw it with full vigor. The top portion of the hill fell and that place came to be known as Thalaimalai. One can find Sanjeevi herb widely spread in this hill and the pilgrims who visit this temple would be guarded against the sting of venomous insects and snakes. There is no threatening to their lives. Nayakars built this Temple: It was believed that this temple was built during the period of Nayakars. During those days, there was a shepherd who used to take the cows for grazing. While all other cows came back with him, one cow alone went astray to the top of the hill and giving milk to a boy there. Shepherd was kept searching and found this and informed the Nayakar. That night Lord appeared before Nayakar in his sleep and asked him to build a temple on top and perform regular pooja. From then, the hereditary Nayakars were the treasurers of the temple. At present, the off springs of Thiru Venkatarama Naidu are the treasurers of the temple. Yama worshipped Lord Vishnu here: When Yama – the Hindu God of Death was suffering because of Sani Deva’s transition, Yama prayed to Indira Deva who advised him to have a holy dip daily in the Kannimar mountain spring (Sunai) and offer prayers to Lord Nallendra Perumal, he would be relieved of bad karmas. Yama did so and was freed from the ill effects of Sani’s transit. Special poojas would be offered during the Tamil month of Thai. Pooja for Thunder God: During Puratasi (Tamil month) celebrations, once in three years poojas for Idi (Thunder) Bhagavan would be performed. During the pooja, one can see cracks on the wall of the building and in few minutes, with God’s grace the cracks would be set right. Even today, this occurre is considered to be a wonder. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Neeliyampatti, 8 Kms from Sevindipatti, 16 Kms from Thottiyam, 23 Kms from Musiri, 39 Kms from Gunaseelam, 24 Kms from Kulithalai, 16 Kms from Tattayyangarpettai, 33 Kms from Namakkal and 65 Kms from Trichy. This Temple is situated on the north of River Cauvery, south of Kolli Hills, west of Kolakudi – Pavithram Main Road and east of Thiruchi – Namakkal Main Road. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Namakkal (34 Kms), Kulithalai (25 Kms) and Trichy (63 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (70 Kms). Thalamalai Perumal Temple, Neeliyampatti, Trichy District – 621208 Mobile: +91 98436 58044 / 97905 74284 / 99436 59130 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thalaimalai.com
Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Kattuputhur, Trichy Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Kattuputhur Village near Thiru Narayana Puram in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thaayars. The temple is 300 years old. It is believed that Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Musukundha Chakravarthy here. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kattuputhur Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mayanur, 15 Kms from Mohanur, 16 Kms from Thottiyam, 16 Kms from Tirunarayanapuram, 28 Kms from Kulithalai, 28 Kms from Karur, 30 Kms from Musiri and 68 Kms from Trichy. While going from Musiri to Salem, take the left side road at Thottiyam to Kattuputhur. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayanur and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Sastha Temple, Thirupattur, Trichy Emperor Rajaraja Chola was a staunch Shiva devotee and was conferred the title Shivapada Sekhara. He was instrumental for the prosperity of the kingdom. He was assisted in his efforts by Brahmarayar. He was a Vishnu devotee. To respect him, Rajaraja treated Vaishnava temples with equal respect. Brahmarayar duly reciprocated Rajaraja’s courtesy by his services to Shiva temples. Changes came in later in worship thinking. Other Gods came in beyond Saivite and Vaishnavite faiths. Masathanar belongs to the later generation of Gods. It may be recalled that Sathanar worship was popular during the Sangam period. The kings will convene the court only after Sathanar worship. This worship was followed during war time also. Thrilled by the power and mercy of Masathanar, kings began to attach this name with theirs as Karuvur Seraman Sathan, Pandian Keeran Sathan, Cholanattu Pidavur Kizhan Mahan Perunchathan, Ollayur Kizhan Mahan Perunchathan and so on. Tamil world knows the great epic poet Seethalai Chathanar, Urayur Mudhukannan Chathanar, Perunthalai Chathanar gaining great powers by worshipping Masathanar. In the days that followed, Sathanar came to be known as Sastha and also as Ayyanar. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Panguni Uthiram in March-April and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. People pray to Ayyanar for profitable farm yields and good education for their children. Devotees perform abishek to Ayyanar, Pooranai and Pushakalai and offer vastras. This Sastha Temple is located on the way to the Brahmapureeswarar temple. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Thirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple, 4 Kms from Siruganur, 16 Kms from Samayapuram, 24 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 27 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 24 Kms from Siruvachur, 27 Kms from Srirangam and 33 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located to the north of the city of Trichy on the NH-45, the Chennai – Trichy highway. Siruganur is located at about 30 Kms on the Trichy-Chennai National Highways. From Siruganur, Tirupattur is 4 kms on the west branch of the road. As there are no bus facilities, the visitor must engage a cab or auto. There is a clear sign board for the temple at the Siruganur highway crossing. You can also board a bus from Trichy to Perambalur and get down at Siruganur to reach this temple. Trichy to Chennai buses normally don’t stop at Siruganur. After you cross Siruganur towards Chennai, there is a left detour from the main highway, towards Tirupattur. Nearest Railway Station is located at Trichy (36 Kms), Pichchandarkovl (22 Kms) and Srirangam (27 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (37 Kms). Official Address
Vishamangaleswarar Temple, Thudaiyur, Trichy Visham Theenda Pathi: It is believed that people in this place do not suffer from any poisonous bites. Hence this place is called as Visham Theenda Pathi. Vishamangaleswarar: The Lord is called Visha (poison) Mangaleswarar (one who gives Mangalam, prosperity, happiness, wellbeing) as he had consumed the Alakala Poison coming out of the sea when it was churned. People who worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sahadevan, one of the Pandavas, was believed to have prayed here and became an expert in astrology. Banumathi, wife of Duryodhana, had also prayed here. As per the temple legend, Achala Nisumithra Maharishi prays here even today. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Thiruvasi, 11 Kms from Thirupparaithurai, 13 Kms from Jeeyapuram, 10 Kms from Elamanur, 10 Kms from Srirangam, 17 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is situated in Trichy Salem road. The temple is on the left of the road on a bit of land which is between the Kaveri and the left bank canal. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Srirangam, Elamanur and Trichy. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Thirupattur, Trichy The lord is said to have retrieved the Vedas stolen from Brahma by Asuras, and taken to the depths of the ocean, and given it back to him here. Lord Vishnu also relieved Lord Shiva of the curse he incurred for cutting off one of the heads of Brahma. This temple is believed to have been in existence from the Sangam Era. It was made into a stone construction by Nandivarma Pallava (730-790 CE). It was again renovated in 1277 CE by Jatavarma Veera Pandian and again by Thirumalai Nayak in 1693 CE. This is an ancient temple with a 3-tiered Raja Gopuram. The temple looks striking in the bright sunlight with no tree cover around. The lord is seen with a Swan alongside. Presiding Deity is called as Varadaraja Perumal and is facing east. Mother is called as Poornavalli Thaayar / Purushothama Nayagi and is facing east. This Temple is situated behind the famous Brahmapureeswarar Temple at Thirupattur. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Thirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple, 4 Kms from Siruganur, 16 Kms from Samayapuram, 24 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 27 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 24 Kms from Siruvachur, 27 Kms from Srirangam and 33 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located to the north of the city of Trichy on the NH-45, the Chennai – Trichy highway. Siruganur is located at about 30 Kms on the Trichy-Chennai National Highways. From Siruganur, Tirupattur is 4 kms on the west branch of the road. As there are no bus facilities, the visitor must engage a cab or auto. There is a clear sign board for the temple at the Siruganur highway crossing. You can also board a bus from Trichy to Perambalur and get down at Siruganur to reach this temple. Trichy to Chennai buses normally don’t stop at Siruganur. After you cross Siruganur towards Chennai, there is a left detour from the main highway, towards Tirupattur. Nearest Railway Station is located at Trichy (36 Kms), Pichchandarkovl (22 Kms) and Srirangam (27 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (37 Kms). Official Address
Aadhi Jambunathar Temple, Thiruvellarai, Trichy The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Thiruvellarai Bus Stop, 1 Km from Thiruvellarai Divya Desam, 5 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 7 Kms from Manachanallur, 12 Kms from Thiruvasi, 15 Kms from Srirangam, 16 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil and 23 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Uthamar Kovil (12 Kms) and Trichy (26 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (27 Kms). Official Address
Ranganathar Temple, Devadanam, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 6.30 AM to 12.00 Noon in the morning and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM in the evening. Rama Navami, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikunta Ekadesi are celebrated here but there is no procession of the deities. In the month of Panguni that is March to April is the Thirukalyanam or celestial marriage of the Lord. It is believed that worshipping Lord Ranganatha by lighting ghee lamps for seven Saturdays and worshipping Lord Nagaraja of the snake hill shrine will result in the fulfillment of all the wishes and prayers of the devotees. All obstacles regarding marriages are removed. Reasonably good job opportunities are assured. Childless devotees are blessed with children. Vada Srirangam: Being an Abhimana Sthalam (temple built out of love), there is no big legend behind. Chalukya rulers who visited Srirangam wanted to recreate an idol, within their empire, like the sleeping Ranganatha. They came back here and constructed an idol even bigger than the one in Srirangam. Hence, this temple is also referred to as Vada Srirangam (North Srirangam). Deva Dhanam: The village is believed to have been gifted by the Devas and hence the name Deva Dhanam. Lord in Bhoga Sayanam: Yet another story goes that tired of measuring the paddy during the harvest season, Lord Ranganatha is believed to have relaxed his head on the same grain measure (One has seen a similar kind of story relating to the Sarangapani temple where Thirumazhisai Azhvaar enquires the sleeping Aravamudhan if he is tired after his long walk and requests the Lord to give him darshan). Lord appeared in a devotee dream: Saroja Sadasivam, from a leading business house here, had a vivid dream in 1983. She dreamt of a supine Ranganatha Swamy in a derelict temple, totally neglected, beseeching her for attention. The eighteen and a half feet stone idol, lying on a giant Adhiseshan, was sweating copiously in her dream, telling her that it had had no oil application for very many years, and so could not bear the heat. From the very next day she began the search for this temple, and in the process, visited scores of them. Two years later, on a chance suggestion, she visited Devadanam, and found the then undeveloped village and temple to be the one in her vision. The deity was all covered in dirt, and the temple completely weed-ridden, and broken down. From then, till now, almost 20 years later, constant effort and a great deal of money has been spent, with the temple finally done its Kumbabhishekam. The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Ponneri, 8 Kms from Minjur, 13 Kms from Thatchoor, 18 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 24 Kms from Pulicat, 25 Kms from Gummidipoondi, 26 Kms from Thiruvottriyur and 32 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Minjur Bus Depot and 9 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot. Bus 56 D runs between Broadway (Parrys Corner) and Minjur. It will take about 1 ½ hours to reach Minjur by bus from Chennai. The temple is about 8 Kms South East of Ponneri (there are buses every hour or so from Ponneri). Take the Kolkata highways (Grand North Trunk road) and go straight beyond the Tollgate at Karanodai. At about 2-3 kms from the Tollgate, you will see a cross road called Thatchur cross road. At this point, turn right towards Ponneri and you will reach Ponneri in about 5 kms. At Ponneri, at a cross road, take a right towards Minjur (but you don’t have to go to Minjur). At about 2-3 kms from Ponneri, you must turn left and travel for about 5 kms to reach the temple. By Train: The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Anuppambattu Railway Station, 6 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 8 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station and 24 Kms from Gummidipoondi Railway Station. Take a Sub-Urban train from Chennai Central and get down at Minjur (45minutes) – Gummudipoondi section. From Minjur, take a share auto/ mini bus on the Eastern Side just outside the station to reach the temple in about 20 – 30minutes. By Air: The Temple is located at about 50 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Ranganathar Temple, Devadanam, Thiruvallur District |Mobile: +91 97868 66895 / 98410 90491 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Kari Krishna Perumal Temple, Thiruayarpadi, Thiruvallur Kari Krishna Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Thiruayarpadi Village near Ponneri in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This is a very ancient Krishna temple, a rarity in Tamilnadu as Krishna temples are few compared to Shiva temples. The temple was built by the Chola king Karikala II, and that is why the deity has the prefix Kari before his name. The present temple with its carved stone pillars must have been built much later than Karikalan’s time. Maybe the temple built by Karikala crumbled in the course of time and was later replaced with the present one by one of his descendants. The temple is well maintained. The Temple remains open from 07.30 am – 10.30 am and 05.30 pm – 08.30 pm. The Lord is worshipped here by childless couples to be blessed with a child. It is considered as a Prarthana Sthalam for the childless. On Rohini star every month, if childless couples visit the Kari Krishna temple with two plantains, ½ liter milk, 100gms butter and oil (Gingelly lamp oil) and perform an archanai, the Lord is said to immediately bless the couple with progeny. Kari Krishna Perumal: Ages back a cow belonging to a villager used to graze around in the forests here. One day the master of the cow saw the cow pouring its milk in a bush without any one actually milking it. The master who got confused went and saw the place along with the villagers. There was an ant hill amidst the bushes. They started demolishing the ant hill curiously. While digging out they saw this idol of Lord Krishna showing up. While digging further, it is said that, Lord Krishna moved his leg a bit and stood slanting to avoid being hit by the crowbar. But one of the crowbars hit him on his shoulders. The villagers took out this beautiful idol of Lord Krishna which stood tilted, holding a whip on his hand. It is said that the mark of the crowbar still remains on the deity and sandal paste is applied on it regularly, to heal the wound. The villagers installed the idol here adjacent to the ant hill itself. The Lord does not have any Peetam or base and seen standing on the floor, in a tilted posture with one of his leg a bit away. Ancient Chozha king, Karikala Chozha II has built this temple for Lord Krishna and hence the God here came to be known as Sri Kari Krishna Perumal. Hariharan Sandhippu Urchavam: Bharadhwaja Maha Rishi is said to have undertaken penance at this temple and Agastya Rishi is undertook penance at this place invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared before Bharadhwaja Rishi and Lord Shiva before Sage Agastya and acceded to their request of providing joint darshan to the devotees. Marking this occasion, a festival called Hari – Haran Sandhippu Urchavam (‘Shiva – Vishnu Meet’ festival) is celebrated annually near this temple. This is probably the only place where these 2 Gods meet. In accordance with this event, every year on the 5th day of Chitrai, Kari Krishna Perumal leaves on a procession to the bazaar street in Ponneri where he meets with Lord Shiva and exchanges garland. As Lord Shiva met with Lord Vishnu here, this street has come to be called Hari-Haran bazaar street. Prarthana Sthalam: It is also a Prarthana Sthalam where childless couples worship and are blessed with children. Aayarpaadi: In Thamizh ‘Aayarpaadi’ means shepherd village, the place where Lord Krishna grew up. This village also has the same name, as the Lord here gives Dharshan as a Shepherd. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Ponneri, 13 Kms from Minjur, 8 Kms from Thatchoor, 10 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 19 Kms from Pulicat, 17 Kms from Gummidipoondi, 31 Kms from Thiruvottriyur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Tiruvallur. By Road: The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Ponneri Bus Depot. Take the Kolkata highways (Grand North Trunk road) and go straight beyond the Tollgate at Karanodai. At about 2-3 kms from the Tollgate, you will see a cross road called Thatchur cross road. At this point, turn right towards Ponneri and you will reach Ponneri in about 5 kms. Once you enter Ponneri cross the bazaar and proceed straight under the railway bridge and before the River bridge take a left turn the temple is on the main road on the right. By Train: The Temple is located at about 1 Km North East of the Ponneri Railway Station. Auto from the Ponneri Railway Station to the temple is available. Sub-Urban trains ply between Chennai Central and Ponneri (Gummudipoondi route) every half hour. It will take about 1 hour to reach Ponneri from Chennai Central Station. By Air: The Temple is located at about 50 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Kari Krishna Perumal Temple, Thiruayarpadi, Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2797 2290 / 2797 4934 Mobile: +91 94447 20636 / 99941 82494
Chinthamaneeswarar Temple, Karungali, Thiruvallur This place is worth visiting for its picturesque location and uniqueness in spite of distance and bad roads. Lord Shiva has 5 faces; Isanam, Thatpurusham, Vaamadevam, Sathyojaatham and Agoram. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples on the banks of Kosasthalaiyar (Brahmaranya River) representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Agora face of Lord Shiva. The other 4 being Ramagiri Vaaleeswarar (Isanam), Suruttuppalli Pallikondeeswarar (Thatpurusham), Arani (near Periyapalayam) Sampangi Pichaaleeswarar (Vaamadevam) and Ariyathurai Varamoortheeswarar (Sathyojaatham). As per the legend, there lived a Rishi (Saint) by name Sattai Muni who performed Thapas (penance) in this place on the banks of Brahmaranya River. It is said that he formed this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva here. It is an ancient temple built by Chola Kings. After the demise of the Chola kingdom this temple had been abandoned and buried under beach sand dunes for many centuries. The temple was discovered by the local people when it’s Kalasam emerged out. The temple has been excavated fully now and rejuvenated to its old glory. According to the inscriptions, the temple is over 1300 years old. The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Pulicat, 24 Kms from Kattur, 17 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 28 Kms from Ponneri, 34 kms from Minjur, 78 Kms from Tiruvallur and 63 Kms from Chennai. By Road: Reach Pulicat Village from Ponneri, cross over the new bridge and drive along the lighthouse road to reach Karungali temple. This is desolate area and not advisable to go after 5 pm, in fact it is better to go in the morning. Temple is not open always. Metal road is there but in some areas shifting sand could cover the road and you could get struck badly. Alternatively, to reach Karungali one has to take the road from Minjur towards Pazhaverkadu (Pulicat). After crossing about 10 Kms from Minjur one can reach a village by name ‘Kattur’. Take right turn from Kattur and drive about 5 Kms (bad and sandy road amidst many salt lakes) to reach the banks of the river Arani. After reaching the river Arani, one has to take a boat to cross the river and the temple is on the other side of Arani river, which is Karungali village. There is only one boat available and sometimes we have to wait for some time for the boat man to arrive. He charges Rs. 10/- for an up and down trip which takes hardly 5 minutes for each way. Alternatively, to reach the temple by road one can also take the Ennore Port Road, which will lead to this temple. By Train: The Temple is located at about 28 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station and 33 Kms from Minjur Railway Station. By Air: The Temple is located at about 74 Kms from Chennai International A Only one Kaala pooja is undertaken here at this temple (from 9.00 AM -12 Noon). Temple is open in the afternoon on Pradhosha days though. Chithra Pournami (Full moon day in the Thamizh month of Chithirai) is very popular here in this temple. People from neighboring villages and also from other places throng here in the night of Chithra Pournami, prepare Pongal and offer to the Lord and worship Chinthamaneeswarar here. It is said that the entire place will be filled with people and everyone will be staying overnight on the sands during that night to get their wishes fulfilled. Sri Chinthamaneeswarar is the Kuladeivam (family God) for the fishermen in this village. Also, the people of this village worship the Lord here by preparing Pongal at the temple, like how it is done in Amman temple in villages. It is very rare and unusual to see this type of worship in Shiva temples. This temple is considered equivalent to Kasi (Varanasi) and Rameshwaram as it lies both on the sea shore and the banks of a holy river. Performing annual rites to the ancestors during Amavasya (No Moon) and Pournami (Full Moon) days here is considered equal to that of performing them in Kasi or Rameswaram. Many people visit here to do the annual rites to their ancestors. It is also believed that the Lord grant their wishes who worship him here and stay overnight during Pournami days. Chinthamaneeswarar Temple, Karungali, Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 98402 14130
Veera Raghava Swami Temple, Thiruvallur Thiruevvul: The legend connected with this temple says, that one Thai Amavasya day a wandering sage named Salihotra reached Thiruvallur where he met a congregation of sages. They were engaged in taking bath in the tank Hrith-Thapa-Nasini and he was also advised to take bath before performing his daily rituals. The bath changed the mind and Sri Salihotra decided to stay at the bank of that Holy tank and start a penance without food or water for one year. The next year on the same Pushya Amavasya day he completed his penance and took a holy dip in the Hrith-Thapa-Nasini tank and observed his morning prayers. As he was fasting for one year without food and drink, he collected on that day some paddy and prepared prasadam using rice flour. At this juncture Lord Narayana took the form of an old Brahmin and came the way where Salihotra was waiting to offer a share to a guest. He immediately offered the food to the Brahmin who ate up the offering. Salihotra understood that the old Brahmin was very hungry and immediately offered his share also to the guest too. The guest was satisfied and left the place. Another one year of penance continued without any food and drink. Again, on the day of Pushya Amavasya Salihotra took his holy bath and after his prayers prepared food as he did the previous year. He offered the food to Narayana and was waiting for a guest. This time also Lord Narayana took the form of an old Brahmin and he was welcomed by Salihotra to his hermitage. The old Brahmin expressed that he was feeling extremely hungry and thirsty and needed a place to rest. After taking prasadam the old Brahmin expressed to Salihotra, ‘where is the place for me to lie down?’ (Evvul?) ‘In this hermitage’, (Ivvul), answered Salihotra. The old man was pleased at this offer and stretched his body in the hermitage putting his head towards south. Immediately the old Brahmin transformed himself into the form of Sri Narayana and Adisesha appeared with his thousand hoods to serve as couch and canopy. On request from Salihotra Maharishi, the Lord promised that he would permanently stay there and that he would bless and relieve everyone who prays to him after taking bath in the tank of his/her diseases and miseries. Hence, he is called Sri Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy. Amavasya Day: The holy city of Thiruvallur, one among the important 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams, is well known for its significance on Amavasya or New Moon Day. Sri Vaidya Veeraraghava Swami’s greatness as a heeler God is well known based on the Sthala Puranam. It is said the Lord made a solemn promise to Sri Salihotra Maharishi that those having darshan on Lord Veeraraghava on Amavasya day will get relief from all their problems and illness. It is believed that people get relief from their illness or other personal problems if they pray here on Amavasya day. Having darshan and offering Kaanikkai on 3 or 6 consecutive Amavasya days is believed to be even more desirable. Hence thousands of people come to this temple on that day. Long hours of darshan is arranged by the temple authorities to facilitate the devotees. Lord Vishnu married Mother Lakshmi here: As per another legend, Vishnu appeared in the place to marry Lakshmi, who was born as the daughter of Dilipa, the king of Dharmasenapura. He appeared in the place and married her. Other Names: The place is also called Thiruevvul and Veekshaaranya Kshetram Lord Vishnu taught Brahma here: Legend has it that Vishnu revealed the Vedas to Brahmma here. Vijayakoti Vimaanam: Legend also has it that Vishnu vanquished the demons Madhu-Kaidapas, and protected devotees here. The Vijayakoti Vimaanam is named after this victory over demons. Lord Shiva got relieved of Brahmahatti Dosham here: Legend also has it that Shiva was relieved of the Brahmahatti Dosham of killing Daksha upon visiting this shrine. There is a shrine to Shiva on the banks of the temple tank. Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal: It is believed that bathing in the temple tank, and worshipping Veera Raghava Perumal with symbolic offerings of salt and pepper here, is a cure to many a physical ailment, and hence the deity is also known as Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal. It is also believed that barren couples beget progeny upon worshipping here. Hrutatapanasini: The sacred tank, Hrutatapanasini in the temple is considered more sacred than holy Ganga and a dip cleanses. Tiruvallur is situated on the highway linking Chennai and Tirupati. This Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Tiruvallur, 4 Kms from Thirupachur, 11 Kms from Poondi, 18 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 21 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 24 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 19 Kms from Pattabiram, 23 Kms from Avadi, 16 Kms from Thiruninravur, 36 Kms from Arakkonam, 40 Kms from Thiruthani, 102 Kms from Tirupati and 52 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 150 meters from Theradi Bus Stop and 500 meters from Tiruvallur Bus Stand. Tiruvallur is on the Chennai Tirupati highway. A diversion takes you to the temple. Share autos are the common mode of transport to the temple, although Public transport buses are also there connecting the bus stand and railway station. The temple is close to the bus stand. From Koyambedu CMBT the buses plying to Tirupati and Thiruthani pass through this town and bus services are also available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Arakkonam, Poonamallee, Avadi, Tambaram, Periyapalayam, Uthukottai, Redhills, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Kanchipuram and Tiruvannamalai. By Train: The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Tiruvallur Railway Station. This Temple is located at Tiruvallur, a railhead on the (suburban) railroad between Chennai and Arakkonam. By Air: The Temple is located about 45 Kms from Chennai International Airport The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. In this temple people submit small metal sheets with a specific human organ engraved on them as a request to god to cure the illness or problems with those organs. It is believed that those suffering from incurable diseases are cured if they visit the Lord for three no moon days (Amavasya). Lord Veera Raghava Perumal is all merciful a physician. Any sick person praying here continuously on three new moon days is cured of diseases as stomach pain, defects in hands and legs and fever. Devotees come here for marriage finalization, progeny and for relief from hardships. The water in the tank is considered more sacred than that of Ganga. A dip in the tank is believed to relieve the devotee from sins he committed in thought as well as action. Devotees offer Papli Tupatti – an upper cloth to Perumal. This is not available in shops. This is sold in the temple office only priced at Rs. 300. They offer special archanas and Aaradhanas and distribute Nivedhanas to visitors. Devotees also offer 9-yard length silk sari to Mother. For removal of pimples in faces, they dissolve milk and jaggery in the temple tank and put salt and pepper in the mandapam. Salt and pepper offered to the god is believed to cure diseases and restore good health to the devotee. It is a believe that by offering salt and pepper by the bali peetam near the Dwajasthambam (holy flag mast) diseases are cured. Another popular ritual is to dissolve jaggery in the Pushkarani (sacred tank). The temple follows the traditions of the Vadakalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Pancharathram Aagama. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:30 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Veera Raghava Perumal and Vasumathi Thayar. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram(pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) and Nalayira Divya Prabhandham are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple witnesses a huge devotee crowd in thousands during the two Brahmotsavams, the first of 10 days in Chithirai (April-May) and the second 10 days in Thai covering January-February. The crowd is equally big for the Pavithra Utsav lasting seven days. Two Theppotsavam, (float-festivals), each for three days- one in Ani (mid-June to mid-July) and another in Masi (mid-February to mid-March), both starting from new moon day. During Chittirai, Brahmotsavam, the festival deity is taken in procession around the streets of the temple in different mounts each day and the float festival is celebrated on the last day. Pancha Parva festivals (Occurring on Ekadesies, Pournami, first day of each Tamil month and Amavasya), Birth stars of Lord Veeraraghava and Swami Desikan viz Chithirai and Shravanam (Thiruvonam), Friday festivals for Thayar Thirumanjanam(Abishekam) and Purappadu of Perumal are conducted on Pancha Parva and Chithira Star, Thayar on Fridays and Swami Desikan on Shravanam(Thiruvonam). It is believed that people get relief from their illness or other personal problems if they pray here on Amavasya day. Having darshan and offering Kaanikkai on 3 or 6 consecutive Amavasya days is believed to be even more desirable. Hence thousands of people come to this temple on that day. Long hours of darshan is arranged by the temple authorities to facilitate the devotees. It is considered auspicious to visit this temple on new moon days. Fridays are marked by a procession of the processional image of Thaayar to the Vellikkizhamai mandapam. The other festivals associated with Vishnu temples like Krishna Jayanthi, Saturdays of Tamil month Puratasi, Navratri, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vijayadasami are celebrated during the respective days. Puliyodharai (Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyannam (Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam, Murukku are offered to Lord as Prasadam. Veera Raghava Swami Temple, Tiruvallur – 602 001 Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2766 0378 Mobile: +91 97894 19330
Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Walajapet, Vellore The temple is situated inside Walajah town after the Bus Stand Junction. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Walajapet Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Ranipet, 4 Kms from Ranipet Railway Station, 6 Kms from Arcot, 12 Kms from Kaveripakkam, 29 Kms from Vellore, 109 Kms from Chennai and 98 Kms from Chennai Airport. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Official Address
Naganatheswarar Temple, Vilapakkam, Vellore Naganatheswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vilapakkam in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Vilapakkam Bus Stop, 7.5 Kms from Arcot, 11 Kms from Ranipet, 13 Kms from Walajah and 30 Kms from Vellore. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ranipet (11 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (111 Kms). Official Address
Ellaiamman Temple, Vettuvanam, Vellore Here Poojas are performed under Kamika Agamam method. There are two Poojas conducted here. They are; 10 days Adi Peruvizha includes Car Procession, Daily Vahana procession, Theppam, Laksha Deepam is the most famous festival celebrated here. Navarathri, Deepavali, Pongal, English New Year and Tamil New Year are the other festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. It is said that childless couples tie circles of threads with the wish of a baby. Unmarried devotees tie the sacred yellow thread around the tree and wish for suitable life partners. This place has an important legend behind. This is the place where Renuka Devi’s head was cut off by Parasurama at the behest of his father Sage Jamathgini. Padavedu Renugambal is very popular but this is the place the actual incident took place. Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi Devi incarnated as the great Saint Jamathgini and his wife Renukadevi and lived on this world. Visu, Viswas, Viswarupan, Paranjothi and Parasuraman were their five sons. Parasurama was their last son. It was a daily duty for Renukadevi to make a pot out of fresh mud and fetch water for Saint Jamadhgani’s Pooja. One day, she saw the reflection of a Kantharva in the water. She stood mesmerized by his beauty for a split of a second. The mud pot dissolved in the river. She tried again and again but in vain. She realized her mistake and told her husband that an animal chased her and so she couldn’t bring water. But the saint who guessed the real happenings, called out for his first four sons and asked them to cut off their mother’s head. They all refused and saint cursed them and called his last son Parasurama to do the duty. Parasurama asked for two boons from his Father and he obliged. He chased her mother who ran for life and she hid behind a Arundhati girl, who was cutting woods and begged for mercy. Parasurama warned the girl, but she did not oblige. In the heights of anger Parasurama chopped both heads together. In great distress, he took the heads to his father. According to his granted boons. he brought his brother and mother back to life. But in confusion, he fixed his mother’s head on the Arundhati girl body. Henceforth the deity was named Mariamman and the place was called as Vettuvanam. A farmer who cultivated the land accidentally dropped the spade on the deity. Blood poured out like a river. A divine voice from the sky said, ” I am Ellaiamman” and a temple was constructed in the place. Though the time and year cannot be judged precisely, it said that in 1961, this temple was one among the 2500 temples in Tamil Nadu. This temple was newly constructed after demolishing the old temple by Sivarasu Venkatraman Family (Katpadi & London) and the work completed in 2008 (Kumbabishekam done on 3rd Dec 2008) The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Pallikonda, 2 Kms from Pallikonda Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Melalathur, 12 Kms from Gudiyattam, 27 Kms from Ambur, 45 Kms from Vaniyambadi and 25 Kms from Vellore. The Temple is situated on Chennai – Bangalore Highways. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Melalathur (8 Kms) and Gudiyatham (7 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (151 Kms). Ellaiamman Temple Vettuvanam, Pallikonda – Via Vellore District – 635 809 Phone: +91 4171 240200 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ellaiammankoil.org
Somnatheshwarar Temple, Melpadi, Vellore This temple is open only till 6 P.M. in the evening. Ideal time for visiting this temple would be after 5 PM. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Melpadi Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Vallimalai, 8 Kms from Ponnai, 12 Kms form Thiruvalam, 22 Kms from Katpadi, 17 Kms from Ranipet, 21 Kms from Arcot, 30 Kms from Vellore and 143 Kms from Chennai. This temple is situated on the way to Vallimalai on the Tiruvallam – Ponnai Road. The temple is about 17 Kms from Ranipet on the Chittoor Road. A little before Ponnai a bridge across the River Bahuda cuts off on the left to reach Melpadi. The temple is just after the bridge on the right of the road. On the left is a small temple to Lord Choleeswarar, also in ASI control. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Thiruvalam (13 Kms), Mukundarayapuram (13 Kms), Bommasamudram (20 Kms) and Katpadi (23 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (120 Kms). Official Address
Choleeswarar Temple, Melpadi, Vellore Choleeswarar temple, the tomb shrine of Arinjaya Chola was built over the mortal remains of Arinjaya Chola (AD 956 – 967), who died in a war at Arur near Thakkolam by his grandson Chola Rajaraja I in the year AD 1014. This Temple is located in the opposite direction of Somanadheeswarar temple. This is comparatively a small temple. This east facing Cholesvara Temple aka Arinjigai Isvaram complex is located on the river bank of Ponnai at the out skirts of the village Melpadi and surrounded by the green paddy fields and shady trees. The temple complex is well maintained and protected within Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) fence. The granite temple structure does not show any complex plan and the temple never enlarged by royal successors. The architectural elements ‘reflect Chola convention.’ This whole granite structure stands within the rectangular compound defined by granite perimeter walls. The Vesara vimana of the main sanctum is small and typically square and includes sanctum (garbhagriha) Ardhamandapam and mukhamandapam. From upana to stupi, the vimana is built with green tinged granite stone. Shivalingam (3 – 4 feet tall) is present in a 10 sq. ft sanctum sanctorum. There is an Ardhamandapam before the sanctum. The external vimana walls are divided into segments and the segmenting is marked by pilasters. The plain outer walls of this particular vimana have brahmakanta pilasters (four sided) and plain Karnapathis. Although there is a slight projection of the sala-koshtas, there is almost no depth to house the deities. It appears that the sala-koshta deities might be later additions. The vimana has the very austere basement (adhishtana) of padabandha type with the components of upa-peeta, upana, jagadi, tri-patta kumuda moulding. There is an arrangement of friezes of bas-relief lion at the kodungai. The external wall surface is divided by pilasters in to well-shaped ornate niches with makara torana. The sculptures in the niches include Dhakshinamoorthi, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga and these could be later additions. On both sides of the entrance to the main sanctum, there are two tall, robust Dwarapalakas standing facing each other. Both the Dwarapalakas are best examples of Early Chola sculptures, demonstrating the mastery of the Chola sculptors. Makara Toranas are seen over each of the niche images (around the external walls of the sanctum), with Saint Kannappa Nayanar in the toranam over the niche without deity, Bhikshatana accompanied by two Rishi-patnis in the toranam over Dhakshinamoorthi, Krishna in the toranam over Vishnu and the King (Rajaraja I) worshiping Shivalinga (Arinjaya) in the toranam over Brahmma. There are many inscriptions all over the sanctum wall. The inscriptions are mainly about donations made in the form of ewe to supply ghee to burn the perpetual lamp in the temple till moon and sun endure, Rajaraja’s meikeerthi, the boundaries of the land given for construction of the temple, watering to Iluppai field (from the seeds oil is extracted to burn the lamps). From the inscriptions the place Melpadi belongs to Tunadu, a subdivision of Perumbanapadi in a district of Jayamkonda Chola Mandalam. The ancient name of the Melpadi is mentioned as Rajasrayapuram and the Choleeswarar Temple was called as ArinjigaiIswara or Arinjiswara. This Temple is located in the opposite direction of Somanadheeswarar temple. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Melpadi Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Vallimalai, 8 Kms from Ponnai, 12 Kms form Thiruvalam, 22 Kms from Katpadi, 17 Kms from Ranipet, 21 Kms from Arcot, 30 Kms from Vellore and 143 Kms from Chennai. This temple is situated on the way to Vallimalai on the Tiruvallam – Ponnai Road. The temple is about 17 Kms from Ranipet on the Chittoor Road. A little before Ponnai a bridge across the River Bahuda cuts off on the left to reach Melpadi. The temple is just after the bridge on the right of the road. On the left is a small temple to Lord Choleeswarar, also in ASI control. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Thiruvalam (13 Kms), Mukundarayapuram (13 Kms), Bommasamudram (20 Kms) and Katpadi (23 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (120 Kms). Official Address
Mahadevar Temple, Mahadevamalai, Kankuppam, Vellore Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mahadevamalai Hills in Kankuppam Village in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is located to the west of Katpadi. The Temple is said to be 500 years old, the temple was built by a trader of the Pandya kingdom. Mahananda Siddha: Mahananda Siddha was born in Dharmapuri district on December 6, 1930. For some time, he was engaged in the pleasant-smelling turmeric trade. At the age of thirty-five, he undertook renovation work in many temples in Tamil Nadu under the inspiration of Lord Shiva and started feeding the poor (Annadhanam) at Lokuvakulam Bharadhwajeeswarar temple of Kalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh. On the midnight of December 25, 2002, Lord Siva appeared before Mahananda and said, “You are very fortunate in this life; You are a siddha with a boon to live for a thousand years; Go to Mahadeva Mount and live in a cave and worship Me and protect the devotees”. Lord Shiva disappeared after that. As commanded by the God, Mahananda Siddha reached Mahadeva mount. As Lord Shiva appeared again before Mahananda Siddha he said: “You should brush your teeth and take bath only on the first day of Chithirai; you should not seek alms from anyone; all the wealth will be heaped here; you should protect all the living creatures in this mountain from disease and suffering; from now on you should not eat food to satisfy your hunger or drink water to quench your thirst”. After giving this advice Lord Shiva disappeared. One can see the form on the head of Mahadeva Swami is similar to the serpent with five heads on Lord Shiva’s head. Mahananda siddha worships the idol with flowers that spread fragrance and leaves with good smell. He is a siddha who can meditate by lying on the fire. It is true that we cannot live without food. But Mahananda siddha has demonstrated that it is possible to live without taking food. It is a matter of wonder to learn that this great siddha has not taken food or water for many number of years. Lord Shiva darshan to a Merchant, a Shiva Devotee: Legend has it that the merchant, an ardent devotee of Siva, prayed for his darshan and was asked to go to Kalahasti on Maha Shivaratri day. The merchant started the journey and reached a place called K.V. Kuppam (Keezh Vazhi Thunai Kuppam) and made enquiries about the route to Kalahasti. He learnt that he was far away from Kalahasti and the day was Maha Shivaratri. An old man approached the crestfallen trader promising to show him the Lord. The two reached a hill and the old man turned out to be Siva, who ordained the devotee to build a temple there. The village from where the trader was met by came to be called Keezh Vazhi Thunai Kuppam. Official Address
Maha Muthu Mariamman Temple, Mettukulam, Vellore The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Katpadi, 11 Kms from Vellore, 4 Kms from Katpadi Railway Station, 145 Kms from Chennai and 134 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Kangeeswarar Temple, Kangeyanallur, Vellore The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kangeyanallur Road Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Katpadi, 4 Kms from Vellore, 27 Kms from Arcot, 25 Kms from Ranipet and 140 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Katpadi (4 Kms) and Vellore (8 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (130 Kms). Official Address
Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kangeyanallur, Vellore The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Kangeyanallur Road Bus Stop, 5.5 Kms from Katpadi, 7 Kms from Vellore, 23 Kms from Arcot, 25 Kms from Ranipet and 136 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Katpadi (4 Kms) and Vellore (8 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (125 Kms). Official Address
Subramanya Swami Temple, Kangeyanallur, Vellore The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. Masi Brahmmotsavam in February-March, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and Thai Poosam in January-February are the major festivals celebrated in the temple. On the Chithirai Tamil New Year Day falling almost on April 14, Lord Muruga grants darshan in the northern side of the Rajagopuram. As North belongs to Kubera the Lord of Wealth, it is believed that this darshan would bring in the devotee all prosperity throughout the year. Aipasi Skanda Sashti is celebrated for 8 days in October – November. After the Surasamharam day, Lord Muruga-Valli wedding is celebrated followed by the wedding with Deivanai the next day. The Karthikai asterism is considered to be of importance each month here. Aadi Kruthikai and Thai Kruthikai are some of the other festivals celebrated here. Those facing adverse effects of planet Mars – Sevvai – pray to Lord Muruga on Tuesdays with garlands of red flowers and offer curd rice as Nivedhana. Devotees on realizing their wish, perform special abishek to Lord Muruga with vastras. Kangeyan: According to legend, Devas prayed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the atrocities of the demons. Lord Shiva created six sparks from his forehead eye. Vayu and Agni took them and left in Holy River Ganga. Six children came from the sparks then and were taken care of by Karthika maidens. Mother Parvathi then came there and embraced the children together which became a single child with six faces and named Kangeyan. Lord Muruga graces in this temple with this name. Kangeyanallur: As Muruga is praised as Kangeyan, the place also is named Kangeyanallur. Story behind the Construction of Temple Tower: Muruga devotee Malayadasar, father of Sri Kirupananadavariar, popular spiritual leader of Muruga cult during our times, approached one Lokanathar known as Tirupugazhswami in Tiruvannamalai seeking his help to construct a tower to this temple. Malayadasar was asked to come next year for the purpose. When he went again, the Swami gave Malayadasar one rupee with Vibhuti Prasad and advised him to start the work. Work progressed with the grace of God and the Tower construction was completed successfully. Curd Rice Nivedhana: When saint Arunagiriar came to this place, after completing his pujas, offered curd rice as Nivedhana to Lord. Six Muruga devotees came there at that time to whom the Nivedhana was given. It is believed that Lord Muruga himself came as the devotees to have the Nivedhana. Based on this event, even today, curd rice Nivedhana offered to Lord Muruga each day are offered to six devotees with Annadhaana-feeding. Sculptor of Thiruthani Murugan created this Murugan too: It is said that the Sculptor who created the Thiruthani Murugan temple has created this as well. Sages & Celestial Gods worshipping Lord Muruga here: It is said that Lord Muruga here is being worshipped by sages and celestial gods during mid-nights every day. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kangeyanallur Road Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Katpadi, 4 Kms from Vellore, 27 Kms from Arcot, 25 Kms from Ranipet and 140 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Katpadi (4 Kms) and Vellore (8 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (130 Kms). Subramanya Swami Temple, Kangeyanallur – 632 516, Vellore District Phone: +91 416 221 2761 Mobile: +91 94869 39198 / 94438 00039
Sundara Vinayagar Temple, Kangeyanallur, Vellore Sundara Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located at Kangeyanallur in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kangeyanallur Road Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Katpadi, 4 Kms from Vellore, 27 Kms from Arcot, 25 Kms from Ranipet and 140 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Katpadi (4 Kms) and Vellore (8 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (130 Kms). Official Address
Variyar’s Knowledge Centre, Kangeyanallur, Vellore Thiru Muruga Kirupananda Variyar was a Shaivite spiritual teacher from India. Variyar, popularly known as Variyar Swamigal was born in Kangeyanallur, a small village on the bank of Palar river. This province is referred to as Thondai Nadu in Sangam literature. Variyar Swamigal received the award Isai Perarignar in 1967, given to Tamil musicians every year by the Tamil Isai Sangam of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Thiru Muruga Kirupananda Variyar manifestation happened on 25.08.1906 and his sacred life mingled with the space on 7.11.1993. This Temple has been built by Kayilai Mani P. Rajagopal Annachi the owner of Hotel Saravana Bhavan Chennai. Poojas are being performed daily. There are three Poojas conducted every day. They are; Special pooja after Abishekam are being performed on Sashti days and Kiruthigai day of every month. The idol of Swamigal is taken on a devotional procession around the temple and streets during Kiruthigai days. Abishekam after conducting Yagam on full moon day of every month is performed. During Full moon day Pooja celebrations, Full feast is offered for 1000 people and food pockets for 1000 children are also distributed. Kirupananda Variyar Knowledge Center is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kangeyanallur Road Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Katpadi, 4 Kms from Vellore, 27 Kms from Arcot, 25 Kms from Ranipet and 140 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Katpadi (4 Kms) and Vellore (8 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (130 Kms). Variyar Swamigal Gnana Thiruvalagam 1, Subramanya Swami Koyil Street, Kangeyanallur, Vellore – 632006 Phone: +91 416 248 922 / 240 173 Mobile: +91 98423 11755
Kanjanagiri is located at about 2 Kms from Lala Pettai, 2 Kms from Lala Pettai Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Mukundarayapuram, 10 Kms from Ranipet, 10 Kms from Melpadi, 17 Kms from Ponnai, 5 Kms from Agravaram, 8 Kms from Thiruvalam, 32 Kms from Sholinghur, 14 Kms from Arcot, 28 Kms from Vellore and 124 Kms from Chennai. From Lalapettai at the foot of the hill there is a mud road upto 1300 ft up the hill. The road suits two wheelers and lighter vehicles. Lalapettai is connected to Vellore, Katpadi, Arcot and Ponnai through bus service. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Ranipet (10 Kms) and Mukundarayapuram (6 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (113 Kms). Kanchanaswarer Trust, No.2/178, Thakkan Palayam Saalai, Lalapettai village, Walajah Taluk, Vellore District – 632 405 Mobile: +91 9003848655 Email: [email protected]
Nootreteeswarar Temple, Chinnakavanam, Thiruvallur Nootreteeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chinnakavanam Village near Ponneri in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This is a very ancient temple with an interesting story and sthalavruksham which adds antiquity to this temple. The temple itself is very small and neat but the legends and the Angola tree (Eru Azhinjal in Tamil) add to the sanctity of the temple. This is the birth place of Ramalinga Adigalar’s mother. Two Presiding Deities: In olden days this place was called Chathurvethapuram and the main deity is called Chadurvedeeswarar with Goddess Sivagami Ammai. On his way to Kasi, Sage Agasthya came here to worship Chadurvedeeswarar when he got the divine message that worshipping a Shivalingam under the Eranzhil tree here for 108 days will be equivalent to going to Kasi. So, he created a lingam every day with the sand of the nearby Brahma Aranya river and worshipped them for 108 days. But on the final day, all the 108 lingams merged themselves into a single Vinayaka idol for the simple reason that he did not start the worship with Vinayaka as per custom. Then Lord Shiva gave Dharshan to Agasthya in the form of Vinayaka. The 108 lingams which got merged into a Vinayaka are present under the Eranjil tree in the name of Ankola Ganapathy. In spite of many hundreds of years of exposure to nature’s elements the sand made Vinayakar is still looking fine. Since all his 108 lingams got merged into a Vinayaka, Agasthya then installed another lingam called Nootreteeswarar which is considered equivalent to the original 108 lingams. In the sanctum sanctorum we can see both Nootreteeswarar and Chadurvedeeswarar in the form of lingams in separate shrines. Also, there are two Nandhis for the two lingams. Sage Agastya built 108 temples on the banks of Kuchasthalai River: As per another legend, the sage Agastya emptied the oceans to reveal the demons lead by Vritrasura. It enabled the Devas to find and kill them. However, a lot of living beings in the ocean lost their lives without water. Due to this sin, the sage got severe stomach pain. He approached Lord Subramanya in the site called Thiruthani. He advised the sage to construct 108 temples for Lord Shiva to get rid of his pain. He created a river called Kuchasthalai river and built 108 temples on the banks of that river. It is said that Nootreteeswarar temple in Chinnakavanam is the 108th temple. The Temple remains open from 9.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 4.00 PM to 7.00 PM. The priest lives nearby and he will open temple at any time on request. Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, Mahasivarathri in February-March, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the major festivals celebrated in this temple. The Angola Ganapathy grants the wishes for his devotees. After the wish is fulfilled, it is a custom here to offer Vada malai (54 to 108) to him. Normally Vada malai will be offered only to Anjaneyar and possibly this is the only place where Vada malai is being offered to Vinayaka. People, who want to get married, worship the Goddess on a full moon day with a rose garland for continuous 3 full moon days to get their wishes sanctioned. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Chinnakavanam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Ponneri, 3 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 2 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 9 Kms from Thatchoor, 10 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 14 Kms from Minjur, 18 Kms from Pulicat, 8 Kms from Perumbedu, 17 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 51 Kms from Thiruvallur, 39 Kms from Chennai and 51 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Chinnakavanam is located to the east of Ponneri touching the Ponneri town en route Pulicat. When you take the Kolkata highways, you will come across the Karanodai bridge and immediately after, the Tollgate. Go beyond that in the same direction till Thatchur Cross road and turn right (east) towards Ponneri. After crossing the Ponneri town continue towards Pulicat and you will encounter the Rail under-bridge first and then a road bridge over the Brahma Aranya river. Immediately after the bridge the Chinna Kavanam village starts. The temple is on the right side on an adjoining lane. Town buses and autos are available frequently from Ponneri. Nootreteeswarar Temple Chinnakavanam, Ponneri, Thiruvallur District – 601204 Phone: +91 44 2797 3061 Mobile: +91 98437 08593
Vallalar Mother Birth Place, Chinnakavanam, Thiruvallur The house is located at about 300 meters from Chinnakavanam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Ponneri, 3 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 2 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 9 Kms from Thatchoor, 10 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 14 Kms from Minjur, 18 Kms from Pulicat, 8 Kms from Perumbedu, 17 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 51 Kms from Thiruvallur, 39 Kms from Chennai and 51 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Chinnakavanam is located to the east of Ponneri touching the Ponneri town en route Pulicat. When you take the Kolkata highways, you will come across the Karanodai bridge and immediately after, the Tollgate. Go beyond that in the same direction till Thatchur Cross road and turn right (east) towards Ponneri. After crossing the Ponneri town continue towards Pulicat and you will encounter the Rail under-bridge first and then a road bridge over the Brahma Aranya river. Immediately after the bridge the Chinna Kavanam village starts. The house is on the right side on an adjoining lane. Town buses and autos are available frequently from Ponneri. Official Address
Lakshmi Amman Temple, Chinnakavanam, Thiruvallur Lakshmi Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Chinnakavanam Village near Ponneri Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Chinnakavanam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Ponneri, 3 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 2 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 9 Kms from Thatchoor, 10 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 14 Kms from Minjur, 18 Kms from Pulicat, 8 Kms from Perumbedu, 17 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 51 Kms from Thiruvallur, 39 Kms from Chennai and 51 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Chinnakavanam is located to the east of Ponneri touching the Ponneri town en route Pulicat. When you take the Kolkata highways, you will come across the Karanodai bridge and immediately after, the Tollgate. Go beyond that in the same direction till Thatchur Cross road and turn right (east) towards Ponneri. After crossing the Ponneri town continue towards Pulicat and you will encounter the Rail under-bridge first and then a road bridge over the Brahma Aranya river. Immediately after the bridge the Chinna Kavanam village starts. The temple is on the right side on an adjoining lane. Town buses and autos are available frequently from Ponneri. Official Address
Niranjeeswarar Temple, Chinnamandalai, Thiruvallur Niranjeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chinnamandalai Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Perambakkam Bus Terminus, 2 Kms from Perambakkam, 4 Kms from Pakasalai, 12 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 6 Kms from Manavur, 20 Kms from Thiruvallur and 59 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Manavur (7 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (58 Kms). Official Address
Ishta Siddhi Lingeswarar Temple, Chitrambakkam, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Perambakkam Bus Terminus, 4 Kms from Perambakkam, 6 Kms from Pakasalai, 11 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 6 Kms from Manavur, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur and 57 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Manavur (6 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (55 Kms). Official Address
Kumbeshwarar Temple, Chitrambakkam, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Perambakkam Bus Terminus, 4 Kms from Perambakkam, 6 Kms from Pakasalai, 11 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 6 Kms from Manavur, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur and 57 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Manavur (6 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (55 Kms). Official Address
Maha Kala Bairavar Temple, Dombarambedu, Thiruvallur Maha Kala Bairavar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Bhairava located at Dombarambedu Village near Uthukottai in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Uthukottai, 3 Kms from Uthukottai Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Periyapalayam, 28 Kms from Tiruvallur and 54 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruvallur (31 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (67 Kms). Official Address
Mahadevar Temple, Edayarpakkam, Kanchipuram The temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 03.00 PM to 04.00 PM. Regular one kala pooja is being carried out The is a small east facing stone temple built during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I in the 11th century CE. The temple is very small and does not have gopuram or flag staff. The historical name of the village is Raja Vidyadhara Chadur Vedi Mangalam. It was also called as Idaiyattrup Pakkam in those days. The actual name of the presiding deity is Tiruppada Kadudaiyar. He is called as Mahadevar nowadays. The Chola period Mahadevar shrine is two tiered vimana and an ardha-mandapam. The entire temple structure is made out of granite. The east facing sanctum measures 3.05 m in width in the north-south direction and 4.65 m in length in the east-west direction. The sanctum entrance is 1.35 cm in width. The sanctum houses “Tiruppadakkadu Udaiya Mahadevar” in the form of Shivalingam. This temple just has the main shrine and there are no other sub-shrines. A small Vishnu idol is also found in the shrine. This idol was found during an excavation in the recent past and someone has placed Vishnu adjacent to Shiva Linga. Hence, this temple of Shiva has Vishnu also in the main shrine. The upper portion of the vimana is broken and only half of the Vimana exists today. The Vimana is built as per the Gaja Brushtam style. Nandhi and Vinayaka and Dhakshinamoorthy on the southern Koshta and Brahma and Durga in the western Koshta is found. The place where the Lingothbavar is situated in the west Koshta has been destructed and not found now. There is no Chandikeswara shrine in this Temple. There is no idol of shrine for Goddess. Nandi idol and bali peetha are found facing towards the main shrine. A newly made or found small Ganesha idol is found below a tree in the temple complex. During the days of King Kulothunga Chola I the temples did not have an Amman Sannidhi. The temple has a Thamarai kulam (Lotus pond) at front. This temple is situated in the extreme corner of the village. The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Thakkolam, 27 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 25 Kms from Kanchipuram, 18 Kms from Sunguvarchathram, 22 Kms from Arakkonam, 10 Kms from Perambakkam, 27 Kms from Tiruvallur and 64 Kms from Chennai. Edayarpakkam is the remote village and less traveled destination. The temple is also lesser known to the public. Public transport is not available. Rental cabs can be hired from Sunguvarchathram or Sriperumbudur or Kanchipuram. There is no railway station near to Edayarpakkam in less than 10 km. Arakkonam Railway Station is located at about 20 Kms from this Temple. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (58 Kms). Mahadevar Temple, Edayarpakkam, Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kanchipuram District – 631553 Mobile: +91 91714 45632
Lakshmi Narayanar Temple, Elavambedu, Thiruvallur The Temple is situated on Minjur to Ponneri Route. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Elavambedu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Minjur, 6 Kms from Ponneri, 6 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 5 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 5 Kms from Minjur Bus Depot, 6 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 35 Kms from Chennai and 50 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Kalinga Nadheeswarar Temple, Irulancheri, Thiruvallur Inscriptions that belong to the period of Rajaraja III are also found in the Temple. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Perambakkam Bus Terminus, 2 Kms from Perambakkam, 6 Kms from Koovam, 7 Kms from Mappedu, 12 Kms from Thakkolam, 26 Kms from Arakkonam, 10 Kms from Manavur, 10 Kms from Manavur Railway Station, 11 Kms from Kadambathur Railway Station, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur, 54 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Kalahasteeswarar Temple, Sayanavaram, Thiruvallur Kalahasteeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sayanaavaram Village near Ponneri in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This is a small temple with temple tank adjacent to it. This Temple is Dosha Parihara Sthalam for Rahu Ketu Dosham. Maha Shivarathri is the most famous festival celebrated here. This temple is equivalent to Sri Kalahasti. The Temple is situated adjacent to Sayanavaram Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Ponneri, 2.5 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 4 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thatchoor, 50 Kms from Tiruvallur, 34 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Somanadheeswarar Temple, Kaniampakkam, Thiruvallur Somanadheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kaniampakkam Village near Ponneri in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Somanadheeswarar and Mother is called as Theertheswari. The main deity is the Maha Dhyana Lingam made of sand by Parvathi Devi. Sage Agasthiar worshipped Lord Shiva here. This Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The Temple is situated very near to Devadanam Ranganathar Temple. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Devadanam, 500 meters from Devadanam Ranganathar Temple, 9 Kms from Ponneri, 10 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 8 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 8 Kms from Minjur, 8 Kms from Minjur Bus Depot, 6 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 58 Kms from Tiruvallur, 32 Kms from Chennai and 51 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Narasingapuram, Thiruvallur In the early period of Cholas Saivism took prominence and Vaishnavism was suppressed by it. Even amidst the situation prevailed in South India the temple of Lakshmi Narasimha enjoyed patronage and was well governed. Later at the glorious era of Vijayanagara Nayaks where Vaishnavism flourished and given much importance in both politics and as a religion, the Lakshmi Narasimha temple became important along with Sriperumbudur (Ramanujar Temple) though both are not in 108 Divyadesam. Vijayanagara Nayak Emperors patronized it and gave many villages as charter to the temple’s development and as well as the religion. The temple, a fine specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture with delicately sculpted and carved pillars. Architecture in the temple made one think that it belonged to the Vijayanagar period, there are inscriptions dating back to the reign of Chola kings. Archaeologists consider those inscriptions in the Andal shrine basement as more ancient and belonging to the period of Kulothunga Chozha I and Vikrama Chozha I. They speak about their constructing the Madurantaka Vinnagar temple in Madurantaka Nallur (the present Madurantakam) and installing the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in it and the grants made by them for the daily conduct of poojas. Inscriptions in Tamil speak of consecration of a shrine, gift of lamps, oil, offerings etc. by the king. Another Tamil inscription gives credit to Vikrama Chola Deva for the sale of a land to the temple. The original idol of the Utsava moorthy of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is at least 1400 years old, dating back to the early Pallava period (6th – 8th Century A.D). Sri Narayana Yatindra Maha Desikan, 45th Jeeyar of the Ahobila Math, visited the temple on February 2, 2003, and offered Mangalasasanam to the Lord. The temple remains open from 7.30 am to 12.00 noon and from 4.30 pm to 8.00 pm in the evenings. This temple is a Prarthana Sthalam (worship place) for the afflictions of 6th house in a horoscope. Those who worship this temple for about nine Swathi Nakshatrams are entitled with complete bliss with respect to health and wealth and any associated problems in those vanishes. Garudan here has 16 types of snakes around and hence the devotees are freed of Naga Dosham. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Narasingapuram Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Irulanjeri, 3 Kms from Perambakkam, 10 Kms from Thakkolam, 12 Kms from Kadambathur, 7 Kms from Edayarpakkam, 20 Kms from Tiruvallur, 20 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 20 Kms from Sunguvarchathram, 31 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 35 Kms from Thiruninravur, 41 Kms from Thandalam and 55 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The temple is located on Chennai – Thandalam – Perambakkam route off the Chennai – Bangalore highway near Sriperumbudur. At the Thandalam junction, take the fork on the right adjoining the Empee Distilleries plant (Arakkonam Road) and proceed to reach a signboard 3 Kms before Perambakkam. Here, take the fork on the left and proceed straight at the small Ganesha Temple to reach this temple. Or drive on straight on the main road for about a kilometer more to reach Narasingapuram. By road you can reach the temple in different routes – The first one is the shortest if coming from Poonamallee side. Bus Routes: By Train: The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Kadambathur Railway Station. Kadambathur Railway Station is situated on the Chennai Central – Arakkonam suburban train route. Autos are available to reach the temple from this station. By Air: The Temple is located at about 54 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Narasingapuram Po., Perambakkam Via, Thiruvallur District – 631 402 Phone: +91 44 2765 5164 Mobile: +91 94425 85638 / 94443 51026 / 94871 94649 Email: [email protected]
Singeeswarar Temple, Mappedu, Thiruvallur The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Pradosham, the 13th day either from new moon or full moon, Arudhra Darshnam and Mahasivarathri in February-March are important festival days of the temple. Just like performing Abhishekams for the Lord, it is said, performing floral decoration is a specialty in this temple on “Aadi” and “Thai” month Fridays. Reciting Lalitha Sahasranama is considered very special here. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Mappedu, 7 Kms from Perambakkam, 8 Kms from Koovam, 20 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 18 Kms from Thakkolam, 19 Kms from Tiruvallur, 14 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 11 Kms from Kadambathur, 25 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 28 Kms from Poonamallee and 49 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Mappedu Old Police Station Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mappedu Junction Bus Stop and 7 Kms from Perambakkam Bus Terminus. Mappedu is situated on the bus route Poonamallee to Thakkolam. Buses like S 591 from T. Nagar to Perambakkam go via Mappedu Bus Stop. Buses from Poonamallee to Perambakkam also go via Mappedu. The Temple can be reached easily from Chennai. In the Bangalore highway, once you cross Poonamallee and Savitha Institutions, you will have EMPEE distilleries, a huge blue colored structure to your right. There will be a road passing by its compound, which will lead you to “Thakkolam” sthalam from here. Travel in this road, and this temple is exactly in the 17th Km from the NH, to your left. The temple entrance arch is in the main road and the temple itself is close to and visible from the road. By Train: The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Kadambathur Railway Station. Kadambathur Railway Station is situated on the Chennai Central – Arakkonam suburban train route. Autos are available to reach the temple from this station. By Air: The Temple is located at about 48 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Those aspiring skill in music pray to Hanuman with veena in particular. Birth star of Anjaneyar is Moolam. It is notable that the birth star of Kalaivani-Saraswathi, the Goddess of Wisdom is also Moola. It is said that Mother Saraswathi wrote the Singanatha seed letters (Beejakshara – Beeja means seed, Akshara-letters) on the tongue of Sri Anjaneya with the stem of a lotus flower. This is believed to have given Lord Hanuman clarity in his speech and an aptitude to protect people in distress using tactics needed for the time. He is celebrated as Sollin Selvan in Tamil and Nava Vyakarna Pandit in Sanskrit. Moola people are advised to pray in this temple for gaining excellence in education and speech. People born in Moola star are supposed to visit this temple, and light 5 ghee lamps. Since Lord Shiva has 5 faces, this prayer is aimed at praying him to remove our troubles at least through one of the five faces It is believed that whoever worships the presiding deity and Nandhi (vehicle of Lord Shiva) simultaneously at Pradosham hours (4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. each day) standing on the Nava Vyakarna stone, will be cured of all bone and joint related diseases. It is also believed that people would realize their wishes if they pray to Mother Durga for 42 weeks continuously by lighting lamp in the shrine. Here Veerapaleeswarar form of Lord Shiva blesses one to have Vamsa Vrithi or Childbirth and fertility problems if any are sorted out. Singeeswarar Temple, Mappedu Post – 631 403, Via-Perambakkam, Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2760 8065 Mobile: +91 94447 70579 / 94449 43644 / 944432 25093
Vinayagar Temple, Medhur, Thiruvallur Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located at Medhur Village near Thirupalaivanam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Medhur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 13 Kms from Pulicat, 6.5 Kms from Ponneri, 8 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 7 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 56 Kms from Thiruvallur, 44 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Ekambaranathar Temple, Minjur, Thiruvallur The Temple is situated right in the center of Minjur Town. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Minjur Market Bus Stop, 1 Km from Minjur Bus Depot, 1 Km from Minjur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvudai Amman Temple, 8 Kms from Devadanam, 11 Kms from Ponneri, 52 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai and 45 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Thirumanangeeswarar, Thiruvudai Amman Temple, Melur, Minjur, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 11:30 AM and 04.00 PM to 7.00 PM. Special prayers are offered to this Devi by offering yellow saree & mangoes for Naivaethiyam. Thirumanangeeswarar: This place was once a forest filled with trees and shrubs with sweet-smelling flowers and was known as Suganda Vanam (Suganda-indicating sweet smelling, Vanam-forest). A rich man found his cow showering its milk into a shrub which was in the form of a Shivalingam and a snake consuming the milk and going inside. He covered this Swayambu Lingam (self-occurring) with an armour and started worshiping the Lord as Sungandavaneswaran. In due course the name changed to Thirumanangeeswarar, supposedly a Tamil name. One of the Tri Sakthi Temple: For having playfully closed the eyes of Lord Shiva for three seconds and thus darkening the world. For this sin, Lord Shiva cursed his consort Parvati to be borne in the world thrice (Icha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi) after which he will appear and marry her again. This is the story behind the three temples. The divine wedding is also believed to have happened here. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Minjur, 10 Kms from Devadanam, 14 Kms from Ponneri, 23 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Thiruvallur. By Road: The temple is in Melur just before Minjur on the Ennore road. Buses are also available from CMBT, Broadway etc. to Minjur, but they are very infrequent. When going by bus to Minjur, there is a bus stop at Melur which comes before Minjur. From the bus stop, the temple is around 1 km away. By Train: The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Minjur Railway Station. Local trains from Chennai Central go to Minjur in around an hour’s time. From the Minjur railway station, there are shared autorickshaws to Melur bus stop. By Air:Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (40 Kms). Official Address
Aala Mara Iyarkkai Vinayagar Temple, Triplicane, Chennai Triplicane (Tiruvallikeni) is an important division in Chennai city. Triplicane is located at about 1.5 Kms from Marina Beach, 6 Kms from Nungambakkam, 6 Kms from T Nagar, 10 Kms from Anna Nagar and 8.5 Kms from Vadapalani. By Road: Town buses are available from every corner of the city to reach the temple comfortably. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Mount Road Government Hospital Bus Stop and 11 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus. By Train: The Temple is situated at about 3.5 Kms form the Chennai Central Railway Station, 3 Kms from Tiruvallikeni Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Chennai Egmore Railway Station. Nearest Metro Station is Nehru Park Metro Station located at about 4 Kms from the Temple. By Air: Chennai International Airport is located at about 18 Kms from this Temple. Official Address
Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu, Chennai The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, the temple is open from 05.00 a.m in the morning till 10.00 p.m. in night continuously. Abhishekam will be performed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and Saturdays between 11 AM to 1 PM. There is a famous six-week worship of the goddess in this Temple. In the first week the devotee goes to the temple with two lime fruits, coconut, thamboola, banana as well as camphor and gives to the priest. After Pooja, the priest returns after worship one lime fruit to the devotee along with Prasadam. Then the devotee should worship the lime fruit given to him/her for a week. After a week, the devotee should go to the temple with three lime fruits. Two lime fruit are returned which he/she should worship for a week. After six weeks apart from coconut, banana and other pooja materials, the devotee should take along with him/her a flower garland, boiled milk and sugar candy(Kalkandu), Pure edible camphor (Pachai karpooram) and honey. At that time the priest would not give back any lime fruit. The milk given back should be distributed to the devotees inside the temple then itself. It is believed that whatever the devotee desires would be fulfilled. Devotees believe that going on the same day every week but due to circumstances it may not be possible, so going one day weekly should be aimed at. Male devotees who want to get a job or promotion are advised to go on every Tuesdays. Girls who want to get married are advised to go either on Tuesdays/Fridays /Sundays. They are also advised to tie a yellow thread in the designated place outside the temple. Ladies wanting to have children are advised to go on Fridays. They are also advised to tie a baby cradle or a cloth with a stone inside it on the tree outside the temple. A special neivedhyam – offering should be prepared at home. One or two liters of milk should be condensed and sugar candy honey, elaichi powder should be mixed in the milk to enhance its taste. After offering this to Kamakshi it should be distributed to everyone irrespective of age. Since Kamakshi is fond of milk it is given to all the devotees. The Goddess showers her grace abundantly on her devotees. Devotees perform milk abishek to Artha Meru Chakra and offer vastras. They also follow the traditional abishek and archanas, arrange feeding etc. Festivals celebrated in this Temple are; Nava Kalasa Homam and Pushpanjali: This Special Homam and Abhishekam will be performed on all the Full moon day (Pournami). A Homa-Nava Kalasa Homa with nine brass pots-Kalasas is conducted in the temple on full moon days. Nine forms of Shakti are personified in these Kalasas. Pushpanjali is offered to Sri Chakra. Niraimani Darshan: Niraimani Darshan is another event celebrated in the temple on the Purattasi full moon day in September-October. Artha Mandapam, Thapas Mandapam and the front Mandapam are decorated with sweets, fruits, vegetables and grains showing all prosperity. Devotees believe that this Niraimani Darshan would bring all prosperity to the family. Three Mothers in the temple bless and please the devotees in their daily procession in a golden car in evenings daily. Brahmi, one of the Saptha Mathas is the driver (Sarathy) of the car. Nava Kannikas the nine virgins are around the car-Rath. Mother Kamakshi penance on Lord Shiva: Once Parvathi Devi closed the eyes of Shiva for fun which resulted in total darkness of the whole universe. Shiva was displeased by her act and she had to come down to earth and do penance to join Shiva once again. Here She penanced standing on tip of her left leg on fire and so she is known as Tapas Kamakshi. At the same time, Shukra was also doing penance to get back his eye sight when he intervened to stop Mahabali from the offering of three feet of land to Lord Vamana, the dwarf. He blocked the Jal Patra the water bowl. Lord Vamana used a Darba grass to remove the block and thus made Venus blind in one eye. To get back his eyes, Shukra-Venus also performed penance on Lord Shiva in this place when Kamakshi also was on a penance. Lord Shiva appeared before Shukra the devotee first and granted his eye back. Priority was given to his devotee first. Then, Lord Shiva asked Kamakshi to end her penance and go to Kancheepuram (Kamakshi came to Kanchi, made a Shiva Linga of mud and started her pooja once again. She was then married to Shiva at Kanchipuram where she is known as Kalyana Kamakshi). While going in an anxiety, she did not put down the Yagna fire and so all the living beings around were suffering due to the heat generated. When Aadhi Shankara was passing through, he installed a Srichakra called Artha Meru made of 8 herbs and reduced the heat. Still people feared with the Kamakshi idol in penance and so the later Sankaracharya’s shifted this idol to the side of the temple and installed another Kamakshi in Santha Roopam, called Aadhi Kamakshi, with Sugarcane stick in one hand and Parrot in the other. Mangadu: The term Mangadu means “Mango Forests or Mango Grooves” and as the term implies this must have been a thickly wooded Mango groove in times of yore. Mother fondness for Milk: There is an interesting story about her fondness for milk. When Kamakshi was in deep penance in Mangadu with no one around only the cows were her food givers. The cowherds used to graze the cattle near the place where Kamakshi was meditating. The divine intervention is discernible at this juncture. At least one cow used to feed her milk every day. For many years this was her staple food. Thus, she grew fond of milk and it is offered to appease her. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Mangadu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 6 Kms from Porur, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Poonamallee, 5 Kms from Kundrathur, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 18 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. Mangadu is located off the Chennai Bangalore highway on the way from Poonamallee to Kunrathur. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poonamallee road, one must take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Mangadu. This temple is located very close to Mangadu Bus Stop. Frequent Bus services available from Poonamallee, Porur, Tambaram, and Pallavaram. Bus Routes: Contact Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu, Chennai – 600 122 Phone: +91 44 2627 2053 / 2649 5883 / 26790053 / 26791883 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Shiva Kozhundeeswarar Temple, Kozhumanivakkam, Mangadu, Chennai Shiva Kozhundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kozhumanivakkam locality in Mangadu in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Shiva Kozhundeeswarar and Mother is called as Karpagambikai. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Kozhumanivakkam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangadu Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Poonamallee, 5 Kms from Kundrathur, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. Bus Routes: Official Address
Mandhi Amman Temple, Mangadu, Chennai Mandhi Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Mangadu in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Mangadu Butt Road Bus Stop, 500 meters from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, 750 meters from Mangadu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Poonamallee, 5 Kms from Kundrathur, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. Mangadu is located off the Chennai Bangalore highway on the way from Poonamallee to Kunrathur. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poonamallee road, one must take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Mangadu. This temple is located very close to Mangadu Bus Stop. Frequent Bus services available from Poonamallee, Porur, Tambaram, and Pallavaram. Bus Routes: Official Address
Sarba Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi Temple, Mangadu, Chennai The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Kozhumanivakkam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, 1.5 Kms from Mangadu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Poonamallee, 5 Kms from Kundrathur, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. Mangadu is located off the Chennai Bangalore highway on the way from Poonamallee to Kunrathur. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poonamallee road, one must take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Mangadu. This temple is located very close to Mangadu Bus Stop. Frequent Bus services available from Poonamallee, Porur, Tambaram, and Pallavaram. Bus Routes: Official Address
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Mangadu, Chennai The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Mangadu Bus Stop, 250 meters from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, 7 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 6 Kms from Porur, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Poonamallee, 5 Kms from Kundrathur, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 18 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. Mangadu is located off the Chennai Bangalore highway on the way from Poonamallee to Kunrathur. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poonamallee road, one must take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Mangadu. This temple is located very close to Mangadu Bus Stop. Frequent Bus services available from Poonamallee, Porur, Tambaram, and Pallavaram. Bus Routes: Official Address
Velleeswarar Temple, Mangadu, Chennai The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 01.00 PM and 04.30 PM. to 09.00 PM. Tirukarthikai in November-December; Arudra Darshan in December-January and Shivarathri in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Those with impaired vision pray to Lord and Mother for relief. Devotees perform special abishek to Lord and Mother and offer Nivedhana prepared with a pulse called Mochai Payaru in Tamil. The history of Velleeswarar is but part of the history of Mangadu Kamakshi temple. Mother Parvathi had to land on Earth due to the curse of Lord Shiva as she covered his eyes in playful mood resulting in a standstill of the activities of the world. She came to this place, stood on one leg amidst five types of fire, seeking the grace of Lord to take her back. It was at the same time, planet Venus-Shukra too performed penance on Lord Shiva in this place to have his eye back which he lost for blocking the charity offered by Mahabali – 3 feet land – to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu then covered all the worlds in 2 feet and the for the third, Mahabali offered his own head to honour his promise to Lord. When Lord Shiva came to grace Mother Parvathi, He granted his first blessing to Shukra the devotee, establishing the rule that priority goes for devotees than for his own consort. As Shukra was then performing Shiva Puja, Lord could not leave the place to bless Mother Kamakshi. He advised her by a voice to go to Kancheepuram to continue the penance. Ambica followed Lord’s advice, continued penance at Kanchi and joined her Lord. Lord granting darshan and eye to Shukra-Velli, stayed in the place as per Shukra wish. As Sukra worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also as Sri Bargaveeswarar. This temple is Sukra Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Sri Sukra blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles, fame and social status. Special poojas are hence offered by devotees on Fridays – the day dedicated to Venus. Devotees offer white field beans (Mochai) as a special offering signifying the cereal in relation to Sri Sukra. The Temple is located at 500 meters from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, 700 meters from Mangadu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 6 Kms from Porur, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Poonamallee, 5 Kms from Kundrathur, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 16 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 18 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. Mangadu is located off the Chennai Bangalore highway on the way from Poonamallee to Kunrathur. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poonamallee road, one must take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Mangadu. This temple is located very close to Mangadu Bus Stop. Frequent Bus services available from Poonamallee, Porur, Tambaram, and Pallavaram. Bus Routes: Velleeswarar Temple, Mangadu – 602 101 Chennai, Kanchipuram District Phone: +91 44 2627 2053 / 2649 5883 Mobile: +91 94444 61383
Neelakandeswarar Temple, Gerugampakkam, Chennai The Temple remains open from 09.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 07.00 PM. All Shiva related festivals are celebrated here with much pomp and glory. Monthly Pradoshams are also observed here. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Gerugampakkam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Porur, 5 Kms from Porur Junction, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 6 Kms from Kundrathur, 9 Kms from Thiruneermalai and 20 Kms from Chennai. The temple is situated in between Porur and Kundrathur. On the Porur Kunrathur road before the intersection of the Byepass you will see Gerugampakkam bus stand take a left here and along the narrow cement track take the second left road and the right turn at the Y intersection you will stumble upon the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Tambaram (14 Kms), Meenambakkam (15 Kms), Chennai Central (22 Kms) and Egmore (20 Kms). Nearest Metro Station is located at Meenambakkam (15 Kms). Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport (14 Kms). Neelakandeswarar Temple, Gangaiamman Koil Street, Balakrishnan Nagar, Balaji Nagar, Tharapakkam, Gerugampakkam, Chennai – 600 122 Phone: +91 44 2478 0124 Mobile: +91 99404 38264 / 96771 55245 / 94431 07809
Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kolapakkam, Chennai Agastheeshwarar: As per the legend, the sage Agastya had worshiped Shiva here and it is believed he installed the Shiva Linga. Hence, the deity is called as Agastheeshwarar. Surya Sthalam: It is also believed that Surya had worshiped Shiva in this temple and this temple has become a Surya Sthalam. Vakeeswarar: As per the legend, the sage Vageesar had worshiped Shiva in this Temple. Hence, the deity is also called as Vakeeswarar. The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Special days like Pradoshams, Shivarathri etc., are celebrated well in this temple. Devotees throng from different parts of the city during such days. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Samiyar Kolam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 5 Kms from Porur, 6 Kms from Porur Junction, 10 Kms from Mangadu, 8 Kms from Kundrathur, 12 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 10 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 11 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 10 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 18 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 21 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 12 Kms from Chennai Airport and 22 Kms from Chennai. To reach Kolapakkam, one has two road routes, one from Porur to Kolapakkam via Gerugambakkam and the other road is diagonally opposite to MIOT Hospitals off. Mount Poonamallee Road to Kolapakkam. At the Ramavaram signal you can take a left turn into Manapakkam and this road will lead to Kolapakkam which is about 3 Kms from there. There are lot of buses and share autos available from Porur, Meenambakkam and Guindy to this temple. Agastheeshwarar Temple Sivan Koil Street, Kolapakkam, Chennai – 600116 Mobile: +91 9976596342
Sundareswarar Temple, Kovur, Chennai The Temple remains open from0 7.00 AM – 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM – 08.00 PM. Pooja is offered five times in the temple. Thiruvempavai, Margazhi Arudhra Darshnam, Skanda Sashti, Soora Samharam, Thirukalyanam on Vaikasi Visagam and Shivarathri festivals are celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Devotees belief that praying to Lord will fulfill their wishes, getting prosperity, being free of unfavorable influence (Dosha). The worship benefits at this temple includes alleviation of the malefic effects of an unfavorably placed Budhan in one’s horoscope, childless are blessed with progeny, the hurdles in getting married are cleared, good agricultural yield and career growth. Budhan bestows wealth and wisdom on his devotees. Students who are weak in studies can pray here and reap the benefit. Businessmen can pray here to improve their business. Kovur: According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi was performing Thapas on Panchagni (fire) in Mangadu praying Lord Shiva to marry her. Her penance was so intense that the whole surroundings became too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous heat. But Lord Shiva was meditating deeply with his eyes closed. Sages and Devas worshipped Lord Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu directed Mahalakshmi to save the world. Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came down here to this place in the form of a cow and worshipped Lord Shiva to make him open the eyes, so that the world is saved. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Shiva opened his eyes, after which the heat of the place subsided and became cooler. As Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow, the place came to be known as Kopuri (In Thamizh, Ko means cow) and later corrupted to become Kovur. At later stages Kulothunga Chozha had built this temple beautifully. Saint Thyagaraja composition on Lord Shiva: Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi. It is said that Saint Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed through this place. He also visited this temple on his way. A local headman called Sundharesan asked the saint to compose and sing some songs on him. Thyagarajar refused and said that he won’t sing praise of any individual and he will sing praise of God only and left Kovur. While going from Kovur, his palanquin was obstructed by a group of bandits who threw stones on the palanquin and his servants to stop him from going further. The saint Thyagaraja stopped and got down from the palanquin to explain the bandits that he was not so rich to be robbed and also, he was on a pilgrimage to Thirupathi. The bandits came near Thyagaraja and asked him who threw the stones back at them. Thyagaraja told them that there were no other people with them except the carriers of palanquin. But the thieves told that they saw 2 youngsters furiously throwing back the stones on them to save Thyagaraja. Saint Thyagaraja realized that they were none other than Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana who came to his rescue. Saint also realized that there is some holy power to this place and again came back to Kovur temple and sung 5 compositions (Keerthanas) called ‘Kovur Pancharathnam’. The local headman was too proud thinking that Saint Thyagaraja sung in praise of him only. But the saint explained him that the 5 compositions were made in praise of the Lord Sundareswarar and not the individual called Sundareswaran. The Kovur Pancharatnams are “Ee Vasudha” (Sahaana Raagam), “Kori Sevimpa” (Karaharapriya Raagam), “Sambo Mahadeva” (Pantuvarali Raagam), “Nammi Vachina” (Kalyani Raagam) and “Sundareswaruni” (Sankarabharanam Raagam). Most of the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja are in praise of Lord Rama only. This is one of the few places where he had composed Keerthanas on other Gods. Sekkizhar wrote Periyapuranam here: Sekkizhar, who was born in the nearby place ‘Kunrathur’, started writing ‘Periya Puranam’ from this temple only. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Chekkady Bus Stop, 600 meters from Kovur Government Higher Secondary School Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 6 Kms from Porur, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 7 Kms from Poonamallee, 3 Kms from Mangadu, 4 Kms from Kundrathur, 13 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 12 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 13 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 12 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 15 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 22 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Airport and 22 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on the road going from Porur towards Kunrathur. The temple is located about 400 meters off the main road. From Guindy Kathipara Junction one should take the Butt Road leading to Porur Junction. From there take left towards the road leading to Kundrathur and you can reach Kovur in less than 7 Kms from the Porur Junction. Kovur is well connected to the rest of city by MTC Buses. Sundareswarar Temple, Kovur, Chennai – 602101 Phone: +91 44 2478 0124 Mobile: +91 97899 24095 / 96771 55245
Nageswarar Temple, Kundrathur, Chennai The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.30 PM. 10-day Brahmmotsavam is celebrated with Chitra Poornima (Full Moon day) in April- May. On the eighth day, Lord grants darshan to His devotees when Nalvar the four poet saints, 1) Gnanasambandhar, 2) Thirunavukkarasar, 3) Sundarar and 4) Manickavasagar with Sekkizhar go in procession around the Lord. The wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi is celebrated on Chitra Poornima day. During the festival, Lord comes in procession on snake vahana. Guru Puja is celebrated for 10 days in Vaikasi (May-June) with Poosa star day. He is taken to the car shed (procession deity of Sekkizhar) on the Guru Puja day morning, when the public take the saint to the temple on behalf of Lord Himself. Then Sekkizhar enters the sanctum sanctorum to worship Lord Shiva. Full procession takes during the night till returning to the temple next morning. Throughout the day, the temple is open. There is also a separate temple nearby for Sekkizhar where also a 11-day Guru Puja is celebrated. On the fourth day of the festival, Sekkizhar visits Tirunageswaram temple. Purattasi Niraimani Katchi in September-October, Thai Poosa star float festival, Adipooram in July-August and Masi Magam in February-March are the other festivals celebrated in the temple. Those afflicted with serpent planet adverse aspects and those facing problems due Ragu planet transition pray for relief. Devotees, realizing their wishes, perform special abishek and pujas to Lord. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Sivan Kovil / Thirunageswaram Bus Stop, 500 meters from Kundrathur Bus Depot, 7 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 10 Kms from Porur, 11 Kms from Porur Junction, 4 Kms from Mangadu, 15 Kms from Alandur Metro Station, 16 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 9 Kms from Poonamallee, 12 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 12 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 10 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 26 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 12 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 24 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 15 Kms from Chennai Airport and 26 Kms from Chennai. The temple is situated right behind the bus stand of Kunrathur and very easy to find. One can reach Kunrathur by taking the road off GST road from Pallavaram. One can also take the road from Porur junction leading to Kunrathur. Also, Kundrathur can also be reached from Mangadu / Poonamallee. Town buses are available from Vadapalani, Tambaram and Broad Way. Town bus no’s are 88 series, M 89, M60, 60A and 66 ply to Kundrathur from Chennai City. Nageswarar Temple, Vadanageswaram, Kundrathur, Chennai – 600 069 Phone: +91 44 2478 0436 Mobile: +91 93828 89430
Vaitheeswarar Temple, Poonamallee, Chennai The temple remains open from 06:00 am to 12:30 pm & from 05:00 pm to 08:30 pm. This temple is a Parihara Sthalam for Chevvai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angarakan. Surya Pooja happens in this temple in the Thamizh month ‘Maasi’. On the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of Maasi, Sun’s rays directly fall on the main deity around 6 am in the mornings. Those whose marriages are delayed, those, who have Angaraka Dosha and those who are childless can offer worship here and be blessed. On the Tuesdays in the Tamil month of Maasi, devotees throng this temple in huge crowds. They fulfill their prayer commitments once their prayers are granted. The main deity is touted to be having curative effect on the ailments and diseases, as going by the name “Vaitheeswaran” which in Tamil is equivalent to “A Physician”. People come here to pray in front of the main deity for their ailments, as the positive vibrations inside the temple gives curing/ healing effects on almost all diseases. The Temple is located at 400 meters from Poonamallee Government Hospital Bus Stop, 750 meters from Poonamallee Bus Depot, 10 Kms from Mangadu, 8 Kms from Porur, 7 Kms from Porur Junction, 8 Kms from Kundrathur, 15 Kms from Alandur Metro Station, 15 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 21 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 20 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 15 Kms from Chennai Airport and 21 Kms from Chennai. On the Chennai Bangalore highway branch off left at Saveetha Dental college and travel up to the Mount Poonamallee road. Take a right turn into Poonamallee town. After about 1-1.5 Kms you will reach the Bus stand and Sundar hospital on the right. A left turn here leads you directly into the temple south side. All buses plying to / or towards Poonamallee can be boarded to reach the temple. The temple is at walk able distance from the Poonamallee Bus stand. Official Address
Ramanatheeswarar Temple, Porur, Chennai The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.30 PM. Maha Shivaratri, Navarathri, Karthika Somavaram, Panguni Uthiram, Pournami, Pradoshams and Guru Peyarchi are celebrated well in this temple. Guru Sthalam: This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Lord Rama on his way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest. While resting under an Amla tree (‘Nelli’ in Thamizh), He realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly. Lord Rama acquired a Dhosham as he had touched the Lingam with his feet. So, he undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food, to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva pleased with Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Vishwaroopam Dharshan to Rama. Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Ramanatheswarar and worshipped him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave Dharshan to Rama as Sivakama Sundari. Lord Rama with sincere prayers worshipped Lord Shiva as his Guru and got to know the directions to reach the place where Mother Sita was kept under custody of Ravana and headed towards Sri Lanka. As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as his Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Here Lord Shiva Himself is worshipped as Guru Bhagavan. Uthara Rameswaram: This place is also called Uthara Rameswaram, as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, similar to Rameswaram. Also, according to temple sources, it is said that Porur was called as Uthara Rameswaram in ancient days. It is also said that; this temple is equivalent to Rameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to Rameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord. Porur: The place Porur is called so due to the reason that Lord Rama when coming in search of Sita came to know the place where Sita is and went to wage war with Ravana. (Porukku ponathal Porur). Offering of Sadari and Theertham: The speciality of this temple is the offering of Sadari and Theertham to devotees. This is usually done only in Vishnu temples. This practice is followed here to honour Rama’s devotion to Lord Shiva. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Porur E.B. Office Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 1 Km from Porur Junction, 8 Kms from Mangadu, 9 Kms from Kundrathur, 11 Kms from Alandur Metro Station, 8 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 29 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 17 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 12 Kms from Chennai Airport and 29 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Porur to Kundrathur Road. On entering the Porur Kunrathur road after about 300 metres look for the EB substation on the left. Take the adjoining left road and proceed till the last at the end take a left turn and you will come in front of the temple. Buses 54, 88C,17M, 37G, 11H, 49A will ply on this route. Ramanatheswarar Temple, Eswaran Koil Street, Porur, Chennai – 600 116 Phone: +91 44 2482 9955 Email: [email protected]
Agastheeshwarar Temple, Pozhichalur, Chennai This region was once ruled by Cholas. The original name of this place is Pugazh Chola Nallur which has been corrupted to Pozhichalur. This temple was built in the 12th Century AD. Vada Thirunallaru: Lord Shani (Saturn)has different phases like Kanda Sani, Janma Sani, Ezharai Sani. Sri Sani Bhagavan is said to have been relieved of his sins by performing penance to Lord Shiva. As directed by Lord Shiva he visited this village and created a holy pond called “Nallar Sani Theertham” and worshipped Lord Shiva and was cleansed of his sins. Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no Doshams or ill effects. Hence, he is seen in this temple as the prime God (only next to Thirunallar). In the north Tamil Nadu this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Sani where devotees throng in large numbers to get relief from the impact of Sani. In this temple, when offerings of food are made, crows (that are believed to be the vehicle of Lord Shani) come in large numbers to eat the food offered. During this time, devotees gather in large numbers and feed the crows to get themselves relieved of their sins. Due to this reputation, this place is called as Vada Thirunallaru. Agastheeshwarar: As per the legend, as all the celestial beings went to Himalayas to attend the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the earth lost its balance. To balance the earth, Shiva asked the sage Agastya to travel towards the southern direction. Due to greatness of this sage, he was equivalent to all the celestial beings and as soon as he moved to the southern direction, the earth was balanced back. Agastya did not want to miss the wedding. With the help of Lord Shiva, he got the divine sight and watched the divine marriage in many sites in South India. Pozhichalur is one such site where he got the darshan of divine marriage. Shiva Linga was also installed by him and hence it is called as Agastheeshwarar. Origin of Shivalingam: It is said that the Shivalingam was unearthed when the Mudaliars who owned these lands were ploughing their fields. Naadi Parihara Sthalam: This temple is mentioned in Nadi Jodhidam for Pariharams and hence it is popularly known as Naadi Parihara Sthalam. The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM. On Saturdays, Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 03.00 PM to 09.00 PM. Mahasivarathri, Karthikai Deepam, Sani Peyarchi, Rahu Kaalam, Pradoshams, Arudhra Dharisanam and Guru Peyarchi are the major festivals celebrated amid much pomp and splendor. Those who cannot go to Tirunallar worship here and do Dosha parihara and return happily. Light ghee lamp in Sani Hora and live in prosperity mitigating all troubles. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Pozhichalur Sivan Koil Bus Stop, 500 meters from Pozhichalur Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 5 Kms from Pallavaram Railway Station, 9 Kms from Porur, 10 Kms from Porur Junction, 11 Kms from Mangadu, 8 Kms from Kundrathur, 7 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 7 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 6 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 10 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 21 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 8 Kms from Chennai Airport and 22 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated behind Meenambakkam Airport. On the GST road proceeding from Kathipara after the airport look for the right turn after Areva signal and Pallavaram bus stand take this road for about 2 kms you will reach the junction of Pozhichalur road and Kunrathur road take a right turn here and proceed about 2 kms as the road winds you can see the temple on the right-hand side. The temple can also be reached from Kunrathur. You can also reach this temple from Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam from the Porur side. Bus routes to Pozhichalur: M52 Pallavaram – Pozhichalur M52BET Pozhichalur – Hasthinapuram M52ET Pozhichalur – Guduvanchery 52S Nemilicheri – Pozhichalur 52H Pozhichalur – Manimangalam 52 Broadway – Pozhichalur X60G Broadway – Pozhichalur Agastheeshwarar Temple Pozhichalur, Chennai – 600 074 Phone: +91 44 22631410 / 32564022 Mobile: +91 93818 17940 / 93823 05974 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Web: www.pozhichalursaneeswarartemple.org
Amma Mandapam, Srirangam, Trichy Amma Mandapam situated just opposite to Amma Mandapam Bus Stop. Amma Mandapam is located at about 2 Kms from Srirangam Ranganathar Temple, 2 Kms from Srirangam Railway Station, 3 Kms from Trichy Chatram Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 9 Kms from Trichy and 12 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Anna Kamakshi Amman Temple, Srirangam, Trichy The temple also has separate shrines for Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahalakshmi, Durgai Amman, Navagrahas and a tree devoted to serpentine god. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Devi Theatre Bus Stop, 600 meters from Srirangam Railway Station, 1 Km from Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, 4 Kms from Trichy Chatram Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Trichy Railway Station, 10 Kms from Trichy and 14 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Minjur, Thiruvallur This place was once called Mouncharanyam as sacred grass grew here all over the place. In course of time, Mouncharanyam became Minjur. The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Vaikasi Brahmotsavam is special here. During Garuda Sevai, Lakhs of devotees visit this temple. All Utsavams are celebrated here similar to Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal temple. It is said that devotees visit Kanchi early in the morning and follow it up by visiting the Minjur Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Puratasi Saturdays are special here. The Temple is situated right in the center of Minjur Town. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Minjur Market Bus Stop, 1 Km from Minjur Bus Depot, 1 Km from Minjur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvudai Amman Temple, 8 Kms from Devadanam, 11 Kms from Ponneri, 52 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Chennai and 45 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Minjur, Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 99409 84355
Masilamaneeswarar Temple, Nayapakkam, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from T.S.R. Rajalakshmi Nagar Bus Stop, 11 Kms from Nemam, 9 Kms from Aranvoyal, 13 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 22 Kms from Avadi, 26 Kms from Avadi Railway Station, 20 Kms from Thiruvallur, 36 Kms from Chennai and 33 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple. Pakasalai, Thiruvallur Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Pakasalai Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is beautiful but completely dilapidated. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Narasingapuram 6.5 Kms from Perambakkam, 11 Kms from Kadambathur, 13 Kms from Thakkolam, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur and 61 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms away from Manavur Railway Station on the Chennai Arakkonam suburban train route, and a number of autos and share autos ply from the Manavur station to the temple. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (60 Kms). Official Address
Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai, Thiruvallur The temple remains open from 7.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 4.30 PM to 7.00 PM. During the annual Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Maasi, (Feb-Mar) a special pooja happens here. The Sakthi Vel (spear) of Lord Muruga is worshipped by the devotees in this pooja, and they find that they are relieved from chronic problems in their life. Those who are desirous of being rid of diseases or a representative from the family, vows to light lamps with ghee and lotus wicks for forty-eight days. If this is followed sincerely and with true devotion, the person’s health improves within the time period. In case of those unable to come to the temple daily, the priest offers to light the lamps on their behalf. Once they are better, the devotees or their representatives come to the temple and perform 108 circumambulations or Anga Pradakshinams (rolling around the temple) to offer thanks. Brahma Sastha: Lord Brahma had once become arrogant, that he was indeed the creator of the entire universe, and without him, the world would come to an end. Lord Muruga wanted to humble him and asked him the meaning of Pranava Mantra. Lord Brahma did not know the meaning. Lord Muruga imprisoned him in order to punish him and took over the role of creation. He also acquired the symbols of Lord Brahma, namely, the Akshara Mala and the Kamandalu. This form of Lord Muruga is referred to as Brahma Sastha. Place for Salvation: The temple is found on the banks of the river Kusasthalai and is mentioned in Matsya Puranam, Koorma Puranam, Bhavishya Puranam, Linga Puranam and Markandeya Puranam. The Kusasthalai river is referred to as Dakshina Sivaganga Theertham and as Uttara Vahini as it flows from South to North. Any river flowing from South to North is said to be holier and benefit those who meditate on its banks seeking liberation or mukthi. Pathiri Ayya: Lord Murugan of this Temple is also called as Padhiri Ayya or Padhiriyar. There is an interesting legend behind the name Padhiri Ayya or Padhiriyar. During the British Period, there was a collector who was travelling along the river. As he rested under the shade of the trees, he found the idol of Lord Muruga in the then, single shrine granite structure. In the form of Brahma Sastha, holding Akshara Mala and Kamandalam, he seemed from a distance, like a priest holding a Rosary to the British officer. So, he wanted to take a closer look at the Padhiri. (word for Priest) Those with him thought it was not a good idea, as he may not be allowed access into a Hindu temple. However, it is believed, that Lord Muruga, came in the form of a priest and took him into the temple that night. The Collector was overwhelmed. From then on, the Lord has come to be known as Pathiri Ayya. Till date, during the Aadi Kiruthigai festival, a number of Christians join the Hindus in breaking coconuts thanking the “Pathiri” for fulfilling their prayers. The temple is an excellent example of communal harmony where people of both religions come together and offer their gratitude side by side. People worshipped Lord Muruga here: Lord Muruga at this temple has also been worshipped by Sage Agasthya, Lord Brahma, Chitragupta, Narada, and the nine planets as per the Puranas. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Narasingapuram 6.5 Kms from Perambakkam, 11 Kms from Kadambathur, 13 Kms from Thakkolam, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur and 61 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms away from Manavur Railway Station on the Chennai Arakkonam suburban train route, and a number of autos and share autos ply from the Manavur station to the temple. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (60 Kms). Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pakasalai, Thiruvallur District – 631210 Mobile: +91 91765 29893
Thirumoolanatha Swamy Temple, Pakasalai, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Narasingapuram 6.5 Kms from Perambakkam, 11 Kms from Kadambathur, 13 Kms from Thakkolam, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur and 61 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms away from Manavur Railway Station on the Chennai Arakkonam suburban train route, and a number of autos and share autos ply from the Manavur station to the temple. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (60 Kms). Official Address
Kalahastheeswarar Temple, Perandur, Thiruvallur Kalahastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Perandur Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Perandur Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Uthukottai, 14 Kms from Periyapalayam, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 33 Kms from Ponneri and 53 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Ponneri (38 Kms) and Thiruvallur (35 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (66 Kms). Official Address
Bala Subrahmanya Temple, Siruvapuri, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Karthikai, Sasti, Prathosam, Visakam, Amavasya, Chithirai Tamil New Year, Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Guru Poojai, Deepavali, Soora Samharam, Saraswathi Pooja, Ayutha Pooja, Karthikai Deepam, Margazhi Pooja, Thai Pongal, Thaipoosam, Maha Shivaratri and Panguni Uthiram are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. Siruvar Ambu Edu: History of the temple has that Lava and Kusa, the sons of Rama lived in this place and prayed to Lord Muruga at this place and got his darshan. Once when Rama was passing through this place, they have fought a war with Rama himself without knowing that he was their father. As the young children waged a war here, the place was called as Siruvar Por Puri. (Siruvar means children, Por Puri means waging a war, in Thamizh). This place is now called as Chinnambedu, which originally was Siruvar Ambu Edu (Children who took their arrows for the fight). Siruvapuri is believed to be the Kusalapuri of Ramayana. Murugammai, ardent devotee of Lord Muruga: Some hundreds of years back there lived a lady called Murugammai in this village. She had been a very ardent devotee of Lord Muruga here. She always used to chant His name and praying Him, for years. Her husband who didn’t like her worshipping all the time was warning her to stop it. But she never listened to him and her husband one day cut her arms off out of anger. Even then, Murugammai cried for help only with Lord Muruga. The Lord who was pleased with her bhakti, made her hands join even without the signs of any wound. Relationship with Devas: Devas have taken Amirtha in this place. Devas were given Devendhira-patnam only in this place. Indra was crowned Devendhran only in this place. Connection with Ramayana: This is the place where the horse of Sri Rama’s Ashwamedha Yaagam was tied. This is the place where Lakshmana was defeated by Lava and Kusa, bringing Rama. This is the place where Lava and Kusa fought Rama himself. Close ties with Thiruvannamalai: In many ways this temple is closely tied to that in Tiruvannamalai. The Sthala Vriksham here is Magizha maram which is also that in Tiruvannamalai. Vallimalai swamigal was sent here by his Guru Seshadri Swamigal of Tiruvannamalai to spread the Thiruppugazh. When Arunagirinathar travelled here and sang Murugan’s praise, he had a vision of the Lord appearing on a Mayil similar to his manifestation out of a pillar in Tiruvannamalai. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Siruvapuri / Chinnambedu Bus Stop, 200 meters from Ayyanar Medu Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Thatchoor, 10 Kms from Periyapalayam, 16 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 13 Kms from Ponneri, 30 Kms from Pulicat, 42 Kms from Tiruvallur and 36 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is situated on the Chennai-Kolkata highway. Bus no. 133 runs from Madras Basin Bridge bus stand to the temple. In Chennai – Kolkata highway, once has to cross Thatchoor cross road, which is a famous point in that road. From there proceed around 3 Kms, where you can see a small green board to your left. Take that left road and travel 3 kms in the same road to reach the temple. Buses depart at 6 am, 12 noon, 4 pm and 8 pm. Bus no. 533 runs from Chennai Koyambedu bus stand to the temple, departs at 6:15am, 7:20am, 10:00am, 11:05am, 1:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:50pm, 7:00pm. Bus no 547 running from Mint to Periyapalayam also reaches this temple, departs at 5am, 6:30am, 8:30am, 9:55am, 11:30am, 1pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 7pm. By Train: The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 13 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station and 14 Kms from Gummidipoondi Railway Station. By Air: The Temple is located at about 50 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Lord Muruga of this Temple is believed to give following 5 benefits 1) House related wishes (Marriage for the girls) 2) Good Profession 3) Good Family 4) Wealth 5) Moksha by singing a specific Thiruppugazh of this temple with concentration and understanding the meaning. Those who come to have darshan in this temple need not strain themselves by observing strict vows like fasting. One need not come in person also. The belief is that just by remembering Siruvapuri Murugan, a person gets what he desires, like a person attaining Mukti just by thinking of Tiruvannamalai. To worship here is good for those who wish to construct a new house. Once their wishes are fulfilled, the devotees perform Milk Abhishekam to Lord Muruga. The belief is to worship this Bridegroom of Valli on the Poosam star day, one gets married quickly, because it is said that the wedding of Valli and Murugan happened on the Poosam star day. At Thiruthani, the wedding of Valli is performed on the Poosam star day of Maasi month. Lord Muruga here is believed to grant wishes for those intend to buy or construct a house. Many people who wish to buy a house visit Lord Muruga here for blessings to fulfill their wish. This temple is considered very special to get the boon of an own house. Bala Subrahmanya Temple, Chinnampedu, Siruvapuri, Kararpettai Via, Ponneri Taluk, Tiruvallur – 601 206 Phone: +91 44 2799 2133 / 2471 2173 Mobile: +91 97889 63245 / 94442 80595 / 94441 71529 Mobile: +91 93823 16493 / 97909 57599
Paaleeswarar Temple, Thirupalaivanam, Thiruvallur Paaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirupalaivanam Village near Ponneri located in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Paleeswarar / Palliswarar / Amrutheswarar. Mother is called as Logambigadevi / Balambigai. The main shrine is built as per the Gajabrushta architectural style. Some Portions of Amrutha turned into Shiva Lingam: As per the legend, the Devas and the Asuras were churning the milky ocean. Amrutha (nectar) came out of that ocean. Some portion of the nectar was turned into a Shiva Linga. It was worshiped by the Devas and then by the sages Agastya and Markandeya. The same Shiva Linga appeared below a jack tree and gave darshan to the Chola king Rajendra Chola I. No Frogs in Temple Tank: After consuming the nectar, the Devas washed their hands in the temple tank. The Asuras took the form of frogs to drink the nectar mixed with the water. Realizing that, the Devas made the temple tank not liveable for frogs. It is said that even today frogs are not found in this temple tank. Parihara Sthalam: Since the temple is connected with the legend of Pradosham, Pradhosha pooja is very special and is considered to give all wealth. It is also considered a Parihara Sthalam. Linga with a scar on its head: The story behind this was, Rajendra Chozha I, stayed in this Palai Vanam with his warriors after a war. The elephant tied to a Palai tree got fainted. On seeing this Rajendra ordered to cut the tree. Blood oozed out from the tree. So, he stopped cutting the tree and excavated that place and found Shiva lingam with a scar on its head. Then he built a temple for this Shiva Lingam. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Thirupalaivanam Bus Stop, 1 Km from Kaanji Vayal Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kattur Cross Road Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Pulicat, 10 Kms from Ponneri, 11 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 13 Kms from Perumbedu, 20 Kms from Devadanam, 20 Kms from Minjur, 39 Kms from Thiruvottriyur and 47 Kms from Chennai. City buses from Ponneri to Pazhaverkadu (Pulicat) passes through this place. Buses also available from Moolakadai (558B), Thiruvotriyur (595A), and Tollgate (595). Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (60 Kms). The temple remains open from 07.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon and 04.30 P.M to 08.00 P.M. Paaleeswarar Temple, Thirupalaivanam, Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2797 8667 Mobile: +91 93802 12536 / 94451 76390
Thiruthaleeshwarar Temple, Aranvoyal, Thiruvallur Thiruthaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Aranvoyal in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thiruthaleeshwarar and Mother is called as Maragadambikai. This temple was built by the Pallava Ruler Nandhivarman II almost 1200 years back. This temple has the reputation of relief of Naga Doshas of devotees who seek the blessings of the Lord. It is believed that the temple was originally built during the Pallava period by the Pallava Ruler Nandhivarman II almost 1200 years back and later renovated during the Chola period. Aditya Chola period inscriptions are also found in the temple. This is a south facing temple with 5 tiered newly built Rajagopuram. The ancient temple has been renovated recently and looks more like a modern day temple. The temple is situated in a sprawling area of 14 acres of which 7 acres (approx.) is occupied by the holy temple tank. The temple has a built up area of around 5000 sq. ft. At the entrance of the temple, an old idol of Ganesha is found, which looks attractive. The east facing sanctum enshrines a small Shiva Lingam called as Thiruthaleeshwarar. The bali peetha, flag staff and Nandi mandap are found facing towards the sanctum. The sculptures of Ganapati, Dakshina Murti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are found as the niche idols. Chandikeswara is found in his usual location. The sanctum is built as per the Gajabrushta architectural style. There is a separate south facing shrine for the Goddess Maragadambikai. The temple has many pillars with beautiful sculptures. The prakara has the sub shrines of Ganesha, Kartikeya with Valli and Devasena, Vishalakshi and Vishwanathar, Nataraja-Sivakami, Meenakshi-Chokkanathar, Somaskanda Murti and of Utsava idols such as Uma, Chandrasekhar, Ganesha and Murugan with his two consorts. The idols of Surya, Chandra, Manickavasagar and Bhairava are also found in the prakaram. There is a special shrine where Vishnu is found along with Lakshmi on his lap. He is called as Bhoga Murti. One can also see a lot of inscriptions and markings on the temple walls. There is an image of Lord Vishnu in the open fields in this Village. An image of a Consort of Lord Vishnu was also present nearby. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Tirur Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Tiruvallur Railway Station, 11 Kms from Tiruvallur, 16 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 13 Kms from Thiruninravur, 22 Kms from Avadi, 40 Kms from Chennai and 39 Kms from Chennai International Airport. The temple is located in Aranvoyal on the Chennai – Thiruvallur High Road. A person must take the narrow road opposite the Kingfisher Distilleries. After travelling for around 1.5 Kms along the winding road, the road splits itself into two. Take the street on the left hand side and after 150 metres, again take the road on the left hand side. The entrance of the temple can be seen. MTC Bus numbers 566A, 501, 501X, 597, 153A, 153B, 153T stops at Aranvoyal bus stand. Auto/Share Auto facilities are available. Official Address
Thazuvikandeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Pazhayanur Kailasanathar Temple, Temple, 1 Km from Saatchi Boodeshwarar Temple, 2 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple, 3 Kms from Palayanur, 6 Kms from Narayanapuram Koot road, 20 Kms from Arakkonam, 21 Kms from Kavanoor, 31 Kms from Thiruthani, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 45 Kms from Kanchipuram, 36 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 65 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Bus Stop. Thiruvalangadu can be accessed by road on NH 205 (Chennai-Avadi-Thiruvallur-Renigunta route). A slight detour before Narayanapuram Koot road of about 6 Kms from NH 205 on to the left takes one to the temple town. The place can be reached from Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram also. Town buses available from Chennai (T Nagar, Broadway, and Vadapalani) to Thiruvallur (Bus no 597 from T Nagar). Regular Buses are also available from Koyambedu. Buses are available from Thiruvallur to Arakkonam via Thiruvalangadu 105 C, T20, Srinivasa (a Private bus). Share autos are also available from Narayanapuram Koot road on the Thiruthani bus route. By Train: Thiruvalangadu has a railway station on the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and it is the penultimate station before Arakkonam. From central catch a train to Arakkonam and get down at Thiruvalangadu railway station. Share autos are also available from Thiruvalangadu Railway station to temple entrance. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Railway Station and 5 Kms from Manavur Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (65 Kms). Official Address
Saatchi Boodeshwarar Temple, Pazhayanur, Thiruvalangadu, Thiruvallur A married merchant while travelling in Kasi city, marries another beautiful girl, loving her at first sight. He along with his new wife and her brother come back to his village near Pazhayanur. On reaching his village, the merchant remembers his earlier wife and fears for showing his new love to her. Without hesitation, he takes his brother in law to a nearby pond and drowns him. When his new wife enquires about her brother, the merchant takes her to the pond acting as if they are out for search, unabashedly kills the new wed wife too in the same pond. The dead woman comes out as a wandering spirit (Neeli in Tamil), and carrying the brother ghost as her kid, follows the merchant. The merchant nearing his village, crosses Pazhayanur. Night falls and the merchant had to take rest. The Velalars (today’s merchant community) of Pazhayanur are known for their wisdom and integrity. They welcome the guest of their village, feed him and request him to take rest there and go to his native the next day. The “Neeli”, the ghost appears in the disguise of his true wife along with the kid and requests before the Village heads that the merchant had ignored her and is running away from her. She pleads with them to unite them. The merchant knows very well that there is no chance of his wife appearing at that spot, fearing the worst, refuses to have the woman with him. The guests are intrigued and ask the merchant to have his wife and kid with him that night, in the same room, as it was already late night. Neeli, the ghost is smart and asks the village headmen to make her husband remove the sacred knife he carries along to thwart evils, saying that it is disgusting that a man does not even believe his own wife and carries a sword. She also adds that she fears for her life and that of her kid, that this man may kill them when they are fast asleep. Seeing her sob and narrate a pathetic story, the village head men believe her and order the merchant to have her in his room. The village head men 70 of them, the Velalars back the Neeli for staying with the merchant. With no other choice, the merchant agrees, but asks guarantee for his life. The village heads (63 of them) promise that if something untoward happens to the merchant, they will also perish themselves, jumping into the fire, before the Shivalinga of Pazhayanur. And as expected, the worse happens. The Neeli kills the merchant, throws away the ghost kid on her way back to hell besides, crushes the kid ghost beneath her feet and disappears. The village headmen, on seeing the gory death of their guest, feel they are responsible for his death, plunge into the big fire before the Shivalinga. One head man who is left out, is again called by the Neeli, (taking the form of the wife of the headman himself), asking him why he is alone here, while the others have jumped to death, to keep up their promise. The headman, was ploughing the field by then. Hearing that his brethren have perished, slays his head off with the plough edge and suicides himself to keep up the promise. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Pazhayanur Kailasanathar Temple, Temple, 1 Km from Tazuvikuzandheswarar Temple, 1 Km from Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple, 3 Kms from Palayanur, 6 Kms from Narayanapuram Koot road, 20 Kms from Arakkonam, 21 Kms from Kavanoor, 31 Kms from Thiruthani, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 45 Kms from Kanchipuram, 36 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 65 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruvalangadu Bus Stop. Thiruvalangadu can be accessed by road on NH 205 (Chennai-Avadi-Thiruvallur-Renigunta route). A slight detour before Narayanapuram Koot road of about 6 Kms from NH 205 on to the left takes one to the temple town. The place can be reached from Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram also. Town buses available from Chennai (T Nagar, Broadway, and Vadapalani) to Thiruvallur (Bus no 597 from T Nagar). Regular Buses are also available from Koyambedu. Buses are available from Thiruvallur to Arakkonam via Thiruvalangadu 105 C, T20, Srinivasa (a Private bus). Share autos are also available from Narayanapuram Koot road on the Thiruthani bus route. By Train: Thiruvalangadu has a railway station on the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and it is the penultimate station before Arakkonam. From central catch a train to Arakkonam and get down at Thiruvalangadu railway station. Share autos are also available from Thiruvalangadu Railway station to temple entrance. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Railway Station and 5 Kms from Manavur Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (65 Kms). Official Address
Kailasanathar Temple, Pazhayanur, Thiruvallur The Temple faces north with entrance from the east. Presiding Diety is called as Kailasanathar and is facing north. Mother is called as Parvathavarthini and is facing east. There are many stone inscriptions indicating the existence of this temple from the Sangam age. However, the temple was in ruins in recent times. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Saatchi Boodeshwarar Temple, 750 meters from Tazuvikuzandheswarar Temple, 2.5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple, 3 Kms from Palayanur, 6 Kms from Narayanapuram Koot road, 20 Kms from Arakkonam, 21 Kms from Kavanoor, 31 Kms from Thiruthani, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 45 Kms from Kanchipuram, 36 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 65 Kms from Chennai. By Road: The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Bus Stop. Thiruvalangadu can be accessed by road on NH 205 (Chennai-Avadi-Thiruvallur-Renigunta route). A slight detour before Narayanapuram Koot road of about 6 Kms from NH 205 on to the left takes one to the temple town. The place can be reached from Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram also. Town buses available from Chennai (T Nagar, Broadway, and Vadapalani) to Thiruvallur (Bus no 597 from T Nagar). Regular Buses are also available from Koyambedu. Buses are available from Thiruvallur to Arakkonam via Thiruvalangadu 105 C, T20, Srinivasa (a Private bus). Share autos are also available from Narayanapuram Koot road on the Thiruthani bus route. By Train: Thiruvalangadu has a railway station on the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and it is the penultimate station before Arakkonam. From central catch a train to Arakkonam and get down at Thiruvalangadu railway station. Share autos are also available from Thiruvalangadu Railway station to temple entrance. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Railway Station and 5 Kms from Manavur Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (64 Kms). Official Address
Bhadra Kaliyamman Temple, Thiruvalangadu, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thiruvalangadu Vadaranyeswarar Temple, 1 Km from Saatchi Boodeshwarar Temple, 2 Kms from Tazuvikuzandheswarar Temple, 2.5 Kms from Palayanur Kailasanathar Temple, 2 Kms from Palayanur, 6 Kms from Narayanapuram Koot road, 18 Kms from Arakkonam, 19 Kms from Kavanoor, 27 Kms from Thiruthani, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 43 Kms from Kanchipuram, 38 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 66 Kms from Chennai. Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thiruvalangadu are – Thakkolam (16 kms), Ilambaiyangkottur (20 kms), Thiruvenpakkam (24 kms), Thiruvirkolam (20 kms) and Thirupachur (15 kms). By Road: The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruvalangadu Bus Stop. Thiruvalangadu can be accessed by road on NH 205 (Chennai-Avadi-Thiruvallur-Renigunta route). A slight detour before Narayanapuram Koot road of about 6 Kms from NH 205 on to the left takes one to the temple town. The place can be reached from Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram also. Town buses available from Chennai (T Nagar, Broadway, and Vadapalani) to Thiruvallur (Bus no 597 from T Nagar). Regular Buses are also available from Koyambedu. Buses are available from Thiruvallur to Arakkonam via Thiruvalangadu 105 C, T20, Srinivasa (a Private bus). Share autos are also available from Narayanapuram Koot road on the Thiruthani bus route. By Train: Thiruvalangadu has a railway station on the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and it is the penultimate station before Arakkonam. From central catch a train to Arakkonam and get down at Thiruvalangadu railway station. Share autos are also available from Thiruvalangadu Railway station to temple entrance. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (65 Kms). Official Address
Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu Oordhva Thandavam: The legend is that two demons – Sumban and Nisumban had worshiped Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. Impressed by their rigorous penance, Lord Shiva gave them a blessing that every drop of their blood that fell on the ground would turn into a lingam. Having sought Lord Shiva’s blessings, these two demons started terrorizing the celestial gods who in turn complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva asked Goddess Parvathi to create “Bathra Kali” and this Kali was advised to go to Thiruvalangadu to destroy the demons. Mother Parvathi created a furious Kali and destroyed the demons. Kali consumed the blood of the demons and their army and grew more furious. However, since she had drunk the blood of the demons, she started losing control of her senses and started acting like a demon herself. She started terrorizing the celestial gods, who one again sought Lord Shiva’s intervention in this matter. To solve this problem, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy came to this place. Kali who was not in control of her senses, started fighting with Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu and Rishi Naradhar intervened and made them accept a dance competition instead of a fight, which the duo agreed to perform. It is believed that the dance performance was witnessed by Goddess Parvathy, Rishi Naradhar, Sage Munjikesa (Sage Anantha) and serpent Karkodaka. Lord Brahma and Lord Mahavishnu are believed to have provided music for their dance. Lord Shiva performed 17 types of dances which Kali also repeated. Finally, Lord Shiva played his “Oordhva Thandavam” – a dance with very fast movements. Lord Shiva intentionally dropped his right earring on the ground, stood on his right leg, picked up the earring with the toe of his left leg and wore it again during the dance itself. Kali could not repeat this movement and admitted her defeat. Goddess Parvathy, who was astonished to watch this performance is praised here as “Arukilirunthu Viyantha Nayaki” (goddess who witnessed the spectacular dance performance). The lord here is praised as “Andamura Nimirntharuliya Nayanar” as he performed the Oordhva Thandavam. Kali was very angry to accept her defeat. To appease her anger, Lord Shiva told her that he would be performing a pleasing dance – “Raksha dance” at Thiruvirkolam temple and she could have his dharisanam there. Lord Shiva said that he alone was equal to her and said further that those coming to worship him here, should worship her first to reap the full benefit of the worship. Since then, Kali has her own temple to grace the devotees. Pancha Sabha: Legend has it that when the Lord was once entranced in a deep cosmic dance, the jewels from the Lord’s anklets fell onto the earth and scattered in 5 places, Thiruvalangadu being one of them. Vadaranyeswarar: According to the legend, in ancient times this region was a forest densely covered with banyan trees (Aalamaram in Tamil). It is believed that a Swayambu Lingam was discovered under a banyan tree. Later a temple was constructed and the lord was named as “Vadaranyeswarar” (Vadam meaning banyan tree, Aranyam meaning forest and the Easwar represents Lord Shiva). Devarsingaperuman: Celestial gods (Devas) are also believed to have worshiped the lord of this temple, he is also praised as “Sri Devarsingaperuman”. Karaikal Ammaiyar: Lord Shiva’s dance here was also witnessed by one of his great devotees, Saint Karaikal Ammaiyar. She is also one of the 63 Nayanmars. It is said that she went to Mount Kailash by walking upside down on her head to see Lord Shiva. The lord addressed her as “Mother” (Amma in Tamil) and advised her to go to Thiruvalangadu to see his dance. She came to see the lord in this temple but a Shiva lingam started appearing wherever she put her foot. To give respect, she decided to again walk upside down on her head. She witnessed the dance performance of Lord Shiva, rendered her pathigam (hymn) and attained salvation in this temple itself. It is believed that her last resting place was at the feet of Lord Natarajar. Since her pathigams are prior to the Moovars Devaram, they are called “Mootha Thiru Pathigam”. Thiru Gnanasambandhar: Another legend associated with this place is that since Karaikal Ammaiyar had walked on her head at this place, Saint Thiru Gnanasambandhar was afraid to set his foot on the soil. Not wanting to show any disrespect towards Karaikal Ammaiyar, he decided to stay in a nearby village and spent the night there without visiting this temple. However, Lord Shiva of this temple appeared in his dream and asked if he had forgotten to praise him. Next morning, he visited this temple and rendered a pathigam in which he mentioned about the “Neeli story” and God’s reminder to praise him. Neeli Story: Another legend associated with this place is that of a lady called “Neeli”. It is believed that she was killed by her husband as he had suspected her of infidelity. After her death, she could not move on to her next birth and started roaming around this place in the form of a ghost. Incidentally, in his next birth, her husband was travelling through this place. Seeing her former husband, Neeli decided to seek revenge. She assumed the form of his present wife and wanted to go with him. He was surprised to see his wife here, he sensed that something was wrong and he refused to let her accompany him. Neeli went to the locals (velalars) and complained that her husband was abandoning her. The locals interfered and asked him to stay with her at a nearby place and travel with her the next morning. He tried explaining to them that she might not be his wife but they refused to his pleas. Instead they vouched for his safety by saying that if anything were to happen to him, they would also give up their lives. As soon as they went inside the house that the locals had given to them, Neeli took her original form of a ghost and killed him. In the morning when the locals found him dead, they decided to end of their lives and keep the promise that they made to him. The legend is that 70 velalars gave up their lives by self-immolation (Theekuliyal in Tamil). It is also believed that Lord Shiva gave salvation to all of them. It is interesting to note that the old Tamil proverb “Neeli Kanneer” (crocodile tears) originated from this story only. The hall where these velalars gave up their lives can still be seen near the Saatchi Boodeshwarar temple in Pazhayanur (at about one 1 Km from Thiruvalangadu temple). It is said that the heirs of those velalars still go to Thiruvalangadu temple for worship and for offering their services. Mantheeswarar: Another legend is that Sani Bhagwan (Saturn) advised his son, Mantheeswarar who had accrued a sin (Dosham) when a lizard fell on him, to go to Thiruvalangadu and worship Lord Shiva there. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him by absolving the sin. Bharata Muni prayed Lord Shiva for progeny: The most ancient legend has it that, Bharata Muni and his spouse Subhadra prayed in this Thiruvalangadu village for progeny, after taking bath in the Puthrakameshwarar Theertham. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Lord Murugan, Goddess Lakshmi, Karkotaka, Sage Sunanda and Saint Tirumular have worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Saatchi Boodeshwarar Temple, 2 Kms from Tazuvikuzandheswarar Temple, 2.5 Kms from Palayanur Kailasanathar Temple, 2 Kms from Palayanur, 6 Kms from Narayanapuram Koot road, 18 Kms from Arakkonam, 19 Kms from Kavanoor, 27 Kms from Thiruthani, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 43 Kms from Kanchipuram, 38 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 66 Kms from Chennai. Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thiruvalangadu are – Thakkolam (16 kms), Ilambaiyangkottur (20 kms), Thiruvenpakkam (24 kms), Thiruvirkolam (20 kms) and Thirupachur (15 kms). By Road: The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruvalangadu Bus Stop. Thiruvalangadu can be accessed by road on NH 205 (Chennai-Avadi-Thiruvallur-Renigunta route). A slight detour before Narayanapuram Koot road of about 6 Kms from NH 205 on to the left takes one to the temple town. The place can be reached from Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram also. Town buses available from Chennai (T Nagar, Broadway, and Vadapalani) to Thiruvallur (Bus no 597 from T Nagar). Regular Buses are also available from Koyambedu. Buses are available from Thiruvallur to Arakkonam via Thiruvalangadu 105 C, T20, Srinivasa (a Private bus). Share autos are also available from Narayanapuram Koot road on the Thiruthani bus route. By Train: Thiruvalangadu has a railway station on the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and it is the penultimate station before Arakkonam. From central catch a train to Arakkonam and get down at Thiruvalangadu railway station. Share autos are also available from Thiruvalangadu Railway station to temple entrance. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thiruvalangadu Railway Station. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (65 Kms). Official Address
Achiramavalli Amman Temple, Anbil, Trichy Achiramavalli Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Jangamarajapuram in Anbil in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The temple is situated on the North shore (Vadakarai) of Kollidam River. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Lalgudi, 12 Kms from Thirukkattupalli, 17 Kms from Koviladi, 21 Kms from Srirangam, 25 Kms from Samayapuram and 29 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Natarajapuram Bus Stop. Buses are available from Trichy Chathiram and Lalgudi bus stands. One must get down at Natarajapuram Bus Stop to reach the temple. From Chathiram bus stand in Trichy, one can take a bus to Lalgudi and then another bus from Lalgudi to Anbil (about 8 kms). There is a direct bus (Route No. 93) every hour to Anbil from Chatiram bus stand. Nearest Railway Station is located at Lalgudi (7 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (33 Kms). Official Address
Ananda Krishna Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Angarai, Trichy The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Santhai Pettai Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Lalgudi, 2 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 3 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 2 Kms from Mandurai, 14 Kms from Srirangam, 21 Kms from Trichy and 26 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Marudanda Nadeswarar Temple, Angarai, Trichy Marudandhan was the son of the sage Suholar. The sage drove away his consort (mother of Marudandhan) on charges of adultery, and thereafter she led an immoral life. As Marudandhan grew, he became a friend of the prince of the country. The prince was a lustful and salacious youth. Marudandhan too got influenced by him and became lustful. Once, womanizing, both went to an elderly woman and made merry together. Then she realized that the adult who accompanied the prince was her son. Knowing this, Marudandhan, began to lament loudly at the sin he had had committed. Pricked by this ill feeling, he discarded the material life and went to the forest and began to meditate. Pleased by his sincere and strong penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him. He pardoned the sin, as it was done unknowingly. However, Lord Shiva said. “Any man should see a woman as a mother only”. To make the world realize this I enacted this horrible drama. In the ‘Kali Yuga’ many such incidents may happen. The guilty should realize the sin and repent. Still, being wreck with this conscience thrashing him, Marudandhan asked, for atonement. Lord Shiva asked him to construct a temple and pray towards him every day will give him a peace at mind. Marudandhan built a temple out of his own resources after this and worshipped every day. Ambal pacified him. She is called Sundara kanchani here. Presiding Deity is called as Marudanda Nadeswarar and Mother is called as Sundara Kanchani. Though the temple is facing east, the south facing entrance only is in use. While the shrine of Lord faces east, that of Mother is facing South in a single hall – mandapam. The devotee can go around the shrines simultaneously. This is a rare model. The temple has a one Prakara-corridor only having shrines for Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Gajalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswara and Navagrahas – the 9 planets. The consecration of the temple was performed last in the year 1968. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Tamil New Year day falling almost on April 14 each year, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Kruthikai in June-July, Vinayak Chaturthi mostly during August-September, Navarathri during September-October, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple with special pujas. People pray for removal of obstacles in marriage alliances, for child boon and excellence in education. Devotees perform abishek and offer vastras (clothes) to Lord and Mother. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Santhai Pettai Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Lalgudi, 2 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 3 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 2 Kms from Mandurai, 14 Kms from Srirangam, 21 Kms from Trichy and 26 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Navaneetha Krishnan Temple, Arasalur, Trichy Arasalur: This place is called as Arasalur as this place is full of Peepal Tree (Called as Arasamaram). Asvathavur: As Navaneetha Krishna Perumal is believed to take Kalki Avatar, this place is called as Asvathavur then corrupted to Arasalur. Ashwatha Raja Puram: The historical name of the temple was Ashwatha Raja Puram which in course of time became Arasalur. In centuries gone by, this was a place where Vedic chants were heard through the day. Aasuri Clan: The Aasuri clan form Karnataka stayed here on the way to Srirangam. It is believed that they built the temple that one sees in the current form and structure. Salt was sold in large quantities and the sale proceeds were used for the maintenance of the temple in centuries gone by. Presiding Deity is called as Srinivasa Perumal in standing posture and is facing east. Utsavar is Navaneetha Krishna Perumal. Navaneetha Krishnan is seen with a butter ball in his right hand and providing a friendly welcoming gesture with his left. His right leg is seen placed on Lotus petals. Navaneetha Krishnan is seen flanked by Rukmini and Satyabhama. Namm Azhvaar, Ramanuja and Swami Desigan are all seen together in a Sannidhi next to each other. Chandran and Suryan are seen on the upper wall of the sanctum offering their prayers to Lord Navaneetha Krishnan. Also, on the upper wall of maha mandapa are ancient carvings. Presiding Deity is guarded by Karuppanna Swamy in southwest, Bhagavathy Amman in northwest, Mariamman in northeast and Pidari Amman in southeast. Shrines for Anjaneya, Lakshmi Narasimha and Lakshmi Hayagriva can be seen in the corridors. Hanuman is called as Kambathadiyan in this Temple and is facing south direction with Sanjeevi mount (Panacea Mountain) in his hand. People believe that, worshipping him will relieve them from the fear of Lord Yama (Yama Payam) and will be blessed to fulfill their desires. Narasimha and Hayagriva are worshipped to get relieved from black magic, credit problems, marriage barriers and child barriers. Sukantha Kunthalambal Samedha Thayumanava Swamy Shiva Shrine is also present here. To the north of this place, there is a mount with full of herbs. This is believed to be formed from a piece of Sanjeevi mount fallen in this place. The Temple remains open from 06:00 am to 12:00 am and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Navarathri, Chitra Pournami, Margazhi 30day Utsavam and Panguni Uthiram- Kalyana Utsavam are the festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. This is a Prarthana Sthalam for the unmarried and the childless. Belief is also that one will be able to cross all hurdles and overcome any obstacles by performing an archanai here on the start birth day. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Thottiyam, 4 Kms from Thottiyam Bus Stand, 1 Km from Thirunarayanapuram, 18 Kms from Kulithalai, 19 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 16 Kms from Mayanur Railway Station, 59 Kms from Trichy and 64 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated to the south of Thottiyam off the Namakkal / Salem Highway. From Trichy, one can take Salem bound express bus to get down at Thottiyam Police Station. Take an Auto from here to reach the temple. By train, one can get down at Kulithalai (Mangalore Express from Chennai Egmore) stops here at 6 am. From Kulithalai, one can take a bus to Thottiyam via Musiri across the Cauvery bridge. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Navaneetha Krishna Perumal Temple, Arasalur, Thottiyam, Trichy District. Mobile: +91 90037 55195
Edumalai Shiva Temple, Trichy Edumalai Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Edumalai Village near Thirupattur in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Thirupattur, 10 Kms from Siruganur, 23 Kms from Thuraiyur, 16 Kms from Samayapuram, 38 Kms from Trichy and 43 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Eka Pushpa Priya Nathar Swamy Temple, Thiruthiyamalai, Trichy darshan. After that he came back to Thiruthiyamalai and to his surprise, he met Agasthiar again there and received some more secrets from him. At that time, he saw a huge tree in the middle of the hill with more than 1008 ‘Thookkanakuruvi Koodu’ (Bird Nests). Though he had done Girivalam so many times before, he never saw that tree before. Thookkanakuruvi Koodu is considered as a good Vasthu symbol and due to the 1008 of them here, this place is considered as a highly powerful Vasthu power Sthalam. From the language of so many birds, he understood that the flower is going to bloom on the next Maha Shivarathri day and so waited in penance at the foot hill. On that eventful Maha Shivarathri day, the Argyadevavalli flower finally bloomed and all the thousands of birds flew in abundant happiness chanting ‘Om Namasivaya’. Brighu maharishi was slightly upset that he could not see the flower but the birds have already seen it. Agasthiar appeared again with his wife and took Brighu maharishi for the first time to the hilltop (all the time, he was at the foot hill only) and disappeared there. Brighu maharishi finally got the glimpse of the flower as a reflection in the ‘Kodi Pushpa Aadhi Mahamaha Theertham (Sunai)’ and then raised his head and got the direct darshan of the flower. This temple has only one Kala Puja. The Temple is open from 10.00 AM to 12.00 Noon. Thiruthuthal means ‘correcting the wrongs’ in Tamil and this temple blesses the salvation stage for everyone after correcting all their sins. The temple worship benefits womanhood, especially those wanting a good marriage and those who suffer after marriage come here with a basket of raw rice flour and draw Kolams around the Girivalam route and on the rocks, worship the God and Goddess to get all their problems solved. Those affected with bad habits like smoking, drinking etc. can pray here, perform Girivalam and offer Sambar rice as annadhanam to poor people. Regular worship here gets one out of all the bad habits The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Thiruthiyamalai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Moovanur, 6 Kms from Thandalaiputhur, 10 Kms from Thiruthalaiyur, 11 Kms from Gunaseelam, 17 Kms from Musiri, 23 Kms from Thuraiyur, 16 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 13 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 22 Kms from Manachanallur, 14 Kms from Elamanur Railway Station, 24 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 28 Kms from Srirangam, 36 Kms from Trichy and 39 Kms from Trichy Airport. Buses going from Trichy to Musiri via Thandalaiputhur go through this place. Trichy – Mannachanallur – Thiruthiyamalai – Thandalaiputhur – Musiri is the route. Please note that there is another straight route to Musiri from Trichy. Better option is to go to Musiri and get bus from there at “Kaikatti” bus stop as frequency of buses from Musiri is more. Nearest Railway Station is located at Elamanur and Kulithalai. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Eka Pushpa Priya Nathar Swamy Temple, Thiruthiyamalai Post, Musiri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District – 621 006 Mobile: +91 9787302153 / 9047261838 / 98655 27538 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thiruthiyamalaisivankovil.org
Mariyamman Temple, Karthigaipatti, Trichy Mariyamman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Rain Goddess located at Karthigaipatti Village near Thottiyam in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Thottiyam, 3 Kms from Thottiyam Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 60 Kms from Trichy and 65 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Lalgudi, Trichy Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Lalgudi Town in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be 300 years old. The Temple follows Thenkalai tradition. Idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Seetha, Hanuman and Garuda can be seen in the Temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Lalgudi, 1.5 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 2 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 24 Kms from Trichy and 29 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Manakkal Nambi Temple, Manakkal, Trichy Manakkal Nambikal was an important Vaishnavite Guru. His original name was Rama Misrar. He was born in this village, which is called as Manakkal in the 10th century CE. His Guru was Uyyakondar. After the demise of Uyyakondar’s wife, Rama Misrar took charge of attending the personal needs of his Guru and his two young daughters. One day, the young daughters of Uyyakondar, after taking bath in the river, had to cross the muddy way. Rama Misrar lied down forming himself as a human bridge. He made the young girls to cross over the path by walking on his back. As the sandy footprints of the girls were found on his back, Rama Misrar was called as Manakkal Nambigal from that particular day onwards. The word Manakkal means sandy footprints. Uyyakondar entrusted the task of finding his Guru Nathamuni’s grandson to Manakkal Nambi. Manakkal Nambi traced Alavandar. Alavandar was leading a royal life. Manakkal Nambi met him, convinced him and turned him into spiritual path. Thus, due to the attempts of Manakkal Nambi, Alavandar @. Yamunacharya came to Sri Rangam and he also became a Vaishnavite Guru in the future. The temple is very small. It does not have tower. The presiding deity of the temple is Varadarajar in standing posture. He has his two consorts, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, on his either sides. The temple has simple layout. It has one prakara around the sanctum. The Utsava idols of Varadarajar and his consorts are also found in the sanctum. In the Maha mandapam, in a separate shrine, a lot of bronze idols are located. It includes the idols from the nearby Kailasanathar temple such as Nataraja, Sivakami, etc. In the Maha Mandapam, there is another sub-shrine which enshrines the idols of Vishwaksenar, Ramanuja and Lakshmi Narayana. Garuda is found facing towards the direction of the sanctum. Near Garuda, there is a shrine for Manakkal Nambi. Although the presiding deity of the temple is Varadarajar, people call the temple as Manakkal Nambigal Temple. The Temple is located at about 300 meters Manakkal Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 3 Kms form Lalgudi, 4 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 6 Kms from Anbil, 25 Kms from Trichy and 30 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Subramanya Swamy Temple, Manakkal, Trichy Subramanya Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Manakkal Village near Lalgudi Town in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 100 meters Manakkal Mandapam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 2 Kms form Lalgudi, 2.5 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 7 Kms from Anbil, 24 Kms from Trichy and 29 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Nallandavar Temple, Manaparai, Trichy Maan Poondi: The place where Lord Sri Rama killed the magic deer (Poonduthal or Saithal in Tamil means killing) came to be known as Maan (deer) Poondi. Later, it changed as Mamundi according the history of the place. Mamundi: There is also the story linking the place with a king named Mamundi Vallal who was both a powerful warrior and generously charitable. He also had some super powers. As he protected the people from robbers and gave good governance, the place is named after him as Mamundi. Nallandavar: While the Saptha Kannikas, Brahmi, Maheswari, Goumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indirani and Chamundi were bathing in the tank in the northern side of the place, some rowdies came there and harassed them. They cried for help. Nallandavar King Mamundi rushed immediately and drove them away and protected the Kannikas. Thanking Mamundi for his prompt and timely help, they said that as their elder brother, he would be respected by as Nallannan, Nallandavar, Nalliah and Mamundi. The temple has a long compound wall. Presiding Deity is called as Nallandavar / Mamundi. Elephant is the vehicle of Lord Nallandavar with Puli Karuppannasami as guardian deity with horse as his vehicle. There are individual shrines for God Anumadhi Vinayaka, Madurai Veeran, Parikarar, Ezhu Karuppanaswami, Omkara Vinayaka, Pechiamman, Pattathu Yanai, Nallandavar Yanai, Teppakulam Murugan and Sri Anjaneya. Saptha Kannikas are respected as the sisters of Nallandavar and are installed nearby in a separate shrine. Pujas are performed first only to Saptha Kannikas. An ascetic from North named Lada Sanyasi was asked by Nallandavar to stay here itself to help the devotees and bless them. Accordingly, the saint is here in a separate shrine with his legs tied. Second Puja is offered to him. The third puja goes to God Nallandavar. Sthala Vriksham is Kattu Minnai tree. The temple remains open from 06.45 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Chithirai Tamil New Year day falling almost on April 14 or a day before or after occasionally in some years, Aadi Fridays in July-August, Avani Uriyadi, Purattasi Saturdays and Bow festival in September-October, Karthikai Deepam in November-December, Thai Pongal falling almost on January 14, Maha Shivarathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the important festivals celebrated in the temple. Devotees pray to Lord Nallandavar seeking solutions for problems in families, brothers, problems between husband and wife, remedy for poisonous bites for psychological problems in women etc. It is firmly believed that Lord Nallandavar blesses the devotees as their own brother with solutions. Devotees offer dhoti, upper cloth, Parivattam (turban) and perform archanas to Lord Nallandavar. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Manapparai, 4 Kms from Manapparai Bus Station, 4 Kms from Manapparai Railway Station, 12 Kms from Thogaimalai, 41 Kms from Trichy and 42 Kms from Trichy Airport. Nallandavar Temple, Manaparai – 621 306 Trichy District Phone: +91 4332 267 586 Mobile: +91 98658 55061 / 95784 24680
Sundareswarar Temple, Pichandarkovil, Trichy Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Pichandarkovil in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Uthamar Kovil Railway Station, 1 Km from Uthamar Kovil, 1 Km from Uthamar Kovil Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Srirangam, 5 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 12 Kms from Trichy, 16 Kms from Trichy Railway Station and 17 Kms from Trichy Airport. Nearest Railway Station is located at Uthamar Kovil and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy. Official Address
Sundareswarar Temple, Nannimangalam, Trichy Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Nannimangalam near Lalgudi Town in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Nannimangalam is also called as Sennivaikkal. The Temple is believed to be 1200 years old. Snake Pit: There is a snake pit near the compound of this Temple. It believed that snake from the pit enters the sanctum via Komukham and stays at night in the sanctum. Snake returns back to the pit when it hears the priest Paasurams. Swarna Vilva Tree: It is believed that when Brahma was having 5 faces worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva gave darshan to Brahma with five faces. Since Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva with five heads and attained salvation, this place is called as Senni (Senni means Head). Lord Shiva gifted Swarna Vilva Tree to Lord Brahma. In turn Lord Brahma gifted it to Lord Kubera. Kubera gifted the same to his sons Manikriva and Nalakooban and said this tree will be visible to siddhas only. Further he asked him to plant the tree in earth on appropriate place and start worship. A divine voice guided them to Thiruthavathurai. They took bath in the Shiva Ganga Theertham and they were surprised to get up in some other place. Also, the Swarna Vilva Tree got disappeared from their hands. At that time sanctum door got opened and they found the Vilva Tree with the Maragatha Linga in the sanctum. This incident happened in this place on a Pournami Day. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is believed to be built by Pandya King. The largest Maragatha lingam in the world is in this ancient temple. But this temple is not known to people. Shrines of valli-Devasena-Murugan, Saneeswarar, Bhairava, Sevi Saitha Vinayagar, Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, Varada Raja Perumal along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, 2 Chandikeswarar can be seen in the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Sandalwood Tree and Pon Vilvam Tree. There is a snake pit near the compound of this Temple. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Lalgudi, 3.5 Kms from Lalgudi Bus Station, 4 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 7 Kms from Anbil, 26 Kms from Trichy and 31 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Pachil Metrali, Azhagiya Manavalam, Trichy The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Manachanallur, 9 Kms from Srirangam, 10 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 4 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 8 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 6 Kms from Pichandarkovil, 11 Kms from Samayapuram, 22 Kms from Thiruverumbur and 27 Kms from Trichy. To reach this place, Best option is to take the Thuraiyur bound Mofussil bus at Toll Gate. Get down at Manachanallur (about 6 Kms from Toll Gate). There are mini buses available from Manachanallur to the temple. No autos available here. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Uthamarkovil (6 Kms) and Trichy (20 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (22 Kms). Official Address
Pagalavadi Shiva Temple & Siddhar Peedam, Trichy This place was known as Jamuna Vanam (Naval Trees). This place was surrounded by mountains having small caves. It is believed Siddhars engaging themselves in the services of Lord Shiva lived in these caves. It is believed that this temple was built by them. With the invasion of outside forces, the temple was destroyed. As years rolled on, the local population tried to rebuild the temple. Even queen Mangammal know the glory of this Shiva peetam and has visited the temple, gifted lands and money of its welfare and built Yatrikar mandapams. The peetam appeared in the dreams of many citizens of the local community. A divine prasannam (Holy prediction) by the people proclaimed that Shiva peetam was created by the Siddhars and the pooja articles of the temple are buried in a well. The declaration proved to be true and the Shiva peetam resembled the facts of its classical nature with the worship of Siddhars. The temple is made of hard polished stones and fine architecture. Presiding Deity is called as Ekambareswar and Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva is a round construction, decorated by lotus, surrounded by eight elephants and eight serpents, saints, rishis. The wall has the pictures of all the 12 (Rasis) and 27 (Stars) the construction is like mount Meru where lord Shiva blesses on everyone with his divine grace. There are also basements (Peetams) for lord Vigneshwara, Muruga, Vishnu and Parasakthi. There is tank in the temple with 1008 madams to illuminate with lights. It is believed that Sitadevi took her bath in this holy tank before falling into fire, as per the orders of Lord Rama. On 15.5.2009 the consecration of the temple was performed. It was followed by (kooda Muzhukku) on 15.5.2011. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Jayaram College Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Thuraiyur, 17 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 18 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 28 Kms from Uthamarkovil Railway Station, 39 Kms from Trichy and 44 Kms from Trichy Airport. Pagalavadi Shiva Temple & Siddhar Peedam, Trichy District Mobile: +91 98424 33363 / 88700 57615
Karuppanna Swamy Temple, Palaiyur, Trichy Karuppanna Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Village Deity Karuppanna Swamy located at Palaiyur Village near Thirupattur in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple, 11 Kms from Siruganur, 14 Kms from Samayapuram, 13 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 18 Kms from Thiruppainjeeli, 24 Kms from Srirangam and 30 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Pichandar Kovil (20 Kms) and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy (35 Kms). Official Address
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Peruvalanallur, Trichy Parameswaravarman Pallava reign was marked by revived conflicts with the Chalukya, led by Vikramaditya I who had fought against his grandfather and was now allied with many rulers. In 674 CE the two armies met at Peruvalanallur near Tiruchirappalli and Parameswaravarman was victorious stupendously despite facing a huge coalition. The Sanskrit epigraphs released on this occasion say that the emperor completely annihilated the army. Presiding Deity is called as Brihadeeswarar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayaki / Periya Nayaki. There are separate shrines for Vinayakar, Murugan, Dhakshinamoorthy, Durgai Amman, Sandikeswarar and Navagrahas in the Temple. Special feature of Navagrahas in this temple is that, all the Grahas are facing towards the Sun God in the centre of the shrine. Peruvalanallur is situated between Puvalur and Pullambadi on Trichy – Chennai Highway. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Puvalur, 5 Kms from Kattur Railway Station, 8 Kms from Lalgudi, 10 Kms from Pullambadi, 30 Kms from Trichy and 35 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Chidambareswarar Temple, Pullambadi, Trichy The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 10.30 AM and 05.00 Pm to 08.30 PM. Navarathri, Vijayadasami, all days in Margazhi, Aipasi Annabishekam, Monthly Pradoshams, Mondays in Karthigai Month, Thai Poosam, Kanda Sashti, Amavasya, Pournami, Ashtami, Thirukarthigai are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. This Temple was built by Kulothunga Chola I during 1080 A.D. The Temple is around 900 years Old. As per the inscriptions available in the temple, the village was called as Pullanbadi belongs to Kaanakkiliyuur Nadu during Kulothunga Chola period. The Temple was called as Madurantaka Eswaram as per the inscriptions. The Temple had its Kumbabhishekam on 11 November 2012. This east facing temple is having single prakaram with 5 tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple also have three tiered Rajagopuram on the south and north side. Nandhi and Dwaja Sthambam are located after the Rajagopuram entrance facing the sanctum. Mother is called as Sivakami Ammai. She is housed in a separate shrine and she is in standing posture. Her shrine is situated on the right side of the Maha Mandapam. After Mahamandapam, Artha Mandapam can be seen with Dwarapalakas guarding the entrance. Sanctum is situated after the Arthamandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar. Lord Shiva is a Swayambu Moorthy and is facing east. Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshina Moorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durga are the niche idols around the sanctum walls. Idols of Suryan, Chandran, Kala Bhairava, Saneeswarar, Neeladevi, Jyeshta Devi, Durga, Appar, Sundarar, Thirunavukkarasar, Manicka Vasagar, Meiporul Nayanar, Siddhi Vinayagar, Valli-Devasena-Shanmuganathar, Gaja Lakshmi can be found in the Temple. Urchavar Idols are housed on the left side of Maha Mandapam. There is Srichakkram with 12 Rashis depicted on the roof of Maha Mandapam. There are two Sthala Vrikshams in this Temple namely Vanni Tree and Vilva Tree. Sthala Vrikshams are located on the southern prakaram. Navagrahas are situated on north eastern side of the prakaram. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Pullambadi Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Pullambadi Railway Station, 10 Kms from Puvalur, 14 Kms from Lalgudi, 36 Kms from Trichy and 41 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Oothaai Amman Temple, Pullambadi, Trichy Oothaai Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Pullambadi in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Pullambadi Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Pullambadi Railway Station, 10 Kms from Puvalur, 14 Kms from Lalgudi, 36 Kms from Trichy and 41 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Pachai Amman Temple, Pullambadi, Trichy Official Address
Saptharisheeswarar Temple, Thiruthalaiyur, Trichy This is the 157th Thevara Vaippu Sthalam. There is an old Tamil phrase say “தில்லையில் ஆயிரம் திருத்தலையூரில் ஆயிரத்தி ஐநூறு” which means there were 1500 Shaivite and Vaishnava families who were doing Seva to Lord Shiva but in Thillai (Chidambaram) there were only thousand but now Thiruthalaiyur has lost its grandeur. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Thiruthalaiyur, 6 Kms from Kannanur, 17 Kms from Musiri, 23 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thuraiyur, 19 Kms from Thiruvellarai, 42 Kms from Trichy and 47 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Sapthamadha Temple, Manakkal, Trichy Chettiappar was a tantric from Kerala who never used his powers against any one. Trading, especially in turmeric was his main profession. He once came to Manakkal. He saw the Saptha Madhas bathing in a tank before him. They were Brahmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Rudrani, Gaumari and Chamundi. He offered them his turmeric stock which they did not need. Chettiappar was not sad that he could not sell his stock but was sad that it was not needed by such divine angels. He wanted to sell his turmeric even by threatening them. He began to take the ornaments they have left on the steps of the tank. Goumari noticed it and called him. She offered to buy his turmeric. The trader asked for how much value, one coin or two coins. Goumari picked up a flower from her hair and asked him to give an equal weight. His turmeric could not stand before the weight of the flower. He placed all his stock – many bags – the flower side did not raise at all. He realized that the seven virgins were not simply ordinary humans but divines. He fell at their feet and sought their pardon. He built a temple there for the Saptha Madhas. Though Saptha Madha temples are generally facing north, this is facing east. Presiding Deity is Gowmari and Sapthamadhas. Saptha Madhas grace from the sanctum sanctorum. The prakara of the temple is home to shrines of Madurai Veeran, Chettiappar, Dwara Palakis, Karuppannan and Ayyanar. Elephant and Horse Vahans are also in the prakara. Madurai Veeran shrine is on the left of the main shrine. Chettiappar statue is in the right side of Maha Mandapam. On the entrance of the Maha Mandapam are Dwarapalakis (security deities) on both sides. Horses and elephants are carved on the pillars. Ayyanar is on the elephant while Karuppannasami is on the horse. Devotees use to offer garlands to this horse vahana also to recover loans advanced by them to others. Sthala Vriksham is Naruvali Tree. Devotees use to circumambulate the tall and broad Naruvali tree in the prakara for child boon. The deities of the temple are the Kula Devatha of thousands of families in the area. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Karagam festival following the Masi new moon day (Amavasya) is very famous in this temple. This is an art of dancing fast and round by men and women holding a pot on their head with such balance without holding them by hand. Thousands participate in the festival. Laksharchana (chanting the names of Shakti one lakh times) is dedicated to Mother during the 10 days of Navarathri. The Thayir Pavadai festival on the 10th day is very famous. The floor of Artha Mandapa would be covered with curd rice. After offering the same as Nivedhana to Goumari, it is distributed as Prasad to devotees. Women pray to Saptha Madhas for the longevity of their Mangal Sutras. Devotees pray to Karuppannasami for recovery of loans advanced and for happy wedding. Devotees perform abishek to Mother Goumari and offer vastras. The Temple is located at about 250 meters Manakkal Mandapam Bus Stop, 1 Km from Lalgudi Bus Station, 1.5 Kms form Lalgudi, 2 Kms from Lalgudi Railway Station, 7 Kms from Anbil, 24 Kms from Trichy and 29 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Venugopala Swamy Temple, Uthamarseeli, Trichy The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Thiruvanaikoil, 13 Kms from Srirangam, 3 Kms from Thirupalaithurai, 12 Kms from Srirangam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Trichy and 20 Kms from Trichy Airport. Uttamarseeli is situated on the way to Kallanai (Grand Anicut). Daily town bus facility is available on regular intervals from Thiruvanaikoil bus stop to Kallanai. Uttamarseeli is only a few bus stops ahead of Kallanai Dam. Official Address
Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Varadharajapuram, Trichy Varadharaja Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Varadharajapuram Village near Thottiyam in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Varadharajapuram Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Thottiyam, 2.5 Kms from Thottiyam Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 55 Kms from Trichy and 60 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Pushpavaneswarar Temple, Varadharajapuram, Trichy Pushpavaneswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Varadharajapuram Village near Thottiyam in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Pushpavaneswarar and Mother is called as Pushpavalli. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Varadharajapuram Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Thottiyam, 2.5 Kms from Thottiyam Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 55 Kms from Trichy and 60 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Varanapureeswarar Temple, Panamangalam, Trichy Varanapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Panamangalam Village in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Varanapureeswarar and Mother is called as Vadivambikai. This Temple was built by Cholas in Mada Style Architecture. The Temple is situated on Trichy – Chennai Highway. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Palur Bus Stop, 1 Km from Palur, 2.5 Kms from Pichandar Kovil Railway Station, 4 Kms from Samayapuram, 8 Kms from Srirangam, 13 Kms from Trichy and 18 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Thirukameeswarar Temple, Vellur, Trichy It is believed that Shiva Linga in this Temple was installed and worshipped by Mother Mahalakshmi.The Temple has two entrances; one from south and the other from east. Nandhi, Balipeedam and Dwaja Sthambam are located after the entrance facing sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Thirukameeswarar. Dhakshina Moorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Vishnu Durga are the niche idols around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Shivakamasundari. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Shrines for Vinayagar, Valli-Devasena-Subramanya, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas can be seen in the temple corridors. Sculptures of Musukundha worshipping Shiva and Manmadan & Rathi worshipping Shiva in this temple shows the artistic splendor of yesteryears. The Temple remains open from 09.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 06.00 PM to 07.30 PM. The Temple is situated off Trichy Salem Highway. The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Musiri, 14 Kms from Kulithalai, 14 Kms from Kulithalai Railway Station, 11 Kms from Gunaseelam, 30 Kms from Srirangam, 37 Kms from Trichy and 42 Kms from Trichy Airport. Official Address
Saneeswarar Navagraha Temple, Moratandi, Villupuram The Temple is situated on NH 32 (Chennai to Nagapattinam Highway) between Tindivanam and Pondicherry. The Temple is located very close to Pondicherry. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Moratandi Prathiyangara Devi Temple, 4 Kms from Thiruchitrambalam Junction Koot Road, 1.5 Kms from Pondicherry – Tindivanam Toll Gate, 5 Kms from Panchavati Anjaneyar Temple, 5 Kms from Irumbai Maha Kaleswarar Temple, 7 Kms from Sedarapet, 10 Kms from Vanur, 10 Kms from Pondicherry Main Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 6 Kms from Pondicherry Airport, 35 Kms from Tindivanam, 155 Kms from Chennai and 141 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses from Pondicherry to Tindivanam and vice versa will stop at Toll gate. Official Address
Jayamangala Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy, Panchavati, Villupuram Panchamuga Sri Jayamurthi Seva Trust, consisting of people with high spiritual beliefs, wished for this temple. The main crew member who involved in the creation of this temple is Parama Sri Ramani Anna. He is also the crew member in the Chennai Nanganallur Anjaneya temple trust. While returning after attending the Kumbabishekam of Panchamuga Hanuman Temple near Panruti, Mr. Santhanam Iyengar asked Parama Sri Ramani anna to visit his land, which lies on the way to Chennai. Ramani anna also accepted his invitation and went to that land. After placing his foot on that land Ramani feels the divines of hanuman and hanuman ordered to build a temple for him. Mr. Santhanam also given a part of his land to build a temple for Hanuman. All sort of works started on 24th June 1999.This temple has been constructed on 12 acres of land and the area where the temple of Sri Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy (Hanuman) is located is known as Panchavati Kshetram. In the great Indian epic, Ramayana, Panchavati was described as the forest area where Rama and his wife, Sita spent some years as part of their exile from Ayodhya. Panchamukha Anjaneya Temple is run by Panchamukha Sri Jayamurthi Seva Trust including Parama Sri Ramani Anna. The temple land was donated by Santhanam Iyengar. The Panchamukha Sri Anjaneya Swamy’s Vigraham (statue) was installed on 11th June 2003. The Consecration (Maha-Kumbabhishekam) for this Temple was performed on 31st January 2007. The temple remains open from 08.00 am to 12.00 am and from 04.00 pm to 09.00 pm. This temple is mostly crowded during Saturdays; some of the important festivals celebrated here are Krishna Jayanthi, and Vaikunta Ekadasi. Devotees throng this temple to offer him a garland of Ulundu Vadais (black gram savory doughnuts), known popularly as Hanumar Vadais. The significance behind offering this garland is that black gram has cooling properties. This cools down the angry form of Anjaneya and makes him benign to his devotees. Another reason is that the black gram is also the dedicated grain for Lord Saneeswaran (Saturn) and the two snake planets, Rahu and Ketu. It is believed that devotees of Anjaneya do not get affected by the malfeasant positions of these planets. On Saturdays, the day dedicated to Sani, many Vadamalais (garlands of Vadais) are offered to Anjaneya. People suffering from incurable diseases and ceaseless struggles are advised to visit this temple for six consecutive Saturdays and chant the mantra of Jai Ram 108 times; they are also given a spiritual armlet. Devotees offer Beetle garland, butter and clothes to Anjaneya. They also prepare Vada garland for the Lord later they distribute it to the poor people. The Temple is situated on NH 32 (Chennai to Nagapattinam Highway) between Tindivanam and Pondicherry. The Temple is located very close to Pondicherry. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Thiruchitrambalam Junction Koot Road, 6 Kms from Moratandi Prathiyangara Devi Temple, 5 Kms from Moratandi Saneeswarar Temple, 4 Kms from Pondicherry – Tindivanam Toll Gate. 7 Kms from Vanur, 4 Kms from Irumbai Maha Kaleswarar Temple, 4 Kms from Sedarapet, 8 Kms from Auroville, 12 Kms from Pondicherry Main Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 9 Kms from Pondicherry Airport, 30 Kms from Tindivanam, 156 Kms from Chennai and 136 Kms from Chennai Airport. Local Buses from Pondicherry to Tindivanam and vice versa will stop at this Temple. Panchamuga Anjaneya Temple, Panchavati, Vanur Taluk, Villupuram District – 605 111 Phone: +91 413 2678823 / 2671232 Mobile: +91 94425 02446 / 98947 95562
Prathiyangara Devi Temple, Moratandi, Villupuram According to the history, goddess Prathiyangara is a lion headed form of the divine mother. Prathiyangara Devi has been created to calm down the anger of Lord Narasimha. When Lord Narasimha, killed the demon Hiranyakasipu, his anger had not reduced and this worried the other Gods. So, they went to Lord Shiva to calm Lord Narasimha down. Lord Shiva took the Tri Shakthi’s (Goddess Parvati, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi). He combined the powers of Trishakthi and showed up in the form of Lord Sarabeswara. This is the most powerful form of lord Shiva. God Narasimha was not calmed down even by lord Shiva. Finally, goddess Shakthi appeared in the form of huge and fearful goddess called Prathiyangara. Prathiyangara with Shoolini Durga gave knowledge to God Narasimha and then he realized that his work had been completed after which he calmed down. Goddess Prathiyangara Devi protects her devotees from all types of harms. The Temple remains open from 08.00 am to 01.00 pm and from 03.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Prathyangira Homam is performed every month on Shukla Paksha Ashtami (Waxing Moon). Every New Moon Day, special poojas are performed. The Temple is situated on NH 32 (Chennai to Nagapattinam Highway) between Tindivanam and Pondicherry. The Temple is located very close to Pondicherry. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Moratandi Saneeswarar Temple, 4 Kms from Thiruchitrambalam Junction Koot Road, 2 Kms from Pondicherry – Tindivanam Toll Gate, 6 Kms from Panchavati Anjaneyar Temple, 5 Kms from Irumbai Maha Kaleswarar Temple, 8 Kms from Sedarapet, 11 Kms from Vanur, 9 Kms from Pondicherry Main Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 5 Kms from Pondicherry Airport, 37 Kms from Tindivanam, 154 Kms from Chennai and 142 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses from Pondicherry to Tindivanam and vice versa will stop at Toll gate. Prathiyangara Devi Temple, Moratandi – 605 101 Villupuram District Phone: +91 413 320 4288 / 2234931 Mobile: +91 9488483268
Badri Narayanan Temple, Alagar Koil, Madurai Badri Narayanan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Alagar Koil in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is situated at the entrance of Kallazhagar Temple, Alagar Koil. The temple is built in the style of the Badrinath temple, Uttarakhand. The principal deity is Badri Narayana in a meditative posture, flanked by Nara-Narayanan. Besides the idol of Lord Vishnu, the temple also houses an idol of Lord Balaji in seated a posture. Another idol of Adi Shankaracharya, a famous Hindu saint of 8th century A.D., is installed alongside in the temple garbhagriha. Few other images of deities such as Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, Vishnu’s mount, Anjaneya, and Lord Ganesha are enshrined within the temple complex. A huge date tree has been planted at the back of the temple, behind the idol of Lord Badri Narayana. As per the legend, Lord Kallazhagar visits the temple in the eve of the Chittirai festival, one of the famous festivals in Tamil Nadu. The Kallazhagar starts his journey from the Alagar Koil crossing the Badri Narayanan Shrine. During this time, he visits Vandiyur, near the Vaigai River, on the eastern outskirts of Madurai. It is believed that he realizes that he is too late for his sister’s wedding, so refuses to cross the river and returns disappointed to Alagar Koil. This temple celebrates the Chittirai festival, one of the prominent festivals of Tamil Nadu, on a grand scale attracting pilgrims from different destinations. Besides, the Chittirai festival the temple performs the daily poojas and organizes monthly bhajans in the temple premises. The Temple is located at entrance of Kallazhagar Temple, Azhagar Koil. The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Melur, 20 Kms from Madurai, 21 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 21 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction and 31 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Buses 23N, 44B, 44T, 44, 444 ply from Madurai to Azhagar Koil. Official Address
Ezhai Katha Amman, Vellalur, Madurai The Chozhas used to maintain armies in several places in their country to protect their kingdom. One such group was called Ambalakarar and who were stationed in Vellalur Nadu near Sivagangai and their job was to protect the kingdom from the sea robbers. The chiefs of these castes were eleven in number and they were called “Karaikararkal”, The Ezhai Katha Amman (Goddess who protected the poor) belonged to this caste. In Vellalur about 900 years ago lived two sisters. The elder one though married did not have any children. The younger sister had about 8 children. The elder sister loved these children, and fondled all of them. The younger sister became jealous because of that. Other people told her that all her children will desert her and go with her elder sister. One day, when the elder sister came in search of the kids, the younger sister locked all her kids in the Chicken cage and told her sister that they were not there. The elder sister who happened to see the children in the cage, then said, “If they are not there, then they would not be there.” After she went back the younger sister found that all her kids had turned in to stone. When her neighbours saw this, they advised the younger sister to go and approach the elder sister. The kind hearted elder sister then brought back to life all the kids. This elder sister was well known for helping poor people. After her death, her clan members started worshipping her as Goddess On Tuesdays and Fridays temple would be open from 9 am to 2 Pm. The festival for Ezhai Katha Amman take place in the month of September and for Valladikaarar swami take place in the month of March. During the festival time of both the temples people fast for 15 days without eating non-veg foods and flour involved food. They will not break or cut the coconut, lemon, trees and construction works won’t take place. (No mixing of cement or mud) and even the hotels won’t be running, they celebrate this festival with joy more than any other festivals like Diwali or Pongal. Seven young girls of about 10 years of age around more than 18 villages which comes under Vellalur Nadu are selected as Daughters. They respect girls as Goddess as well as they will do holy service for entire 15 days. These seven girls are selected by Ezhai Katha Amman Temple priest (Poosaari – Melavalasai). On the last day of the festival, women from the village and the seven girls are asked to carry pots of liquor as an offering to the goddess. While doing so, women too are not allowed to wear blouses. During the festival, for 15 days, these children are treated as goddess. It would indeed be a matter of pride if their child is selected as one among the seven. Every day, they have to perform activities that relate to the Amman and they will not be allowed to attend school for 15 days. People believe that praying this Goddess for anything connected with children would be answered positively. People believe that prayers done on Tuesdays and Fridays are more effective. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Vellalur Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Melur, 10 Kms from Melur Corporation Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Madurai, 40 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction and 48 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Official Address
Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, Madurai Lord Shiva and Mother in worshipping Posture in Sanctum: Lord Shiva wedded Mother Meenakshi, daughter of Malayadwaja Pandya. He took charge as the king of Madurai then. As a rule, Shiva Puja should be performed before assuming any responsible and high positions. Hence, He installed a Linga and performed the puja. Based on this event, Lord Siva and Shakthi made a Linga and worshipped in this place, so we see Lord Shiva and Shakthi sculpture at the back of the Lingam in the form of worshipping, which is rare to see. Interestingly, when the coronation festival is celebrated in Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Lord and Mother visit Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple first. They are placed facing the sanctum sanctorum and pujas and Deepa Aaradhana are offered to the Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Mother Meenakshi concurrently. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself is performing this puja. Though generally it is believed that reliefs for the sins committed in this birth will come only in following births, it is granted in this birth itself by Lord Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar. Tiruvilayadal Puranam: According to Lord Shiva’s “Tiruvilayadal Puranam” this is the place where Shiva played the role as a bangle merchant. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Brahma, Thirumal, Sakthi and Devas worshipped Lord Siva of this place. Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple is situated in the heart of the city. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 400 meters from Complex Bus Stand, 1 Km from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 300 meters from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 7 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 1 Km from Madurai Railway Junction, 20 Kms from Thirumangalam and 10 Kms from Madurai International Airport. It is very easy to reach the temple as it is situated very near to both the bus stand and the railway station. This temple is located at West Masi street at a walking distance from Koodal Azhagar Temple. Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, West Masi Street, Madurai – 625 001, Madurai District Phone: +91 452 6522 950 Mobile: +91 94434 55311 / 93451 55311 / 92446 55311
Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Madurai Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple was built in 16th century A.D. In 1912, Mr. Adelian Peppergibson (Philadelphia – U.S, Socialite) visited Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Madurai. In 1938, he built a Mandapam in the museum of Philadelphia, with the dilapidated stone pillars taken by him to his country from Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple. The temple remains open from 6.40 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The temple celebrates a festival each month. Sri Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Vaikunda Ekadasi and Pavai Nonbu in December-January are important among them. Those aspiring to excel in music pray to Lord here. People also celebrate their Sadabisheka-60th birth day and believe that their descendants will have a prosperous life. Mother Naga Devi is worshipped as Harihara Sarpa Raja. Rahu Kala puja is performed here on Fridays for relief from adverse aspects of serpent planets and of planet Mars. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Perumal offering Vastras. Lord Vishnu awakened Lord Shiva from meditation by playing flute: Before ascending the throne in Madurai as King Sundara Pandiya after his wedding with Mother Meenakshi, Lord Shiva performed Puja to a Linga. He plunged deep in meditation. The heat and the flames that emanated from his body began to burn the world. Shocked and threatened, the Devas surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for protection. Lord Vishnu knew that the flames could be brought down only if the meditation of Lord Shiva came to an end. He began playing his flute so melodiously that penetrated into the ears of Lord Shiva awaking him. Meditation ended. The world was saved. Pleased Lord Shiva asked Lord Vishnu that he should ever be with him playing the instrument. Lord Vishnu too was only happy to accept the offer. In the name of Lord Madanagopala Swami, he is in Madurai West Masi Street spreading his musical wind near the Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Shiva Temple. Mother Andal visit to this Temple: On her way to Sri Rangam, Mother Andal visited this temple with Saint Periazhwar travelling in a palanquin and worshipped Lord Madanagopala Swami before merging in the divine body of Lord Perumal. This temple is situated in West Masi street and is very close to Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple is located to the eastern side of Madurai Periyar Bus stand, near the Eastern gate of Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, 200 meters from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 500 meters from Complex Bus Stand, 1 Km from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 500 meters from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 7 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 1 Km from Madurai Railway Junction, 20 Kms from Thirumangalam and 10 Kms from Madurai International Airport. It is very easy to reach the temple as it is situated very near to both the bus stand and the railway station. Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Melamasi Street, Madurai – 625 001,Madurai District Phone: +91 452 234 9363 Mobile: +91 94871 80207 / 94431 81793 Email: [email protected]
Muktheeswarar Temple, Madurai Iravadha Nallur: Indira’s vehicle, the while elephant Iravadham ignored a flower used in Shiva Pooja. It was cursed by Rishi Durvasa. It wandered among the wild elephants and finally was relieved of the curse. It worshiped Lord Shiva for his grace. As Indira could not find the Iravadha elephant even after the term of the curse, he set out in search of the animal. Before returning to the upper world with his Master Indira, the elephant wanted to worship Lord Shiva. It created a place after its name, worshiped Muktheeswarar. Even today, according to the documents of the temple, the place is known as Iravadha Nallur. Pancha Bootha Sthalams: Of the Panchabhuta shrines in Madurai (Panchabhudhas – Air, Fire, water, earth and space making this universe), Muktheeswarar temple represents Vayu – Air. This is one of the temples worshipped by Sun. The temple has just one outer prakaram. The mandapam leading to the sanctum sanctorum is big. Presiding Deity is called as Muktheeswarar. It is noteworthy that the rays of Sun Rays fall on the Presiding Deity Muktheeswarar during the days from 10/11 to 22/23 in the month of March and again between September 18 to 30 and these rays remain for about 20 minutes each day. As Sun God himself is worshipping the Lord with his rays submitted at his feet, there is no special shrine for the Navagrahas – 9 planets. It is also believed that a direct prayer to Lord Muktheeswarar would relieve the devotee from the adverse effects of the planets. Mother is called as Maragathavalli. The Thiruvilayadals (miracle deeds) of Lord Shiva are very beautifully sculpted in the pillars of the temple, besides the scenes of penance of Rishis. There is also an idol of Ekabadramurthy combining the forms of Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva with only two feet. There are Vinayaka shrines in Northeast and Northwest. King Thirumalai Naicker committed to build a tank for Mother Meenakshi and the land chosen was in front of the Muktheeswarar temple, hence the temple could not be extended further. As there was no Rajagopuram (main tower) for the temple, the one constructed in the centre of the tank, which would look as a tower built for Muktheeswarar Temple if viewed either from within the temple or from the eastern side. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa Tree. There are four varieties of Vilwa trees here called Nelli, Kiluvai, Mavilangai and Vilwa. The Vilwa tree and the Vinayaka in the Northwest grace the devotee his needs who commences lighting a deepa before this Lord on any bright moon day and come around thrice and continue it for 48 days. Theertham is Vaigai River. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Navarathri (9 days festival) in Purattasi – September-October, Adipooram and Krithika month Mondays with Sandal paste bathing, Thiruvadirai in Margazhi-December-January, Fridays in the months of Adi-July-August and Thai-January-February are the important festivals celebrated in the temple. Pradosha days (13th day from the New Moon or Full Moon days) each month, Pongal, both English and Tamil New Year days, Ganesh Chaturthi, are also observed devotionally in the temple. During Thai Poosam festival, Sri Meenakshi and Sri Sundareswarar from Meenakshi temple visit this temple. A Theppam (boat) with both Sri Meenakshi and Sri Sundareswarar goes around the tank. Lord Muktheeswarar relieves his devotees from affliction of adverse effects caused by the nine planets. Those who pray to the Lord and Goddess Maragathavalli attain salvation after life and peaceful life during lifetime. The devotees are graced with good marital alliances, wise children etc. Offering Vastras (clothes) to the Lord is considered as a means to accumulate the goodwill of the Almighty. This is known as a great Punniyam during life time. Those seeking higher education seek the blessings of the Lord here. Those aspiring the benefits of performing Ashvamedha Yaga, bathe the (Abishek) the Lord with tender coconut, those aspiring for a berth in Mount Kailash, the Abode of Lord Shiva bathe him with pure rice and those seeking the benefits of performing a consecration of a temple do Panchamritham Abishekam. The Vilwa tree and the Vinayaka in the Northwest grace the devotee his needs who commences lighting a deepa before this Lord on any bright moon day and come around thrice and continue it for 48 days. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Teppakulam Bus Stop, 400 meters from Vandiyur Mariyamman Temple, 3.5 Kms from Meenakshi Amman Temple, 5 Kms from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 5 Kms from Periyar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 6 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 12 Kms from Thiruparankundram and 13 Kms from Madurai International Airport. This temple is situated near the famous Teppakulam area of Madurai. Teppakulam is an important landmark of Madurai. Muktheeswarar temple is on the western side of the tank. Town buses are available from Periyar Bus Stand and from Mattuthavani Bus Stand. Muktheeswarar Temple, Theppakulam – 625 009, Madurai District Phone: +91 452 234 9868 / 234 4360
Alarmatheeswarar Temple, Alamathi, Thiruvallur Alarmatheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Alamathi Village situated between Padiyanallur and Thamaraipakkam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Alamathi Eswaran Temple Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Padiyanallur, 11 Kms from Puzhal, 13 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 24 Kms from Periyapalayam, 8 Kms from Redhills, 16 Kms from Tirumullaivayil Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 25 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 36 Kms from Chennai Airport, 30 Kms from Thiruvallur and 24 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Thangavel Murugan Temple, Alamathi, Thiruvallur Thangavel Murugan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located at Alamathi Village situated between Padiyanallur and Thamaraipakkam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Alamathi Eswaran Temple Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Padiyanallur, 11 Kms from Puzhal, 13 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 24 Kms from Periyapalayam, 8 Kms from Redhills, 16 Kms from Tirumullaivayil Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 25 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 36 Kms from Chennai Airport, 30 Kms from Thiruvallur and 24 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Jadaraya Eswarar Temple, Edamani, Pulicat, Thiruvallur Many years ago, a man bought a land in the forest of Sriharicota. He told his servants to cut the trees and clear the land. One of his servant was going to cut a palm tree. Suddenly the tree started to tell that don’t cut me. He ran to his master and told about it. He sent another servant he also told the same. Finally, the master went to cut the tree he cut it and blood started coming from the tree. The master fainted. His brother saw that blood coming from the tree and his big brother fainted. He asked the Saint how to stop the blood coming from the tree. The Saint told that God Shiva is in the tree and Saint told that mix Vibhuti, sandal and rose water and keep it on the cut. Blood stopped coming from the tree and they covered tree with Vibhuti and they carved like Shiva. They even built a temple for it in Sriharicota called Karimanal Jadaraya Eswarar Temple. Due to rocket launching site, this Temple has been shifted to the current place. This is a small south facing temple. Presiding Deity is called as Jadaraya Eswarar. Lord Shiva is Swayambu Moorthy. Mother is called as Angala Parameswari. Chettiyar community is maintaining this temple. The Temple is located at about 1 Kms from Thangal Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Pulicat Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 11 Kms from Karungali, 19 Kms from Ponneri, 19 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 73 Kms from Thiruvallur, 69 Kms from Chennai Airport and 54 Kms from Chennai. Town buses are frequently available from Ponneri and Red Hills. Official Address
Adi Narayana Perumal Temple, Pulicat, Thiruvallur From the third century BCE, Pulicat was under the early Cholas, Pandyas, Sangam Cheras, Pallavas and then under the medieval Cholas. Geographer Ptolemy’s records of ancient ports include mentions of Podouke (now Pulicat). When it came under the Vijayanagar Kingdom between the 14th and 17th Centuries, Pulicat was called Anandarayan Pattinam, and Krishnadevaraya changed it to Pazhaverkadu. It was during this time that the Adi Narayana Perumal Temple was built. Pazhaverkadu was also known as Pralaya Kaveri and Mallapatnam as per the 16th century Telugu stone inscription found above the entrance of the Goddess shrine. This temple has been built by a Telugu man called Balavandakulu. By all accounts, the temple was popular with the villagers and till 1988 a priest used to come from Ponneri and Laksharchanas, Navaratri puja and other pujas were conducted regularly. The last samprokshanam was in 1979. The original temple was a magnificent structure, typical of the great temples of south India. The entrance is striking and even though the gopuram is missing, the main entrance with the walls on either side looks like an entrance of a fort. The Temple has been built by Balavandakulu, a Telugu, as per the Telugu inscription found at the Thayar shrine in the complex. The most striking feature and may be the first of its kind seen in Tamilnadu is that the whole temple is built using Laterite only. The roofs are made up of stone. The Vimanam are mixture of limestone and bricks. There is a small mandapam with Garuda facing the main shrine at the entrance; inside are exquisite Murtis of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The Rama image is broken, with the bow and arrow missing. There was once a separate sannidhi for Rama to the right of the main sannidhi, which has now collapsed. The mandapam leading to the temple has beautiful carvings of dancers and the Dasavathara. On one pillar has a relief of a monkey eating a jackfruit; above is a panel of four monkeys juxtaposed to look like a single monkey. There are rich carvings of mermaids, man-beasts, man with several heads. Presiding Deity is called as Adi Narayana Perumal. He is flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. The utsavars had been removed to a newly built Varadaraja temple for safety. The Lord in this temple is seen in standing posture, with Sankhu and chakra in his upper hands. His lower right hand is Abhaya hasta and the lower left-hand rests on his thigh. Outside the sannidhi is a small but beautiful idol, whose lower right hand is Varada hasta and whose lower left-hand rests on the thigh. He too is flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The Thayar and Andal Shrines are separate on either side of the main mandapam. The bali peetam is a beautifully carved structure, with steps leading to the top of the bali peetam from all four sides. The Temple is called as mini-Angkor Vat, because it has intricately carved Ramayana scenes on its roof cross-beams, close to the ceilings, the figures not taller than 8 inches. The miniature engravings that run across the supporting beams in the ardha mandapa, depicting in detail, the story of Ramayana. This is still intact. Apart from this, the smaller mandapa before the main shrine and two small shrines on the side still remain in their original form, though dilapidated. The temple staircase had intricate carvings, which are no longer noticeable. The temple is rich in heritage and artistic value, but lacks care and maintenance. It has only two acres of land in Thaangalperumpalam, a village that is a few miles away but its produce is insufficient for the maintenance of the temple. There is a Subramanya Swamy temple which is some 150 years old built by some Chettiars in nearby area, and also a 10th century Chola period temple is located in the nearby Koviladi island. The Church is located at about 550 meters from Pazhaverkadu Bus Stop, 1 Km from Pulicat Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 10 Kms from Karungali, 20 Kms from Ponneri, 20 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 74 Kms from Thiruvallur, 70 Kms from Chennai Airport and 55 Kms from Chennai. Town buses are frequently available from Ponneri and Red Hills. Official Address
Samayeswarar Temple, Pulicat, Thiruvallur The front entrance to the temple is dilapidated condition with trees grown on it. The roots came up to ground and formed like another pillar. The roof is supported by wooden pillars and the terrace is of madras type terrace. The temple is facing east with Nandhi and Pali Peedam are at outside facing sanctum sanctorum. The temple was built with sanctum, Arthamandapam and Mahamandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Samayeswarar. Mother is called as Anandhavalli. Mother is housed in a separate shrine facing east with two shrines on the back side on the left side of the man sanctum sanctorum. There is a mandapam adjacent to Mother Shrine may be used for Urchavams and celebration of festivals. It is worth look at the reliefs chiseled on the pillars. In the front mandapam on the ceiling in addition to the regular symbolic representation of reliefs of Solar and lunar eclipse there reliefs of lizards and fish with wings. Intricate carvings like the Narasimha emerging from inside the pillar, a monkey hanging upside down on the pillar, Kannappa Nayanar, a cow ringing a bell – depicting the story of Manu Neethi Chola can be found in the Mandapam Pillars. There is a step well in the Temple made of bricks and lime mortar, the circular well has an adjoining podium from which descend a flight of stairs into a tunnel, giving closer access to the water below. This is unique to the temple, as this kind of arrangement elsewhere in Tamil Nadu temples. Since one kala pooja is conducted the time of opening is unpredictable. The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Pazhaverkadu Bus Stop, 1 Km from Pulicat Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 9 Kms from Karungali, 20 Kms from Ponneri, 20 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 74 Kms from Thiruvallur, 70 Kms from Chennai Airport and 55 Kms from Chennai. Town buses are frequently available from Ponneri and Red Hills. Samayeswarar Temple, Pulicat, Thiruvallur District – 601 205 Mobile: +91 86828 21200
Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Sathankuppam, Pulicat, Thiruvallur Venkatesa Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Sathankuppam near Pulicat in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Kms from Thangal Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Pulicat Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Thirupalaivanam, 11 Kms from Karungali, 19 Kms from Ponneri, 19 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 73 Kms from Thiruvallur, 69 Kms from Chennai Airport and 54 Kms from Chennai. Town buses are frequently available from Ponneri and Red Hills. Official Address
Punya Koteeswarar Temple, Punnappakkam, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pagalmedu Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 4 Kms from Vengal, 15 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 22 Kms from Thiruvallur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 49 Kms from Chennai Airport. Punya Koteeswarar Temple, Punnappakkam, Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 90422 88735
Angala Parameswari Temple, Putlur, Thiruvallur Lord Shiva and Parvathi were walking from Melmalayanur towards Ramapuram (the place where this temple is located, which subsequently came to be known as Putlur because of the Goddess manifesting herself in the form of a Putru – an anthill). This place was a forest those days full of neem trees. Parvathi tired after the long walk, sat down and asked Lord Shiva to fetch her some water. Lord Shiva went searching for water but could not find any nearby. He had to go to the river Coovum to bring the water. It started raining heavily and the river was getting flooded. So, he had to wait a while for the rain to subside. Tired of waiting for the Lord, and exhausted with hunger and thirst, the Goddess lay down on the floor and an anthill grew over her. She became one and the same with the anthill. Lord Shiva returned shortly after and found that Parvathi had permanently stayed there. So, he too stood beside her and is called Thandavarayan. Probably this is the only Amman temple where you can find a Nandi before the sanctum sanctorum and this is because of the presence of Shiva behind the goddess. One Ponmeni pledged his land to a money lender named Makisuran. He worked in the same land to maintain his family. Unscrupulous Makisuran tortured all the people this way by lending them money and swelled their liabilities with abnormal compound interest rates. He thus swallowed the lands of all. He severely beat Ponmeni due to default in payments and demanded Ponmeni in the presence of villagers to plough the Poongavanam outside the place in a single night on Shivarathri day before sunrise and threatened to do with his life if he failed to do so. Poongavanam is the place of evil spirits. Ponmeni thought it better to fail and die in a day than dying each day. He began tilling the land praying to Mother Karumayee. He saw an old man and an aged woman under a tree. The woman was very thirsty. Ponmeni helped the old man to fetch water. When they returned, they found the woman disappearing. When Ponmeni turned to the old man, he also was not there. When Ponmeni resumed his tilling, he found the plough stuck and the spot began to bleed. A voice assured him of safety and said “I am Angala Parameswari who came in the guise of the aged woman. Now, I am an ant-hill here. Responding to your prayer, I came with Lord Shiva. As my presence had been made known to the world by you, you will be relieved of poverty, continue worshipping me and the Lord.” Within a few minutes the anthill became visible. As the Goddess appeared from Poongavanam, she came to be worshipped as Poongavanathu Amman. Devotees pray for child boon, those facing problems in wedding proposals and those having family problems, tear a piece from their sari and tie it in the neem tree. Realizing their wishes, they come to the temple, thank the Goddess with pujas. Majority of the devotees pray for child boon. It is also very common for people to stay overnight here on full moon days. A special prayer is conducted at 5 am the next morning for these people who stay awake and pray through the night. It is believed that one has to remove all “drishti” (casting of evil eye) before entering the temple. So, these women circle the lemon thrice around your head, and ask you to crush it under your left foot. This is supposed to remove all drishti from you. On entering the temple, there is a trident (Trishul) on which three of the remaining lemon are pressed on. Majority of the devotees to the temple are women. The temple is filled with turmeric and kumkum smell. Women place a lime fruit at the feet of the Goddess keeping their sari pallu also there with some prayer. If the fruit rolls and falls at the sari piece, it indicates their wish will be fulfilled, it is believed. Devotees will give Thula Baram if their prayers are answered. The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Shivarathri and Masi Magam crematorium robbery festival in February-March, Aadi Fridays in July-August and New Moon day pujas are celebrated in the temple. The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Ramapuram Thanneer Kulam Bus Stop, 850 meters from Putlur Halt Railway Station, 5 Kms from Kakkalur, 7 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 5 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Thiruvallur, 42 Kms from Chennai and 45 Kms from Chennai Airport. By Road: On the Tiruvallur road, after crossing Nemam, go straight. There will be a board on the right saying Putlur. Just a few feet away, there would also be an Ambedkar statue on the left side of the road pointing to the right. Take the right turn here. You will see a bridge shortly. Just before the bridge, there would be a small mud track to the left. Go down that track. Very soon, you will reach a railway gate. The temple is about half a km from this railway gate. There are several share autos available to take the visitors at Rs.5 per person. Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays and full moon days are extremely crowded here. While going by Bus (Avadi – Thiruvallur), you can get down near the temple at Ramavaram village. By Train: From Central one has to take a train, bound for Tiruvallur, Thiruthani or Arakkonam, and get down at Putlur station. Make sure it is not an express which stops only at limited stations. From there the temple can be reached either by walk or share auto. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai. Angala Parameswari Temple, Ramapuram (Putlur) – 602 025, Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 94436 39825.
Thirumoolanathar Temple, Puzhal, Thiruvallur Sundarar, Thirumoolar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple (Hence Lord Shiva is called as Thirumoolanathar). Agasthiyar also had Lord Shiva’s Kalyana Kolam darshan here. It was believed that the temple is 1300 years old and constructed during Pallava period. The temple is facing east with Dwajasthambam, Palipeedam and Nandhi facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Thirumoolanathar. The Lingam is big and faces east. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy looks beautiful in Nagabarana kavasam. Niruthiya Lingam, Dhakshina Moorthy, Maha Vishnu (in place of Lingothbavar), Brahma and Durgai are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. On Purnima days special abhishekam is performed for curing Mental illness. Mother is called as Sornambigai. She is housed in a separate shrine with Mahendri Varahi, Brahmini, Maheswari and Narayani as Koshta Idols around the sanctum walls. There are shrines for Maha Ganapathy, Sri Anjaneyar, Maha Prathiyangara Devi, Sarabeswarar, Kasi Viswanathar & Visalakshi, Nagar, Navagrahas, Bairavar, Sandikeswarar in the outer prakaram. There are shrines for Sakthi Ganapathy, Shiva Lingam, Gajalakshmi, Veera Bhadra, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Ashtothra Lingam, Maha Saraswathy, 63 Nayanmars, Swarna Akarshana Bairavar, Chandran, Suryan and a mandapam in the inner prakaram. There is an underground passage and it is believed that it goes to Thirumullaivayil and Thiruvotriyur. There is a temple tank opposite to the temple. There is ample parking space near the tank. The temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM. If the mentally affected people come here and offer worship they will get cured. The best time for the cure is the Pournami (full moon) day of the Mithuna masa (Gemini zodiac – normally falling in the 2nd half of May month of English calendar). On this day the idol of the deity will be having special abhisheka (sacred bathing of the idol). The Abhishek is done with a mixture of extracts (juices) of 64 medicinal plants. People with mental trouble should visit on these occasions and witness the abhisheka and take the prasad (a material substance that is first offered to a deity and then consumed). The prasad is the juice used for the abhisheka of the idol. The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Puzhal Jail Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Redhills, 10 Kms from Korattur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Villivakkam Railway Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 15 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 14 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, 28 Kms from Chennai Airport, 41 Kms from Thiruvallur and 14 Kms from Chennai. Puzhal is on the way to Red hills on the Nellore route and lot of town buses are available from Koyambedu. Get down at overhead tank bus stop (opposite to Puzhal new prison) and the temple is about 700 meters off main road. Thirumoolanathar Temple, Puzhal, Thiruvallur District – 600 066 Mobile: +91 9566258425
Sengalamman Temple, Sembilivaram, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 300 meters Cholavaram Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Redhills, 40 Kms from Thiruvallur, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 17 Kms from Villivakkam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 22 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, 35 Kms from Chennai Airport and 22 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, Sembilivaram, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 700 meters Cholavaram Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Redhills, 40 Kms from Thiruvallur, 22 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 17 Kms from Villivakkam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 22 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, 35 Kms from Chennai Airport and 22 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar Temple, Arani, Thiruvallur This temple is believed to be very ancient and is said to be over 2000 years old. This town happens to be the birth place of Shri. Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathy (Bala Periyava). The same house has been acquired by the Kanchi mutt and an Adi Shankara temple has been constructed here, there are a devoted Bhaktha family staying here taking care of the temple. This is an east facing temple with three tiered Rajagopuram. There is an elegant Dwajasthambam facing the sanctum. There is an ancient Nandhi Mandapam where Sri Nandhigeswarar is present, facing the Lord towards the sanctum. There is a spacious ‘Thirukalyana Mandapam’ on the right-hand side after the Rajagopuram, where the God’s wedding is performed. Presiding Deity is called as Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar. He is housed inside the sanctum, facing east. Ganapathy, Dakshina Moorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durga are the niche idols situated on the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Sivakamavalli. Mother shrine is situated adjacent to the sanctum. Natarajar is present just outside the sanctum, facing south. There is also a small peetam outside the sanctum, where Sri Ambal’s Paadham (Goddess’ feet) is present, which is very rare. The outer prakaram has a very large space with shrines for many other deities. Sri Ganapathy is present on the southern side of the sanctum facing north. There is a separate shrine for Lord Ayyappan which is present behind the sanctum (western side) facing east. Also, there are shrines for Sri Annamalaiyar and Sri Kalahastheeswarar adjacent on the western side. Rahu and Kethu combined together have a separate shrine in this temple. Also, there is a shrine for Sani Bhagwan on the eastern side, facing west. Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar: This temple has an interesting legend attached to it. It is said that this village had lots of Sampangi (flower) plants all over. A man who owned many cows in this village, saw one of his cows going alone in the bushes and pouring milk by its own. Surprised by this act of his cow, the man and few villagers curiously went and cut the bushes off including a Sampangi plant to see what’s under bush. To his surprise, he saw a beautiful Shiva Lingam in the ground which was bleeding as the Axe had hit while cutting off the Sampangi plants. Guilty of his act, the man cut his own hand off as he felt he had done an irreversible sin. The man’s wife pleaded to Lord Shiva and with his blessings the man got back his hand. Since the Lord evolved from the Sampangi bush and gave the man’s hand as Bhiksha (alm), He came to be known as Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar. Pancha Brahma Sthalams: The river Brahma Aranya was believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. Once when he churned the Arani wood (Arani means fire) to create fire to start the Yagna for Sage Romesa, fire came out initially but on churning further, water came out of it and flown as a river. Since this was created by Lord Brahma from the Arani wood, this is called Brahma Aranya river. The Brahma Aranya river flows from Andhra Pradesh and merges with sea at Pazhaverkadu. Many sages have meditated at the banks of this river and created many temples. Out of these, in five places they have contained all their meditative powers into Shivalingams and built temples. They are called Pancha Brahma Sthalams, representing the five faces of Lord Shiva and they are: All these temples are many thousand years old and since they have been created by Sages, the base of the lingam (Avudayar) will be in square shape. Arani: The place Arani got its name as it lies on the banks of Arani river which was known as Brahmaranya River in ancient days. Rishis worshipped with Sampangi Flowers: Rishis worshipped with Sampangi flowers and attained their wishes. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Old Arani Bus Stop, 400 meters Arani Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Chinnambedu, 11 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 5 Kms from Periyapalayam, 14 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 16 Kms from Gummudipoondi Railway Station, 15 Kms from Ponneri, 14 Kms from Thatchoor, 35 Kms from Thiruvallur, 41 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Chennai Airport. To reach Arani, one has to cross Red Hills from Chennai and take the road towards Gummidipoondi. Local Buses are available from Ponneri and Periyapalayam. Official Address
Hridayaleeswarar Temple, Thiruninravur, Thiruvallur The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM. Masi Maha Shivarathri in February-March; Makara Sankranti- Pongal falling almost on January 14 or a day before or after in some years occasionally; Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October; Margazhi Arudra Darshan in December-January; Karthikai in November-December are the main festivals observed in the temple. Other Shiva related days as Pradosha, Mondays and Fridays, Tamil New Year Day, new moon days, full moon days are celebrated with special pujas and abisheks. As Poosalar kept Lord Shiva in his heart, worshiped him and built an imaginary temple for the lord, many suffering from heart problems pray to Hridayaleeswarar for a cure. The power of Hridayaleeswarar is so famous that cardiologists in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur visit Thirunindravur and pray at this Shiva temple before they perform major surgery. Those suffering from heart diseases pray here on Mondays. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother. The story of this temple dates back to 7th century during Pallava reign. There was a Shiva devotee living in this place during 7th century called Poosalar. who had a desire to build a temple for Lord Shiva at this place unfortunately he could not find funds for the same. Poosalar finally decided to build a temple for the Lord by himself, as he was well read and knew all the Aagama Vidhis and nuances to build a temple, he wanted to start building the temple in his mind. He sat under a tree called Iluppai and started meditating. He planned each and every small detail to perfection for the construction of this temple in his mind itself. He also marked an auspicious day to commence the holy work. The temple work progressed in his mind. He built the temple step by step. He had designed everything in his mind right from Vimana, Sanctum, Temple Pond, Compound walls etc., and executed each in detail as per what he had in mind. After the temple construction work came to a finish. He even had organised all the utensils required for the temple. Finally, he also fixed an auspicious date for Kumbabishekam (consecration) of the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva to be present for the consecration and offer His blessings. During the same period, a Pallava king called Rajasimha was ruling this part, with his capital as Kanchi (today’s Kanchipuram). He also was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and was building a huge beautiful temple for the Lord, at Kanchi. He named the God as Kailasanathar and the temple as Rajasimmeswaram. The king was too proud to see the grandeur of the temple constructed by him. The king also marked a date for consecration, while the finishing touches were going on at the temple. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that he cannot make it to the consecration of the king’s temple on the said date and asked him to change the day of consecration, as he had to be present for consecration of another temple built by Poosalar of Thiruninravur. The king woke up shocked. He wanted to know about the temple which God informed him of. He immediately started with his queen, ministers to see Poosalaar’s temple at Thiruninravur. He came to Thiruninravur the next day and enquired with many people about a new Shiva temple built by Poosalar. Nobody knew anything about the temple but directed the king to the place where Poosalar was meditating under the Iluppai tree. King went and asked Poosalar himself about the temple. Poosalar, on hearing the king explaining about his dream, was overwhelmed to realize the mercy shown to him by Lord Shiva. Poosalar explained to the king that he had been constructing the temple in his heart (Manasu in Thamizh) and had fixed a date for consecration. Poosalar made the king to look at his heart and realize the temple which he constructed. King was able to see and realize the temple made by Poosalar. Knowing this Rajasimha was amazed to see the devotion and sincerity of Poosalar. The king himself took all the specifications of the temple which Poosalar had in mind and physically constructed a temple for the Lord here. This temple is also called Manakkoil. As Poosalar originally built the temple for the Lord in his Hridayam, the Lord here is known as Hridayaleeswarar. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Thiruninravur Mettu Street Bus Stop, 350 meters from Thiruninravur Ramar Kovil Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, 15 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 11 Kms from Avadi, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 37 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 33 Kms from Chennai Airport and 35 Kms from Chennai. On the road from Chennai to Thiruvallur, (the MTH road or Chennai Anantapur road) proceed west from Padi till you cross Pattabiram. When you reach Thiruninravur you see the over bridge across the railway rack take a right turn and climb on the bridge and proceed south as you get down on the other side look for the temple on the second left road the road takes you right to the back of the temple. You can also reach it from Thirumazhisai, one has to take right turn after Kalki Bhagwan ashram and Sriram Engg college and ask for the temple. From there Thiruninravur temple is about 4 Kms. Bus facilities are available from Chennai, Poonamallee and Thiruvallur. Buses 54A from Poonamallee, 71E from Parrys corner will take you to this Temple. All fast and normal EMU trains bound to Arakkonam, Thiruvallur, Thiruthani starting from Chennai Central and Chennai Beach halt at Thirunindravur railway station. Share autos are available from Thiruninravur railway station. Hridayaleeswarar Temple, Thiruninravur – 602 024, Tiruvallur District Mobile: +9194441 64108
Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thiruninravur, Thiruvallur The temple was built during the Pallava period of 9th century as seen from the various inscriptions in the temple. The earliest inscriptions of the temple are dated between 820 and 890 AD during the period of Nripatungavarman. There are inscriptions from the later Chola kings like Rajendra Chola II (1051–1063 AD), Vira Rajendra (1063–1070 AD) and Rajaraja Chola II (1146–1173 AD). The Pallava inscriptions mention this place as Ninravur and some of them quote it as Virudhurajabhayankar-chaturvertimangalam, a sub-division of Punarkottam. The temple remains open from 07.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 04.30 p.m. to 08.30 p.m. Thirunindravur: Once, Mother Mahalakshmi (Tiru) left Perumal due to some reasons, came and stood (Nindra) here, hence, the place came to be known as Tiru Nindra Oor (place). Her father Samudra Rajan (as Mahalakshmi was born in the milk ocean, the king of oceans-Samudra Rajan is her father) came to her, cooled her anger and asked her to go back to her Lord Perumal, she refused. The king of oceans went to Perumal and begged him to come and take back his daughter Mahalakshmi. Lord asked him to go before him and assured to follow him. Samudra Raja told Mahalakshmi that he was not her father but she was his “Ennai Petra Thayar” ‘You who gave me birth’ and requested her to come back to Vaikunta and rule the world. Perumal too joined the compromise, Sri Mahalakshmi went back with Perumal. As Lord responded to the prayer of Bhakta (devotee) Samudra Rajan, He is called Bhaktavatsalan. As Samudra Rajan said “Ennai Petra Thayar” that came to stay as the name of Mother of the temple. Also, as prayed by Samudra Raja, they are gracing together in the Wedding Form. Tirumangai Azhwar Paasurams: Saint Tirumangai Azhwar was passing through many sacred Vaishnava shrines including Thiruninravur but did not sing on this temple. Noticing that Azhwar bypassed this temple, Mother asked Lord to get a hymn from the Azhwar. By the time Lord reached Azhwar, he was in Mamallapuram. Lord demanded a song Azhwar from this place. Excited by the simplicity and grace of the Lord, Azhwar sang meaning as follows: “My Lord, protecting the whole universe, came to me to make known his love for the Bhaktas at this sacred Mamallapuram. He demanded and took a song from me.” Mother Mahalakshmi was not satisfied with one song. She asked the Lord to go back to Azhwar for the remaining 9 songs as he used to sing 10 for all temples. Azhwar has already left Mamallapuram and had reached Thirukkannamangai. He saw Lord with a side look waiting for him and in the Pathigam (10 songs) on Thirukkannamangai Perumal, Azhwar included Thiruninravur Perumal also in the hymns. Lakshmi Pooja: As the name suggests, this is the temple for wealth, prosperity and all the wealth in the world. There is a nine-squared matrix drawn in front of the Ennai Petra Thaayar Sannathi as shown in the picture, which has specific numbers. By replicating this matrix in your pooja room and placing one-rupee coins (or any coins such as quarters if you are out of India) on each of the squares, and praying for nine days, it is proven that one’s prayers and wishes are granted. The pooja can be performed by drawing the Yantra in the pooja room on a flat surface using white Kolam powder or with the card that is sold in the temple. Pooja should be done for nine days by placing one-rupee coins (any coins of same denominations) in each of the boxes, applying sandal paste, kumkum and flowers on the matrix and reciting the Lakshmi Ashtothra. The coins of the previous day are then removed and stored safely and new set of coins are used the next day. After completing nine days of pooja the 81 coins along with thambulam for nine sumangalis are taken to the temple. The temple priest places the coins at the Thayar’s feet and performs archana. The first Thambulam is then offered to the Goddess. After that, he gives the coins back to the devotee who then deposits the coins in the Hundi outside the shrine. The remaining thambulams are given to other women in the temple. It is preferable to start the pooja on Friday. If the Friday happens to be a full moon day, it is even more auspicious. Lord Vishnu darshan to Varuna: It is also said that the Perumal here is always giving dharshan to Lord Varuna. Pallava King built this temple on Lord’s instruction: Later days, with the divine instruction of the Lord, a Pallava King had constructed this temple and arranged for Brahmotsavam etc. Kubera regained his Lost Wealth: Kubera, the richest god, once lost his wealth and offered prayers to Goddess Ennai Petra Thayar or Sudhavalli and regained his lost wealth. Hence Thiruninravur Bhaktavatsala Temple is also called Sukra Kshetram (holy place of Venus, planet of good fortune) and Kubera Puram. Dharamadvajan regained his Lost Wealth: Another legend says that King Dharamadvajan, a descendent of the Surya clan, prayed here in Panguni (March-April) and regained his lost wealth. It is the faith of people that worshipping Sri Adisesha on Wednesdays with ghee lamp and offering milk porridge – Paal Payasam – as Nivedhana would relieve those affected with snake aspects and from the adverse effects of Rahu-Ketu planets. It also strengthens the benefit of the Mangal Sutra of women. Those facing problems in wedding proposals pray to Lord and Mother. Devotees offer Vastras to Perumal and Mother on realizing their wishes. Women come here to pray since Goddess Sudhavalli is believed to give longevity to their husband’s life. A visit to this temple is said to help people recover lost wealth/glory. So, devotees facing loss of wealth, property disputes and other money problems, visit this temple to regain their lost wealth and glory. The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Pancharatna. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:30 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Bhaktavatsala Perumal and Sudhavalli Thayar. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. Brahmotsavam during Panguni (March – April), Panguni Tiruvonam in March-April, birth star days of Sri Vaishnava Acharyas and 12 Azhwars, Chitra Poornima in April-May and Wedding festivals, Deepavali in October-November, Sri Jayanti Utsavam during Aavani, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Tiruadyana Utsavam during Margazhi (December – January), Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Masi Magam in February-March, Thai Pongal and Ratha Sapthami in January-February are the festivals celebrated in the temple. All full moon days, Tiruvonam star days, Fridays and Saturdays are special puja days in the temple. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thiruninravur Mettu Street Bus Stop, 100 meters from Thiruninravur Ramar Kovil Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, 15 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 11 Kms from Avadi, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 37 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 33 Kms from Chennai Airport and 35 Kms from Chennai. On the road from Chennai to Thiruvallur, (the MTH road or Chennai Anantapur road) proceed west from Padi till you cross Pattabiram. When you reach Thiruninravur you see the over bridge across the railway rack take a right turn and climb on the bridge and proceed south as you get down on the other side look for the temple on the second left road the road takes you right to the back of the temple. You can also reach it from Thirumazhisai, one has to take right turn after Kalki Bhagwan ashram and Sriram Engg college and ask for the temple. From there Thiruninravur temple is about 4 Kms. Bus facilities are available from Chennai, Poonamallee and Thiruvallur. Buses 54A from Poonamallee, 71E from Parrys corner will take you to this Temple. All fast and normal EMU trains bound to Arakkonam, Thiruvallur, Thiruthani starting from Chennai Central and Chennai Beach halt at Thirunindravur railway station. Share autos are available from Thiruninravur railway station. Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thiruninravur – 602 024, Tiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 5517 3417 / 2639 0434 Mobile: +91 93805 16055 / 9840192735
Nithyakalyana Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Arani, Thiruvallur Nithyakalyana Venkatesa Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Arani Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The place is situated on the banks of Arani River. The Temple is located at about 250 meters Arani New Bus Stand, 450 meters from Old Arani Bus Stand, 650 meters from Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar Temple, 7 Kms from Chinnambedu, 11 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 5 Kms from Periyapalayam, 14 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 16 Kms from Gummudipoondi Railway Station, 15 Kms from Ponneri, 14 Kms from Thatchoor, 35 Kms from Thiruvallur, 41 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Chennai Airport. To reach Arani, one must cross Red Hills from Chennai and take the road towards Gummidipoondi. Local Buses are available from Ponneri and Periyapalayam. Official Address
Prasanna Vinayakar Temple, Arani, Thiruvallur Prasanna Vinayakar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located at Arani Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Arani New Bus Stand, 850 meters from Old Arani Bus Stand, 1 Km from Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar Temple, 8 Kms from Chinnambedu, 12 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 6 Kms from Periyapalayam, 13 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 15 Kms from Gummudipoondi Railway Station, 15 Kms from Ponneri, 15 Kms from Thatchoor, 37 Kms from Thiruvallur, 42 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Chennai Airport. To reach Arani, one must cross Red Hills from Chennai and take the road towards Gummidipoondi. Local Buses are available from Ponneri and Periyapalayam. Official Address
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Puduchatram, Thiruvallur Arunachaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Puduchatramnear Thirumazhisai in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called asArunachaleswarar and Mother is called as Abithagujambal. Earlier the presiding deity, Arunachaleswarar was called as Viswanathar. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Puduchatram Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur, 12 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Poonamallee, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 34 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 33 Kms from Chennai and 32 Kms from Chennai Airport. This temple is located onto the left side of the road while travelling from Thirumazhisai to Thiruvallur. Official Address
Kalyana Veerabhadrar Temple, Chennivakkam, Thiruvallur In days of yore, some traders in gems came to south for business. The group also included an old woman. As an Ambika devotee, she was ever carrying an idol of Mother and used to do worship in all places of the group’s stay. The traders stayed in this place one day. When the old woman tried to take the idol back after usual worship, she could not. The traders too could not move the idol. They stayed there for a day more postponing the journey. Ambica appeared in the dream of the old woman and pointed out a place near the idol and said that Lord Veerabadras was also there. When she informed her dream to the traders, they dug the ground and found the Veerabhadra idol. They installed him and built the temple. As they got the Lord through Ambica, He is praised as Kalyana Veerabhadra. Presiding Deity is called as Kalyana Veerabhadra. As Lord Veerabhadra was found from the ground here, He is praised as Than Thondri Veerabhadra. Nandhi Vahana is in the mandapam opposite to Lord Veerabhadra along with Vinayaka’s Moonjuru and Muruga’s elephant vahanas. Special pujas are performed on Pradosha days. Abishekams are offered to Vahanas also. Chandikeswara is on the left of Lord Veerabhadra in a separate shrine. The flag post is opposite the shrine of Lord Veerabhadra in the temple. Mother is called as Maragatha Badhrambikai. The idol of Mother Badrambikai is made of Maragatha stone, hence praised as Maragatha (emerald) Badrambikai. Mother is holding trident, sword, Udukkai and Dhandam in her hands. An old woman-Moodhatti is nearby worshipping Mother. Akora Veerabhadra is in the prakara. Pujas are offered to him after pujas to presiding deity. There are shrines for Lords Somasundarar, Bhairava, Mothers Sundarambikai, Mahalakshmi, Gangadevi and Sani Bhagwan. Lord Sakthi Vinayaka graces the devotees in the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa Tree. The temple is open from 7.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Those visiting during noon may contact the priest of the temple on phone in advance. Chitra Poornima in April-May, Aipasi Annabishekam in October November, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January. As Veerabhadra is but Shiva himself, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November is dedicated to him and special pujas on Tiruvadhirai day in December-January. Special abishekam and pujas are performed on Tuesdays. As a tradition, during festival and important days, Lord appears in Somaskanda form – along with Ambika and Lord Muruga on Nandhi Vahana. But in this temple, Lord Vinayaka occupies the place of Muruga on Chitra Poornima day and grants darshan near the Kushasthala River. It is said that Vinayaka enjoys a prominent position in the temple. Devotees pray here for fearlessness, for welfare of children and for solutions for problems arising in wedding efforts. Realizing their wishes, devotees offer sandal abishek, betel garlands, various Nivedhanas as sarkarai Pongal, pepper Pongal, pepper Vada, Sundal etc. They also offer betel garlands and Mangal Sutra to Ambica. The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Thatchoor, 2 Kms from Pancheshti, 2.5 Kms from Pancheshti Bus Stop, 3 Km from Thatchur Koot Road, 7 Kms from Ponneri, 6 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 7 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 11 Kms from Chinnambedu, 31 Kms from Chennai and 44 Kms from Chennai Airport. After crossing Red Hills and Karanodai on the highway, you must take a right turn before Thatchur Cross road to enter this village. The temple is just 2.5 Kms off the highway. Frequent Buses available from Broadway and Koyambedu. No Direct buses from Broadway and Koyambedu. You can get buses going to Ponneri and get down at Pancheshti Bus Stop and take auto to reach this temple. Go to Redhills from there you can get frequent buses. Official Address
Kalyana Veera Raghava Perumal Temple, Eekkadu, Thiruvallur Kalyana Veera Raghava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eekkadu near Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. Eekkadu is situated on Thiruvallur to Thamaraipakkam Route. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Eekkadu Old Post Office Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thiruvallur, 3 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Kaakkalur, 16 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 50 Kms from Chennai and 50 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Eri Katha Ramar Temple, Thiruninravur, Thiruvallur Eri Katha Ramar: It is believed that this lake was flooded in a storm and the bunds were in the verge of breaking when the villagers prayed to Lord Rama. Lord Rama is said to have created a fence of arrows around the lake that prevented it from breaking whereby the village was saved. The villagers showed their gratitude by building a temple on the banks of the lake for Lord Rama. Birth of Mudaliyandan: One of the noteworthy episodes connected with the temple is associated with the birth of Mudaliyandan a disciple and associate of Saint Ramanuja. Saint Ramanuja’s sister Nachiyar Ammal and her husband Vathoola Kula Thilaka Sri Anantha Narayana Dikshitar who stayed in the nearby Nazarathpettai were on a pilgrimage to Tirumala to worship Lord Venkateswara to seek the boon of childbirth. As night fell, they rested at the Eri Katha Ramar temple at Thiruninravur. During the night, Lord Rama is said to have appeared in the dream of Sri Anantha Narayana Dikshitar promising that a son who was an amsam of Lord Rama would be born to them. When the son was born, they named him Dasarathi, after Sri Rama. Dasarathi became a disciple, devotee and associate of his maternal uncle, Sri Ramanuja and since his demeanor was such as Vishwaksenar, (Senai Mudalvar), he came to be known as Mudaliyandan. The Temple remains open from 08.30 am to 11.30 am and 05.30 pm to 07.00 pm. The annual Theerthavari used to be conducted on Panguni Shravanam. Apart from this, the annual Brahmotsavam and Rama Navami festivals are celebrated with a lot of festivity. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Thiruninravur Mettu Street Bus Stop, 100 meters from Thiruninravur Ramar Kovil Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, 15 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 11 Kms from Avadi, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 37 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 33 Kms from Chennai Airport and 35 Kms from Chennai. On the road from Chennai to Thiruvallur, (the MTH road or Chennai Anantapur road) proceed west from Padi till you cross Pattabiram. When you reach Thiruninravur you see the over bridge across the railway rack take a right turn and climb on the bridge and proceed south as you get down on the other side look for the temple on the second left road the road takes you right to the back of the temple. You can also reach it from Thirumazhisai, one must take right turn after Kalki Bhagwan ashram and Sriram Engg college and ask for the temple. From there Thiruninravur temple is about 4 Kms. Bus facilities are available from Chennai, Poonamallee and Thiruvallur. Buses 54A from Poonamallee, 71E from Parrys corner will take you to this Temple. All fast and normal EMU trains bound to Arakkonam, Thiruvallur, Thiruthani starting from Chennai Central and Chennai Beach halt at Thirunindravur railway station. Share autos are available from Thiruninravur railway station. Eri Katha Ramar Temple, Thiruninravur – 602 024, Tiruvallur District Mobile: +91 78457 85715 / 98408 37689
Pancha Varneswarar Temple, Eekkadu, Thiruvallur Eekkadu is situated on Thiruvallur to Thamaraipakkam Route. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Eekkadu Old Post Office Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thiruvallur, 3 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Kaakkalur, 16 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 50 Kms from Chennai and 50 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Pidari Vaali Amman Temple, Eekkadu, Thiruvallur Kalyana Veera Raghava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eekkadu near Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Eekkadu is situated on Thiruvallur to Thamaraipakkam Route. The Temple is located at about 300 meters fromEekkadu Old Post Office Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thiruvallur, 3 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Kaakkalur, 16 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 50 Kms from Chennai and 50 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Kailasanathar Temple, Egattur, Thiruvallur The Temple is believed to be 500 years old. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam Tree. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Egattur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Tiruvallur Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Thirupachur, 7 Kms from Thiruvallur, 49 Kms from Chennai and 48 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Angala Parameshwari Temple, Erumai Vetti Palayam, Thiruvallur In the days of yore there was demon called Mahishasura. He troubled all human kind. But he was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Once he meditated upon Shiva and the lord appeared before him. He asked Shiva that he be bestowed with immortality. Shiva granted him a boon saying that he would be killed by one of four women who enter that village. Mahishasura was elated. He was happy that he would never be killed because he thought that no woman could kill him, a powerful demon. He went on his rampages with this thought. The people and devas could not tolerate him and went to Lord Shiva for help. Shiva said that it was time that women who were to kill him would soon arrive and that would be the end of Mahishasura. Meanwhile, Rama and Sita arrived in this hamlet during their exile. One day when Rama was doing his penance, Sita was bathing in the river nearby. Mahishasura arrived there and looked at Sita. Sita was scared out of her wits and she ran to Rama and sat on his lap. Rama came out of his trance and took the dry grass by his side and threw it on all four sides. Out of this grass from all four sides four women emerged. Looking at the nymphs Mahishasura was reminded of Shiva’s boon. The four nymphs who were Angala Parameswari, Ponniamman, Marakalathamman and Kaikathamman, looked at Mahishasura and began following him. The demon was petrified and began to run. Fearing his life, he took the form of a buffalo and hid himself in the Punyakoti river. Angala Parameswari with her eight hands and seated on a lion took a plunge into the river and killed the buffalo with one stroke from her sword. All the nymphs after the death of Mahishasura then prepared to leave the place. The people and the devas surrounded them and pleaded with them to stay on in their village and bless them. They accepted and each of the nymphs took their posts in the four different directions of East, west, north and south. Angala Parameswari temple is in the eastern side of this hamlet. It is believed that people affected by black magic come here in droves to get the blessing of the deity as she is believed to cure these ailments. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Erumai Vetti Palayam Bus Stand, 350 meters from Varamuktheeswarar Temple, 1.5 Kms from Bhadrachala Ramar temple, 1.5 Kms from New Erumai Vetti Palayam Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Karanodai, 8 Kms from Cholavaram, 13 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 16 Kms from Periyapalayam, 17 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 23 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 28 Kms from Chennai and 41 Kms from Chennai Airport. In Calcutta Highway after Toll Plaza, there is a Karanodai over bridge. By the side of the bridge towards left a rough road leads to Erumai Vetti Palayam. Buses are available from Chennai High Court Stop and Koyambedu. Route No. 58 H. Autos are available from Karanodai village. Official Address
Bhadrachala Ramar Temple, Erumai Vetti Palayam, Thiruvallur Lord Rama’s consort, Sita Devi, once came to take bath in Kusasthalai river nearby. Mahishasuran came and disturbed her peace. Getting scared, Sita Devi came running and sat on the left thigh of Lord Rama. Mahishasura had already done penance and obtained a boon from Lord Siva, according to which only women can end his life. Accordingly, Lord Rama placed four Dharbai grass in the four directions. They took the form of four Devis and ended the life of Mahishasura. Even today, those four Devis, Angala Parameswari, Ponniamman, Mulakkal Amman and Kekaithamman remain as the guarding deities (Kaval Deivam) of this village. As in Bhadrachalam Rama Temple in Andhra Pradesh, the Lord here can be seen with Goddess Seetha seated on his lap. Lord is Archavadhara moorthy and in Pattabhisheka Thirukolam. Perumal is sitting in Padmasana and Mother Sita is sitting in his left lap. Elayaperumal and Anjaneyar is standing by his side. Perumal is Saligrama Thirumeni. The entire Vigraha is made of Salagrama Shila. There are shrines of Hayagriva, Narasimhar and Venugopala in the Temple premises. There are evidences of this temple been a huge one with 7 prakaras in the past. Devotees who are not able to visit Bhadrachalam in Telangana can offer their Prarthana here. Evvul Veeraraghavan used to come to Erumai Vetti Palayam for a day’s Mandakapadi. Now it has been stopped. Uthsavar is in Panjesti Sivan Temple due to lack of safety. Temple is very isolated from the village and is in a hillock. Married couple seeking children and students pursuing higher education can find their prayers fulfilled, once they visit and conduct poojas here. Many are said to have benefitted by visiting this temple for this purpose. Those who cannot afford to visit Bhadrachalam, can come and get the blessings of Bhadrachala Rama here itself. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from New Erumai Vetti Palayam Bus Stop, 700 meters from Erumai Vetti Palayam Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Varamuktheeswarar Temple, 6 Kms from Karanodai, 8 Kms from Cholavaram, 13 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 16 Kms from Periyapalayam, 17 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 23 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 28 Kms from Chennai and 41 Kms from Chennai Airport. In Calcutta Highway after Toll Plaza, there is a Karanodai over bridge. By the side of the bridge towards left a rough road leads to Erumai Vetti Palayam. Buses are available from Chennai High Court Stop and Koyambedu. Route No. 58 H. Autos are available from Karanodai village. Bhadrachala Ramar Temple, Erumai Vetti Palayam, Thiruvallur District – 600052 Phone: +91 44 2640 2364 Mobile: +91 99406 70372 / 99418 25622 Mobile: +91 95660 11853 / 99406 76372 Email: [email protected]
Varamuktheeswarar Temple, Erumai Vetti Palayam, Thiruvallur At present, one-time pooja is being performed in this temple. Previously Pradhosha Pooja was celebrated but due to reasons unknown, it has been discontinued. For getting married, devotees visit this temple for 12 Fridays and light ghee lamp. The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Erumai Vetti Palayam Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Bhadrachala Ramar Temple, 1.5 Kms from New Erumai Vetti Palayam Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Karanodai, 8 Kms from Cholavaram, 13 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 16 Kms from Periyapalayam, 17 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 23 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 28 Kms from Chennai and 41 Kms from Chennai Airport. In Calcutta Highway after Toll Plaza, there is a Karanodai over bridge. By the side of the bridge towards left a rough road leads to Erumai Vetti Palayam. Buses are available from Chennai High Court Stop and Koyambedu. Route No. 58 H. Autos are available from Karanodai village. Official Address
Pachai Varana Perumal Temple, Agaramel, Thiruvallur Mudaliandan, also known as Daasarathi, was the son of Anantha Narayana Dikshitar and Nachiyaramma, who was a sister of the illustrious Sri Ramanuja. Mudaliandan was born in the year 1027 after his parents were blessed by Lord Rama in their dreams. He, along with Koorathazhwaan, was a prominent disciple of Swami Ramanuja and rendered yeoman services to his teacher. He was the head of all Sishyas of Ramanuja which earned him the name as Mudaliandan and is believed to have lived for 105 years till 1132. He was born in this site, and hence this temple is considered as the Avathara sthalam (birth place) of Mudaliyandan. When the elephant named Ashwathama was killed during Mahabharata battle, Yudhistra lied to his Guru that his son Ashwathama was killed. By hearing this news, Drona was distracted and shocked. Using this opportunity, he was beheaded by Dhrishtadyumna. To get rid of this sin, based on the advice of the saint Narada, Yudhistra performed a yagna in this site. Lord Krishna appeared in the form of a green elephant from yagna and blessed him. Hence, he is called as Haritha Varana Perumal in Sanskrit (Haritha mean Green and Varana mean Elephant) or Pachai Varna Perumal in Tamil (Pachai mean Green and Varana mean Elephant). Accepting the prayers of Yudhishthira, the Lord remained here. The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM. Among the festivals conducted in this temple, the Brahmotsavam starting from Uthiram Nakshatram in the month of Panguni and Thirunakshatram (birth star) festival of Mudaliandan are celebrated with great pomp for ten days in Chithirai with Satrumurai on Punarpoosam. The Pavithrotsavam is also celebrated in this shrine in the month of Aippasi. The rituals in this temple are done according to the tenets of the Vaikhanasa Aagamam. The Temple is situated between Thirumazhisai and Poonamallee. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Agaramel Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 3 Kms from Poonamallee, 3.5 Kms from Poonamallee Bus Depot, 9 Kms from Mangadu, 13 Kms from Avadi Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 23 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chennai Airport and 24 Kms from Chennai. Pachai Varana Perumal Temple, Agaramel, Nazareth Pettai, Thiruvallur – 600069 Mobile: +91 96002 21378
Karunagara Perumal Temple, Jamin Korattur, Thiruvallur Karunagara Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Jamin Korattur near Nemam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This village was run over by the Tippu Sultan troops, destroying the temples. This is also one of the Temple destroyed by Tippu Sultan and rebuilt in the recent past. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Jamin Korattur Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Nemam, 14 Kms from Avadi, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 8 Kms from Thiruninravur, 18 Kms from Tiruvallur, 8 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport and 32 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Paaleeswarar Temple, Jamin Korattur, Thiruvallur Paaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Jamin Korattur near Nemam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Paaleeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambigai. This village was run over by the Tippu Sultan troops, destroying the temples. This is also one of the Temples destroyed by Tippu Sultan and rebuilt in the recent past. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Jamin Korattur Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Nemam, 14 Kms from Avadi, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 8 Kms from Thiruninravur, 18 Kms from Tiruvallur, 8 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport and 32 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Varamoortheeswarar Temple, Ariyathurai, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. By worshipping the Kaala Bairavar here, one can live without the fear of death and with extended life since Lord Shiva appeared as Kaala Bairavar. Also, the Kaala Bairavar protects people from the evil effects of others. Pradosham is considered very sacred sine a monkey got salvation after witnessing Pradosham here. Since Indra’s Brahmaharthi Dhosham got cleared off, this is considered a Dosha Parihara sthalam to clear off Doshams like Pithru Dhosham, Naga Dhosham and Past Birth Doshams. Marriage prayers are answered since Lord Shiva appeared with his consort in marriage pose to King Chithrasenan. Due to the flow of Ganga water, the place is considered more sacred than Kasi. Goddess is present with her left leg in front meaning that she is going out to fight enemies. So, by worshipping her, she will make our obstacles vanish. Music, Pava Vimochana (Relief from Sin), any boon you wish, Vidhya (Education), Kala Sarpa Dosha Nivarthi. Pancha Brahma Sthalams: The river Brahma Aranya was believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. Once when he churned the Arani wood (Arani means fire) to create fire to start the Yagna for Sage Romesa, fire came out initially but on churning further, water came out of it and flown as a river. Since this was created by Lord Brahma from the Arani wood, this is called Brahma Aranya river. The Brahma Aranya river flows from Andhra Pradesh and merges with sea at Pazhaverkadu. Many sages have meditated at the banks of this river and created many temples. Out of these, in five places they have contained all their meditative powers into Shivalingams and built temples. They are called Pancha Brahma Sthalams, representing the five faces of Lord Shiva and they are: All these temples are many thousand years old and since they have been created by Sages, the base of the lingam (Avudayar) will be in square shape. Pit at the banks of Brahma Aranya River: A pit is present at the banks of the Brahma Aranya River, where water, believed to be from River Ganges, is flowing out perennially all though the year, though in small quantity. Due to this, the place is considered more sacred than Kasi and there is a proverbial saying “Kasiya vida Veesai Adhigam”, meaning that the quantity ‘Veesai’ here is more than that of Kasi. There is also a folk song ‘Ariyathurai Gangai moozhga palan kanden’, meaning ‘I got benefited by taking a dip at the Ariyathurai Gangai’. Kanchi Paramacharya Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal had visited Ariyathurai during 1965 and bathed in this holy water. It is said that worshipping the Lord at Ariyathurai is equivalent to worshipping Him at Kasi (Varanasi). Lord Krishna stood here as a Aswatha tree for 1000 years: Once Lord Krishna brought a Parijatha flower tree from Devaloka to give flowers to his consorts Satyabhama and Rukmini. Before plugging out the tree, he got permission from Indrani but forgot to ask permission from the tree itself. So, the tree gave a curse to Lord Krishna to stand as a tree on earth and Krishna stood as a tree here for 1000 years. After the curse period the tree became a Ashwatha Vriksham (Arasa Maram). Sage Romesa penance on Lord Shiva: At the behest of Lord Brahma, Sage Romesa undergone penance under this tree for 100 years and finally when Lord Shiva appeared before him, the Sage requested him to be present in this place for ever and bless everyone. Lord Shiva obliged Sage Romesa wish. Sage Mukunthan penance on Lord Shiva: Later, Sage Mukunthan also penanced under the same tree for some years and then set off to go to Kasi. At that time, a holy voice was heard saying that Ganga water will flow here itself for him. When Ganga water came out from a pit here, Sage Mukunthan took bath in it and Lord Shiva appeared before him as a Kala Bairavar and asked for his wish. Sage Mukunthan requested him that the Ganga water which had started flowing for the sake of him should flow perennially and he should protect from the fear of death all those who worship him here. Lord Shiva obliged Sage Mukunthan wish. Monkey got Salvation here: Once on a Pradhosha day, a monkey was chased by a hunter and it came here, came around the Ashwatha Vriksham, took a dip in the water and witnessed the Pradhosha along with the people. Due to this, it got salvation and took birth as King Raja Kunjara Cholan at Kancheepuram. Then he got the memories of his past life, realized the importance of the temple and renovated it. So Pradhosha is considered very sacred here. Indra got relieved of Brahmahatti Dosham here: Indhra fought with demon Vridrasuran and when he threw the demon’s body pieces, some fell on Agasthiar and so he cursed Indhra to be a Brahmaharthi. Then Indhra stayed here, worshipped Lord Shiva to get his curse cleared off. It is believed that Indhra continues to come here on a specific day every year. Chettiar constructed Ambal Shrine: Goddess shrine came up only in the middle period and the legend being as follows: Pazhaverkadu nearby was a harbour in the past and a diamond merchant Chettiar’s ships sank in the sea. When he was sleeping in a nearby village in a sad mood, God came up in his dream and informed him that the ships have been pushed ashore safely. He also told that an Ambal idol is lying in a nearby pond called Poothakulam between Peruvayal and Eliyampedu. The Chettiar then constructed the Ambal shrine. Ariya Thurai: The name of the place Ariya Thurai (Ariya meaning rare and Thurai meaning river bank). Lord married daughter of Chithrasenan: There lived a king called Chithrasenan who was childless and Goddess Maragatha Valli Herself was born to him. After she grew up, the king arranged for the Swayamvaram for the princess. Lord Shiva went to the palace, brought the Goddess here on a horse and took abode. Knowing this, the king along with his troupes came chasing and reached here. Nandhigeswarar stopped them from entering the temple and the God gave Dharshan to them along with Sri Maragatha Valli. Then the king was made to realize that the Goddess herself was born to him and she had reached the right place. Story behind construction of Temple Tank: There is a beautiful pond near the temple which serves as the Theertham for the temple. This temple tank was built by a local land lord. It is said that there lived a beautiful Devadasi in this village, who was an ardent devotee of Sri Varamoortheeswarar. The land lord was fascinated by her beauty and proposed to her for his pleasure. Devadasi agreed with a condition that the land lord must build a tank for this temple after which she would agree to be with him. The land lord fulfilled her wish by building a beautiful tank for the temple and went eagerly to meet her. To his shock, he was only able to find her dead to reach the feet of Lord. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Kavaraippettai, 5 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Kavaraippettai Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Ponneri, 15 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 14 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 12 Kms from Chinnambedu, 12 Kms from Thatchoor, 11 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 10 Kms from Gummidipoondi Railway Station, 47 Kms from Thiruvallur, 40 Kms from Chennai and 52 Kms from Chennai International Airport. This temple is situated near Kavarapettai in the Kolkata Highways enroute to Gummidipoondi at exactly 35 Kms from the Padi junction. In the Kolkata Highways, after Thatchur cross road (to Ponneri), before the RMK Engineering College, opposite a Petrol Bunk and exactly opposite Durga Devi Polytechnic you must take a turn to the left (towards west). You go straight for 3 Kms and then take a left turn again just after a brick kiln on the right side. Go further for another 500 meters you will reach the temple. This temple can be reached by road from Chennai Koyambedu by taking a bus which goes to Kalahasthi Thirupathi and getting down at Kavarapettai bus stand. From there if we travel 4 Kms we can reach Ariyathurai where there is this temple. Varamoortheeswarar Temple, Ariyathurai, Keezh Muthalambedu (post), Kavarapettai (via), Thiruvallur District – 601 206 Mobile: +91 9894821712
Draupathi Amman Temple, Kadambathur, Thiruvallur Draupathi Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Mother Draupathi, wife of Pandavas, located in Kadambathur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple Is located at about 500 meters from Kadambathur Railway Station, 750 meters from Kadambathur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 59 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Egathamman Temple, Kadambathur, Thiruvallur Egathamman Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Kadambathur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple Is located at about 750 meters from Kadambathur Railway Station, 1 Km from Kadambathur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 59 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Muktheeswarar Temple, Kadambathur, Thiruvallur Muktheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kadambathur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple Is located at about 250 meters from Kadambathur Railway Station, 500 meters from Kadambathur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 59 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Selva Vinayagar Temple, Kadambathur, Thiruvallur Selva Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Kadambathur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple Is located at about 100 meters from Kadambathur Railway Station, 400 meters from Kadambathur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 9 Kms from Perambakkam, 59 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Yoga Gnana Dhakshinamoorthy Temple, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur Yoga Gnana Dhakshinamoorthy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Dhakshinamoorthy, a form of Shiva as a teacher, located in Kakkalur, a suburb of Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kakkalur Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Kakkalur Industrial Estate Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Putlur, 2 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Chennai and 46 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Karaneeswarar Temple, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur Karaneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kakkalur, a suburb of Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Karaneeswarar and Mother is called as Shenbagavalli. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Kakkalur Bus Stop, 700 meters from Kakkalur Industrial Estate Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Putlur, 2 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 5 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Chennai and 46 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Nageswari Amman Temple, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur Nageswari Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Kakkalur, a suburb of Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kakkalur Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Kakkalur Industrial Estate Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Putlur, 2 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Chennai and 46 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Pathala Lingeswarar Temple, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur Pathala Lingeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kakkalur, a suburb of Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This Pathala Lingam said to have been worshipped by Saint Agasthiyar. This Temple is located very close to the Veera Anjaneyar temple inside the premises of Electricity Board. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Kakkalur Bus Stop, 1 Km from Kakkalur Industrial Estate Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Putlur, 1.5 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Chennai and 46 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
This temple is also called Shiva Vishnu temple because these two Lords are the presiding deities here. The entrance gopuram is big and exquisite. It is painted white with beautiful idols. On entering is an open space and then is the entrance. On either side of the entrance are the two guarding deities. Entering into the temple on the left side is the shrine of Lord Ganesha and next to his shrine is the shrine of Lord Ayyappan. Next is a small shrine for Lord Krishna with his consorts Rukmini and Bhama. Behind the Krishna shrine is the shrine of Lord Ram along with Seetha, Lakshman and Anjaneyar. Then comes the shrine of Lord Srinivasa and goddess Padmavathy in a separate shrine. Next is the shrine of Lord Shiva called as Pushpavaneswarar. It’s quite a big one since he is the presiding deity. Here Lord Shiva is in the form of a Linga. Then is the shrine of Poonkuzhali Thayar. If we go around the shrine of Lord Shiva there are many small shrines for Lord Muruga, Lord Anjaneyar, Lord Ganesha, Lord Bairavar and the shrine for Navagraha. Adjacent to this Lord Shiva shrine is the shrine for Jalanarayanan. There is an opening in the compound which leads to the shrine. It is this idol which makes this temple famous and gives the temple its name. Lord Narayanan here is on his snake bed along with his consort. The arrangement is just like the Lord residing in his heavenly abode Vaikunta. This temple is quite a new temple but maintained well and is always neat and clean. Also since both Shiva and Vishnu can be prayed in the same place it is very famous. There are 44 shrines in this temple. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Km from Kakkalur Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kakkalur Industrial Estate Bus Stop, 3.5 Kms from Putlur, 2.5 Kms from Putlur Railway Station, 2 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Chennai and 46 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
18 Siddhar Peedam, Karanodai, Thiruvallur 18 Siddhar Peedam is a Hindu religious institution located at Karanodai near Cholavaram in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This institution includes Gurukulam and Veda Paadasalai. This Peedam also houses the Jeeva Samadhi of Gnanachariyar Swamy. The Peedam is located at about 250 meters from Sozhavaram Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Cholavaram, 6 Kms from Thatchoor, 16 Kms from Minjur, 13 Kms from Ponneri, 13 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 26 Kms from Chennai and 39 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Sundara Raja Perumal Temple, Kovil Pathagai, Avadi, Thiruvallur Brugu Maha Rishi: Brugu Maha Rishi is believed to have undertaken penance at this place. Answering his prayers, Sundara Raja Perumal provided darshan to him in a grand sitting posture and stayed here as per the wishes of the rishi. Markandeya Maha Rishi: Vaikunta Natha Perumal, believed to be the original presiding deity at this temple, provided darshan to Markandeya Maha Rishi who is seen alongside the west facing Lord Vaikuntanathan. The temple has two moolavar deities where two rishis performed penance and were provided darshan by two different forms of Vishnu. It is believed Bhrigu Maha Rishi got the Dharshan of Sundara Raja Perumal in sitting posture facing east and Markandeya Maha Rishi got the Dharshan of Vaikunta Natha Perumal. It is believed that Vaikunta Natha Perumal to be the original presiding deity at this temple. Vaikunta Natha Perumal is seen alongside Markandeya Maha Rishi in the sanctum and he is facing west. Ashta Naga Garuda in a sitting posture is facing Vaikunta Natha Perumal. There is separate shrine for Mother Sundara Valli Thaayar in the Temple premises. There are sculptures of Parthasarathy and Ranganatha, in a Sayana Posture on the Vimana. The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 08.00 AM and 05.30 PM to 07.00 PM. Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Aani Garuda Seva and Panguni Kalyana Utsavam are the festivals celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Kovilpathagai Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Avadi Bus Depot, 5 Kms from Avadi Railway Station, 8 Kms from Ambattur, 27 Kms from Thiruvallur, 24 Kms from Chennai, 27 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chennai Egmore Railway Station and 31 Kms from Chennai Airport. Bus Numbers 61D, 61E, 61R and 61K from Avadi bus stand will take 10 minutes to reach the temple. Share auto from Avadi bus stand will take you to this Temple. Sundara Raja Perumal Temple, Kovil Pathagai, Avadi, Thiruvallur District – 600 062 Mobile: +91 98406 29471 / 99414 39788
Thirupuranthakeswarar Temple, Kuthambakkam, Thiruvallur The Temple has single prakaram. The Temple does not have Rajagopuram. At the entrance to the left is the idol of Lord Ganesha outside the wall. Nandi is situated in the praharam facing Lord Shiva but the Nandi’s neck is little tilted to signify that here Nandi is looking at the lord. The flag post of the temple is in front of the Nandi. Presiding Deity is called as Thirupuranthakeswarar. Adhikara Nandhi is seen in the sanctum facing the Lord. Lord Ganesha can be seen at the left side of the sanctum entrance and Murugan with Valli & Deivanai can be seen at the right side of the sanctum entrance. Ganesha, Dhakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the niche Idols located on the sanctum wall. Lord Chandikeswarar is situated in his usual position. There is an engraving at the entrance wall of the sanctum depicting cow shedding its milk on the Linga with the snake protecting the Linga. Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. There is a separate shrine for Mother in the Temple. Her Idol is 6 feet tall made of granite. There is a shrine for Navagrahas in the corridor. There are trees representing 27 Tamil stars in the Temple premises. There is a Linga below the peepul tree behind the temple but due to too much overgrowth of vegetations, it is not approachable. The temple of Nagaraja is also present underneath that tree. Although the temple is maintained well inside but the surrounding is filled with bushes without maintenance. If we pray anything in this temple in front of the goddess it will be granted. Devotees pray Lord here for Salvation, Wealth and Relief from diseases, Purchase of vehicles and Knowledge. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Kuthambakkam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Vellavedu, 2 Kms from Nemam, 7 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 3 Kms from Narasingapuram, 10 Kms from Poonamallee, 11 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 14 Kms Avadi Railway Station, 31 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 29 Kms from Chennai International Airport and 30 Kms from Chennai. This is about 1.5 Kms diversion from the Poonamallee Highway at Vellavedu towards left (South). Official Address
Mahishasura Mardhini Amman Temple, Mathur, Thiruvallur The Swayambu Amman Idol was found in 1960’s near the Railway track in a place called Sakthi Medu. In 1954, while laying the railway track between Chennai and Tirupathi, this Goddess appeared as Swayambu to a group of workers in this place. Stunned by the charm of the Goddess, they constructed a small temple for her in this place which later developed into a big temple as it is now. The main temple has a vast corridor with colourful pillars with a scenic backdrop of the Tirupathi hills. The main deity, Mahishasura Mardhini, is about 10 feet height. The Goddess is so charismatic that even while killing the demon Mahishasura with her “Soolam” at her feet, she presents a smiling face, which is a rarity. She is having eight hands (Ashtabuja) with four on either side, each holding a weapon. Also, she is also wearing skull garland. The Idol was installed under simple roof structure. Lord Vinayaga and Om Shakthi shrines are situated at the temple entrance. Another unique feature here is the Sthala Vriksham (Temple tree) which is the neem tree. Its leaves do not taste bitter. This temple remains open from 06.30 a.m to 01.00 p.m and 04.00 p.m to 08.30 p.m. During New moon and Full moon days, milk Abishekham with 108 litres of milk, and special homams are conducted on a very grand scale. Mahishasura Mardhini Amman Temple, Mathur, Thiruvallur – 631 206 Mobile: +91 94433 55835
Dilli Amman Temple, Moovur, Thiruvallur Dilli Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Moovur Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. It is one of the popular Amman Temple in this region. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Poondi, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur, 9 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 52 Kms from Chennai and 56 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Sage Agasthiyar travelled to South India to visit ancient Shiva temples. One day it was raining heavily. He crossed Kusasthalai River and supposedly reached this place. But, due to the heavy storm he stayed under a tree. He was waiting there for long time. Under heavy lightening, Sage Agasthiyar saw an old boy standing along with a small dog nearby, so he tried to reach that boy but he ran fastly. The Boy stopped at a big Vilva Tree. Following the boy, Sage Agasthya surprised to see a Shiva Lingam under that Vilva Tree. Sage Agasthya performed Shiva Pooja to that Linga and he was surprised to know that was a Pradosham day. When he was not in a state to recognize himself where he is, he heard a laughing sound of a small boy. Suddenly he saw back, the same small boy with his dog was near to him. Sage identified him as Bairavar and he only guided him for his Shiva Pooja. Sage Agasthya consecrated Vatuka Bhairava in this place and worshipped him. Also, Manikkavacakar is believed to have visited and worshiped here. Theipirai Ashtami is very well-known here. During this Ashtami Day, it is believed that Ashta Lakshmi’s are making their Glorious Presence to Perform Bairavar Pooja. So, those who made worship to Lord Bairavar on Theipirai Ashtami, their ill-effects and other problems will be surely solved. All Pradosham days and Pournami are also celebrated here. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Lakshmapuram, 12 Kms from Thiruthani, 13 Kms from Thiruthani Murugan Temple, 13 Kms from Thiruthani Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Thiruthani Railway Station, 29 Kms from Thiruvallur, 77 Kms from Chennai and 77 Kms from Chennai Airport. From Thiruthani, all Chennai Route Buses (Except Express Buses) will stop at Lakshmapuram. Official Address
Veera Mangala Anjaneya Temple, Nallathur, Thiruvallur It was here that sage Jamadagni, father of Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, did penance. So, the holy place was in existence long before the Ramayana period in the Tretha Yuga. Though the presiding deity is Lord Veera Anjaneya, he is popularly known as Bala Anjaneya since his features resemble those of a small child. The idol of Anjaneya, carved on a single slab of stone, faces north and is known as Veera Mangala Anjaneyar. It is one of the nine forms of Anjaneya, according to the Parasara Samhita. Lord Anjaneya is seen as walking towards North direction where Tirupati abode of Lord Venkateswara is situated. Lord Veera Anjaneya’s right hand depicts ‘abhaya mudra’ with lotus petals in the palm, the left is found holding a lotus bud close to the chest. The lotus is known as the symbol of Gyana, Aishwarya, and a symbol of Vijaya; representing Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Durga. The tail is raised over his head with a bell tied at its end. The small-sized carving of Lord Rama is found over his head. On the back of the idol is found the description of the ten incarnations of Lord Narayana. On his chest is found a carving in silver of Sita-Rama. As the best ornament of a Brahmmachari, he has a tuft and this long hair is tied up and he wears the Vaishnava symbol Thiruman in his long forehead. He gives his darshan to the devotees through Pingaksha as his eyeball has a golden hue. Vishnu in his incarnation as Narasimha is said to have long sharp teeth known as gorapal. Bala Anjaneya also has gorapal. His long ears ever listening to Ramakatha wears a Panchamukha earring in kundala form. There are also garlands sculptured around his neck. He adorns a mala made of Saligramam – a rare fossil stone, found normally in Nepal. His both arms are adorned with armlets known as keyura, a bracelet known as parihariyajha and a bangle known as kankana in his wrist. He has a dagger at his hip and a long belt around the waist. In his lotus feet he has two different types of anklets one resting in the foot known as Noopuram, one on his ankle known as thandai. Lord Veera Anjaneya’s shrine has a single – tier vimana. On the southern side of the vimana Yoga Anjaneya with Sangu chakra and mala is found. On the east side is the Bhakta Anjaneya. On western side of the vimana is the Panchamukha Anjaneya with five faces and ten hands. On the northern side of the vimana is the Veera Anjaneya with the right hand lifted towards the sky left hand resting on his waist. In the main shrine of Anjaneya are also found the Utsava idols of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Sudarsana and a dancing Navaneetha Krishna. A small silver idol of Anjaneya with Panchayudha is also found here. On either side of the Moolavar idol of Anjaneya are the images of Sri Sudarsana (Chakra) and Panchajanya (Shanka). Two more shrines — one for Vishnu Durgai and another a Shadgona shrine for Sri Sudarsana with Sri Narasimha on the back have been built recently. The temple rituals are conducted according to the Vaikanasa Agama. A snake, which guarded the temple in the past, is said to be a regular visitor and provision has been made in the outer wall for its entry. Lord Rama’s shrine has a two tier vimana and in the shrine Lord Rama is found in the “Panchhtra” pose along with his consort Sita, Lakshmana, and Anjaneya. A 26 ft-high Dwajasthambam has been installed before the shrine of Lord Rama. Lord Vinayaka is housed in the shrine which has a single tier vimana. The Navagrahas have a separate shrine, the Navagrahas are found with their vahanas. Saneeswara faces Anjaneya and hence will be more benevolent towards those who worship the Lord here, it is believed. All of them are adorned with silver Kavacham. A 42-ft-high Sudhai image of Anjaneya, in sitting posture, blesses devotees at the entrance of the temple facing east and laid with marble floor. It has been constructed by the sthapathis of Mahabalipuram, who have also carved the idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Sudarsana, Vinayaka and the Navagrahas. The maha Kumbabishekam was performed on July 7, 1998 after reinstalling the idol of Lord Veera Anjaneya in accordance with the Pancharatna Agama rules by the Shri Veera Anjaneya Bhaktha Samaj. The temple is not a stranger to VIP devotees. Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who visited the temple when he was the Opposition leader, went there again after he won the elections. He spent some time offering worship to the deities and taking part in the many rituals conducted at the temple. Nallathur is located near Thiruthani, en-route to Tirupati. The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Thiruthani, 16 Kms from Thiruthani Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Thiruthani Railway Station, 16 Kms from Thiruthani Murugan Temple, 66 Kms from Tirupati, 37 Kms from Thiruvallur, 85 Kms from Chennai Airport and 90 Kms from Chennai. When you travel further beyond Tiruvallur on the Chennai – Tiruvallur – Thiruthani route, there will be a point where the road forks into two. You have to take the branch that goes to the right and immediately take a right turn (yes, one more right turn) as soon as you enter it. There is a sign board here that says the temple is 12 Kms away. Official Address
Vaaleeswarar Temple, Natham, Thiruvallur Vaali worshipped Lord Shiva here and got relieved of Brahma Hasti Dosham. It is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Vinayaga here and Maha Vishnu worshipped Shiva here. Presiding Deity is called as Vaaleeswarar and Mother is called as Anandha Valli. Vinayaga of this Temple is called as Kariya Siddhi Ganapathy. Lord Vinayaga in this temple is without tusks. Sthala Vriksham associated with this Temple are Vilvam, Sara Kondrai and Maramalli. Theertham is Vaali Theertham. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Pancheti Bus Stop, 11 Kms from Chinnambedu, 3 Kms from Thatchoor, 9 Kms from Cholavaram, 11 Kms from Ponneri, 11 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 44 Kms from Thiruvallur, 31 Kms from Chennai and 44 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Chithra Pournami, Aadippooram, Vinayaga Chathurthi, Navarathri, Annabishekam, Karthigai Deepam, Arudra Dharisanam, Thaipoosam, Sivarathiri, Panguni Uthiram and Thirukalyanam are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. All Pradhosham days are observed here. Vaaleeswarar Temple, Natham – 601 101 Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2798 4177 Mobile: +91 9444091441
Aavundeeswarar Temple, Nemam, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 08:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm. Monthly Pradoshams, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri are the main festivals celebrated in this temple in a grand manner. Solving problems related to wedding, child birth, family troubles. This temple is also supposed to be a Parihara Sthalam for the people born under Makam and Pooram Stars. Those girls seeking suitable marriage alliances, offer garlands of glass bangles to the Goddess Amirthambigai on Fridays and during Navarathri. Childless couples seeking child boon perform Go Puja, circumambulate them 12 times, and offer Abhishekam to the Lord and Goddess with the fresh milk and take the milk as prasadam. After childbirth, they perform the Abhishekam again as a gesture of gratitude. It is desirable for every woman born in this world to worship Goddess Amirthambigai at least once in their life time. Aavundeeswarar: After the Pralaya ended, creation of new life was supposed to happen. Lord Brahma, the creator, started his tasks of creation of life again. While in the process of creation it is believed that it is at Nemam that he first sprinkled the holy nectar (Amritam). The Devas had also offered the Amritam first to Goddess of this place, Amirthambigai. Henceforth this Kshetram had been known as the Amirtha Janma Bhoomi. Being a Janma Bhoomi from where creation started, the Goddess grants prayers of childbirth with kindness and compassion. Over time, the temple had been covered by sand and Lord Shiva waited patiently for the time to come to show himself to the world again. During this time, the cows that were being grazed through this area, used to shower their milk over the hidden lingam. The cowherd did not understand why the cows were showering their milk on a sandhill. In a fit of anger, raised his whip and started beating the cows. It is believed that Lord Shiva rose from the sandhill and hugged the cows close whereby the whiplashes fell on him. Till today, the marks of a whip striking against him can be seen on the Murthi. As he protected the cows, he came to be known as Aavundeeswarar. Amrita Shakthi: Goddess Amirthambigai at Nemam blesses the devotees with the amrita shakti needed for surviving in this world and leading a good life. To get us the above 3 types of amrita shakti, Mother Amirthambigai did severe tapas in this sacred spot and requested the grace of Lord Aavundeeswarar. The Lord not only blessed her with this shakti, He also married her here. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Vellavedu, 4 Kms from Vellavedu Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 21 Kms from Thiruvallur, 4 Kms from Narasingapuram, 11 Kms from Poonamallee, 19 Kms from Mangadu, 15 Kms from Avadi, 13 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 10 Kms from Thiruninravur, 10 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Chennai, 33 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 31 Kms from Egmore Railway Station and 32 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated between Thirumazhisai and Tiruvallur route. (In Chennai – Bangalore highway, after Poonamallee, highway turning right towards Tirupathi). Nemam can be reached by bus from Chennai, Poonamallee and Sriperumbudur. You can also reach Nemam from Vellavedu which is on the Poonamallee – Tiruvallur road. It is 4 Kms from Vellavedu. All buses from Chennai to Tiruvallur pass though Vellavedu Bus Stop. One can get down there and take an auto to reach Nemam Temple. If one is coming from Chennai after crossing Vellavedu and Sri Krishna Sweets, one must take left in the Chennai Tiruvallur Main Road near Ambedkar Statue and Nemam Green Board on Left Hand Side of the Road. The Road is smooth till one reaches a stone wall and then one must take left and then right. The Temple is visible there afterwards. Aavundeeswarar Temple, Nemam Post, Poonamallee Tehsil, Chennai – 602 107, Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 98407 70248 / 9840760019 / 9444122680 Web: www.aavundeshwarar.com
Kallukatti Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi, Nerkundram, Thiruvallur Official Address
Thiruneetreshwarar Temple, Padiyanallur, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Padiyanallur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Redhills, 5 Kms from Cholavaram, 7 Kms from Puzhal, 14 Kms from Pattaravakkam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Minjur, 20 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 21 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 37 Kms from Thiruvallur, 20 Kms from Chennai and 32 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/05/anandeeswarar-temple-chitherikarai-pakkam-thiruvallur.html Anandeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chitherikarai in Pakkam Village near Thiruninravur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Anandeeswarar and Mother is called as Anandhavalli. The Temple is considered as Guru Parihara Sthalam. The place was called as Kalila Chaturvedimangalam during ancient times. The temple is situated in a pleasant and green environment. Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva here: Sage Agasthya had worshipped in many temples and also created Shivalingas for his worship. This Temple is considered one among them. Anandeeswarar: Lord blessed the serpent here with poison power, hence the name of Lord Anandeeswarar. Siddhas & Sages visit this Temple invisibly: It is believed that great Siddhas and sages visit the temple invisibly. Kallala Tree: There was a Banyan tree in the Temple. It is believed that Lord Dakshina Murthy taught Vedas to four Sanakathi Maharshis under this Tree. Presiding Deity is called as Anandeeswarar and Mother is called as Anandhavalli. The 10 pillar Maha Mandapam is built aesthetically. The temple has no sub-deities-Parivara Murthys. The temple has no shrine for the Navagrahas the nine planets except one for Jupiter-Guru Bhagwan. Sthala Vriksham is Banyan tree. It is believed that Lord Dakshina Murthy taught Vedas to four Sanakathi Maharshis under this Tree. There is also a two faced Rudraksha tree. Theertham associated with this Temple is Agasthya Theertham. The temple remains open from 07.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m. The temple celebrates every year the Wedding Festival, performs 108 conch abisheks on Karthikai star days, Maha Shivarathri occurring in February-March (Masi Tamil month), Agasthya Guru Day, Pradosha days (13th day of new moon or full moon days), special pujas on each Thursday for Guru Baghwan, and Poornima pujas regularly. Nithya Kala pujas are also performed properly. Devotees pray to Guru Bhagwan for child boon, wedding, job opportunities, to own a house, mental peace, happiness and a good education for the children. Realizing their wishes, perform abhishekam to Anandeeswarar and light Deepas to Lord Dakshinamurthy under the banyan tree. Those blessed with a child offer sugar candy and/or coins equal to the weight of the child. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pakkam Village Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 36 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses serving Pakkam from Chennai are 65C (Ambattur Ind. Estate to Pakkam), 563 (Ambattur Estate – Periyapalayam via Pakkam), 580 (Avadi – Arani), 580p (Poonamallee to Periyapalayam via Thiruninravur), 65D (Avadi to Melkondaiyur via Nathamedu Road Jn, Pakkam Village, Sirukalathur) & M65H (Avadi via pakkam to Redhills via Thamaraipakkam). Anandeeswarar Temple, Chitherikarai, Pakkam Gramam, Via Thiruninravur, Tiruvallur District Phone: +91 97900 09123 / 89393 96625 / 89393 13191
Agastheeswarar Temple, Pancheshti, Thiruvallur The Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. In Hindu mythology, any temple facing the South is called Parihara Sthalam, in which one can find remedy for any kind of problems in life. Doing Annadhanam (free feeding) here is considered most auspicious and believed that it will get us back the lost positions, possessions and will help attain God’s feet. Lighting the Ghee lamp here, one is removed of all his sins. All Full moon days, Pradhosham days, Ragu Kalams on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, Pancha parvanhal, Navarathri, Shivarathri, Thiruvathirai, Panguni Uthira Kalyana Uthsavam, Vaikasi Visakam, Thai Poosam and Aadi Pooram are most auspicious here and celebrated in a grand manner. Sukethu’s curse: Once at Kailasam, when Shiva was teaching the Shiva Philosophy with Parvathi sitting next to him, a yatchan called Sukethu questioned him whether it is ok to teach the philosophy while Parvathy is sitting along. Shiva just smiled but Lord Muruga got angry since Parvathy is always part of Shiva himself and so cursed him to become a demon. He then married another demon and gave birth to 3 sons. The 3 sons, knowing the curse of his father, did a penance towards Goddess Parasakthi and got all the powers. With this they disturbed everyone in the Celestial world and so all the Devas went to Sage Agasthiar to do something. Agasthiar then prayed to Lord Shiva and he appeared as a Rishaba rudar along with Parvathi, Vinayagar, Murugan and Nandhi Devar and gave the necessary powers to Sage Agasthiar. Meanwhile Sukethu fought with other demons and on becoming tired went and hid himself under the sea. The 3 sons then searched their father in the sea and created a Pralayam there. All the lives of sea were affected and so Agasthiar just drank the whole sea and it became completely dry. The Devars then requested Agasthiar to bring back the sea and Agasthiar spit a little water at Pancheshti and it became the ‘Agasthya Theertham’ and let the remaining water back to the sea itself. In the process, Sukethu and his sons were caught inside the stomach of Agasthiar and they requested pardon. Agasthiar then made them take a dip at the ‘Agasthya Theertham’ and conduct five yagnas – Deva Yagna, Brahma Yagna, Pithur Yagna, Bootha Yagna and Manuda Yagna. Finally, they got their curse cleared off. King Mithrathuvasan: Once King Mithrathuvasan of Kanchipuram was doing regular Pradhosha pooja here. When he was coming for one such pooja, he heard a crying voice for help and when he went he saw a Tiger about to kill a man who was very lean and bony. When the King told the tiger to leave that poor man, the Tiger replied that it is also old and needs food for it and its kids. The King replied to take him instead of the poor man since he is hale and healthy but requested to wait till he comes back after the Pradhosha pooja. The tiger accepted and relieved the poor man. As promised when the King appeared before the tiger after the pooja with sacred ash full of body, rudraksha chain around his neck and Pradosha prasadam (Vilvam) in his hand, the tiger hesitated. When he compelled the tiger to take him by voluntarily putting his head inside the Tiger’s mouth, it disappeared and Lord Shiva gave Dharshan as Rishabaroodar along with Parvathi Devi. He realized that it is just the drama of Lord Shiva just to show him and the world the significance and power of Pradhosha pooja. The place where this happened is being called ‘Thiruvilankeswarar’ a few kms from here and a Shiva temple is present there. Since King Mithrathuvasan came forward to sacrifice himself because he did not want even a Tiger at forest to starve, this place is considered an Annadhana Kshetram. Indhra, Indrani and Viswaroopan’s curse: Once Indhra wanted to start a Yagna but since Deva Guru Brihaspathi who normally is the Guru of all yagnas in Devaloka (Brihaspathi) was in tapas towards Lord Shiva, Indran conducted the yagna with Viswaroopan’s as Guru. So, Brihaspathi cursed both of them to take human births. They had born as sons of King Mithrathuvasan in the name of Chandhramoulipriyan and Sambupriyan. In another incident, while Padmini, daughter of Guberan was taking bath, Sage Romar covered with hair all over his body was passing through and Padmini made fun of him and laughed. So, Sage Romar cursed her to take human birth and to be a wife for two persons since she laughed at the Sage twice. Thus, she took birth as the daughter of King Bhavabanu of Virudhachalam in the name of Ambikai. When the King arranged Swayamvaram for his daughter, demon Sambasuran participated with a fake identity and took away Ambikai. Chandhramouli Priyan and Sambupriyan who also participated in the Swayamvaram then fought with the demon, won him and both married her. Later demon Sambupriyan again took her way one day. Chandhramouli Priyan and Sambupriyan searched for her everywhere and finally came to Kalahasthi and prayed to Lord Shiva. They then heard the holy voice that Agasthiar who was in tapas at southeast of Kalahasthi will help. They then came to Pancheshti and fell at the feet of Agasthiar. He then made them to create an ashram here and do the Pradhosha pooja. On one Pradhosha when they were returning to the Ashram after the pooja, they heard a crying female voice and they went and saw their wife Ambikai getting ready to be sacrificed to Goddess Kali by a demon called Sakthiubhasakan who brought her here after killing demon Sambasuran. They both then killed the demon and relieved her. Agasthiar then ended the curse of all the three and they all went to their respective worlds. Pancheshti: Once Sages Vasishtar, Gouthama and Kanvar went to Lord Brahma to suggest them a suitable place on earth to do tapas. Brahma then made a wheel out of some Dharbai grass and rolled it over. The place where it stopped is Pancheshti. Sage Agasthiar conducted five yagnas (Pancha means five, Ishti means Yagna) and so the name Pancheshti. Agasthiar was so attached to this place that he didn’t want to return to Kailasam after his work was over. Only Lord Shiva could finally convince him. Since the place is blessed by Agasthiar, there is copious ground water and supplies water to Chennai city whenever there is a scarcity. So, it is called ‘Pancham Theerkum Pancheti’ meaning ‘Starvation solving Pancheshti’. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Pancheshti, 1 Km from Thatchur Koot Road, 1.5 Kms from Thatchoor, 8 Kms from Ponneri, 7 Kms from Ponneri Bus Depot, 8 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 8 Kms from Chinnambedu, 31 Kms from Chennai and 44 Kms from Chennai Airport. Pancheshti is a very small village located on Chennai Kolkata highway, about 31 Kms from Chennai. After crossing Red Hills and Karanodai on the highway, you have to take a right turn before Thatchur Cross road (to Ponneri) to enter this village. The temple is just 500 meters off the highway. Frequent Buses available from Broadway and Koyambedu. No Direct buses from Broadway and Koyambedu. You can get buses going to Ponneri. Go to Redhills from there you can get frequent buses. Agastheeswarar Temple, Pancheshti, Ponneri, Thiruvallur District – 601 204 Mobile: +91 93823 16493 / 98413 17500 / 94442 20780 Mobile: +91 94441 46752 / 98413 44867 Mobile: +91 99625 70445 / 97898 92925
Bhaktha Viswaroopa Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Pakkam, Thiruvallur Bhaktha Viswaroopa Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located at Pakkam Village near Thiruninravur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Pakkam Village Bus Stop, 850 meters from Pakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 36 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses serving Pakkam from Chennai are 65C (Ambattur Ind. Estate to Pakkam), 563 (Ambattur Estate – Periyapalayam via Pakkam), 580 (Avadi – Arani), 580p (Poonamallee to Periyapalayam via Thiruninravur), 65D (Avadi to Melkondaiyur via Nathamedu Road Jn, Pakkam Village, Sirukalathur) & M65H (Avadi via pakkam to Redhills via Thamaraipakkam). Official Address
Ellai Amman Temple, Pakkam, Thiruvallur Ellai Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Pakkam Village near Thiruninravur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Pakkam Village Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Pakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 36 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses serving Pakkam from Chennai are 65C (Ambattur Ind. Estate to Pakkam), 563 (Ambattur Estate – Periyapalayam via Pakkam), 580 (Avadi – Arani), 580p (Poonamallee to Periyapalayam via Thiruninravur), 65D (Avadi to Melkondaiyur via Nathamedu Road Jn, Pakkam Village, Sirukalathur) & M65H (Avadi via pakkam to Redhills via Thamaraipakkam). Official Address
Kariamanicka Perumal Temple, Pakkam, Thiruvallur Kariamanicka Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Pakkam Village near Thiruninravur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kariamanicka Perumal with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Lakshmi Hayagriva in the Temple premises. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Pakkam Village Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Pakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 36 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses serving Pakkam from Chennai are 65C (Ambattur Ind. Estate to Pakkam), 563 (Ambattur Estate – Periyapalayam via Pakkam), 580 (Avadi – Arani), 580p (Poonamallee to Periyapalayam via Thiruninravur), 65D (Avadi to Melkondaiyur via Nathamedu Road Jn, Pakkam Village, Sirukalathur) & M65H (Avadi via pakkam to Redhills via Thamaraipakkam). Official Address
Thazhuvakozhundeeswarar Temple, Pakkam, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Pakkam Village Bus Stop, 850 meters from Pakkam Junction Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Thiruninravur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur, 38 Kms from Chennai and 36 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses serving Pakkam from Chennai are 65C (Ambattur Ind. Estate to Pakkam), 563 (Ambattur Estate – Periyapalayam via Pakkam), 580 (Avadi – Arani), 580p (Poonamallee to Periyapalayam via Thiruninravur), 65D (Avadi to Melkondaiyur via Nathamedu Road Jn, Pakkam Village, Sirukalathur) & M65H (Avadi via pakkam to Redhills via Thamaraipakkam). Official Address
Pattabi Rama Swamy Temple, Pondavakkam, Thiruvallur Pattabi Rama Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located atPondavakkam Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Pondavakkam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Uthukottai, 23 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 60 Kms from Chennai and 69 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Pitchaaleeswarar Temple, Pondavakkam, Thiruvallur Pitchaaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Pondavakkam Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Pondavakkam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Uthukottai, 23 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 60 Kms from Chennai and 69 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Sachidhanandheswarar Temple, Pudhuvallur, Thiruvallur Sachidhanandheswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Pudhuvallur Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple has been constructed recently. The Temple is situated in a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Koppur, 5 Kms from Koppur School Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur, 10 Kms from Sevvapet Railway Station, 40 Kms from Chennai and 39 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Choleeswarar Temple, Arcot Kuppam, Thiruvallur There are shrines for Navagrahas, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Bairavar, Vinayagar and Muruga in the Temple premises. The Temple is situated before Thiruthani in the Thiruvallur-Thiruthani road. The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Thiruthani, 14 Kms from Thiruthani Railway Station, 26 Kms from Thiruvallur, 73 Kms from Chennai and 72 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
The lord is believed to have come to the help of Saint Suchvasar and rid him and his people of the ravages of the Asura Siravanasuran. Saint Valmiki is believed to have taught Lava and Kusa, sons of Rama, the skills of bow and arrow here in this area. Lord Vishnu of this Temple was worshipped by Rama’s twins Lava & Kucha. Also, Sage Valmiki had the darshan of Lord Mahavishnu. This is an east facing Temple without a Rajagopuram. This temple, even though, appears to be ancient, is very small in size. Lord Vishnu appears in three forms in this temple. The main deity is Varadaraja Perumal / Ooraga Perumal who is in the standing posture and found along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Lord is known as Theenda Thirumeni Perumal since the Bhattachariars, even today, cannot touch the moolavar. On every Karthikai Tamil month, Thaila Kappu (oil cover) is done to Perumal. The Urchavar, a Saligrama Vigraham, is called as Prana Harthi Haran. He is also called as Kannoli Perumal since eye related problems are solved by worshipping him. There is a small idol of Garuda in the shrine facing the presiding deity. There is a shrine where Lakshmi and Narayana along with Vishwaksenar are found. Here, Vishnu (Narayana) is in the sitting posture and this shrine is called as Lakshmi Narayana shrine. There is another shrine in this temple where the idol is made up of Maragadham (granite) – Srinivasa Perumal shrine, where the Lord is found along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. All the metal idols (Utsava idols) are found in the shrine of Varadarajar. Near the shrine of Srinivasa Perumal, there is an attractive idol of Krishna along with Rukmini. Alwars are also found in the Srinivasa Perumal’s shrine. The corridor houses the shrines of Hanuman and Andal. Hanuman here is Swayambu. The goddess of the temple Perundevi is also found in a separate shrine in the temple corridor. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Siruvapuri / Chinnambedu Bus Stop, 400 meters from Ayyanar Medu Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Thatchoor, 10 Kms from Periyapalayam, 16 Kms from Gummudipoondi, 13 Kms from Ponneri, 30 Kms from Pulicat, 42 Kms from Tiruvallur and 36 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on the Chennai-Kolkata highway. Bus no. 133 runs from Madras Basin Bridge bus stand to the temple. In Chennai – Kolkata highway, once has to cross Thatchoor cross road, which is a famous point in that road. From there proceed around 3 Kms, where you can see a small green board to your left. Take that left road and travel 3 kms in the same road to reach the temple. Buses depart at 6 am, 12 noon, 4 pm and 8 pm. Bus no. 533 runs from Chennai Koyambedu bus stand to the temple, departs at 6:15am, 7:20am, 10:00am, 11:05am, 1:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:50pm, 7:00pm. Bus no 547 running from Mint to Periyapalayam also reaches this temple, departs at 5am, 6:30am, 8:30am, 9:55am, 11:30am, 1pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 7pm. The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 13 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station and 14 Kms from Gummidipoondi Railway Station. The Temple is located at about 50 Kms from Chennai International Airport. Official Address
Dharanishwarar Temple, Thamaraipakkam, Thiruvallur Dharanishwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located atThamaraipakkam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is situated on Thiruninravur to Periyapalayam Route before Thamaraipakkam Junction. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Thamaraipakkam Bus Stop, 750 meters from Thamaraipakkam Road Junction Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Thiruninravur, 11 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Periyapalayam, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur, 20 Kms from Redhills, 36 Kms from Chennai and 43 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam Temple, Thamaraipakkam, Thiruvallur Sarveshwara Dhyana NilayamSarveshwara Nagar, VengalThamaraipakkam – 601 103Thiruvallur District Two noble devotees of Gurudev, from Chennai, donated eight acres of land at Thamaraipakkam on 27th June 1984, to be used for spiritual purposes at the discretion of Poojya Gurudev. Gurudev meticulously planned and gave the blueprints of the unique model of Dhyana Nilayam with a huge 65 ft high Shivalinga-shaped dome, a spacious sprawling circular Satsang hall on the ground floor and the Dhyana Nilayam on the top-floor that was designed by M/s Vybogam Architects. Gurudev laid the foundation on 29th September 1987. Swamiji also laid the foundation for many cottages intended for Senior citizens, called Pithamaha Sadan. The work of construction of the unique Dhyana Nilayam was entrusted to M/s ECC of Larsen & Toubro Limited, who executed the project as desired by Gurudev in record time. On 15th October 1989, at 10:30am the Maha Kumbabhishekam was performed at a solemn ceremony. A noteworthy feature of this place is that it is one of the rare places in the world with a “Spatika Lingam” – a precious Linga – shaped crystal with a diamond studded crest – brought by Poojya Gurudev. There were great spiritual overtones touching the devotional chords of the devotees including the chief priest of the place, many of whom testified to the thrilling experience of a “Spiritual” shock they experienced as the holy waters collected from the eight famous rivers were being poured by Poojya Gurudev from a silver conch on the “Spatika Lingam”. The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. The Temple is situated on the main road from Red Hills to Periyapalayam through Thamaraipakkam. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thamaraipakkam Sivan Koil Bus Stop, 750 meters from Thamaraipakkam Road Junction Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Thiruninravur, 13 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Periyapalayam, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur, 19 Kms from Redhills, 35 Kms from Chennai and 43 Kms from Chennai Airport. Share autos are available from Red Hills. Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam Sarveshwara Nagar, Vengal Thamaraipakkam – 601 103 Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 2762 6745
Shriya Devi Temple, Thamaraipakkam, Thiruvallur Shriya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Thamaraipakkam in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is situated on the main road from Red Hills to Periyapalayam through Thamaraipakkam. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thamaraipakkam Sivan Koil Bus Stop, 750 meters from Thamaraipakkam Road Junction Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Thiruninravur, 13 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Periyapalayam, 19 Kms from Thiruvallur, 19 Kms from Redhills, 35 Kms from Chennai and 43 Kms from Chennai Airport. Share autos are available from Red Hills. Official Address
Paabhahareeswarar Temple, Tharatchi, Thiruvallur Paabhahareeswarar Temple,Oothukottai – 602 026 Thiruvallur District The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Since there is no fixed time and one kala pooja is conducted. Gurukkal is residing in front of the temple. Maha Shivarathri in February-March and Karthikai Deepam in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Devotees pray to Lord for relief from the effects of sins and planetary adversities. Devotees perform abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. A devotee, Govindan by name was lucky to get a small Bana Linga of palm size when he was bathing in the Holy Ganga in one fine morning in Kasi-Varanasi. His joy knew no bounds, he danced, embraced it on the chest holding by both palms-Ullangai in Tamil – kept it on his head with all ecstasy in mind. He brought it to this temple. As he brought a palm size Linga – Ullangai Linga – he was praised as Ullangai Lingam Konarndha Nayanar – Nayanar bringing this palm size Linga. It is noteworthy that this devotee was a cousin brother of Udayavar Sri Ramanuja of Sri Vaishnava philosophy. He came to the Saivite camp then. It is also said that Nayanar worshipped this Linga while he was in Kalahasti temple. After placing the Linga in the temple, Govindan returned to Vaishnavism and became the disciple of Acharya Sri Ramanuja. Govindan was also awarded the Embar title by the Acharya and taught the Vaishnava Mantras. As directed by Acharya Ramanuja, Chandragiri king Kattithevan Yadavarayan built this beautiful Shiva temple for Embar Govindan. With a desire that this Shiva temple should be equal and famous as the Thillai Chidambaram Nataraja temple, the king lavishly donated lands to the temple for its maintenance, daily pujas etc. as per Agama rules. The temple is located on the banks of Arani River considered equal to the holy Ganga and the place to Kasi-Varanasi. It is the staunch belief of the devotees that a dip in the river and worship of Lord would totally cleanse them of their sins and doshas, hence, Lord is praised as Papa Hareswarar – Lord who relieves devotees from sins. A small Bana Linga brought from Kasi also adores the sanctum sanctorum with presiding deity. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Vadathillai, 4 Kms from Pondavakkam, 6 Kms from Uthukottai, 30 Kms from Thiruvallur, 31 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 70 Kms from Chennai Airport and 55 Kms from Chennai. At Pondavakkam, take a right turn and travel around 4 Kms to reach Vadathillai and from there take a left turn and travel further for about a km to reach the temple. There is another route to reach this temple from Mambakkam. Vadathillai is on the way to Mambakkam from Uthukottai. From the Vadathillai Bus stop, the Village and the temple is about 2 Kms. Share Autos are available up to Vadathillai bus stop from there we must walk to reach the Village. Route No 92 and 92B, Mambakkam and Periyapalayam Passes through the Vadathillai Bus stop. Paabhahareeswarar Temple, Oothukottai – 602 026 Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 9445296096
Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Vada Madurai, Thiruvallur Adi Kesava Perumal Temple,Vada Madurai,Othukottai Taluk,Thiruvallur District – 601 102 The temple was built by King Rajendra Chozhan in commemoration of his victory over the kingdom of Kosala, near Punjab, Delhi. Kosala Desa belonged to Lord Rama. It is believed that the Chozha King installed Vadivazhagiya Rama as the presiding deity of this temple constructed during his regime. The beauty of the Rama idol is discernible even though rulers after Rajendra Chozhan did not pay much attention to the image developing the temple as the abode of Adhikesava Perumal. The renovation of the temple was done in 2001. The entrance does not have the typical temple tower and it is unfinished and called as Mottai Gopuram. The 3 Tier Garuda Sannidhi found at the Vada Madurai is a special feature. Presiding Deity is called as Adi Kesava Perumal and is facing east. Lord is in Standing Posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Lord upper hands hold chakra and sankam and lower ones are in Abhayahastha and Varadahasta. Besides there is the idol of Krishna in the main shrine, either side of which are the Dwarapalakas. The Vimanam above the shrine is attractive with colourful images of Dasavatharam. Utsavar is ancient Idol of Rama alongside Baratha. This Utsava Idol is placed for worship in the sannidhi mandapam. The song “Antharama Sowndaryam” composed by Arunachala Kavi in Tamil perfectly suits the idol. While the image of Bharatha seems to be as old as that of Sri Rama the idols of Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya could have been later additions. Vishwaksenar and Lord Srinivasa have also shrines next to Rama. Shrine of Bhakta Anjaneyar can be seen near the entrance makes it apparent that the temple was dedicated to Sri Rama. Mother is called as Adi Lakshmi Thaayar and she is housed in a separate shrine. She is in sitting posture. The Thayar Shrine mandapam has images of the lion on the roof signifying the temple’s association with the Pallava Kings. The Utsava Thayar is known as Vedavalli. There is a Pallava connection to this temple. There are 5 Rajasimha Stone Sculptures at the entrance. welcoming the devotees. There are many artistic sculptures in the Temple. Most interesting ones are the fight between Rama/Lakshmana and Lava-Kucha, Rama and the 10 headed Ravana depicting the very end of the battle in Lanka. The entire story of Ramayana is depicted in beautiful little artistic sculptures inside the Mandapam. Inscriptions indicate that Rajendra I (Gangai Konda Chozhan) donated 50 acres of land for betel leaves & nuts cultivation to be dedicated to Lord Rama as a wedding gift to the Lord. Agastheeswarar Temple is located just opposite the Perumal Temple. The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM. Rama Navami, Kalyana Utsavam, Sri Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Puratasi Saturday and Karthigai Deepam are the festivals celebrated here with pomp and glory. The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Vada Madurai Bus Stop, 3.5 Kms from Periyapalayam, 6 Kms from Vengal, 21 Kms from Uthukottai, 10 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 25 Kms from Redhills, 28 Kms from Tiruvallur, 41 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Chennai Airport. Take Chennai to Thiruvallur Route via Thamaraipakkam. At Thamaraipakkam Junction, take right towards Periyapalayam. Vada Madurai is situated 3.5 Kms before Periyapalayam. Adi Kesava Perumal Temple, Vada Madurai, Othukottai Taluk, Thiruvallur District – 601 102 Mobile: +91 97887 81862
Pichaaleeswarar Temple, Panpakkam, Thiruvallur Pichaaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Panpakkam Village near Gummidipoondi in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Pichaaleeswarar and Mother is called as Soundaravalli. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Panpakkam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Gummidipoondi Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 5 Kms from Gummidipoondi Railway Station, 24 Kms from Pulicat, 47 Kms from Thiruvallur, 39 Kms from Chennai and 52 Kms from Chennai Airport. Official Address
Pattarai Perumbudur Murugan Temple, Thiruvallur Pattarai Perumbudur Murugan Temple is a Hindu Temple located at Pattarai Perumbudur Village near Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Pattarai Perumbudur Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur, 11 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 8 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 57 Kms from Chennai and 56 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses ply every half hour between Chennai Koyambedu and Thiruthani. Get down at Pattarai Perumbudur, about 10 Kms after Tiruvallur on the Thiruthani Highway. The temple is walking distance from the bus stop. By Train, one can take Sapthagiri or Tirupathi Express from Chennai Central and get down at Tiruvallur. From Tiruvallur, take the bus towards Thiruthani/Tirupathi and get down at Pattarai Perumbudur (10 Kms)- One can reach the temple in 15 minutes from Tiruvallur. Official Address
Pattarai Perumbudur Shiva Temple, Thiruvallur Official Address
Soundara Narayana Perumal Temple, Pattarai Perumbudur, Thiruvallur Original Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/05/soundara-narayana-perumal-temple-pattarai-perumbudur-thiruvallur.html Soundara Narayana Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Pattarai Perumbudur Village near Thiruvallur Town in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old and built during Chola Period. Presiding Deity is called as Soundara Narayana Perumal. He is facing east holding the Sankha and Chakra in his upper hands. The lower right hand is in abhaya hasta (blessing devotees), while the left hand is in Kati hasta (resting on his waist). His consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are on either side. Numerous old paintings are visible on the inner walls of the garbha-griha, depicting various forms for Vishnu. These murals, which belong to the time of the late Vijayanagara or Nayak dynasties, can only be faintly seen. The original deity of this temple was Azhagiya Perumal, a majestic stone image of Vishnu situated in front of the central sanctum. He is in Sitting Posture. This deity, also flanked by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. A special feature at this temple is that Lord Narasimha is seen in a Padmasana Posture with his left hand in Aadhvaanam and his right hand in Vaikunta Hastham. There is an idol of Thirukachi Nambi (of Poonamallee) leading one to believe that he may have visited this temple. The other deities in worship are the processional images of Kodandarama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Bhakta Anjaneya, Garuda, Dhanavanthri and Hayagriva. Many Tamil inscriptions, mostly belonging to the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties, can still be seen in this temple. An epigraph of the reign of Kulottunga Chola II of the 12th Century AD, registers a sale of land by the Mahasbhai (administrative organization of villages in the Chola times). Another Chola epigraph mentions a gift of tax-free lands for conducting the procession and for the sacred bath on holy occasions of the deity. There are two Vijayanagara inscriptions dated 1430 AD and 1457 AD. Originally, this is believed to have been a temple for Azhagiya Perumal and this moolavar idol along with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are still found inside the temple. However, inscriptions refer to the temple as Soundarya Narayana Perumal temple. A 1044AD inscription indicates that there were gifts of lands to the temple. An inscription in the South Wall refers to a gift of tax free land by payment of a lump sum amount. Another inscription on the South wall of the temple refers to gift of land for conducting processions and to organize sacred bath for the Lord on holy occasions in the year. There are several inscriptions on the base of the South, West and North walls of the temple. These inscriptions give us an indication that the temple was well funded to celebrate festivals. This ancient Chola period temple is now in a not so good shape. This temple follows the codes of the Vaikhanasa Agama. The Temple remains open from 06.00 am to 10.00 am and 06.00 pm to 07.30 pm. Vaikunta Ekadesi, Vaikunta Dwadasi, Thirumanjanam on Shravanam, Swathi, Moolam and Punarvasu are the festivals celebrated here. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Pattarai Perumbudur Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur, 11 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 8 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 57 Kms from Chennai and 56 Kms from Chennai Airport. Buses ply every half hour between Chennai Koyambedu and Thiruthani. Get down at Pattarai Perumbudur, about 10 Kms after Tiruvallur on the Thiruthani Highway. The temple is walking distance from the bus stop. By Train, one can take Sapthagiri or Tirupathi Express from Chennai Central and get down at Tiruvallur. From Tiruvallur, take the bus towards Thiruthani/Tirupathi and get down at Pattarai Perumbudur (10 Kms)- One can reach the temple in 15 minutes from Tiruvallur. Soundarya Narayana Perumal TemplePattarai Perumbudur,Kadambathur Via,Thiruvallur – 631 203Phone: +91 44 2765 0436Mobile: +91 97900 86480
Kiruthigai, Thai Poosam and Kanda Sashti are the festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. As Brahma did not perform his duty properly, Subramanya punished Brahma and took over his job for a brief period. This form of Subramanya is called as Brahma Shasta.This Temple is believed be built during Aditya Chola but completely destroyed. Now the Idol is housed in house like shrine. Lord Murugan called as Kandhaswamy in this Temple is in the form of Brahma Shasta / Gnana Skandha. The Idol is more than 7 feet tall. He is in the standing posture and holds Akshara Mala and Kamandalu (sacred water pot) in his two upper arms. He does not hold his usual weapon and none of his two consorts is found along with him. This is a rare form of Subramanya and it is not found in many temples. Another important temple where he is found in the form of Brahma Shasta is Kumara Kottam temple in Kanchipuram. This Idol is of 9th Century origin and belongs to Aadhithya Chola I period. It must have been a part of very big temple once but now it is housed in 10 x 6 feet room only. There is an inscription pillar and few scattered inscription slabs found outside the temple. The inscriptions belong to Aditya Chola I period (9th century CE). These inscriptions talk about a gift of land made to the temple by Gunakirti Nambadugan, the Kilan of Ayandampakkam for Sribali and other services at the temple which is still found on the footsteps of the temple. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Vayalanallur Bus Stop, 100 meters from Vayalanallur Koil Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kolappancheri, 7 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 7 Kms from Pattabiram, 7 Kms from Poonamallee, 25 Kms from Thiruvallur, 6 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport and 26 Kms from Chennai. This temple is on the road connecting the Bangalore highway and Pattabiram and connected by MTC buses. The temple is about 2 Kms from Kolappancheri. From Kolappancheri head North. Pass Chokkanallur bus stand and turn right. The temple is on the left. Bus route 54C from Poonamallee to Thandarai is available once an hour. Kandhaswamy Temple, Vayalanallur – 600 072 Thiruvallur District, Mobile: +91 90031 54640
Sakthimutreeswarar Temple, Vayalanallur, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Vayalanallur Bus Stop, 100 meters from Vayalanallur Koil Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kolappancheri, 7 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 7 Kms from Pattabiram, 7 Kms from Poonamallee, 25 Kms from Thiruvallur, 6 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport and 26 Kms from Chennai. This temple is on the road connecting the Bangalore highway and Pattabiram and connected by MTC buses. The temple is about 2 Kms from Kolappancheri. From Kolappancheri head North. Pass Chokkanallur bus stand and turn right. The temple is on the left. Bus route 54C from Poonamallee to Thandarai is available once an hour. Official Address
Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Vayalanallur, Thiruvallur Vaikunda Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Vayalanallur in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Vayalanallur Bus Stop, 500 meters from Vayalanallur Koil Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kolappancheri, 7 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 7 Kms from Pattabiram, 7 Kms from Poonamallee, 25 Kms from Thiruvallur, 6 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport and 26 Kms from Chennai. This temple is on the road connecting the Bangalore highway and Pattabiram and connected by MTC buses. The temple is about 2 Kms from Kolappancheri. From Kolappancheri head North. Pass Chokkanallur bus stand and turn right. The temple is on the left. Bus route 54C from Poonamallee to Thandarai is available once an hour. Official Address
Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Veppampattu, Thiruvallur Srinivasa Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Veppampattu near Thiruninravur in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 600 meters Veppampattu Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Veppampattu Railway Station, 5 Kms from Thiruninravur, 12 Kms from Avadi, 14 Kms from Thiruvallur, 15 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 16 Kms from Thirumullaivoyal, 37 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 36 Kms from Chennai Airport and 36 Kms from Chennai. Official Address
Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple, Vilangadupakkam, Thiruvallur Adhi Kesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Vilangadupakkam Village near Red Hills in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Vilangadupakkam Bus Stop, 1 Km from Sirugavur Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Redhills, 4 Kms from Redhills Bus Terminus, 7 Kms from Puzhal, 10 Kms from Cholavaram, 12 Kms from Minjur, 13 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 19 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 20 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 31 Kms from Chennai Airport, 19 Kms from Chennai and 40 Kms from Thiruvallur. Town bus route no 56 K is passing through the village from Red hills to Tollgate. Frequency is limited. Town bus route No 38 G passing through the village from Broad way to Vzhuthugaimedu. Official Address
Lavapureeswarar Temple, Vilangadupakkam, Thiruvallur It was believed that Lava (Lava – Kusa) had worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Vilangadupakkam Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Redhills, 6 Kms from Redhills Bus Terminus, 7 Kms from Puzhal, 10 Kms from Cholavaram, 12 Kms from Minjur, 13 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 18 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 19 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport, 17 Kms from Chennai and 44 Kms from Thiruvallur. Town bus route no 56K is passing through the village from Red hills to Tollgate. Frequency is limited. Town bus route No 38G passing through the village from Broad way to Vzhuthugaimedu. Official Address
Thilakeshwarar Temple, Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram The temple also comes under Ramanathapuram Samasthanam. The temple is estimated to be of more than 1000 years old and Chozha period inscriptions can be found in the Athistanam. The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Palipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are found facing the sanctum immediately after the Rajagopuram. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Arthamandapam and a Mahamandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Thilakeshwarar. Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai in place of Brahma are the Koshta Idols located on the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Soundaryanayaki. Mother is situated in the Mahamandapam facing south in standing posture and Bairavar. There are shrines for Adhi Durgai, Vinayagar and Murugan in the Artha Mandapam. There are shrines for Nagars, Dhakshinamoorthy, Vinayagar, Sandikeswarar and Murugan without Valli Devasena in the outer prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa Tree and Theertham is called as Sivaganga Theertham. Lord Rama before his departure to Sri Lanka for the battle with Ravana prayed Goddess Durga here for his victory and easy passage over the sea to the island. Goddess Durga with her powers calmed down the sea and made it easier for the Vanarasena to build a bridge over it. During the ritual Lord Rama also installed nine vertical stones that represent the nine planets and worshipped them so that nothing unforeseen happens during his voyage. These stones are said to be powerful and are still visible in the calm sea. It was believed that Ramar on the way to Ayodhya worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple with ‘el” a variety of millet. The Temple remains open from 07.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM. The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Devipattinam Bus Stand, 700 meters from Devipattinam Navabashanam Temple, 15 Kms from Ramanathapuram, 15 Kms from Ramanathapuram Railway Station, 67 Kms from Rameswaram, 25 Kms from Thirupullani and 134 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Buses from Ramanathapuram Bus stand to Devakottai Passes through this place. Official Address
Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thavasi Medai, Dindigul Odukkam Thavasi Medai: As Maharshi Bharadhwaja performed penance sitting on a platform with concentration on the Lord controlling all his senses, the place is known as Odukkam Thavasi Medai. Odukkam-controlling the senses; Thavasi-one performing penance and Medai-platform. Reason behind the partition in plantain leaves: On his way to Ayodhya from Lanka with Mother Sita and Lakshmana, Sri Rama relaxed in the hermitage of Sage Bharadhwaja here. While taking food there, Sri Rama drew a line across the leaf to share it with Sri Anjaneya to acknowledge all the services he rendered during his difficult days in search of Mother Sita and in the battle against Ravana. Both dined on the same leaf sitting opposite to each other. It is said that since the event, plantain leaves began to grow with this partition line. Magam Star Temple: Also, the sage is one of the five sages who installed Mother Meenakshi in Madurai. His reputation is beyond the power of words. Despite high power gained through intense penance, the sage was all humble in nature. The two Peetas at the entrance of the temple are said to be Bharadhwaja himself sitting there to have the touch of the feet of devotees on his head. Born in the Magam Star, special pujas are performed in his favour on this day. It is believed that many noble souls and sages partake in the pujas invisibly. It is advised that those born in Magam star should take Sage Bharadhwaja as their Guru and worship Lord Shiva with abishekams and archanas on Magam star days, Panchami, Sashti, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Pradosham and monthly Shivarathri days to sustain a happy and prosperous life. The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Viralipatti, 14 Kms from Dindigul, 12 Kms from Dindigul Railway Station, 25 Kms from Natham, 62 Kms from Madurai, and 73 Kms from Madurai Airport. The Temple is situated on Dindigul to Natham Route off the branch road in Viralipatti. The devotee has to take a minibus to reach the temple from this branch way. Auto facility is also available. The Temple remains open from 7.00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1.00 pm to 6.00 p.m. Magam Star days, Panchami, Sashti, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Pradosham and monthly Shivarathri are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare. Naturally, Magam people worship here for relief from adverse planetary problems. Special pujas are performed for Lord and Mother on Masi Magam festival day. For remedy from illnesses, devotees light ghee lamps. Those facing Vasthu problems in their houses, also worship here. Devotees perform abishekam and offer Vastras to Lord and Mother. Mahalingeswarar Temple, Odukkam Thavasi Medai, Viralipatti, Via Natham-624 304, Dindigul District. Mobile: +91 93624 05382 / 95782 11659
Chitra Radha Vallabha Perumal Temple, Kuruvithurai, Madurai The Temple is facing east with 5 tiered Rajagopuram with two prakarams. The temple which has a strong granite structure has several inscriptions on the Northern and Southern walls of the prakaram dating back to 1000 years. The temple in its current form and structure is believed to have been built in the early 12th century AD during the rule of Jadavarma Vallabha Pandya. Presiding Deity is called as Chitra Radha Vallaba Perumal. He is almost a 10 ft high sandalwood idol seen in a majestic standing posture along with Sridevi and Bhoo Devi. Mother is called as Shenbagavalli Thaayar and she is housed in a sperate shrine. Though the primary deity of the temple is actually Lord Vishnu, the temple is famous as Lord Guru’s shrine. Jupiter (Guru) shrine is situated in front of the Eastern Rajagopuram where he is seen facing west – in the direction of the main deity – Chitra Ratha Vallabha Perumal. Lord Guru is called as Yoga Guru. In fact, Lord Guru in meditating posture and Chakkarathzhwar are seen together in a single shrine and they are said to have emerged Swayambu (on their own) at this place. The idols of 12 Alwars (sage poets who eulogized Perumal) are in a single form. Theertham associated with this Temple is Vaigai River. Vaigai River runs besides the temple adds to the beauty of the temple. In a war between the Devas and the demons, a huge number of demons were killed. Their Acharya, Shukra, also a powerful planet, restored all the demons to life again through the power of Sanjeevini Mantra application which he alone knew. Devas, with a view to learn that Mantra, sent Kasa, son of Jupiter to Shukra to learn the Mantra and return to them. He went to Asuraloka, the land of demons with the blessings of Father Guru. Devayani, daughter of Shukra, enticed by the handsomeness of Kasa fell in love with him, but it was a one-sided love. Kasa was keen only on his mission. The demons knowing the young man’s plans, killed him, reduced him to ashes, dissolved it in water and made Shukra consume it. As Devayani was unable to meet Kasa, she begged her father Shukra to find him. Shukra with his wisdom eye came to know the facts and understood he was in his belly. To please the daughter and to restore Kasa back to life, he taught the Sanjeevini Mantra to him even while he was in his belly. Kasa came out alive tearing his guru’s stomach. As Kasa could not bear to see Shukra dead before him, he applied the same Sanjeevini Mantra and gave a new lease of life to the teacher. Shukra asked Kasa to marry his daughter Devayani. Kasa politely explained to Shukra that as he was born from his stomach, Devayani was his sister and therefore the match would be against law. He left to his place with Shukra’s permission to his place. But Devayani created seven mountains preventing Kasa’s departure. Worried at the inordinate delay, Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter) undertook penance here invoking the blessings of Lord Narayana to save his son from the Asuras. Hence, this place came to be called as Guru Iruntha Thurai (later Kuruvi Thurai). Pleased with the prayers, Lord Narayana used his discus (Chakrath Azhwar) to save Kasa from the asuras. He came here on a special chariot and provided darshan to Guru on the Chitra star day in the Tamil month of Chitrai and hence the Lord here is referred to as ‘Chitra Ratha’ Vallabha Perumal. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Kuruvithurai, 20 Kms from Vadipatti, 10 Kms from Sholavandan, 11 Kms from Sholavandan Railway Station, 26 Kms from Batlagundu, 34 Kms from Madurai, 34 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 34 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 45 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Take Bus No. 68 from Periyar Bus Stand in Madurai to reach Kuruvi Thurai in an hour. Several buses are available between Madurai and Sholavandan. Chennai to Tirunelveli Nellai Express stops at Sholavandan (4.45 a.m.) From Sholavandan Railway station, one can reach Kuruvi Thurai within 30 minutes. Garuda Sevai on Vaikunta Ekadasi: On the Vaikunta Ekadasi day, the Lord goes on a day long procession on the Garuda Vahana through the entire village of Kuruvi Thurai. Later that night, the Lord makes his way on a procession on the Horse Vahana. These are the only two Vahana processions in the year. In olden days, there seems to have been Vahana processions and Brahmotsavam at the temple going by the dilapidated old Elephant and Horse Vahanas. However, currently the Brahmotsavam is not celebrated here. Chitrai Festival in Thenoor: In centuries gone by, the Lord used to leave Kuruvi Thurai on a Chariot on a long procession to Thenoor for the Chitrai Utsavam there. He would leave Kuruvi Thurai 10 days ahead of the full moon day in Chitrai so as to reach Thenoor on the day Kallazhagar arrives there from Tiru Maliruncholai. Vasanthotsavam: There seems to be a Vasantha Mandapam on the North-West corner of the temple, an indication that a Vasanthotsavam too may have taken place once upon a time but this too has now become a thing of the past. Guru Peyarchi: Since it is Guru Parihara Sthalam, Guru Peyarchi day is the biggest day of the year at this temple with lakhs of devotees visiting the temple on that day. Chitra Radha Perumal Temple, Kuruvithurai – 625 207, Vadipatti Taluk, Via Cholavandhan, Madurai District Mobile: +91 94439 61948 / 97902 95795 Mobile: +91 91592 36762 / 97903 55234
Villayuthamudaya Ayyanar Temple, Kochadai, Madurai Villayuthamudaya Ayyanar / Sri Muthaiya Swamy TempleKochadai, Madurai District The temple remains open from 11.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Mahasivarathri is celebrated for three days in the month of Masi, February-March. The other festival in Purattasi (September-October) is celebrated only by the villagers of Kochadai on getting the permission from a lizard sound from a palm tree in the month. If the approval is not obtained, the festival would be postponed to the next year. The tradition is followed even now. The Soolattu Puja festival for Rakkayi Amman and the Pavadai puja festival for Muthiahswami by the family trustees are very famous for all their pomp and splendour. This is a Murayeedu (submission) temple. For removal of Naga Dosha, devotees pour milk to Nagamma under the tamarind tree. Those seeking wedding boon tie Mangal Sutras and those seeking child boon tie cradles with Saris in the tree. Devotees pour milk to Nagamma on realizing their wishes. Lord Shiva’s play at Kochadai: The epic speaking the 64 blessingful events of Lord Shiva has a mention about Kochadai. With a view to take an old lady Vandhi by name, Lord Shiva caused heavy floods in River Vaigai. While one in each family was demanded to repair the breaches caused by the flood, as Vandhi had no one to offer for the job, Lord Shiva himself came to her rescue offering himself for the job, taking the pudding Vandhi was selling for his wage. King Pandya, dissatisfied with his work caned him in anger – Kovichu Adi – in Tamil. The place also came to be known as Kovichu Adi which in course of time changed to Kochadai. There is a Chokkanatha temple near this place. It is said that this is the original place from where Mother Meenakshi graced devotees. Muthiah Koil: Muthiahswami came to Aiyanar in the earlier days looking for asylum. Later he became famous. As he became popular this place came to be known as Muthiah Koil. Sage Patanjali performed penance here: It is believed that Sage Patanjali performed penance here under the Tamarind Tree. The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Mudakkusalai Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Madurai, 5 Kms from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 4 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 4 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction and 15 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Villayuthamudaya Ayyanar / Sri Muthaiya Swamy Temple Kochadai, Madurai District Phone: +91 452 6524201
Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Madurai The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Sri Rama Navami; Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Ratha Sapthami in January and Purattasi Saturdays in September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple. The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated in the temple on the Krishna Jayanti day. It is followed by a procession of Child Krishna in a golden cradle and also Uriyadi festival – breaking the butter pot. People pray for child boon offering sweetened flakes and porridge (Payasam in Tamil) to Lord Krishna. Students seek blessings of Lord to excel in studies. Besides offering Tirumanjanam to Lord Perumal, devotees offer to Lord Lakshmi Hayagriva on Thursdays Nivedhanas of sugar candy, dates, with Tulsi and cardamom garlands. Association of Thirumalai Naicker with this Temple: Thirumalai Naicker who ruled Madurai in 18th century, was a great devotee of Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal. It is said that by God’s holy direction, he had a glimpse of the Krishna Jyoti (divine light) from this temple during one of his evening walks and hence after he had generously contributed for building various structures of this holy temple. Suyambhu Krishna Idol: In days of yore, a Vishnu devotee made a small idol of Lord Krishna and was worshipping him as a child. He had a desire to have a big Krishna idol and have his darshan. Lord appeared in his dream and said that he was in the form of his wish near Vaigai River. The devotee found the idol and installed it here. In course of time, this idol became the presiding deity of the temple. The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 700 meters from Complex Bus Stand, 750 meters from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 700 meters from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 1.5 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction and 10 Kms from Madurai International Airport. The temple is situated in the South Krishna Temple street branching from South Masi Street. It is very close to the Madurai Central bus stand and can be easily reached by walk. People know the temple as Krishnar Temple. Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple (Navaneethakrishna Temple), South Masi Street, Madurai – 625 001 Phone: +91 452 233 2138 Mobile: +91 99421 19165
Veda Narayana Perumal Temple, Kodikulam, Madurai Veda Narayana Perumal: Legend goes that once two demons by name Madhu and Kaidaba stole the Vedas or Holy Scriptures from Brahma thus the entire process of creation came to stand still. Maha Vishnu destroyed the demons and rescued the Vedas but did not give them to Brahma. Transforming himself as a Brahmin with a single head Brahma performed intensive penance to God Vishnu who appeared as Hayagriva Murthy and gave the Vedas back to him. Thus, the God is called as Veda Narayana Perumal here. Pandavas stay at this place: Pandavas, during their exile, are said to have come here and had the big rocks at this place as their sleep beds. The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Kodikulam Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kodikulam Vilakku Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Yanaimalai Yoga Narasimha Perumal Swamy Temple, 5 Kms from Othakadai, 8 Kms from Thirumohur, 8 Kms from Thirumohoor Kala Megha Perumal Temple, 13 Kms from Madurai, 15 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 15 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 14 Kms from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and 25 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Mini bus facility is available from Kodikulam Vilakku. There are number of mini buses available from Othakadai to Kodikulam. The temple remains open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. only. For darshan during other hours, the devotee has to get in touch with the telephone numbers indicated in Contact Details. Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January and Aipasi Thiruvonam star day being the birth day of Pillai Lokachacharya in October-November are celebrated in a grand scale. On other monthly Tiruvonam star days also special pujas are performed in the shrine. During hunting festival Kalamega Perumal used to visit this place and took part in the celebration. Devotees strongly believe that if they take this water and mix it while bathing, skin problems are completely solved. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam and donate vastras to Perumal. Vedanarayana Perumal Temple, Kodikulam, Madurai – 625 104 Phone: +91 452 2423 444 Mobile: +91 98420 24866 / 94426 22181
Devaparai Bala Dhandayuthapani Temple, Yanaimalai, Madurai Official Address
Jain Cave Temple Complex, Yanaimalai, Madurai The Thiruvilayadal Purana, written by Perumbatta Puliyur Nambi and later amended by Paranjothi Munivar, says that the Chola king, who could not win the battle against the Pandya ruler, sought the help of Jains. They created a giant elephant using their mystic powers and directed it to kill the Pandya king and destroy his capital. But the Pandya prayed to Lord Siva to save him and his capital. The Lord sent to him the “Narasinga Asthram” (the eight-lettered word Namo Narayana), which turned the elephant into a hill. To commemorate this event, a stone elephant was installed in Madurai near the Vaigai facing the north, which is found near the Yanaikkal bridge even today. Yanaimalai is considered a sacred place by the Tamil Jain. Jain monks lived here during the Pandyan Dynasty. Yanaimalai has been historically important with its historical monuments and other sources of cultural ethos since the Sangam age, which is about one thousand and eight hundred years old. This hill is fondly called by the people as Yanaimalai (elephant hill), from very early period, as it looks like an elephant. The hill is the historical source as it has early caves with epigraphical records and sculptures and inscriptions of the Early Pandya, Later Pandya, Chola and Vijayanagar – Nayak rulers. The top of the hill has Tamil Brahmi inscriptions of the 1st century A.D. This historic hill was sung by one of the three great Saiva Nayanmars, Tirugnanasambandar, as the dwelling place of the Jains. Paranjothimuni, in his Thiruvilayadal purana, mentions that this hill was originally an elephant incited by the Jains to destroy Madurai. When Lord Siva threw an arrow at it, it became a stone elephant and thus is called Yanaimalai. The Jains believe that the Saints who authored one of the Sangam classics, Naladiyar, lived in this hill. The Jains reverentially consider Yanaimalai as one of the eight Jain centers located around Madurai. Though the Jains, Vaishnavites and Saivites were competing each other to promote their respective religions in this region, in due course, they seem to have maintained toleration to each other. This is evident from the records available at Yanaimalai. It has the credit of accommodating the historical monuments from Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Jainism. The Jain Cave Temple Complex is located at about 2 Kms from Othakadai Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Thirumohur, 6 Kms from Thirumohoor Kala Megha Perumal Temple, 10 Kms from Madurai, 12 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 12 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 11 Kms from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and 22 Kms from Madurai International Airport. The Jain Cave Temple Complex is situated on Madurai to Melur Road. At the Othakadai Junction take a left and reach the temple. The Hill is visible from all around. Take a mini bus from Mattuthavani (Madurai Central Bus Stand) bus terminus to Othakadai. Take an auto-rickshaw from Mattuthavani Bus terminus or Madurai Central Railway Station to Othakadai. Mini buses are available for every 10 minutes from Othakadai. Official Address
Ladan Cave Temple, Yanaimalai, Madurai In 2010, the government of Tamil Nadu tried to set up a sculpture garden on the hill, but backed out after locals and activists protested against the idea. The Ladan temple has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. A small lane adjacent to the famous Lord Yoga Narasimhar Temple leads visitors to a rocky terrain and then to the Ladan Cave Temple, which is built in the style of early Pandya period. The Thiruvilayadal Purana, written by Perumbatta Puliyur Nambi and later amended by Paranjothi Munivar, says that the Chola king, who could not win the battle against the Pandya ruler, sought the help of Jains. They created a giant elephant using their mystic powers and directed it to kill the Pandya king and destroy his capital. But the Pandya prayed to Lord Siva to save him and his capital. The Lord sent to him the “Narasinga Asthram” (the eight-lettered word Namo Narayana), which turned the elephant into a hill. To commemorate this event, a stone elephant was installed in Madurai near the Vaigai facing the north, which is found near the Yanaikkal bridge even today. The adjacent Narasimhar Temple was built by Parantaka Nedunchadaya Varaguna Pandya in 770 A.D. Probably, the Pandya kings built the Vishnu and Muruga Temple at the foot of the elephant hill as a countercheck to the then flourishing Jainism. The Temple was named after the presence of Lada Sanyasi, whose sculpture is inscribed at the base of the stairs. It is believed that Sanyasi was from Bengal, which is referred as Lada Desam. This rock-cut temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga and his consort Goddess Devasena exclusively, belongs to eighth century A.D. Huge tusk-shaped staircase from either side leads to the front mandapam where the peacock and a cock stand on two pilasters (half pillars) on the left and right side. The front mandapam also has sculptures of saints and kings who are all attentive to the orders of their Lord. The roof is held by the dwarf structured goblin freeze (boothakanagal). The rectangular sanctum sanctorum has Lord Muruga and his consort Goddess Devasena, on his left. Here, Lord Muruga has a band of flowers (kannimaalai) on his head and crossed chain (channaveeram) on his chest. Similarly, Goddess Devasena is decked beautifully in well-designed dress materials and locks of hair are intrinsically carved to give the feel of a wonderful modern hairdo. This extra care in dressing and the bunch of flowers may lead all to believe that this was the venue of the reception. Apart from these structures, the presence of peacock and cock doubly ascertain that the sculpture is that of Lord Muruga. The pillars and walls of the cave temple are decorated with fully blossomed lotus flower either in square or octagonal-shaped designs besides the wavy corbels (tharangapodigai) on the pillars. On the eastern wall there is a ‘Vatteluthu’ inscription that bears a sentence indicating the renovation work that was taken up in the ninth century A.D. The sentence is “pullari vattakuruchi Nambiran patta somayaji parivirajakar pudukku.” ‘Pullari vattakuruchi’ would probably refer to the place while ‘somayaji’ refers to a Brahmin and ‘parivirajakar’ the name of the person and the word ‘pudukku’ refers to renovation work. Ladan Cave Temple is situated to the south of the Narasinga Perumal temple. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Othakadai Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Thirumohur, 6 Kms from Thirumohoor Kala Megha Perumal Temple, 10 Kms from Madurai, 12 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 12 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 11 Kms from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and 22 Kms from Madurai International Airport. The Temple is situated on Madurai to Melur Road. At the Othakadai Junction take a left and reach the temple. The Hill is visible from all around. Take a mini bus from Mattuthavani (Madurai Central Bus Stand) bus terminus to Othakadai. Take an auto-rickshaw from Mattuthavani Bus terminus or Madurai Central Railway Station to Othakadai. Mini buses are available for every 10 minutes from Othakadai. Official Address
Chakravageswarar Temple, Chakkarapalli, Thanjavur The sanctum sanctorum is built of stone. There are not too many sculptures in the tower. Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are the Koshta Idols located on the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Devanayaki and is facing south. Shrine of the Goddess can be found on the right side after the entering the temple. The Maha Mandapa has the shrines of Sun, Moon, Bhairavar, a Bana Linga and Nalvar the four Saivite saints – Tirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. There are shrines for Ganapathy, Valli Devasena samedha Subramaniyar and Sandikeswarar in the outer prakaram. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa Tree. Theerthams associated with this Temple are River Cauvery and Kaka Theertham. There are inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga III that bear testimony to the democratic norms of the times. The epigraphy in the temple mentions the place as Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam of fertile Chola Kingdom Valanadu. Another one contains the rules and regulations of the Sabha – Panchayat. Only those above the age of 40 can contest election for the Sabha and he should not have contested for 10 years earlier. Official Address
The temple should have existed as a brick structure from 7th Century. The stone templeshould have been built during the reign of Parantaka Chola I, which is evident from the inscriptions found in the temple. There are also inscriptions from the period of Sundara Chola, Aditya Karikalan and Rajaraja Chola. Earliest References: Earliest references to this temple are found in “Panniru Thirumurai” (Twelve holy scriptures), a famous collection of Saivite devotional hymns in Tamil, compiled during the middle ages. The first three books of Thirumurai collection contain hymns on various temples of Lord Shiva sung by Saint Thirugnana Sambandar, a child prodigy who lived during early part of Seventh century AD. One of the temples sung by Sambandar in Chola Mandalam area (present day Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur districts of Tamilnadu) is the Thiruvalanthurai Mahadeva temple at Pullamangai. On epigraphical grounds, this temple can be identified with the one at present day Pullamangai. From these references, we see that the temple was already in existence and in worship during early 7th century AD. Saint Sambandar’s hymns (Thirumurai 1.16. 1 – 1.16.11) throw interesting light on the state of affairs at Pullamangai, during this early period. Mentioning the name of the place only as Pulamangai and not Pullamangai in all the eleven hymns, Sambandar hails the natural springs that were abound in this area (1.16.1,2,6,7,11). He also makes a curious remark about the many owls that were singing from their tree homes (1.16.5). Hymns 1.16.2,4 and 11 seem to suggest that an early course of river Cauvery was running near the temple, during Sambandar’s times. This is not the case as of now. An epigraph from Chakkarapalli – a nearby place – suggests that the river might have changed its course during the latter half of 10th Century AD. It is very likely that the structure that stood during Sambandar’s period was made out of brick and timber, constituting the Sanctum Sanctorum and probably an Artha and Mukha Mandapas. It should have been worshipped by the local devotees and those from nearby areas. Beyond Sambandar, we do not find any mention about the temple, either from Saint Thirunavukkarasar – his contemporary or from Saint Sundarar, who comes a little later. Thus, it is safe to assume that the temple did not rise to major prominence during 7th / 8th Century AD. At least one more temple by name Thiruvalanthurai existed in South India during Sambandar’s times. This was located in a place called Pazhavoor identifiable with the present day Keezha Pazhavoor in the Ariyalur District of Tamilnadu. This temple has also been glorified by the Saint in 11 stanzas. Chola Period: The temple was constructed under the joint reign of Aditya-I and Parantaka-I, a time of intense temple building across Tamil Nadu. Aditya converted several ancient Shiva temples into more permanent granite structures on both banks of Cauvery River, while Parantaka provided a golden roof for the ancient Shiva temple at Chidambaram. But of all their works, the Temple at Pullamangai is undoubtedly the finest example of what is now known as the Parantaka School of architecture. Going by the inscriptions and other archeological evidences, it is surmised that this temple might have been built during the early years of Chola king Parantaka Choladeva-I (907-953 AD). During Parantaka’s reign, the kingdom was at war many a times, but still the pious act of converting early Saivite brick temples to granite structures continued without many setbacks. This temple came under the royal attention of Parantaka during his reign who subsequently reconstructed it in stone. The garbhagriha (sanctum) and the Arthamandapam (secluded hall) of the temple belong to the earlier structure, while there have been newer structures added to it lately. All the parivara (consort) shrines of the earlier period have not survived and few newer shrines have come up. The sculptures of this temple are highly acclaimed for its beauty. Apart from the lovely Devakoshtam (divine) images of Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar,Brahma and Durga, the vimana(shrine) too houses exquisite images of Vishnu, Narasimha, Tripuranthaka. The temple has series of miniature panels depicting scenes from Ramayana. The sculpting in this temple is of high class and speaks volume of Chola artistry. Nayak & Maratha Period: This Temple was later renovated by Vijayanagara ruler Veera Sumbanna Udayar with sanctions of land for temple maintenance. He also built the Rajagopuram for this Temple. The then Thanjavur Maratha king Prataba Simhan, who was paying tax to the Arcot Nawab delayed the payment once. Exasperated, the Nawab, invaded Thanjavur twice. The second army of the Nawab Anwaruddin camped near the Pasupathi Koil village and began attacking the temple with a tanker. In retaliation, king’s commander Manojiappa gave a fitting fight and defeated the Nawab and captured him. Thus, the place and the temple were subjected to successive calamities and was renovated by the King Prathapasimha. One can find a mix of Cholas, Nayakar and Maratha cultures in the temple now. Present Status: After the days of kings were over, there was none to take care of the temple and its maintenance leading to its poor condition. Many beautiful sculptures had been robbed and there is no trace of them. The first corridor (prakara) was almost floored off. The Goddess and her shrine were almost destroyed. Bats were flying. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram, the 7th century Tamil literature and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This is the 133rd Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 16th Sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Tirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Praised by Saint Gnanasambandhar in Thevaram Blue necked, adored by Kondrai flowers in hair, Ganga occupying his head, my Lord in Alandurai surrounded by fragrant gardens, let us worship his Lotus feet ever. Saptha Mangai Sthalams: This is one of the seven temples (Saptha Mangai Sthalams) and also praised in the hymns of saint Tirugnanasambandar who lived in the seventh century. Thiruchakkarapalli is the first in this series. These seven temples were worshipped by the Sapthamadhas – Ariamangai, Chakkara Mangai, Shoola Mangai, Nandhi Mangai, Pasu Mangai (Pasupathi temple), Thazha Mangai and Pulla Mangai and also the Saptha Rishis (seven sages). Alanthurai Nathar: Shiva is said to have consumed the poison that emanated from the churning of the milky ocean here – hence he is called as Alanthurai Nathar. Pullamangai: It is also believed that Parvathi Devi is said to have taken the form of a Chakravaha bird and worshipped Shiva here, hence the name Pullamangai. Some sources say that the name Pullamangai is sourced from the Kites that live in the Temple Tower. Naga Shakti Shrine: This temple is so special that the eight Ashta Naga Devas offered 300 million Nagalinga flowers in worship here on a Shivaratri night. So, it is at this Naga Shakti shrine that the Mother Goddess got the darshan of Shiva with the divine snakes sporting on his neck. Kamadenu worshipped Lord Shiva here: This temple was worshipped by the Divine Cow Kamadenu. This is depicted in a sculpture. Maada Kovil: A Chola king, Kochengat Cholan was a spider in his previous birth, spun webs on the Shivalinga and worshipped Lord Shiva. The spider spun the webs to prevent birds spitting on the Linga and falling of stale leaves in the Lord. Knowing not the Bhakthi of the spider, an elephant, also a Shiva devotee performed abishek to the Lord with water from Cauvery, thus removing the spider web. The spider entered into the ears of the elephant. Unable to bear this torture, the elephant struck the ground strongly with its tusk and died killing the spider too. Both reached the Feet of Lord Shiva simultaneously. The spider begged the Lord to grant him a royal birth and was born as Kochengat Cholan and built temple which elephants could not climb. These temples are called Mada temples. Based on this story and the services of Kochengat Cholan, these events are sculpted in the templetower in small size. Scientifically too, these Mada Temples are considered a means to protect people of Cauvery delta villages from heavy floods. Alanthurai: As the site is located on the banks of Kudamurutti river with the banyan tree as the Sthala Vruksha, it was called as ‘Alanthurai‘ in the olden days. ‘Aalam’ means banyan and ‘Thurai’ means ‘river banks’. Brahmapureeswarar: Brahma got rid of his curse in this temple; hence, Lord Shiva is also called asBrahmapureeswarar here. Official Address
Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Thazhamangai, Thanjavur The place was called as Pavathaayamangalam during Pallava Period and was called as Nitha Vinotha Valanattu Kizhar Kutrathu Pavathayamangalam during Chola Period. During Sundara Chozhan’s regime, there were great floods in Kaveri due to which all the villages including Thazhamangalam were completely washed away. The only structure remaining untouched was this temple. There is a small entrance arch. The Temple is very small with just single prakaram. Nandhi and Balipeedam are found facing the sanctum. There is no Dwaja Sthambam in this Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Chandramouleeswarar and Mother is called as Sri Raja Rajeswari. There are not that many temples where the Mother Goddess manifests herself in her Rajarajeswari form. So, this temple is quite special. The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m. Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am. Those who are burdened with lack of peace in the family should resolve to do regular worship at this temple on Tuesdays, Fridays and on the night of the darshan of the third phase of the crescent moon. This steadfast worship will help bestow peace and tranquility in one’s family. Chandramouleeswarar: When Chandran was afflicted with Daksha’s curse for being partial to Rohini, He came along with his wife to this Thazha Vanam and performed penance, though the area was infested with lot of snakes (even today, in the villages in TN, people do not use Thazhampoo much as it is believed to attract snakes). She got relief for her husband by this worship. Lord took the third phase of the Moon and kept it on his Head. Hence, he is called Chandramouleeswarar / Indusekharan / Chandrasekharan. Thazha Mangalam: Once, this area was full of Thazha trees (Screw pine flower) and hence came to be called Thazha Mangalam. Moondram Pirai Darshnam: It is believed that on the sixth day of Navarathri (Sashti), Parasakthi visits this temple in the company of another Sapthamadha, Mahendri (this form of Mother is out of Indra and also known as Indrani). The darshan for the Mothers in this Temple is called Moondram Pirai Darshnam. Thazha Mangai: Sapthamadha, Mahendri bowed and prayed Lord Shiva here (bowing in Tamil is called Tazh Panidhal). Hence, this place came to be called Thazha Mangai. Mother appeared as an elderly mother to Nadha Sharma couple: In this temple, Mother appeared as an elderly mother to the Nadha Sharma couple during their visit here. Mukthi Sthalam: One of the sayings of the Siddhas is “Chithirai Sadayam Muthi Thara Thazhayam” (Worshipping the Lord on the Sadayam star of Chithirai month ensures Mukthi). Hence having darshan of the Lord on that day which falls in April-May and applying sandal paste to the Lord, is considered very auspicious. This is believed to give contentment and happiness for three generations. Sandal Alankaram: When Rajarajan was constructing the Thanjavur Big Temple, there was a problem in installing the Great Nandi. He consulted Karuvurar, one of the 18 Siddhars. He came to this temple along with the King’s family, prepared Sandal paste and arranged for Sandana Kaappu (Sandal decoration of the Lord). The pleased Lord ensured that there was no further hurdle in installing the Nandi in Thanjavur. The grateful King started visiting this temple on every Sadayam (his birth star) and repeated the Sandal Alankaram. The fact that his monumental work is viewed with awe even today, is enough proof for the effectiveness of prayer in this temple. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: Chandran, Chaya Devi, Agasthiyar and Rajaraja Chozhan worshipped in this temple. Parihara Sthalam for eye related problems: This is also Parihara Sthalam for eye related problems. The affected person should come to this temple, grind the sandal paste and arrange to decorate the Lord. He / She should also arrange for decorating the Ambal with Thazhampoo. This is to be done on Sundays (if right eye is affected) and Mondays (for left eye) after observing Mouna Vratham (total silence). Locals believe that this ensures complete cure from the eye problems. The temple is located at about 1 Km from Pasupathikoil Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Railway Station, 4.5 Kms from Ayyampet Railway Station, 12 Kms from Papanasam, 13 Kms from Thanjavur, 13 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 14 Kms from Thingalur, 12 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 26 Kms from Kumbakonam and 68 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road. Official Address
Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Kallar Pasupathi Koil, Thanjavur The temple is also one of the 70 Maadakovil built by 2nd century Chola King, Kochengat Chola. Mada Kovil Temples are built with elevated structure where elephants cannot reach the sanctum, in the Chola empire. This temple is one of the 7 shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Madhas / Mangais) around Ayyampettai / Pasupathi Koil area in the Thanjavur – Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route. This Temple is associated with Mother Varahi. Pasupathi: When Lord Shiva plays his Udukkai drum, He grants Beeja Veda Shakti blessings through the Beejakshara sound waves that he generates through the drum. Siva’s hand drum (Udukku or damaru) has two faces, one the Pasu side and the other the Pathi side. Pasu refers to the jivatma, the bound, individual soul. Pati refers to God as the lord of the bound souls who redeems them from their bonds (pasam). This Pasupathi Temple in Pasumangai is one of those sacred spots where the bound (Pasu) souls can reach the (Pati) Divine. Pray to Lord Pasupathi here for that divine Bija Veda Gnana wisdom that can unite you (the Pasu) with Him (the Pathi). Kamadenu worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Divine cow Kamadenu worshipped Lord Shiva here. This is one of the Mada Temples built by Chola king Kochenganan, who has built 70 other temples of this nature. The Temple was destroyed due to Cauvery floods and invasion by Malik Kafur and Arcot Nawabs. There are fragment of inscriptions in Chola style, Chola Style Architecture and the presence of Jyeshta Devi Idol proves that this temple belonged to Chola Period. The Temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram with single prakaram. Life History of Sage Markandeya, Story of Kannappa Nayanar, Lord Shiva with eight hands with weapons are depicted beautifully in stucco idols in the Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Pasupatheeswarar. Sanctum housing the presiding deity and Shrine of Uchishta Ganapathy are located on the elevated structure adjacent to each other. Uchishta Ganapathy Idol is sculptural masterpiece. Saneeswara, Bhairavar, Durga, Dakshina Moorthy and Gajalakshmi can be found on the walls of the ground floor. Mother is called as Paal Vala Nayaki / Loga Nayagi. There is an idol of Manthan with his consort Manthi on the south west side of the prakaram. There is also an idol of Bhairavar on the north-west side of the prakaram. There is an idol of Kalapidari located very close to this Temple. The Idol is located at about 1 Km from this Temple. The idol is located on elevated area. This Idol is called as Naduvircheri Sri Kalapidari during medieval Chola period as per the inscriptions in Pullamangai Temple. This form of Mother is called as Uragachudai Mulaichi in Silapathikaram. The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am. The temple is located at about 1 Km from Pasupathikoil Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Pasupathikoil Railway Station, 4.5 Kms from Ayyampet Railway Station, 12 Kms from Papanasam, 15 Kms from Thanjavur, 13 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 14 Kms from Thingalur, 12 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 26 Kms from Kumbakonam and 69 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated at Kallar Pasupathi Koil, at about 1 Km South of from Pasupathi Koil bus stand. Devotees are advised not to be confused with other Pasupatheeswarar temple at Vellala Pasupathi Koil at 1 Km West of Pasupathi Koil bus stand. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road. Official Address
Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam, Thanjavur Keerthivageeswarar: As per Sthala Puranam, Shiva defeated Gajasuran in this place and used the Elephant Skin as his dress. Hence, Lord Shiva of this Temple got the name Keerthivasan or Keerthivageeswaran. The Lord, is a Swayambumurthy, is always covered with a Kavacham perhaps to signify the Elephant skin episode. Astra Deva worshipped Lord Shiva here: Lord Astra Deva, the weapon maker for the deities. He prayed to the Lord here and got lot of benefits. Trisula Darshan: The Sapthamadha Kaumari (This Matha Roopam represents the powers of Subramanya or Kumara. Hence, she holds the spear in her hand) along with Parasakthi, visit this temple on the third day (Tritiya) of Navarathri and worship the Lord. Here they had the Trisula Darshnam of the Lord. The name of this place could be on account of this visit. This is also borne out by the fact that there is an idol of a lady with Soolam above her head near the entrance. Lord Vishnu won the war against demon Kalanemi: Thai Amavasya (Jan-Feb) is observed as a special day in this temple. Vishnu worshipped Shiva on that day and won the war against the demon Kalanemi. Brahma got relief from stomach pain by praying to Lord Shiva here: Brahma got relief from severe stomach pain by praying on that day. Soola Vratham is observed on that day and those who worship the Lord are relieved of enmities, poverty and illness. Mother appeared as adolescent girl to the Nadha Sharma couple: Ambal appeared as an adolescent girl to the Nadha Sharma couple in this temple. The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Soolamangalam Road Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Bus Stop, 1 Km from Pasupathikoil Railway Station, 4 Kms from Ayyampet Railway Station, 12.5 Kms from Papanasam, 17 Kms from Thanjavur, 15 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 14 Kms from Thingalur, 12 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 27 Kms from Kumbakonam and 71 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road. Official Address
Jambukeswarar Temple, Nallicheri, Thanjavur The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM. Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am. Lord Shiva feet Darshan: This temple is associated with Vaishnavi (This form of Matha was out of Vishnu and hence holds Shanku, Chakra and Mace in her hands to show her origin), one of the Saptha Mathas. She is believed to visit this temple with Parasakthi on the fourth day of Navarathri (Chaturthi). Here Sakthi and Vaishnavi had darshan of the Feet of the Lord as well as the attendant closest to Shiva, Shri Nandeeswarar. Lord Shiva kept his lotus feet on Nandhi: Once the Kazhal (the ornament worn on the leg, similar to Kolusu) worn by Shiva, brushed against Nandi. Nandi went into ecstasy by the mere touch of the ornament. Then he started imaging how it would feel if the feet of the Lord touched him. In order get this favour from the Lord, Nandi performed 1008 Pradosha Poojas (Pradosha Pooja is generally performed on the 13th day of the fortnight and it is a special Pooja for Nandi. In this temple, Nandi did 1008 Pradosha Pooja to the Lord). Pleased with his devotion, the Lord kept his lotus feet on Nandi. The Nandi Pooja episode is nicely presented in the form of a Sudhai work. Mother appeared as a young lady to the Nadha Sharma couple: In this temple, Ambal appeared as a young lady to the Nadha Sharma couple. Nandikeswarar penance to obtain Panchakshara Siddhi: Nandikeswara worshipped the deity and did penance here to obtain Panchakshara siddhi, which he could not get at Thiruvaiyaru. Nandi Mangai: This village originally called Nandi Mangai according to Sthalapuranam, is now known as Nallicheri. The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Mathur Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Railway Station, 3 Kms from Pasupathikoil Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Ayyampet Railway Station, 15 Kms from Papanasam, 13 Kms from Thanjavur, 12 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 16 Kms from Thingalur, 14 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 29 Kms from Kumbakonam and 75 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road. The temple is located at Nallicheri on the road which branches left from the Ayyampettai – Thanjavur road past the Pasupathi Temple. It is near both Soolamangalam and Ayyampettai. Official Address
Hari Muktheeswarar Temple, Ariyamangai, Thanjavur Ganga Darshan: In this temple, Mother Parvathi accompanied by Maheswari (Another Mother form which came out of Lord Shiva and She holds Trident and wears Chandran on her head), worshipped Shiva and had the Ganga Darshan. This happens every year on the second day of Navarathri (Dwithiyai). Ariya Mangai: Once Mahalakshmi came to this place, had bath in the Sathya Ganga Theertham (now called Hari Theertham), did severe penance to Shiva and was eating only the Arunellikai fruit. Her goal was to get a boon from Shiva that she should be always by the side of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva gave her the Boon. Since Hari Mangai refers to Mahalakshmi, this place came to be called Hari Mangai which over a period of time, became Ariya Mangai. Hari Muktheeswarar: Since Lord Vishnu also worshipped this Lord, he is called Hari Muktheeswarar. Mother appeared as a young girl to Nadha Sharma Couple: In this temple, the Mother appeared as a young girl of school going age to the Nadha Sharma couple. Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Manakkadu Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Kovilady Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangudi Road Bus Stop, 1 Km from Ayyampet Railway Station, 10 Kms from Papanasam, 18 Kms from Thanjavur, 14 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 13 Kms from Thingalur, 11 Kms from Thirupazhanam, 24 Kms from Kumbakonam and 71 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thanjavur – Kumbakonam Road. Official Address
In 2004, when two Shiva devotes visited Oondreeswarar temple at Poondi village. After their visit there, a village boy appeared and directed them to visit a nearby Shiva lingam at Neyveli village and disappeared. In the village, they found no Shiva lingam / temple and after persistent search, the villagers showed them a mound of thorny shrubs and wild weeds which they said is the only place which they had not explored due to the movement of snakes. On clearing the place, they found a beautiful, shining Shiva lingam with only the top (Rudhra) portion exposed under the clutches of the massive roots of a big Kallala tree (banyan without the hanging roots). The lingam was present very fresh as if daily poojas were taking place. Kallala tree is the one under which Lord Dhakshinamoorthy sits. The two people then heard about Vadapalani Ramamoorthy who is doing the temple related services for more than 3 decades and informed him the details about this Lingam. Then, Sri Ramamoorthy, Sri Muragashram Swamigal and Dr. Sathyamoorthy ex-director of ASI and the current chief patron of REACH foundation visited the place and they had a terrific experience. When they tried to enter the sanctum hutment, a whirlwind dust storm supported by heavy rain started without any warning all of a sudden. They had to go and embrace the nearby trees in order not to be thrown away freely. The Kallala tree started swinging wildly and an army of beetles flew all over the place and chased the people away. All these happened within that very small area of few 100 meters radius. Even the nearby villagers did not believe it when they arrived at the village in shambles fully wet. Later it was told in the Deiva prasannam that Siddhars were in the middle of their worship and since it got disturbed, they got into all these problems. It was then decided that this is not a normal place and had to be handled very carefully. Then, Deiva prasannam was conducted by two eminent experts, one from Chennai and the other, a Namboodri from Kerala. Without one knowing what the other said, surprisingly both gave more than 90% matching information such as: the main deity is Agneeswarar. It is believed that the 18 siddha purushas among whom the two most prominent duo Karur Devar and Nerur Sadhasiva Brahmendra worship this deity in Sukshuma Roopa even today during midnights. There is also pond called Agni Theertham on the north-eastern part of this temple, which is believed to have spurted from the third eye of Lord Shiva. A dip in this pond will eliminate any kind of Sarpa Dosha. The Kallala tree without hanging roots is the adobe of Vana Durga (Mother Kali, Goddess of forests) and 9 rishis are penancing below this tree. It was revealed during prasannam that the Adivasis who lived here have worshipped this Kali as their main deity in ancient days and the divine presence of Kali is still felt even today in this tree. It is believed a Siddhar in the form of Snake, lives in this tree make occasional appearances during Pradhosha Kaala poojas even today. The Poondi area is historically a place where the ancient stone age people lived – remember they lived near the water bodies. The Gudiyam caves near Poondi has pre-history caves where stone age people lived. On the way to Neyveli from Poondi, the vast area on the right side has been fenced and being protected by Archeological Survey of India. There is a permanent museum of the finds of the stone age people discovered from these areas. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Neyveli Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Poondi, 10 Kms from Thiruvallur, 12 Kms from Thiruvallur Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Thiruvallur Railway Station, 53 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. From Thiruvallur, take the road towards Thiruthani / Thirupathi. After 2 Kms, there will be a road (bus route) to Poondi / Uthukottai on the right side which goes along the periphery of the Poondi reservoir (on the left). After 7 Kms on that road, there will be Poondi Junction (Poondi Koot Road). From there, the temple is around 1 Km on the village road towards right. Agneeswarar Temple, Neyveli – 602 023, Thiruvallur District Phone: +91 44 24729660 Mobile: +91 99403 98648 / 94450 04908 / 98407 89096 Mobile: +91 9843685562 / 9710709301 / 94450 04908
Soleeswarar Temple, Perambakkam, Thiruvallur On Mondays and other important days such as Somavara Pradosham, normal Pradosham, Kiruthigai, and Chathurthi, special poojas are performed at the temple. Parihara Pooja on every Mondays is performed here for getting relief from All Nervous problems of the devotees. The method of offering prayer to get cure from nerve problems: Handling Prasadhams offered at temple: Perambakkam: It is heard that Perambakkam got this name from Ramayana period, during Ramayana war, Ravana was hiding in this place. Rama decided to kill Ravana. He made one huge bow (Periya Ambu or Perambu in Tamil). That bow was made in this place only, after which this place got the name Perambakkam=Perambu+aakam (aakam means made). Kodi Maram: It is stated that the flag-mast of this temple was installed on his own expense by a wealthy old man from the village. He suffered from a serious nerve problem and regularly offered his prayers in a systematic way at the temple. When he got cured in order to show his gratitude to Soleeswarar he has fully paid the expenses for installing the flag mast (Kodi Maram). Siddhars & Sages songs about the deity: Sage Vasishta and many Rishis and evolved souls like the Siddhas have sung about the Deity here mentioning the cure for nerve disorders. Not only nerve related disorders but even brain tumors have a cure here, says Sage Vasishta in his song on Lord Choleeswarar. Siddhar Korakkanathar has sung a song which indicates that the Lord cures Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar. Konkana Siddhar in his songs refers to the same, calling blood pressure -the ” silent killer.” One of the songs sung by Sage Agasthya refers to the Kodi Maram or Flag Staff as being worshipped by Lord Dhanwanthari on pradosha days (Thrayodasi thidhi). The Temple remains open from 09.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.30 PM to 7.30 PM. The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Perambakkam Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Manavur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kadambathur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thakkolam, 13 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Arakkonam, 55 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Chennai Airport. Those who travel by train need to get down at Kadambathur station and avail either bus or share auto service to reach the temple. Direct bus services are available from T. Nagar (Bus. No 591) and Koyambedu (Bus.No.591A). Buses are also available from Kanchipuram, Thakkolam, Chennai, Arakkonam and Thiruvallur. Soleeswarar Temple, Eswaran Koil St, Perambakkam, Thiruvallur District – 631 402 Mobile: +91 94431 08707 / 94451 27892 / 94430 67204
Bhavani Amman Temple, Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur Bhavani Amman Temple,Periyapalayam – 601 102Thiruvallur District Presiding Deity is called as Bhavani Amman / Periyapalayathamman. Bhavani Amman is seen with the Sangu Chakram in the upper part of her hands. A sword and Amirtha Kalasam are seen on her lower hands. Kumkumam and Theertham are offered as Prasadham, which is known to cure many ailments in the human body.Shrines of Arputha Sakthi Vinayagar and Sarva Sakthi Mathangi Amman can be found near the entrance of the temple inside temple premises. There are shrines of Subramaniyar, Srinivasa Perumal with Mahalakshmi, Anjaneyar, and Parasurama (one among the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) and Naga Sannidhi in the Temple premises. Bhavani Amman, Sister of Lord Krishna: According to Hindu Mythology, King Kamsa got his beloved sister Devaki married to Vasudeva. Driving the chariot back home along with the newlywed couple, he heard an oracle stating that the eighth baby born to his sister will be the cause of his death. The evil Kamsa grew furious immediately and decided to kill his sister instantly. Vasudeva pleaded Kamsa not to kill his wife and instead promised to handover all his children to him immediately after birth. Despite Vasudev’s promise, Kamsa got the couple arrested and put them in a prison. As time passed, Vasudeva handed over every baby born to Devaki to Kamsa. Kamsa is said to have killed six babies of Devaki, the seventh one being Balarama who was transferred to Rohini’s womb without Kamsa’s knowledge. Rohini was another wife of Sri Vasudeva. Kamsa was anxiously waiting for the birth of Devaki’s eighth baby. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna and was born to Devaki as her eighth child. Lord Vishnu himself ordered Vasudeva to place Krishna by the side of Nandagopan’s wife Yasodha in Brindavan and to bring back her girl child Mayadevi to prison along with him. He is said to have explained the purpose of his birth which was to kill the evil king Kamsa. He also informed them that he would be growing up as Nandagopan and Yashodha’s son in Brindavan while their daughter Mayadevi would be brought back to the prison on the night of the birth, to make Kamsa believe that it was Devaki’s child. On knowing about the birth of Devaki’s eight child, Kamsa came to the prison wanting to kill his messenger of death. When Kamsa tried to kill Mayadevi, considering her to be the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva, Goddess Mayadevi is said to have kicked Kamsa’s chest and flew to the skies. She also warned him that his messenger of death was already born and will reach him on the right time to bring his end. The angry Kamsa sent many demons in search of lord Krishna who was growing up with Yasodha in Brindavan. One among them was the evil Boodagi, who came with pretext to breast feed baby Krishna. The divine Lord eliminated Boodagi and the subsequent demons Sakatasura and Trunavartha who were sent by Kamsa to kill him. Lord Krishna grew up to become a naughty boy in Brindavan who stole butter along with his friends, from the villager’s house. He also ate mud as a little boy and stunned Mother Yasodha when he showed the entire universe on his little mouth. Goddess Bhavani is the same Mayadevi who warned Kamsa and came to Periyapalayam. She is the sister of Lord Krishna. The benevolent goddess is believed to have manifested herself on this earth to relieve human beings of distress and spread happiness and prosperity to the entire world. Local folklore about the Temple: According to local folklore, the place where the temple now stands was once a forest where cows from a nearby village used to graze. At exactly noon, one of the cows would drink water at the river and spray milk on a small rock nearby. The cowherd could not understand why this cow never had any milk for him and resolved to sell the animal. But before that, he decided to observe the cow for an entire day. When he saw the cow give all its milk to the rock, he took an axe and cracked the rock into two. Immediately, the cowherd fell, bleeding from his mouth and nose. Out from the broken rock stepped a woman dressed in yellow and red. She told him that if he would build a shrine for her, his life would be spared. And thus, was born the Bhavani Amman temple. Angapradakshinam: 05.00 AM – 09.00 AM The temple attracts thousands of people during the Tamil months of Adi and Avani especially during the weekends. The first Friday in the auspicious Tamil month of Aadi, is grandly celebrated here. Every year on the 4th week of Aadi, the oonjal Sevai for the Urchava Moorthy is performed. Thousand and eight Sahasra Nama Archanai is performed on every Friday morning during the auspicious month of Aadi. Chithira Pournami, Vinayagar Chathurthi, Vijayadasami, English New Year, Tamil New Year, Hanuman Jayanti, Pongal, Thai Poosam and Pournami Urchavam are the other festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. Bhavani Mata wipes off the sins of devotees who wear Margo leaves round their waist and go around her temple day and night. It is enough if her Abhisheka water is sprinkled on couple. All diseases will be cured by the merciful Bhavani Mata who is another form of Sri Krishna himself. Devotees offer prayers in different forms like head shaving, going with just neem leaves around, lifting the pot with fire, Angapradakshina, coconut rolling etc. People come in tractors, vans and carts with full equipments including gas cylinders for cooking, stay here and do their rituals. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman Temple Bus Stop, 700 meters from Periyapalayam Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 20 Kms from Ponneri, 25 Kms from Redhills, 14 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 40 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated in Chennai – Kolkata Highway. Buses ply to Periyapalayam from Ambattur (563), T Nagar (592, 547), CMBT (514, 514x, 92), Thiruvallur (505A) etc. Also, it is well connected from Redhills and Ponneri. Bhavani Amman Temple, Periyapalayam – 601 102 Thiruvallur District Mobile: +91 94444 87487
Imuktheeswarar Temple, Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur Imuktheeswarar: Since Pancha Bhoota Prithvi, Appu, Theyu, Vayu, Agayam are worshipped the lord here, so lord Siva is called as Imuktheeswarar. Agastheeswarar: Lord Shiva of this Temple was worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and hence he is called as Agastheeswarar. Sage Valmiki worshipped Lord Shiva here: It is believed that Sage Valmiki stayed here and worshipped the Lord Shiva. The Temple is located close to Periyapalayam Bus Terminus. The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman Temple, 17 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 20 Kms from Ponneri, 25 Kms from Redhills, 14 Kms from Thamaraipakkam, 32 Kms from Thiruvallur, 40 Kms from Chennai and 53 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated in Chennai – Kolkata Highway. The temple is situated on the banks of the Arani river. Before turning to cross the bridge, the small entrance can be seen on the left of the road. Buses ply to Periyapalayam from Ambattur (563), T Nagar (592, 547), CMBT (514, 514x, 92), Thiruvallur (505A) etc. Also, it is well connected from Redhills and Ponneri. Official Address
Muthukumaraswamy Temple, Perumbedu, Thiruvallur The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Ponneri, 9 Kms from Ponneri Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 62 Kms from Thiruvallur, 45 Kms from Chennai and 58 Kms from Chennai Airport. From Ponneri while going to Chinnakavanam (Pulicat), immediately after crossing the river bridge, you have to take a right to Perumbedu (if you go straight you will enter Chinna Kavanam village). For the most part till Perumbedu, the road goes along the bank of the river Arani. Official Address
Agastheeswarar Temple, Ponneri, Thiruvallur Agastheeswarar Temple,Ponneri – 601 204Thiruvallur District When Sage Agasthya was sent to the southern region to balance the level of the Earth as Shiva Parvathi wedding took place in the Himalayas and all Devas and Devotees gathered there. During his journey towards in the south Agasthya Visited many holy temples and performed Pooja. At times he consecrated many Shiva Linga in the places where there were no Shiva temples. One among such temple is Ponneri. Sage Agasthya was caught with severe stomach pain. He found a Linga in this place and worshipped the lord. Lord Shiva appeared before him and relieved him from his pain. The sage stayed here worshipping the Lord for many years. Therefore, the Shiva was known as Agastheeswarar. Sage Agasthya is also known as Kumbamuni, as he once collected the whole of river Cauvery into his holy pot (Kamandalam). Since he stayed here in this place for many years this place came to be known as Kumbamuni Mangalam. It is said that Sage Agasthya installed and worshipped about 108 Shiva Lingas in various places here and the 108th Shiva Linga being Ashtothreeswarar (or Nootreteeswarar which means 108th Shiva) at Chinnakkaavanam near this town Ponneri. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Ponneri Market Bus Stop, 750 meters from Ponneri Bus Stand, 1 Km from Ponneri Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Chinna Kavanam Nootreteeswarar Temple, 9 Kms from Thatchur Koot Road, 13 Kms from Minjur, 20 Kms from Pulicat, 21 Kms from Redhills, 55 Kms from Thiruvallur, 37 Kms from Chennai and 50 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is located at a walkable distance from the Ponneri Bus stand. From Chennai, one has to drive past the Padi junction on Chennai – Kolkata highway to reach Thatchur cross roads (Koot road). From Thatchur cross road junction, one has to take right turn and drive about 9 Kms to reach this Temple. Official Address
Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, Puduvayal, Thiruvallur Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple,Puduvayal – 601 206Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu Presiding Deity is called as Vijayaraghava Perumal. Lord Vijayaraghava is housed in the sanctum in seated posture with his Consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi by his sides (Veetrirunda Thirukolam). He is in sitting in Bhoga asana Posture facing East. He is having four hands, holding Shanku and Chakra in two hands. In Other two hands, one is showing Abhayahastha and other one appears as if he is calling us and telling come seek refuge in me. Vimanam is Vijayakoti Vimanam. Periya Thiruvadi (Garuda) and Siriya Thiruvadi (Anjaneyar) are found facing the sanctum and in front of the Dhwaja Sthambam. There is a small space dedicated to Vikhanasa Maharishi, the preceptor of the Vaikhanasa Agama inside the sanctum. Mother is called as Kamalavalli Thayar. There is a separate shrine for Kamalavalli Thayar. She is called Swatantra Lakshmi or Swarajya Lakshmi in her Utsavar form. Goddess Vimanam is Kamalakruti Vimanam. There is a Shrine of Venugopala Swamy behind the sanctum inside the temple premises. He is gracing the devotees along with Rukmini and Satyabhama from the shrine. He is with four hands, Shanku and Chakra in two hands and with other two hands holding his flute. Then, at his feet is a cow is prostrating. It looks as if it is doing Saranagathi at lord’s feet. Childless Couples come here and pray to lord Venugopal and give milk as Naivedya and then they partake it and they are blessed with Children. There is a shrine for Andal in the Temple premises. There is a mandapam called Kalyana Mandapam with full of beautiful sculptures. Theertham associated with this Temple is Kamala Theertham and is situated exactly behind the Lord’s sanctum, again a very rare occurrence. Sthala Vriksham is Krishna Thulasi plant. This is so because of the presence of Lord Venugopala Swamy Shrine. Kanva Maharishi: Sage Kanva (He is the foster father of Shakunthala of Kalidasa’s great epic) build an ashram on the Banks of Aranya River and worshipped Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been commissioned by Kanva Maharishi and, therefore, is called the Sri Kanva Rishi Kshetram. Sri Kanva Maharishi is believed to have performed the Pratishthapana and Tiruvaradhana of Sri Vijayaraghava at Puduvayal. Sri Kanva Maharishi’s samadhi is believed to be somewhere in Puduvayal vicinity, on the banks of River Brahma Aranya. Shakuntala married King Dushyanta here: Shakuntala is said to have met and married King Dushyanta here in the Gandharva tradition. Disputes that dogged Shakuntala’s early marital life and the amnesia that afflicted King Dushyanta were settled and cured here after Shakuntala’s vow to Sri Kamalavalli Thayar was fulfilled. Shakuntala’s son, Bharat, is supposed to have been born here. Presence of Sage Vaikasana in Sanctum: Long ago there was a Gandharva named Sumali. He became a Demon due to curse. In the demon form, he was known as Nivdan. He used to create obstacle in the Yagnas done by sages and he used to trouble the Sages. The worried sage Kanva did penance and appeased Bramha Deva. Then Brahma told him that Sage Kashyapa who was the disciple of sage Vaikanasa was in Naimisaranya, go to him and take his advice and please Lord Vishnu. Then the Lord Veeraraghavan did the Samhara of Sumali. Due to this, Sumali got the Sapa Vimochana and Sage Kanva got the grace of Lord Vishnu. Since Sage Vaikanasa helped Sage Kanva, in token of recognition, He (Vaikanasa) is worshipped in the form of Vigraha Roopam in the Sanctum. Brindaranya Shetram: This Shetram is one among the hundreds of sacred Shetram and this Shetram is known as Brindaranya Shetram now it is known as Pudhu Vayal. Women want to get married pray to Andal of this Temple. Women who seek children and are unable to beget them are known to get children by praying to Venugopala Swamy. Thayar is famous for granting a favorable resolution of not only marital disputes but of all legal disputes. She also confers mental health and peace to all Her devotees. Vijayaraghava Perumal bestows on his devotees victory in all their undertakings. He ensures that His devotees achieve and maintain excellent physical health. Devotees who undertake vows to the Vijayaraghava Perumal temple at the Divya Desam of Thiruputkuzhi, but are unable to fulfill them there can complete their vows at Puduvayal. This temple is located 650 meters from Puduvayal Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Kavaraippettai Railway Station, 8 Kms from Ponneri, 9 Kms from Ponneri Railway Station, 13 Kms from Cholavaram, 43 Kms from Thiruvallur, 35 Kms from Chennai and 48 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated in North of Chennai in Chennai – Calcutta Highway. In olden days this was the route of Kashi – Rameshwaram known as Raj Pattai (Raja Markham) Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple, }Puduvayal – 601 206 Thiruvallur District, Phone: +91 44 26182143
The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Perambakkam Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Manavur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Kadambathur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Thakkolam, 13 Kms from Thiruvalangadu, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 26 Kms from Arakkonam, 55 Kms from Chennai and 54 Kms from Chennai Airport. Those who travel by train need to get down at Kadambathur station and avail either bus or share auto service to reach the temple. Direct bus services are available from T. Nagar (Bus. No 591) and Koyambedu (Bus.No.591A). Buses are also available from Kanchipuram, Thakkolam, Chennai, Arakkonam and Thiruvallur. Official Address
The Tirupporur Murugan Temple is considered as the place of the sacred war. It is one of the 33 major temples of Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is situated 25-km away from Chingleput and 45-km from Chennai. This ancient temple dates back to the Pallava period. The Tirupporur Murugan Temple is called by names like Poriyur or Yuddhapuri or Samarapuri. According to the legends, after defeating Soorapadman at Tiruchendur, Skanda destroyed the rest of the demons at Tirupporur. History of The Temple At the temple there are inscriptions that belong to the early 10th century. There are inscriptions also belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola of the 12th century in the temple. After the glory of Tirupporur reached its peak, it faded into oblivion for some time. But Chidambara Swamigal rediscovered and renovated its glory in the middle of the seventeenth century. It is said that Tirupporur was a descendant of one of the poets of the “Tamil Sangam” of Madurai. Previously this place was a forest covered totally by Palmyra trees. It is believed that the idol of Lord Muruga (also spelt as Murugan) is “Swayambhu Murti”, which lay covered up by an anthill. It is said that the image of ‘Skanda’ was discovered by Chidambara Swamigal in the anthill. He then built the temple again and reinstalled the image. Later the temple was looked after by the decedents of Chidambara Swamigal and reached its present glory. ¤ Worship The presiding deity here is offered four worship services each day. Festivals The temple festival celebrated here is the Skanda Sashti, celebrated in the month of Aippasi (October-November). Other festivals that are celebrated over here include “Margazhi Tiruvadirai” and “Navaratri”. The eastern side of the temple is sanctum sanctorum where there’s a ‘Palmyra’ tree. The anthill under it, has “Kanda Perumal” with “Valli” and “Devayanai” on a small Peetha. Chidambara Swamigal used to perform Abhishekam to these images. There’s an image of the lord present in the anthill which is covered with Kavacha and other jewels without the ritual of Abhishekam (also spelt as Abhisheka) performed for this deity. The temple has a hall having 24-pillars and another circular hall having 30-pillars. There is a shrine to “Vembadi Vinayaka” under a Neem tree. On the southern side of the temple, there are two sacred Teerthams (also spelt as Teerthas or Theertahs), “Saravana Poigai” and “Valliyar Odai”. Mandapam on the eastern side of the Teerthams has four pillars. There is also another Teertham by name “Pranavamritam”. The Tirupporur Murugan Temple has many legends related to it. According to one of the legends, Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of Kanva rishi. Lord Shiva came to this place to liberate and relieve them from the effect of the curse. Therefore at Tirupporur temple both Lord Shiva and his son Muruga are worshiped. According to the Sthalapurana, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to devas and explained the meaning of Pranava to Agastya Muni at this place. Other legend says, Skanda described the principle of pranava or reality to the devas here. The very concept of Pranavam is said to have worshiped Skanda here, and the hill behind the temple is known as “Pranava Malai’. Legends also say that Lord Vishnu worshiped Shiva as “Vanmeekeswara” on the Pranava Hill. He did this to get rid of the sin of having killed Soorapadman. Skanda is enshrined in several forms in this temple, all of them related to legends from the Skanda Puranam. The best of these is the depiction of Skanda as a warrior, “Samhara Subramanya”. Skanda is also enshrined in the form of a child, explaining the meaning of the oneness of creation Om to his father Lord Shiva. How to Reach the Tirupporur Murugan Temple Air Nearest airport is Chennai, which operates both national and international flights. Rail Chennai is the nearest railway station, which is a major junction and is well connected with different parts of Tamilnadu and India. Road Tirupporur is accessible by road from Chennai and Chengalpattu. Private taxis and buses ply from Chennai and Chengalpattu to Tirupporur. Official Address
Virali Malai Location: It is located at 40kms from Pudukottai and 30kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Madurai main road. Siddas, Saints and Other Devotees: This is the place where Arunagirinathar attained Astama siddhi. When Arunagirinathar stayed in Vayalur, Muruga came in his dream and asked him to come to Virali malai saying, “Yemmai pugazhndu paada yamuraiyum Viralimalaikku varuga”. Anrunagirinathar sung 16 Tirupugazh songs on Virali malai Murugan. Also Vasistar and his wife Arundathi got Sapa Vimochana by worshipping Viralimalai Murugan. (There is a story behind this.. Arundathi is one of the Karthigai mathar who took care of Muruga in his childhood. All the other five feeded milk to kulandai murugan but only she didnt give milk. On seeing this Vasistar got angry and punished her(Saapam). On seeing this Muruga got angry and he inturn gave saapam to Vasistar). Also Kachiappa Munivar(Father of Soorapadman) and Naradar also got Saapa Vimochanam from this Murugan. As a proving factor for these facts, ther are carvings for Vasistar, Arundathi and Naradar on pillars. During the Uchi kala Pooja Suruttu(Large size Cigarette) is kept with the padayal for this Murugan. For this, a story is there. A devotee had the habbit of smoking Suruttu. During a rainy season he thought Muruga would felt cold and he kept Suruttu for Muruga. On seeing his bakthi Muruga got happy and from that day Suruttu is kept with padayal during the Uchi Kala Pooja. On the way to the mountain, there is an Arumugan sannidi in a mandapa called Sandana kottam. And there is a Sannidi for Idumban and also for Meenakshi Sundaresar which is carved inside a single rock . There are207 steps to reach the temple. In the prakara, Vinayagar, Dakshina murthy, Agasthiar, Arunagirinathar, Sandigeswarar and Bairavar are there. The Moolavar Viralimalai Murugan is with 6 faces and 12 hands, sitting on Peacock. On the two sides Valli and Deivayanai are there. Festivals and Poojs: Chitra Pournami, Sangabishekam, Vaikasi Visakam, Adi Karthigai, Kanda Sasti, Tai Poosam, Masio Karthigai, Magabishekam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated grantly here. Taip pusam, Pankuni Uttiram, Kanda Sasthi and Adikrittikai are the main festivals as in other Murugan temples. Official Address
Arupadai Veedu – Pazhamuthicholai, madurai Pazhamutircolai is situated 19 kilometres from the temple town of Madurai. The place is full of natural beauty and sylvan surroundings. This hill is also known as Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri. At the foot of the hill is situated Azhakar Kovil, which is one among the 108 divyadesams sanctified by the hymns of Azhwars sung in praise of the Vishnu enshrined in this temple. Atop the hill Lord Muruga stands majestically in the temple as the Lord of the Hills popularly known as Kurinji Nilakkizhavan in Tamil. The temple of Pazhamutircolai can be reached by a motorable road leading to the hill. Pazhamutircholai is mentioned as the sixth of Lord Murugan’s Aaru Patai Vidukal, the six holiest Murugan shrines described by Cankam poet Nakkirar in his poem Tirumurukarruppatai. Regarding the identity of the sixth major site, there is no consensus among scholars and many local temples are ascribed the distinction. Most scholars, priests and devotees identify Pazhamutircholai with the shrine of Palamutircolai, twelve miles north of Madurai in the Alagar Hills, above the Alagarcoil Vishnu temple. While this temple is not as large or bustling as the other five recognized shrines, it is just as incredible to visit. This shrine is located on the northern outskirts of Madurai in a pleasant wooded hill not far from Alagar Visnu Kovil, a fortified temple complex revered as one of the 108 abodes of Vishnu glorified by the hymns of the Alwars. At the top of the hill, is Noopura Ganga, a perennial waterfall with a temple dedicated to Rakkayi Amman. The Nûpura Ganga atop the hill is said to originated from the anklet of Tirumal or Visnu and hence the name of the spring. It is said that sitting in the madavi mandapa near the spring Ilangovadigal wrote one of the five mahakavyas in Tamil, viz., Cilappatikaram. Even today the place is very fertile with many trees and different flora and fauna, a standing testimony to the vivid description of the place’s natural beauty as found in Tirumurugattruppadaiof Nakkeerar. Though the sthala is of ancient origin, the temple as in existence today was constructed only recently. From days of yore Vel has been worshipped as the moolavar or main deity. The idol of Lord Muruga in a standing posture has a single face and four hands with Valli and Teyvayanai on both sides. The Vel made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with a great veneration by devotees. The sthala vriksha is a rose apple tree. The fruits of this tree ripen during Skanda Sashti festival. The temple that was in existence during Sangam period no longer existed in Arunagirinatha’s time. The recently constructed temple is considered as Pazhamutircolai and worshipped by the devotees. It is needless to say that it is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga very extensively praised and described by Nakkeerar in Tirumurugatruppadai. Arunagirinathar also reveres this shrine in his Tiruppukal. Arunagirinatha sang 16 Tiruppugzh psalms to Pazhamutircolai Muruga. Though one might be in possession of all types of wealth, if he wants to lead a healthy life bereft of any disease he should necessarily visit Pazhamutircolai. Arunagirinatha very emphatically says in the most unequivocal terms that Lord Muruga should come before him running to bless each and everyone with health and wealth as has been very clearly described in the Tiruppugazh psalm. Not far from Palamutircholai south of Madurai is another of the Aaru Patai Vedukal, Tirupparankunram. The great Tamil poet and saint Avvaiyar was tested by Muruga here.In an episode of Divine Play with Avvaiyar, one of the most famous devotees of Muruga, the Lord enacted the following drama. One day Avvaiyar became tired while traveling under the hot sun and sought refuge under the shadow of a fruit tree, hungry and thirsty, when a boy who sitting on the tree asked her whether she wanted fruits from the tree. When Avvaiyar told him that she did, the boy asked Avvaiyar whether she wanted roasted fruits or unroasted fruits. Avvaiyar who was a famous Tamil poet and incredibly knowledgeable litterateur scoffed silently at the very thought of the existence of a “roasted fruit” and decided that the boy didn’t have knowledge even about a fruit. However, tired as she was, she decided that she didn’t want to argue with the boy and asked him to pick unroasted fruits for her, which the boy then proceeded to do. Several fruits fell out of the tree and Avvaiyar picked them up,blowing on them to remove the sand. Smiling, the boy asked Avvaiyar if she was blowing on his “roasted fruits” to cool them down. Avvaiyar was astonished as to how a small village cowboy could have played such an intelligent drama. Blowing on the fruit to remove the sand was indeed poetically comparable to an attempt to cool “roasted fruits”. Humbled by the immense poetic knowledge and clever wordplay of the boy, Avvaiyar begged the boy to reveal his true identity, unable to reconcile herself with the fact that a simple cowherd could have such profound thoughts. The boy then disappeared and in his place, Muruga appeared. Avvaiyar, stunned to find herself in Divine Company, bowed in obeisance and realising the infinite nature of knowledge, prayed to Muruga to bless her and continue bestowing his Infinite Grace on her to aid her virtually endless quest for knowledge. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Alagar Hills R.F., Tamil Nadu 624401
Arupadai Veedu – Thiruthani, palani The beautiful temple of Lord Muruga at Tiruttani crowns a single rock 700 feet above sea level. It is situated amidst a range of hills with a dramatic panoramic view. This sacred place is on the Madras-Bombay route, 13 kilomters from Arkonam and 84 kilometers from Madras. Around this town are famous religious places such as Kancheepuram (Banares of the South) on the South, Sholingar and Vallimalai on the West, the popular and renowned pilgrimage centre, Tirupati (otherwise called Balaji) and Kalahasti (with its Vayu Lingam) on the North and Tiruvalangadu (of puranic fame) with Lord Nataraja on the East. Greatness of Tirutanikai Puranic Importance Of Lord Murugan’s six Padaiveedus, Tirutanikai ranks prominent as the crown jewel of our Lord. As its very name indicates, when we propitiate our Lord in this holy shrine, He blesses us with mental peace and bodily happiness. His righteous indignation towards the asuras for their cruelty is said to have been quelled and cooled at this place which is, therefore, known as Shantipuri (Abode of Peace). As the prayers and desires of the devotees who worship our Lord Tanikesan on this hill with unserving faith and intense devotion are fulfilled in no time, this hill is also called Chanikasalam. When our Lord came to this hill after wedding Goddess Valli at Vallimalai, She implored Him to enlighten Her on the importance and greatness of this hill. In reply, our Lord said that if one worshipped Him with heart and soul for five consecutive days in this hill temple, that person would be blessed with all that is best in this life and hereafter. In Treta Yuga, Lord Rama, after putting an end to Ravana, worshipped Lord Siva at Rameswaram, at whose request Rama came to Tiruttani and found perfect peace of mind by worshipping our Lord Subrahmanya here. In Dwapara Yuga, Arjuna got the blessings of our Lord here by offering prayers to Him on his way to the South for Teertha Yatra (pilgrimage to take sacred immersion). Lord Vishnu prayed to our Lord at this place and got back His powerful Cakra (sacred wheel), Shanku (sacred conch), which were forcibly seized from Him by Tarakasura, brother of Soorapadma. Lord Brahma propitiated our Lord here at the holy spring (by the sides of the steps to the shrine) known as Brahmasonai after his imprisonment by our Lord for his failure to explain the Pranava (‘Om’ mantra) and got back his creative function of which he was deprived by our Lord due to his egotistic impudence in neglecting to worship Lord Subrahmanya on his way to Mount Kailasa to worship Lord Siva. Lord Indra planted and reared in the pool known as Indrasonai adjoining this hill temple the rare plant known as Karunkuvalai, which gave three flowers a day and worshipped our Lord thrice daily with these flowers and , thus, got back the precious wealth of Deva Loka such as Sanghaneeti, Padmaneeti, Chintamani, etc seized by the asura titan. Nanda Devi worshipped our Lord here on the bank of the Nandi River and got His peerless initiation to realize the unique relationship between the soul (jeevatma) and God (Paramatma), which is the quintessence of Saiva Siddhanta philosophy, the choicest product of the Dravidian intellect according the pioneering dravidologist Dr. G.V. Pope. On worshipping our Lord at Thanikai, the king of snakes Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the churning process in the Milky Ocean to secure the Amrita (nectar of immortality) by the devas and asuras when the Mantotra Mountain was used as the churning base and the snake king Vasuki as the rope. Sage Agasthyar Muni (of Potikai Hill) worshipped our Lord at Tanikai when he was blessed with the rare divine gift of the ever-sweet peerless Tamil language, the beauty of which has been extolled by all the great saints and poets of Tamil Nadu. Apart from the puranic greatness of Tirutanikai, Saint Arunagirinathar, the illustrious devotee of Lord Muruga who lived 600 years ago, praised this hill as the chosen place for worship by devas and the favorite abode of saints performing prolonged tapas (austerities). He also compared this hill to Sivaloka (Bhuloka) and as the very soul of the world. Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Arutprakasa Vallalar), who lived 150 years ago, was invited to come here by our Lord of Tanikai (seated on this hill) Who appeared before our saint in the mirror of his puja room at Madras after which the sour-stirring arutpa songs flowed from his lips in chaste Tamil like a torrential stream. Sri Muttuswami Deekshitar, who lived 200 years ago (one of the trinity of Karnatic music) had his inspiration in Tiruttani when our Lord (in the guise of an old man) met him on the steps and sweetened his tongue with the prasadam of this temple, which impelled him to sing his first song — of course — on Lord Murugan of Tanikai. Many a miraculous event takes place at this shrine from time to time by the grace of our Lord. Oh, how grand and glorious is our Lord Tanigesan on this sacred hill of ancient fame and name! Specialities of Tiruttani The sacred tanks of the shrines of our Lord are all known as Saravanapoikai (‘sacred pond of the reedy marsh’ where Lord Karttikeya was born). The tank at Tiruttani, which (unlike in other places) is at the very foot of the hill, is particularly renowned for its sacred water (teertham) having curative effect for ailments both bodily and mental, as it is rich in minerals such as sulfur, iron, etc. A bath in this holy tank refreshes the devotee and makes him hale and healthy to propitiate our Lord with faith and devotion. At the lovely garden on the south side of this sacred hill amidst a thick cluster of shady trees and seven cool sprints, the Seven Rishis (who today form the Great Bear stellar constellation) are said to have worshipped Lord Muruga and the Sapta Kannikas (Seven Virgins) enshrined at this place in a tiny temple. On the outskirts of the Tiruttani town, on both sides of the Nandi River, are the ancient temples of Lord Vijayaragama Swami, Arumuga Swami and Veerateeswarar, the latter two of which are more than a thousand years old. In the temple of Arumuga Swami, there is soorya puja every year for three days in March when the rising sun is said to worship our Lord by casting its rays upon the holy Feet of the deity on the first day, Breast on the second day and Head on the third day through a hold in the wall, which reveals the marvellous intellect of the architects of ancient days. Besides the monthly Krittikais which attract a large number of devotees to this shrine, the two outstanding annual festivals are the Aadi Krittikai and the 31st of December New Year Step Festival. Aadi Krittikai Aadi Krittikai festival (in July-August) lasts for three days with Float Festival when lakhs and lakhs of devotees come to this holy place from far and near. The streets are thronged to the full. About one lakh and fifty thousand flower kavadis (which increase with each year) are offered to the deity. The sight of the devotees who carry them, uttering the sacred and inspiring “Haro Hara!” (Hallelujah) as they march and dance in long rows touches the very core of our hearts and makes us spellbound. One should see it to believe it. December 31st Step Festival When the old (Gregorian) year is rung out and the New Year sets in (ie at the stroke of midnight on December 31st each year), lakhs of devotees are present on the sacred Tanikai hill to have the darshan of their Lord. They come to Tiruttani to offer their heart-felt prayers to our Lord on that day and night to be blessed with peace and plenty during the New Year. This festival came into vogue during the British Raj when the famous Vallimalai Swamigal persuaded his followers to offer their homage first to Lord Tanigesan, the giver of all good, and only then to their official bosses. On this day, numerous bhajana parties gather and ascend the hill, singing the melodious Tiruppugazh songs and burning camphor on each of the hill’s 365 steps, one for each day of the New Year. The entire atmosphere is filled with the music of these devotional songs, which is a feast to the eyes and ears. The sight of the Vel Kavadi taken to the shrine by some devotees on this day with the thin, sharp ends pricked and pierced all over the body above the hip (in spite of which they carry it with ease and grace) inspires and elevates our thoughts to adore our Lord for His mighty, marvellous and miraculous powers. Devasthanam Amenities The following amenities have been provided by Tiruttani Devasthanam for the benefit and convenience of the public: Ghat Road for easy and speedy access to the temple with Devasthanam buses and vans plying the route; Self-contained, well-furnished Devasthanam cottages and rooms within easy reach of the temple; Kalyana Mandapams for performance of marriages; Kalyana Utsavam (wedding ceremony) may be performed for a nominal fee; A Golden Car (Thanga Ther) 18 feet in height guilded with nine kilos of gold and crafted with exquisite craftmanship may be taken out and pulled in procession around the temple upon payment; Pure cow’s milk (for abhishekam) and other puja articles are sold at the Fair Price Shop; Publications, calendars, rosaries and souvenir momentos are availble for sale; Palliyarai Puja (to obtain His Grace in divine slumber) may be performed. On payment of a lump sum, the puja will be performed in perpetuity for one day each year from the accrued interest. Orphanage and Karunai Illam for poor, parentless boys who are given free meals, lodging, clothing, public education and other facilities; Sri Subramanya Swami Government Arts College at Tiruttani supported by Devasthanam donations; Siddha Vaidya Dispensary; and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Library on the site of his birth in Tiruttani town. Muruga bhaktars who wish to stay in a traditional chattiram (pilgrim’s rest) may stay at Nattukotta Chetty Chattiram (just above the Tiru Kulam). Accommodations are basic however; bring your own bedding. Ask for Mr. Muniyappa — and consider making a modest donation when you leave. Nattukotta Chetty Chattiram is closely associated with Valli Malai Tiruppukazh Asramam and the Vallimalai Satchidananda Swamigal Tiruppukazh Sabha. The temple is located on a hill named Thanigai hill reached with 60 steps. The temple has a five-tiered gopuram and four precincts. There are several water bodies associated with the temple. The temple has two shrines, namely, Murugan in the form of Shaktidharar and the shrines of Valli and Deivayanai in two other shrines. Legend also has it that Indra the king of the Gods gave his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Skanda, and along with her presented his elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam’s departure Indra found his wealth waning. Subramanyar is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra bound by protocol refused to accept a gift that he had made, and insisted that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east. Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughter’s dowry. The sandal paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Subramanya and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value. Legend also has it that Skanda bore the discus thrown by the demon Tarakasuran on his chest, and hence there is a hollow in the chest region of the image of Subramanya in this temple. Legend also has it that Skanda gifted the discus to Vishnu. Skanda is also believed to have imparted knowledge of Tamil to the sage Agasthyar and he is regarded as Veeramurthy, Gnanamurthy and Acharyamurthy in this shrine. Lord Rama, after putting an end to Ravana, worshipped Lord Siva at Rameswaram and then came to Tiruttani to find perfect peace of mind by worshipping Lord Subrahmanya here. In Dwapara Yuga, Arjunagot the blessings by offering prayers to Him on his way to the South for Teertha Yatra (pilgrimage to take sacred immersion). Vishnu prayed to the Lord and got back his powerful Chakra (sacred wheel), Shanku (sacred conch), which were forcibly seized from him by Tarakasura, brother of Soorapadma. Lord Brahma propitiated the Lord here at the holy spring known as Brahmasonai after his imprisonment by our Lord for his failure to explain the Pranava (‘Om’ mantra) and got back his creative function of which he was deprived by our Lord due to his egotistic impudence in neglecting to worship Subrahmanya on his way to Mount Kailasa to worship Siva. The final steps to the eastern entrance. On worshipping at Thanikai, the king of snakes Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the churning process in the Milky Ocean to secure the Amrita (nectar of immortality) by the devas and asuras when the Mantotra Mountain was used as the churning base and the snake king Vasuki as the rope. Sage Agasthyar Muni (of Potikai Hill) worshipped Muruga at Tanikai when he was blessed with the divine gift of the Tamil language. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Thiruthani Hill, Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu 631209
Arupadai Veedu – Swamy Malai Temple, Palani Thanjavur District Tamil Nadu, India Swamimalai is a sylvan village, situated about five kilometers west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. The temple is situated very close to the bus stand and the railway station is about two kilometers away. It is well connected to and surrounded by important places like Kumbakonam, Tiruvidaimarutur, Mayiladuthurai, Papanasam, Tanjavur etc. Mythology and History Mythology says that saint Bhrugu before commencing an arduous tavam or penance, got the boon that anybody disturbing his mediation will forget all his knowledge. Such was the power of the penance that the sacred fire emanating from the head of the saint reached up to the heavens, and the frightened devas surrendered to Lord Siva praying for his grace. The Lord extinguished the sacred fire by covering the saint’s head by hand. With the saint’s penance thus disturbed the Lord became oblivious of all his knowledge and is said to have regained them by learning the Pranava mantra from Lord Muruga at this shrine. Once when Brahma, the lord of all creations was proceeding to Kailasa, the ever-playful child Lord Muruga asked him for the meaning of the Pranava OM. When Brahma admitted his ignorance, the Lord imprisoned him. With Brahma imprisoned, all creations came to a standstill and the devas prayed to Lord Siva to get Brahma released. When Muruga insisted that the imprisonment was a just punishment for the ignorance of Brahma, Lord Siva asked him whether he himself knew the meaning of the primordial Pranava OM. Lord Muruga said that he knew the meaning of OM and can expound it to the latter only if he can accept him as guru and listen to the exposition as a devoted disciple. As Lord Siva acceded to the request of Lord Muruga and heard the exposition of OM as a disciple, the place came to be known as Swamimalai and the presiding deity as Swaminathan. The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about sixty feet height with sixty beautifully laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years – leading to the Lord . In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddesss Meenakshi. Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by saint Nakkeerar in Tirumurukatrupadaiand by Saint Arunagirnathar in Tiruppukazh. Daily pujas to the deities are performed six times a day (six kalams). Usha Kalam, Kalasandhi and Uchikala poojas are performed in the forenoon and the afternoon poojas commencing from Sayaratchai and Rendam kalam are concluded with Arthajama pooja in the night. The important festivals conducted in the temple are: Golden Chariot The temple has an imposing golden chariot made of seven kilos of gold, 85 kilos of silver and other metals like copper, beautifully illuminated with electric bulbs. Devotees on payment of Rs. 1001 can take the deity in a procession in the golden charriot around the outer corridor. Devotees are offered a shawl, eversilver pot and a small box with the Lord’s prasadam. Facilities For the convenience of the pilgrims and devotees, 11 rooms, four cottages, two VIP cottages, one donor cottages, three marriage halls and one dining hall have been constructed and are let out at nominal rent ranging from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 100/- per day only. Sub-temples Among the sub-temples under the administration of the Swamimalai temple, the Sveta Vinayagar temple at Tiruvalanchuli is an important one. The presiding deity Lord Sadaimudinathar and Goddess Perianayaki have been sung by Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar in Tevaram. A unique feature of this temple is the Sveta Vinayagar or White Pillaiyar made of the sea foam formed at the time of churning of the Milky Ocean by the devas and asuras to get the nectar. The sacred Cauvery River flowing nearby herself has turned around in a right semicircle around this shrine and hence the name Valanchuli or right twist. Renovation of this temple at a cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs is progressing. Another architecturally beautiful temple at Kilpazhayarai dedicated to Lord Somanathaswami is also under renovtion at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 Lakhs. It is worth mentioning that this shring is the birthplace of Saint Managaiyarkarasi, one among the 63 Nayanmars. Hymns in praise of the presiding deity have been sung by Tirunavukkarasar. Other sub-temples mentioned below under the administrative control of Swamimalai temple are also to be renovated at a modest cost of about Rs. 5 lakhs each. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin).
Arupadi Veedu Temple -Palani There is a legend how Lord Murugan came to this sacred spot. Narada Muni, a sage, brought a golden mango to the divine court of Lord Siva when Lord Siva was seated with his consort Parvati and His children Lord Vinayakar and Lord Subrahmanya. Narada gave the fruit to Lord Siva and implored Him to eat since it was a rare, miraculous Jñanapalam, the fruit of wisdom. As a loving husband, Lord Siva gave it to Parvati and requested her to eat. As a loving mother, she wanted to give the fruit to her children. As there was only one fruit and it should not be cut, they announced a contest and said that the winner would be given the fruit. Whoever completes one round of the globe first will be given the fruit. Lord Subrahmanya mounted His peacock to go around the world. Lord Vinayakar circumambulated around His parents, symbolising the world, and got the fruit. On return, Lord Subrahmanya found that He was cheated. In anger, He renounced His family and came to this spot to settle forever. Lord Siva and Parvati came to pacify Him. They said, “Pazham Nee” (‘You are the Fruit’). Hence the name Palani is a popular syncopation of the two words mentioned. The presiding deity, Lord Dandayudhapani Swami, is the son of Lord Siva and son-in-law of Vishnu. He has other names such as Kulandaivelan, Balasubrahmanyan, Shanmukhan, Devasenapati, Swaminathan, Vallimanalan, Devayanaimanalan, Palaniandavar, Kuriñjiandavar, Arumugan, Jñana Pandita, Saravanan, Sevar Kodiyon, etc. Tamils, Keralites, Bengalis, Sri Lankans, Malaysians, Fijians, Africans, Australians and Americans to name a few come here to worship Lord Muruga. Thus Murugan worship cuts across provincial boundaries and national frontiers. Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple perhaps in the 7th Century AD. The Nayaks built the Navaranga Mandapam which is a fascinating stone structure incorporated by four pillars and endowed with nine bays. The other portions of the temple have been built by the Pandiya kings, besides a number of local heads, religious groups and individual devotees. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Arupadai Veedu – Thiruchendor, palani One of the six places of worship dedicated to Lord Muruga, the shore temple of Arulmigu Subramanya Swami at Tiruchendur has a unique significance as the culmination of the concept of Muruga. With its lofty tower of about 140 feet, it has a holy past dating back to 2,000 years, if not earlier. References are available in such texts as Purananooru, Silappadikaram, Tirumurugatrupadai, Adi Sankarar Sri Subramanya Bhjangam, Kanda Puranam, Tiruppukazh, Tiruchendur Pillai Tamil, etc. As one of the foremost spiritual centres, the temple has been an attraction for Hindus for ages. In the Tirumurugatrupadai, a classic of the third century AD, six chosen spots in The Tamil soil were referred to by Nakkirar as of more than ordinary sanctity fo the worshipo of Lord Muruga, among which Tiruchendur is number two. This was the only temple of Lord Muruga located on the seashore. His shrines are always situated amid mountains and forests, for these regions are considered dear to Lord Murugan. The variance here is possibly due to Muruga’s divine mission to free the devas, and the vanquishing of evil in the form of Surapadma and his mighty hosts in Veera Mahendram, their mid-ocean fortress. The Tamils have ever since been celbrating the event as an annual festival during Skanda Sashti. At this spot, Lord Muruga was said to have emcamped before and after vanquishing the asuras and worshipped Siva at the shrine Mayan had built for Him. The Kanda Madana Parvata, the red sandstone rock of this coast received its foundations. A lofty gopuram also rose beside it. A part of the cliff was bored into to form the holy sanctum of Subramaniam. The red sandy rock round about was further carved into, and the rolling hills of sand moved away to gain more space. The second and thrid praharas were then desinged and brought into being. The Pandya and the Chera, their vassals, improved the temple. Maharaja Marthandavarma of Travancore Samasthanam endowed the very first Udaya Marthanda Kattalai of each morning and others followed in the nine aradhanas of the day. As time rolled on, the effect of the sea and its salt-laden air begain to tell upon the inferior sandstones used in the original construction. A noble sannyasin, Mauna Swami, immediately took up the renovation and was followed by two others, Kasi Swami and Arumuga Swami. The work continued during the course of 72 years. The sannyasins were wedded to poerty, but nevertheless funds poured in for the construction of a worthy temple to stand for all times. The temple was constructed anew in all its details and kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1941. The temple and its gopurams of nine floors are a landmark visible at sea for twelve miles. Lord Muruga’s association with Tiruchendur is significant. Tiruchendur, a sacred and prosperous town of victory, was also known as Tiruchen-Chendiloor in the Tamil classics. The Vasanta Mandapam is a recent noble edifice standing on 120 columns and with a central porch. The Ananda Vilas Mandapam stands on a raised sandy promontory majestically overlooking the sea. It is a mandapam of 16 pillars worked in black granite. The Shanmukha Vilasam, a magnificent mandapam of intricate stone plinths and columns, is the frontal adjunct to the main temple. It houses an ornate mandapam of four pillars in the centre, and this touches the ceiling through its elaborately carved and majestic pillars and supports the entire Shanmukha Vilasam. The main entrance of this temple opens into the first temple prahara known as Sivili Mandapam. It is a series of four long corridors running round the inner second prahara flanked on either side by familiar rows of columns of yalis. The Sivili Mandapam produces a fine effect of symmetry and randeur. There is a Vishnu shrine of Lord Venkatesa on the norther prahara. Shrines to Vishnu withing ancient Saivite temples are common in South India as in Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Perur, Tiruchengode, Sikkil, etc. This Vishnu shrine is hollowed out of the rock itself. The principal sanctum of this great temple is Subramaniam, the Lord of Senthil. The figure is seen in a standing posture. The principal sanctum has all the full complement of mandapas. The temple Mela Gopuram, a massive structure of nine storeys, is a striking landmark. The stupas at the top are nine in number in consonance with thenumber of storeys as a general rule with such temples. This gopuram is said to have been constructed 350 years ago by Desikamoorthy Swami of the Tiruvaduthurai Math. It is remarkable that from the sixth storey upwards to the ninth, the plaster on the walls is preserved and is beautified with fresco paintings. According to Mr. C. Subramaniam, an art lover and managing trustee of Muthu Vadivammal Trust, there are four lithic inscriptions of the Pandya times collected together and planted in a line. Two of them belong to Pandya Varaguna Maran of about 875 AD, the third of Pandya Mara Varman of about 1282 AD and the fourth of Vikrama Pandya Deva. The inscriptions of Varaguna speak of his grant of 1,400 gold coins to the temple. There is a mention of a shrine to Nakkira Deva, which speaks highly of the literary advancement of the period. A little removed from the main shrine and on the northern seashore under a cliff of overhanging hardened sandstone there is a picturesque cave carved out of it, which is famous as Valli’s Cave. Two images are installed there, one dedicated to Valli and another to Dattatreya. The king of a clan of hunters and his men had followed the flight of Valli with Muruga, and here they were confronted by the divine consorts who showered their grace upon the pursuers. The frontal shrine has been embellished by a stone mandapam, the walls of which have paintings of Nambi Rajan. Almost embedded in a rolling high sand dune on the beach lies a remarkable spring known as Skanda Pushparani — the Nazhik Kinaru. It is a natural phenomenon and is said to have sprung up as Lord Shanmukha planted His lance — the Vel — on the spot. There is a remarkable spring of fresh crystal water in a stone receptacle known as Nazhik Kinaru. It is a foot square and inset with the larger well. Another water source is one of saltish and highly sulphurous smelling and muddy-looking water. This swells up during the day and is pumped out daily so as not to allow it to overflow into the smaller one. A bath in the sea and in this well is considered to be of much spiritual merit. Except for the sanctum and mahamandapam, the entire temple structure is of recent origin according to researchers. The utsavar idols of Lord Muruga, with consorts worshipped by Kattabomman are kept at the first prahara in the northern side, which is characteristic of temple iconography of the 19th century. It is said that Kattabomman used to hear the bell sound after the puja was over at the temple by way of a chain of mandapams built along a distance of about 50 miles to his royal seat at Panchalankurichi. The kumbhabhishekam of the temple, performed once in twelve years, is slated for 5 July 1995 and the temple is being given a facelift. According to Mr. Uvari A. Kirubanidhi, Chairman of the Trustees’ Board of the Temple, renovation work costing more than Rs. one crore are under progress. He said that a new dhyana mandapam has been constructed with an outlay of Rs.10 lakkhs adjacent to Valli’s Cave. Mr. Kirubanidhi said the temple management has set up a power station to augment the power supply in the town by spending Rs.25 lakh. The beach will be illuminated by installing neon lights and it has been proposed to construct a big choultry in a three-phased manner at an outlay of Rs. 84 lakhs to accommodate the devotees free of cost. Every day 40,000 devotees visit the temple. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Arupadai Veedu – Tiruparankundram, Palani Tirupparankundram is situated three miles southeast of Madurai on the main railway line. It is one of the Aru Padai Veedugal or six sacred places selected by Lord Subrahmanya for his abode. The importance of this temple is that here was celebrated the marriage of Lord Subrahmanya with the daughter of Indra, Devayanai. Long, long ago, when Lord Subrahmanya was staying at Kanda Verpu, the two daughters of Lord Maha Vishnu, Amrita Valli and Sundara Valli, cherished the desire of becoming the consorts of Subrahmanya. With this aim in mind they both went to Saravana Poigai and commenced austere penance to fulfil their desires. Pleased with their prayer and worship, Lord Subrahmanya appeared before them and told Amrita Valli, “You will be brought up by Indra as his daughter and I shall marry you in due course.” Her younger sister Sundara Valli was also graced with a similar blessing. She was born to sage Sivamuni and brought up by Nambi, the headman of Veddas. Amrita Valli took the form of a female child and went to Mount Meru, the abode of Indra, and told him, “I am the daughter of Maha Vishnu and the responsibility of looking after me has been entrusted to you.” On hearing this, Indra became very happy and directed Airavatam, his white elephant, to take care of the child. The elephant with all love brought her up and affection and she attained the age of marriage in course of time. Hence she came to be known as Devayanai, one who was brought up by the heavenly elephant of Indra (yānai in Tamil means elephant). The six sons of sage Parasara were cursed to become fishes in the Saravana Poigai. On request for redemption, these six boys were ordered to pray to Lord Subrahmanya. When they got his darshan, they could get redemption. It was also made known to them that Lord Subrahmanya would come to Tirupparankunram after vanquishing the demon Surapadma. Anxiously they waited for the arrival of Subrahmanya. When the mission of Subrahmanva to vanquish Surapadma was over at Tiruchendur, on his way, he came to this spot followed by all the devas and heavenly beings whom he had released from the untold miseries caused by Surapadma. On his arrival at Tirupparankunram, the sons of Parasara received Subrahmanya and, at their request, he consented to stay there. He at once ordered Viswakarma to construct a beautiful abode for himself, for the devas and for others. He also suggested to the heavenly architect to build roads and erect a city around them. Indra, the king of the angels, desired to get his daughter Devayanai married to Subrahmanya, as a mark of his gratitude for relieving him and the devas from the depredations of the demon Surapadma. He expressed his desire to Brahma and Vishnu who were present there. They were only too glad to hear the proposal. When they communicated the desire of Indra to Lord Subrahmanya he readily agreed to it and said: “Devayanai has been praying at Saravana Poigai in the Himalayas for this happy marriage. Now the time has come for its being solemnised.” As Subrahmanya agreed to this marriage, Indra sent a messenger to bring his wife Indrani and daughter Devayanai from Mout Meru. The marriage took place at Tirupparankunram, after the victory of Subrahmanya over Surapadma. All arrangements for marriage were made and the marriage was performed at the Tirupparankunram Temple. All the devas, Siva and Parvati attended the marriage and blessed Subrahmanya and Devayanai. Since then, the temple has become a very famous abode of Subrahmanya. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Kurinji Andavar Temple, Palani Palani hills are 1086 ft.above sea level, whereas Kodaikanal is 7666ft. high. Kurinji Andavar koil is at a height of 6990 ft. to 7000 ft. The shrup flowers once in 12 years. The lord of Kurinji is Muruga. The flower is a symbol for lovers. Muruga is red complexioned; so is Kurinji. Hence Kurinji flower and a temple for Muruga exists in Kodaikanal. The temple was built in 1936 by the Australian wife of Ponnambalam (Ceylonese) considered to be the father of the Ceylonese. It is 5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake dug in 1863, and in 1971 was taken over by the Palani Devasthanam. A small peacock Mandapa in front, a tin shed becoming a Maha Mandapa a pillar with a bell atop, a sanctum without a gopura is that all is in the temple. It can be seen from the Palani Hills. The flower show of Kurinji Andavar takes place annually. Fortunately Kodai Hills has not yet lost the charms of rustic beauty. In this temple, besides the Kurinji Andavar Vinayagar and Navagrahas are also main deities. Festival idols of Vinayaga, single Murugan, and Muruga with consorts are also here. The temple area is vast and only 1/15th of it is occupied by the temple. If the temple is enlarerd it will make a pretty sight. Poomparai Velappar, Kiranur Vagisar, Azhagia Chokkar, Ayakudi Chozakesar, Oddanchathiram Kuzhandai Velappar, Palayam Vinayagar are all temples worth seeing. In the south street are the peacock mandapa and Arasa marathadi (papal tree) Vinayagar. There is always a big crowd in this street because of water taps. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Kuzhandai Velappar Temple, Palani Arulmigu Kuzhandai Vellappar Temlpe is located at the bottom of a hillslope where a lovable naturallistic place Ottanchathiram near Palani. This temple is administrated by Palani devasthanam. The idol which is placed in the temple appears as Lord Kuzhandai Vellappar sitting on a peacock.The formation of idol was made in a single stone. There is a hill temple at the backround of the Sri Kuzhandai Vellapar temple. In ancient days, there were stone foot steps to reach the hill temple. the statue in the hill temple is faced to the westward. The Palani Devasthanam have build three large hall for free accommodation for the Devottees during the Thaipoosam festivals. The ceremonies of Arulmigu Kuzhandai Vellappar temple are Tamil New Year, Adi 18-festival, Kanda Sasthi, Thirukkarthikai, Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram festivals are celebroted for every year very grandly. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Kuzhandai Velayudha Swasmy Temple – Kodaikanal, palani Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Kothishwarar Temple, Palani On the road to Dharapuram, Erode to the arch written with the words ‘Peria Udayar Koil’, stands Gothisvaram in bright colours. It belongs to the Palani temple and has a single circuit fenced by walls within which the shrine sports a sanctum and Ardha Mandapa. In the Vimana a painting of Vishnu worshipping a Sivslinga is seen. Inside, the Sivalinga is kept with doors bolted! After paying homage here one enter the arch and proceed 1 km in full view of Palani hill till we reach the railway bridge. A small shop stands here and if we turn east, the temple comes into view. Karuppannaswamy guarding the Saptha Kannis abides in the temple. A small dais for us to rest aehile. Facing us is the bank descending into the Shanmuga Nadhi. Now we are in the east bank of the Shanmuga Nadhi. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Shanmuga Nadhi Temple, palani The bathing ghats on this river are at a distance of three kilometres from Palani town and can be reached from Adivaram by town buses 3, 4, 9 and 14. During the eclipses and on the days of the waning moon (new moon or Âmâvasya), thousands flock here to have their sins absolved in the purifying waters. Kavadi bearers have a bath here before marching to the temple. This is also a place for oblations to the dead; the devout perform post-mortem rites to deceased ancestors. There are many shrines on the banks of the river near the bathing ghat and elsewhere.Of all these temples, that of Peru-Udayar (called Periya Avudayar Kovil) is by far the most important and deserves special mention. Located near the railway line on the banks of the Shanmuga Nadi in sylvan setting, it is about four kilometres from the bus-stand reached by two stages, by buses going on the Old Dharapuram road for three kilometres and by walking one kilometre from the arch on that road. It is convenient to go by a taxi or auto rickshaw and alight at the doors of the temple. In the evening and in the pre-dawn period, sounds of birds are heard and if you have a tape-recorder, you cannot afford to miss recording these. The air here is unpolluted and good breeze can be had. The Devasthânam has put up a Kalyana Mandapam behind the temple.The temple is dedicated to Peru Udayar or Brihadeesvarar a name that became a legend in the days of the great Raja Raja Cholo. The deity here is a swayambhu linga (i.e. naturally formed lingam) and so, local belief is that it existed even before Bhogar. Only male gods are found in the temple. A majestic figure of Dakshinamûrti, a rare Rudran and other gracious images in stone, as also the 16 old inscriptions should be taken note of. Periya Âvudaiyar KovilOf all these temples, that of Peru-Udayar (called Periya Avudayar Kovil) is by far the most important and deserves special mention. Located near the railway line on the banks of the Shanmuga Nadi in sylvan setting, it is about four kilometres from the bus-stand reached by two stages, by buses going on the Old Dharapuram road for three kilometres and by walking one kilometre from the arch on that road. It is convenient to go by a taxi or auto rickshaw and alight at the doors of the temple. In the evening and in the pre-dawn period, sounds of birds are heard and if you have a tape-recorder, you cannot afford to miss recording these. The air here is unpolluted and good breeze can be had. The Devasthânam has put up a Kalyana Mandapam behind the temple.The temple is dedicated to Peru Udayar or Brihadeesvarar a name that became a legend in the days of the great Raja Raja Cholo. The deity here is a swayambhu linga (i.e. naturally formed lingam) and so, local belief is that it existed even before Bhogar. Only male gods are found in the temple. A majestic figure of Dakshinamûrti, a rare Rudran and other gracious images in stone, as also the 16 old inscriptions should be taken note of. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Navagraha Temple, Palani We are now approaching the bridge. Only if you ask for Navagraha temple people will identify and show this place. Shrines more important than the nine planets are here. Through a narrow path to the left of the main road, amidst crowded shops one should proceed. In between the main road and the narrow path, a big shed for tonsure ceremonies has been erected. It is always crowded to the brim. We enter the bathing ghat. Water will bi only trickling except during rainy seasons. This river has never seen a flood. Devotees after tonsure bathe here. Those who have vowed to take Kavadi star from this drums, pipes, etc. as tonsure and Kavadis centers round this place, the very placed is saturated with devotion. We are now approaching the bridge. Only if you ask for Navagraha temple people will identify and show this place. Shrines more important than the nine planets are here. Through a narrow path to the left of the main road, amidst crowded shops one should proceed. In between the main road and the narrow path, a big shed for tonsure ceremonies has been erected. It is always crowded to the brim. We enter the bathing ghat. Water will bi only trickling except during rainy seasons. This river has never seen a flood. Devotees after tonsure bathe here. Those who have vowed to take Kavadi star from this drums, pipes, etc. as tonsure and Kavadis centers round this place, the very placed is saturated with devotion. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, palani Proceeding along the west street, a east facing temple a Deepasthamba and a stone mandapam indicates to us the presence of a shrine. The entrance has pials and in the interior, a brass flagstaff, balipeetam and Garudan are seen near the Maha Mandapa. this Vishnu temple is under the control of Palani Temple, Nagas, Garuda, Car sheds, etc,. The gate of the Mahamandapam in the north is Swarga Vasal (Entry to Paradise). Garuda and Hanuman in stucco gaurd the entrance. In the north wall of the entrance a stucco Garudalvar can be seen. When the Perumal comes and stands in the Paramapatha Vasal, it will appear as a Garuda Sevai. The concecration of the temple took place in 1965. A seated Vishnu, Alwar and Hanumar adorns north of the Mahamandapa. Within a mable sanctum., a beautiful Narayanar stands close to Mahalaxmi. Devotees come in large numbers to worship him. Of all the Perumal temples of Palani this the most famous. though the Varadar temple of Ahobila Mutt is grand, it is only in Balasamudram and not in Palani town. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Venugopala Perumal Temple, palani At a little distance in the midst of the bazaar is an entrance facing north. Atop is a stucco figure if Gopalan with his flute. Within is big Mahamandapam with a Garuda in its center. To his right and left on the wall are Alvars. There is a corridor with only a Basil plant. We are now at the sanctum. Hanuman himself has stationed as a Davarapalaka. Even though this temple is in the bazaar, there are practically no devotees. This is administered by the Palani temple. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Peru Udayar Temple, palani Of all these temples, that of Peru-Udayar (called Periya Avudayar Kovil) is by far the most important and deserves special mention. Located near the railway line on the banks of the shanmuga Nadi in sylvan setting, it is about four kilometres from the bus-stand reached by two stages, by buses going on the Old Dharapuram road for three kilometres and by walking one kilometre from the arch on that road. It is convenient to go by a taxi or auto rickshaw and alight at the doors of the temple. In the evening and in the pre-dawn period, sounds of birds are heard and if you have a tape-recorder, you cannot afford to miss recording these. The air here is unpolluted and good breeze can be had. The Devasthânam has put up a Kalyana Mandapam behind the temple. The temple is dedicated to Peru Udayar or Brihadeesvarar a name that became a legend in the days of the great Raja Raja Cholo. The deity here is a swayambhu linga (i.e. naturally formed lingam) and so, local belief is that it existed even before Bhogar. Only male gods are found in the temple. A majestic figure of Dakshinamûrti, a rare Rudran and other gracious images in stone, as also the 16 old inscriptions should be taken note of. The entrance faces south, and in the east is Vinayagar. This along with the Karuppanna Swami belong to later days. Passing them we enter in and see Bairava in the circuit facing east. The western circuit commences frim this place. Midway in this passage is a way that leads to the river. This shrine is located in a peaceful natural setting. The puranas speak of it as ‘Kannikara Vanam’. Perhaps that is the reson the Sapta Kannis and Karuppanna Swami keep watch over this places. It is said that this temple was built about a thousand years ago. the first consecration was held in 1915 and then a second time in 1962. The niche of Brahma in the north corridor is within the walls of the inner sanctum. The Chandisa cell is towards the east. then comes the Vishnu cell in the sanctum wall. Here one has to pause and think. It is cusomary to erect the Chandisa cell in the northeast, when the main deity faces east. Here the main God looks west and the main entrance looks to the south. Strictly speaking the Chandisa cell should be in south west or south east. But here it is in the northeast and farther in contrast to the rule that no other cell should be in a line with this, the cell of Tirumal and three others are found. About 150 years ago, certain repairs were carried out in this temple, when some cells were newly build, that of Chandisa was left untouched. To the north of Chandisa is the Navagraha dais with iron bars all round. Then we pass in to Dakshinamurthi and Nataraja. It is very easy to fix the directions by a look at these images. Both will always look to the south. Official Address
Periya Nayagi Amman Temple, palani Now you must have to walk further 3 KM to reach another important temple going by the name of town temple, dedicated to Mother Periya Nayaki Amman, the local name for Parvathimatha, the august goddess of that illustrious Son Muruga. The temple is quite big and build in the south Indian architectural pattern. There are many mini shrines for Saivate Gods, like Muthukumaraswamy, Nataraja, Vinayaka etc. The Mother’s temple is on the southern side of the Murugan, and the Kailasanatha temple is on the northern side. Close observation reveals that it was originally built for Muruga, and later the Mother’s sheine and Kailasanatha shrine were added. So the Murugan koil is buffered by the shrine of his parents. Furthermore the flog staff and Mayura, the mount of Muruga are in frount of Murugan shrine. Any way, this method of Murugan seated in the centre with parents to his right and left is called Somaskanda Moorthi. All the three temples are lavishly adorned with filigree work of supreme artistry. The ace sculptural craft man ship reflecting the refined taste of the builders and the sculptors elevate the souls. This spacious temple besides housing the three most adorable deities is also serving as an art gallery, since all the Vahanas made in wood, silver and iron of several shrines under the temple management are kept there. Their shapes, sizes and superb craft man ship offer a royal banquet to the eyes. The ivory palanquin and silver car kept here worth a million looks. This shrine is also the venue of one great festival events that lures huge crowds on Vijayadasami day, when the formidable weapon of Muruga, from the hill temple is brought . The Utsavamurthi of Muthukumara swamy uses this for the symbolic act of destroying evil and to users in peace and hope in the coming 365 days. This awe some events deserve to be seen and enjoyed than described in words. This shrine lies 2 km aff Adivaram accessible by walk or rickshaw. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Vinayakar Kovil, Palani, Tamil Nadu 624601
Mariamman Temple,Palani If we pass some houses we can come to the most powerful Mariamman. The prosperity of this Devi incrased with the prosperity of the Palauakars. Palayakars were lords of small tracts, and Mariamman was their goddess of boundary. Naturally they propitiated her to get her grace. A big Balipeetah, a dais mandapam at the entrance with a Vinayaga at the centre. In a pillar is Dandayudapani. At the entrance site a cashire with tickets for those who want to go in. This Goddess does not cure anybody without requisite fees. There are hundies too. In the south circuit, Idumban swamy, Mariamman re enjoying the breeze of a Neem tree with sky as canopy. We now come to the Maha Mandapa, A Nandi and Brass flag staff adorn this centre. Two separate ways for males and females are provided and an iron barred passage has been set up. The sanctum is very small. In the south west corner of Arda Mandapa is one with a baby. She is Peichi Aththal. “In Chakravala Katta, of Paher ther is a Pei (ghost) called Idahini. It will kidnap babies. To counteract that one should observe a vow called Padukidathal.” The above is apassage from Cilappadikaram, Manimekalai, etc. that ghost Idahini is in the form of Peyichi aththal. Those who observe a vow here throw salt on the head of Peichi amman as a symbol of their having renounced salt due to the vow. But Peichi too knows fully well that these devotees after eating well in their house, purchase salt from tha bazar and throw it on her head! But this too is tolerable, some do not even buy salt in the shop. Salt is heaped at the feet of Peichi and these people take that in their hands and throw it! Peichi is aware of that too! Some important persons are always paying a visit to this shrine, and hence the priest is often coming out peering to see if that man has arrived. With the priest obstructing the views of the Goddess it is very difficult to have a darshan of Mariamman. We hope atleast she has seen us. The seated Mariamman is small in stature. She is covered with a golden sheath, and on Fridays there will always be a crowd. This too is owned by the Devasthanam. In the exterme south at the end of this street, a Vinayaga of Chettiar Madam, a Mahakali, in old Dharapuram road, and Chowndamman are all worth seeing. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Idumban Hill Temple, palani and triukarthikal in november- december. This has a long legend and takes us to the time of Agasthya’s penance here. The great Saga drawn by the sequestered sublimity of this region chose it for penance during his southern trip. After completing it satisfactorily, he dedicated to move further south words. Realizing the sanctity and sublimity hovering over these two hills, he then bade his mighty demon assistant to carry them popularly known as Sivagiri and Sakthigiri tying them onto a Kavadi. He obeyed. While on the move, the Sakthigiri was seen going up into the air and so placed some heavy stones to equalize the weight, yet it was floating in the air stopping, he closely observed the Sivagiri hill to know its might. Them found he, a small boy sitting on the Sivagiri hill and presumed rightly that he was the cause for it. He at once ordered the tiny tot to go out of the hill. There was exchange of harsh words, followed by fisticuffs. Alas! Idumban was floored and killed on the spot. At the instant of Agasthya Mahrishi, Murugan breathed a fresh lease of life, In addition the omni passionate Muruga took him into his service as Dwarapalaka at the latter’s humble request, besides ordering first worship to him everyday. This tradition is being carried on since then. Realizing the supreme spiritual significance of this the Devasthanam authority purchased it from the Forest department and built a fitting temple it is provided with a flight of 551 steps for easy Mounding. It lies only a kilometer off Sivagiri hill. A most – worthy place Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Saravana Polgai Temple, palani All the sacred pools here are named duly after Muruga. And especially Saravana Poygai is very intimately connected with Muruga. We have to pay a fee to bathe in it. Just behind the temple of Avinankudi, there are two rows of six stucco niches. Let us go there. Paintings of Muruga being tended by six Karthikai maidens attract us. Here too we have to pay a fee and get in. It is not a pool but only a deep well. It must have been a tank once. A square wall has been erected. In the south is the bathing ghats. Several steps are submerged in the water. People in the past got down through these steps and bathed. Now as that is not possible, the water is very clean. Coins have been strewn into the water. This is an old custom and persists. When people who travel by train cross the bridge of any sacred river, they throw coins into it, thinking it is a holy act. In the south-east is the Kshatrice Chaurav madam, and in the south is a Vinayaga temple. Wherever there is a tank invariably there will be a Pilliar Koil on the bank and here where his brother Muruga happens to reside the elder brother is sure to abide. In the west side of the ghats is a tub like structure half filled with water and Deity. Dhandapani stands in the middle. We can bathe him by our hands with the water around him. In the sanctum we can not enter and perform ablutions. But here there are no such restrictions. Here arrangements have been made to bathe separately. (Gents and Ladies) in rooms by bringing water through pumps. We bathe chanting “OM Saravana Bava”. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Thiruavinankudi Temple, palani Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Veleeshwarar Temple, palani A way in the south between two east facing shops leads to the Velisar Koil. A corridor enclosing a small sanctum with a lingam forms the shrine.Now we will have to go to Palani town. Karuppannasami and a Vinayaga are caught in the congested bazaars before the Yadava Mutt. To the north of this Mutt is a Bairava temple. Palani is beckoning. Let us hasten. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Bhogar Samathi temple, palani Bhogar is a well known Siddhar who made the idol of Lord Muruga at the hill temple. His guru is Kalanginaathar believed to be a Chinese and his disciple is Pulippani siddhar (whose Samadhi is in Thirupattur near Trichy covered in my Blog). Bhogar is an expert in siddha medicine and it is said that as per the last wishes of his guru, Bhogar proceeded to China to spread the knowledge of siddha sciences. His journey is said to have been made with the aid of an aircraft; he demonstrated to the Chinese the details of the construction of the aircraft and later built for them a sea-going craft using a steam engine. The details of these and other experiments demonstrated by Bhogar in China are clearly documented in the Saptakanda. Bogar, as an expert in siddha medicine and with the consultation of Agasthiar (Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other siddhars, used 4448 rare herbs to make 9 poisonous medicines or Nava Bhashanam (Nava means nine; Bhashanam means poison). Out of this Nava Bhashanam, he then made one Master Medicine that can cure all diseases in a solid stone like form as Lord Murugan which is currently being worshiped as the main deity. Thirumoolar also discusses one such Master Medicine in his book Thirumandhiram. When the abhisheha items like milk and Panchamirtham flows on the deity from top to bottom the medicinal power is extracted in them. After installing, Bogar used to worship the idol and later after him, his disciple took over. Pulippani Siddhar and his descendants maintained this almost as their personal and private temple. Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi – the highest samadhi stage; where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy. Bogar Samadhi is inside the hill temple, south west of the sanctum sanctorum in a narrow cave like corridor. It is believed that there is an underground passage here that goes straight to the foot of the main deity, Lord Murugan. Actually Bogar himself constructed this and went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi here. He is last seen by his disciples at this entrance. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Kailasha Nathar Temple, Palani Next to Nataraja is Kailasanada facing east, and having a separate Mahamandapam. That extends upto the Devi’s shrine. In this arda mandapais a north facing Dandayudapani inside a separate niche. Even though there are two Muruga temples here, Palani belongs only to Danayudapaniand a special reverence is paid to him. The main deity is in the form if a Linga. When the Devi performed penance in this Vilvaranya this Lord gave darshan to her. Hence he has been provided with a separate shrine. We can come to the Mururga temple by an entrance in the south wall of the Arda Mandapa. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Kodi Maram Temple, palani Hindu Agama Shastras compare a Temple to the human body. Just as an individual soul is enveloped by five košas or sheaths – (Annamova, Prãnamaya, Manomaya, Vynãnamaya and Ãnandamaya) – the Deity installed in the Temple (representing the Supreme Spirit) is also enveloped by five prãkaras Just as our gross body has five sections – head, neck, chest, legs and feet – a Temple also has five corresponding sections. The Garbhagriham or sanctum Santorum represents the head; the Sanctum is the Soul or the Jiva of the body; the Vimana over the Sanctum represents the tip of the nose. Ardhamandap in front of the Sanctum represents the neck; Mahã Mandapam, the chest; Prakaras around the Sanctum represents our five senses: the palibida where nivedana is offered to the deity represents the naval; the kodimaram represents the jeevadhara; and the Gopura, the main gateway of the temple, represents the feet. TEMPLE AND HUMAN BODY The main parts of a temple are: 1. Garbhagraha (Sanctum Sanctorum) containing the image of God. 2. The Vimana over the Sanctum. 3. Ardhamandap in front of the Sanctum. 4. Prakaras around the Sanctum. 5. The Gopura, the main gateway of the temple. Indian temple is only a reflection of the physical form of the human body. According to the Tirumular “our body is a temple”. According to the Kathopanishad “This body of ours is a temple of the Divine.” Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Karthlgai Mandapam Temple, palani In the widened east street, the emerald green of fields and the cool blue of the Kodai hills is very exhilarating . The very name “Kodai hills” carries a special significance. There was a time when people were afraid to come to Kodaikanal. Muruga was in a fix with no money even for an ordinary festival. Pandarams carried him on their sholders, visiting many places and requesting monery for festivals. Even then when people did not come to him, he went in search of them. In riches je might have been a begger but in mercy and grace never – why were people afraid to come here? The hill would have been a forest. There would have been no steps. Devotees woild have worshipped at Thiru Avinankudi and gone. That is why literatures and insceiptions speak less of the hill temple. Only in leter daus when Boga, Pulipani and Arunagiri Nathar visited the hill, people got courage and began visiting it. Today the scene os dofferent. Lights illumine the hill as daylight. In the east and west mercury lights pour lightr in each and everything. Becouse Karthigai maids reared him, he got the name Karthikeyan. Karthigai day is very holy on this account. This day comes for 13 days in an year. To condact the festivities in that period, this Kartigai mandapan was constructed bu Annur Govindasami Naidu in 1978. This mandapa has occupoed half of east street. Stucco nitches adorn the west wall. In the north is Idumban painting. Then Pazhamuthir Solai Shanmuga on his peacock mount, Thiruthani, Swamimalai, Palani Dandayudapani Thiru Avinankidi, Tiruchendur, Vinayagar, Thiruparankundaram, Bhogar painting. In these niches of six Padaiveedu’s the same scene of those places are seen. It is a fitting place for pilgrims to rest. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
{Temple Name} Valli spring is a holy tank. Those who come by the steps may come by the elephant track and reach the spring. Those who come by the elephant track and reach the spring. Those who come by the elephant track may come through the Idumban Koil. Valli spring is on overflow from a mountain-spring. It collects itself in a depression and forms a tank. It is frnced by iron bars and one is not allowed to get into it. They can sprinkle water on their heads. Two Nagas stones are at the edge and the water is used to perform ablutions to the Nagas. By investing little they hope to reap a big harvest from dandapani. valli is under a tree surrounded by Naga stones. When she guarded the ragi fields “once she stood in the hot sun. Why should she be subjected to such hardship again”, thought the Devasthanm and they inntend to provide her a roof. To her left on a dais abutting the hill 35 images are housed in a row under the open sky. It looks kike an army parade. Devotees press coins on their body! That is why beggars are not alloewed here. Beggars give the petty coins they received as alms to us and receive rupees. We stick these coins on the images. Of course the beggars charge some commission for this transaction. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Valli Temple, palani After climbing a little, we can see the Valli Temple in the left. In its front mandapa in a stucco niche is Valli. Vinayaga and two mortals are also seen. Are they Valli’s relatives? Opposite to this and facing east in the descending steps are two men with Bows. Perhaps they too are her relations. The climbers to forget the strain of ascsent will be chanting and singing loudly. We can see Kerala devotees coming with great reverence. Males, females, old and young climb with devotion. Some philanthropic gentlemen have built steps and rest houses. All the steps were completed in 1925, Numerous Vinayaga and Murugan temples are on the steps. In the elephant track too, there are beautiful stucco figures. Out of these there are three important places to be seen. We have already seen the Valli temple. The next is the Valli spring and the last is Idumban Koil. Here Sarpa Vinayagar, Vuravadi Velar, Vyapuri Thurai, Idumban, Sapta Kannigas in the eighteen steps all are seen here. The elephant tract is the path which separates at the junction of the temples of Siddi Vinayagar and CheraVinayagar. The path is without steps. It is said that the Chera Vinayagar temple was built by Cheraman Perumal Nayanar. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
{Temple Name} Big Samadhi shrine of Sadhu Swamigal. Sanyas are generally called Sadhus. It seems he is a perfect Sadhu. That is why he is given double name for emphasis. His Samadhi is in the middle of the temple. This swamy came from Achalpuram on the banks of Kolladam. In the center on a marble dais is a Sivalinga with a silver arch. To the left is the temple of Raja Rajeswari worshipped by the Swamy. The idol worshipped by an Yogi becomes more sacred. Then crossing a stone in the from of ‘OM’ a Bairava is housed in a cell. There are some yogis here and a Mutt in the back. A very clean place Jnanis never vanish. In the place they are present in a spirit form. To bow before such places will shower immense immense benefits. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
{Temple Name} The Bairavar temple is at north-west end of the street and faces east. Three barred gates guard this old temple. After the first gate are two Balipeetas. Generally there will be only one Balipeetas for one sanctum. It is good that this Bairava has been provided two Balipeedas otherwise he will be demanding everyone as he asked for Siralam from seruthondan, three dogs, one leaved spear and Nagas among dense bushes, all can seen. Bairava stands near a dog with four hands and protruding tusks. With all that he does not look fierce. The rear of Periyanayaki temple is seen even from the middle of the north car street. Residential houses fill the gap. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Vana Durgai Amma Temple, Palani We are now proceeding to the all powerful Vana Durga temple. The Vinayagar at the right side of the entrance attracts larger number of devotees. In the Arda Mandapa, apposite to us one in Yoga pose bleese us and he is the Dandapani Swamy, graced by the potent Durga. Attired in yellow cloth, Durga stands majestically. An awesome face. That she is not aggressive is disclosed by the kumkum receptacle held in her left hand. The upraised right hand holds the trisula. Her sixteen arms wields a variety of arms and her legs on a lion’s head. As she guards the forest-Vana -of Muruga, she is called Vana Durga. Beyond is Palani Varatham, the Samadhi Koil of Guruswamy Swamigal. A small shrine it is. We have to worship the Linga from the entrance. Here too some Sadhus perform the poojas. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Ayyappan Temple – Giri Street,Palani Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Azhagu Natchiamman Temple – Giri street Have you knocked your head on the steps of Valampuri Vinayagar? Then move on. A little distance away is the third peacock Mandapa. Here is Idumban. Tank abutting the hill.The tank spreads over 148 acres. Let us go to the temple here. To the left of the temple stands Idumban canopied only by the sky. In the space where the papal and the neem is growing together, some unknown couple figure is seen half submerged within the earth. Like Nandi, a lion vehicle is seen in front. There are three Azhagu Nachi Amman temples for Devasthanam, one in Kothaimangalam, the second in Kumarasamudram and the third this. The term Naikkan is used in Chilapathikaram for the father of Kovalan and Kannagi. In Manimekalai this denotes merchants. Nayakan is the same as Naicker. In telegu it became Naicken. The feminine gender became Naichi, then corrupted into Nachi. The Idumban hills extends upto this temple,. Now a doubt arises. Was there a temple for Idumbi hereand was it converted into Azhagu Nachi. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Thalaivali Theerkkum Vinayagar, palani Near the Idumban hill is the farm of Forest Department Going a little farther we come to a Valampuri Vinayagar who cures even serious headaches. A board with the words “Head cure Vallaba Vinayagar” is seen. It is to attract people of other states. Three steps and a niche. People knock their head against the steps. Headaches of people will vanish Further it guards against head-aches. Muruga himself is a physician. His very body is a medicine. Moreover to go round the hills is a tonic. The various herbal plants grown by the Siddars are still there. The air coming over them cures ills. It is the same in Kodai hills also. People go round the hills in all times and in all seasons. During festivals the number will swell. Generally the best time go round the hills is early morning. The air called Ozone will rise in dawn and disappear at sunrise. This air is very beneficial to us. During the hot Agni Nakshatram days, devotes will go round from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.. This is the period when Kadamba and kora, favourite trees of Muruga will blossom and waft their fragrance. These trees too have curative properties. Some devotees even roll round the hill (Angapradakshinam). The Kora tree is the holy tree in Thiruvidaikazhi, a Muruga Sthala. This place should be approached from Thirukadavur near Mayuram. In Thiruvannamalai, it is difficult to go round the hills. In palani too, it was so once. But nowdays it is not so. To go 2km is very easy. Forgetting everything, going round the hills on the cement road, enjoying the Palani and distant Kodai hills is fascinating. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Veera Durgai Amman Temple, Palani We reach Dandayudapani Nilayam. This is a library. Unlike other libraries it will be open most of the day for eight hours (8 to 12 and 4 to 8). Daily news-papers are also available here. Saturday is a holiday. The boarding house is next to it in the east. The second peacock mandapa is near the Dandayudapani Nilayam. Frther east is the pilgrim rest house. Generally it is found locked. It cannot be kept open always. In railway stations one would have seen a single person sleeping on a bench intended for four to six. Such habits would have prompted the authorities to have the rest house shut. The school for deaf comes next. It was opened in 1972. The riches of the bestowed have been properly bestowed. There are lady teachers also here. Lessons are imparted by hearing instruments Small industries are also taught. The expenses of the students are borne by the Devasthanam. The fame of the benefactor reaches even the deaf! Proceeding along the fence of this school to the south, one can reach the temple of Vira Durga. Durga by itself means viram(Valour). Then why this double title? Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin).
Pathala Vinayagar Temple – Giri Street – Adivaram Come to entrance in the base of the hill and you can see a north facing temple. Here three Vinayagars are housed instead of one. They have to be worshipped before three acts. One is going round the hill, the second is going up the hills and having darshan of Dandayudapani, and the third is fulfillment of various vows undertaken by a devotee. For the above three Vinayagars came to be called Patha Vinayagars. Let us bow before all the three Vinayagars to have the grace of all. Since Vinayagar is at the base of tyhe hill, there is always a huge crowd. Flowers and garlands are sold in plenly. How to describe the fame of this Vinayagar? He is receiving our attention long before his brother. The number of Vinayagar temples in Palani is the greatest than in any other place. Somaley has reported that ther are 108 Vinayaga temples in Palani. Perhaps Vinayaga in grreat numbers have assembled here to shower grace on devotees who come to worship his brother. Further there are many varieties of Vinayagars too here. They built a new Vinayaga shrine in Shanmugapuram colony. The Tamil Literary Society is looking after that. He has been bestowing grace on all, who come to him. The roof of the Patha Vinayagar temple is very low. In a way it does not affect any devotee, as bowing with head bent is common in all Vinayaga Temples. The Vinayagar sports in his upper hands Ankusa in the right and Pasa (noose) in the left. Ankusa is an instrument used tocontrol an elephant. Why this elephant is wielding that weapon? He has to control himself as nobody else can control him. The object of bowing down and thumbing our forehead ourselves is indicative of the truth that one should control himself; instead of offering ourselves to be controlled by others. Palani is approximately 100 kilometers from the Coimbatore. Mode of transport from the Coimbatore to the Palani includes taxi, bus and train. The nearest air port is in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has has regular flights from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Sharjah. Air India, Kingfisher,Indigo,Spicejet and Jet Airways operate flights out of Coimbatore Airport. There is a rail line through Palani station, stretching Madurai to Coimbatore via Pollachi. Now Tiruchendur to palani via madurai, Chennai central – Palani Express, operating on this line. The state transport corporation and a lot of private bus operators ply bus from Palani to major cities in Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Tuticorin etc) and also to the neighboring Kerala(Palakkadu, Kochin). Official Address
Sri Pandurangan Temple, Thennangur The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. The primary temple was modeled upon the Puri Jagannath temple, whereas the outside structure reflects Pandava architecture. The temple follows both the Orthodox Sampradaya (tradition) of the South and the Bhajan Sampradaya of the North. This temple is dedicated to Lord Panduranga i.e. Lord Vishnu along with His consort Raghumayee. The Deity of Lord Pandurangan is made of Shaligrama and twelve feet in height. Lord Pandurangan adorns the alankara of the Madura King on sundays, a very simple alankara on thursdays where His divine feet can be seen, alankara with silver kavacha and ornaments on fridays and in the form of Lord Venkateswara on saturdays. The structure of the temple resembles the Pandaripuram temple in Maharashtra with Lord Panduranga accompanied by Mother Ragumayee blessing devotees. The temple was built by the disciple of His Holiness Gnanananda Swamigal, His Holiness Haridas Giri Swamigal. It is being administered by His Holiness Namanandagiri Swamigal presently. Lord Panduranga is majestically 12 feet tall made of Salagrama stone. He graces in a standing posture. Raghumayee nearby is adding beauty to beauty. Nearby, an idol of Lord Varadharaja and his consorts may be seen. Another rare element of this temple is the presence of a historical idol of Achutharaya Perumal, which was brought from Tirumala Tirupathi. Along with these idols, the golden idols worshiped by Swami Haridas Giri are present here. Lord Panduranga showers his blessing as a King of Mathura on Sundays, in a simple form showing his Lotus feet for the darshan of devotees on Thursdays, with silver coverings on Fridays & as Lord Venkatachalapathi on Saturdays. All the deities related to Sri Chakra worship are in this temple. It is especially noteworthy that all the deities related to Sri Chakra – Maha Shodasi, Rajarajeshwari, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Brahmma, Vishnu, Rudra, Easwara, Vinayaka, Bala, Annapoorani, Ashwaruda, Rajamadhangi, Varahi, Prathyangira, Sarabeswara, Chakrathaazhwar, Brahmi, Yoga Narasimha, Agoramurthy, Vanadurga, Parasaraswathi, Medha Dakshinamurthy, Subramanya, Chandi Mahalakshmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Mahendri, Chamunda, Mahalakshmi are in the temple in idol forms. Lord appears in fruit Alankara on the Tamil New Year day-Vishu Kani Utsav. On the Gokhulashtami day, Vaishnava Muthangi Sevai is followed. Lord appears in many alluring forms as Rajagopala, Giridhari holding the Govardhana Hill, as Geethacharya, as Parthasarathy and Radhakrishna. It is said that Lord played his flute under the Thamala tree (the sacred tree of the temple) in Dwapara Yuga which drew Radha towards him. It is noteworthy that this Thamala tree is brought to South. Dwarapalaka idols are made of Panchaloka – a mixture of five metals. The famous Sri Panduranga temple was built with a combination of northern and southern styles of architecture. The temple resembles the Puri Jagannath temple in Orissa and its front gopurams are constructed in the Pallava style of architecture. Another specialty of this temple is the divine marriage i.e. Nitya Kalyana Utsavam is being performed daily between 10 A.M to 12 noon on the weekdays and between 2 P.M to 4 P.M on Sundays. This temple has a unique Art decoration, first of its kind in India, where mural forms are embedded on the walls and ceiling of Ardha Mantapam and Maha Mantapam specially conceived and erected by Sri Natanam, the renowned Mural Architect. Sri Panduranga-Ragumayee Temple, Thennangur, Thiruvannamalai District, Phone: +91 – 4183 – 225 808 The temple is famous for the Vishukani Utsav festival that falls on Tamil New Year’s Day. The Muthangi Sevai festival is celebrated on the day of Gokhulashtami that falls between August and September, when the Lord Krishna is decorated in various Alankarams (styles) as Rajagopala, Govinda-Giridari holding the Govardhana hill, Parthasarathy and Child Krishna. Prayer is the best path to reach God. Everyone can do the worship depending on their means and knowledge. The significance of the temple is the Nama Sankeerthanam principles followed in worships because Music takes the soul to God. Devotees pray for child boon. Devotees perform pujas to Lord and Mother with Vastras. By Road: Thennangur is located on State Highway 116 between Kanchipuram and Vandavasi. Thennangur is served by frequent buses from Villupuram, Vandavasi, Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpet and Chennai. Bus route number 104 & 148 from Chennai connects Thennangur with Chennai. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is located at Villupuram at a distance of about 70 Kms. By Air: Nearest Airport is located at Chennai at a distance of about 110 Kms. Source: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in/2017/02/panduranga-temple-thennangur.html
This is one of the 108 Divya Desams located on the banks of the sacred river Kaveri. The temple also has the distinction of being a Pancharanga Kshetra. The temple tank is called Potramarai and located opposite the western entrance. The 2000 year old Sarangapani Aaravamudhan temple is housed between two rivers, Cauvery and Arasalaaru, in the heart of Kumbakonam, once the capital of the Chola Kingdom. It is said that Sage Hema Rishi had performed penances on the bank of the temple tank ‘Potramarai’ to get Lakshmi Devi as his daughter. Being pleased by the penances, Lord Vishnu appeared and blessed the Sage with the boon of getting Lakshmi Devi as his daughter. Lakshmi Devi manifested on a lotus flower in the Potramarai tank and hence was called Komalavalli. Some parts of the temple is believed to have been built in the 7th Century AD by the famous Pallava King Mahendra Varma but the real construction of the temple is said to have been done by the Cholas and later renovated by the famous Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya. Sarangapani Temple had a devotee called Lakshmi Narayanaswami. During his lifetime he was engaged in the Nityakainkarya (daily rituals) of the temple. With the help of kings and the wealthy people in the kingdom, he was able to procure ornaments for the deities and landed properties for the temple. He also built the Rajagopuram (main tower) and other mandapams inside the temple complex. When the devotee passed away on a Deepavali (Diwali) day with no heirs, the Lord himself is supposed to have performed the devotee’s funeral rites. Since then, on every Deepavali day, shraadam (death rites) is performed to Sri Lakshmi Narayanaswami on behalf of the Lord in the temple. The Sarangapani Temple existed during the Pallava period. However, the current structure is attributed to the period of Vikrama Chola (1121 CE onwards). Later, the Cholas built the superstructure of the 11-tiered gopuram but the tower was actually completed by the Vijayanagara rulers. Sri Sarangapani Swamy Temple Kumbakonam, Tanjore (District) Phone: +91-435 – 243 0349, 94435 – 24529 Soundara Raja Bhattar @ 94863 10896/ 0435 2427218 E-mail: [email protected] There is no Swarga Vaasal at the Sarangapani temple. About 50000 people are expected to attend the Vaikunta Ekadesi festival. There are festivals all through the year at this temple. June – July: Pavitrotsavam: The Pavitrotsavam (cleansing ritual) is performed in Ani. Navarathri & Other Events: Navarathri the ten day festival in honor of Shakthi and her manifestations (September – October), Dolothsavam in Margazhi (December – January), Maasi Magam (February – March the day when the star Magam reigns in the skies) Panguni Uttiram (March – April the day when the star Uttiram reigns in the skies) are grand occasions. March – April: Float Festival: The grand float festival is conducted in Maasi Magam (March – April) on the Hema Pushkarani (temple tank) in front of the temple. Colorful festivals are held here and at the Chakrapani temple in Kumbakonam. January 14th: Silver Chariot Procession: The first day of Uttarayanam, January 14th is celebrated with the silver chariot procession in the Sarangapani temple which attracts hundreds of devotees. May – June: Spring Festival: Vasantotsavam to herald spring occurs in Vaikasi. January – February: Brahmotsavam: Brahmotsavam, the temple’s main festival, is celebrated in Thai. Sri Sarangapanai Temple lies in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It’s about 3 kms away from Kumbakkonam railway station, which is on the chennai – Thanjore main line. Bus facility and staying facilities are ample. Photo Gallery: This slideshow requires JavaScript. As per Hindu legend, Sage Brigu came to Vaikunda to test the patience and tolerance quality of Lord Vishnu by hitting on his chest. Lord did not prevent the sage nor grew angry against him. But Lord simply smiled. Mother Lakshmi asked the Lord how he could allow other male to touch her also while hitting him as the chest of Lord is her home. The sage fell at the feet of Mother Lakshmi and said that he was given the job of finding a God so soft in nature for conducting a Yagna to whom it was to be dedicated. I hit Lord for this test and meant no motives. He also begged Mother that she should be born his daughter. Mother Lakshmi happily blessed the sage. She promised the sage to leave Lord for him and advised him to take on penance to realize his wish. The sage performed penance in Kumbakonam and found Mother on the Hema Pushkarani Theertha on a Lotus. He took the child and named her Komalavalli. Vishnu descended to earth as Aaravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from his abode Vaikuntam. He stayed in the nearby Someswaran Temple to woo Lakshmi to marry him and the couple eventually got married. The name Sarangapani (“one who has the bow in his hand”) derives from the Tamil word Sarangam meaning bow of Vishnu and pani meaning hand. He gave his daughter to Perumal in a grand wedding. Perumal came to wed Mother holding a bow-Sarnga, hence is praised as Lord Sarangapani. The place thus is revered as the Avatara Sthala-birth place of Mother Komalavalli-Lakshmi. Sarangapani Temple’s Vaideeka Vimanam (special style of dome over sanctum) is considered to be an offshoot of the Srirangam Pranava Vimanam, which is a replica of the Pushpaka Vimanam (flying chariot from the Ramayana) presented to Vibishana of Sri Lanka by Rama after the ten-headed Ravana was killed. The main temple has a beautiful mandapam (hall) in front of the temple. Click to read complete Sarangapani Temple Architecture Source: The contents of this page is compiled from various sources. We have tried to list all major sources here.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vaduvur, Tamil Nadu It is one of the 108 holy vishnavite temples. Vaduvur Sri Kailasanathar swamy temple is one of the famous temple in vaduvur and also it is one of west facing lord Siva temple.and the famous AASAI temple in vaduvur Vadapathi. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Rama along with Sita Devi, Lakshman Dev and Hanuman. The Deities here are swayambhu i.e. self manifested with the exception of Lakshmana whose original Deity is worshiped along with Bharata in a different temple as Rama and Lakshmana. It is said that Lord Rama stayed at an ashrama of Sages when returning to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. The Sages had requested Him to stay there forever which couldn’t be fulfilled due to His duties as a King. Lord Rama instead ordered Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial architect to sculpt His Deity and leave it outside the ashram. The Sages were spellbound by the divine beauty and requested that the Deities be left behind to which Lord Rama readily agreed. Later, Lord Rama is said to have appeared in the dream of the ruler of Thanjavur in the 18th century and ordered the King to unearth the Deities at Thalai Gnayiru(Thalanayar in Nagapattinam dt, TN) under the arasa maram or sacred fig tree. The Deities were found but the villagers came to know about this and thus prevented the King from taking the Deities away. The King convinced the villagers and thus left the Deities of Lakshmana and Bharata with them. On the way back, the King and his entourage rested at Vaduvur village where the villagers there also got to know about the Deities and so, wanted to have Them installed in Vaduvur. They had threatened to commit suicide by jumping from the village temple roof if the Deities weren’t installed there. The King acceded to the demands of the villagers and so the Deities were installed in the Rukmini Satyabhama samedha Gopalan temple in Vaduvur. Till today, the worship of the Deities goes on there. The Deity of Lakshmana was sculpted by the villagers. The temple has four titles awarded to it i.e. Abhimana Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu, Vagularanyam Kshetram, Bhaskara Kshetram and Dakshina Ayodhya.
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form Shri Vishnu. The temple is located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is an active Hindu house of worship and follows Thenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. Built in : 11th century Built by: Ramanuja Dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu The temple occupies an area of 155 acres (63 ha) with 50 shrines, 21 towers, 39 pavilions and many water tanks integrated into the complex. Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000 m²) with a perimeter of 4,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls (termed prakarams (outer courtyard) or mathil suvar) with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. These temple has 21 gopurams (towers), 39 pavilions, fifty shrines, Ayiram kaal mandapam (a hall of 1000 pillars) and several small water bodies inside. The space within the outer two prakarams (outer courtyard) is occupied by several shops, restaurants and flower stalls. The Hall of 1000 pillars (actually 953) is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, “Sesha Mandap”, with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight.The 1000-pillared hall made of granite was constructed in the Vijayanagara period (1336–1565) on the site of the old temple. The temple site is on a large island bounded by the Cauvery River and Kollidam River. Its location has rendered it vulnerable to natural disasters as well as the rampaging of invading armies – Muslim and European – which repeatedly commandeered the site for military encampment. The annual 21 day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, and It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India rich in legend and history. The main entrance, known as the Rajagopuram (the royal temple tower), rises from the base area of around 5720 and goes up to 237 feet (72 m), moving up in eleven progressively smaller tiers. The Hall of 1000 pillars (actually 953) is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, “Sesha Mandap”, with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight.The 1000-pillared hall made of granite was constructed in the Vijayanagara period (1336–1565) on the site of the old temple. The pillars consists of sculptures of wildly rearing horses bearing riders on their backs and trampling with their hoofs upon the heads of rampant tigers, seem only natural and congruous among such weird surroundings. Sriranga Mahathmiyam, for example, is one of the compilation of the temple mythology about its origins. According to it, Brahma was performing austerities during the samudra manthan (churning of cosmic ocean), and Srirangam Vimanam emerged as a result. When Vibhishana passed through Trichy en route to Sri Lanka where he had become the king, the Srirangam Vimanam would not move from the island. So he gave it to a local king called Dharma Varma if the king consecrated the Vimanam to face the south cardinal direction eternally, blessing him and Lanka. Hence it is that the deity (in a reclining posture) faces South, his body aligned to the east-west axis.
Temples in Telangana: Exploring the Spiritual Landmarks of South India Telangana, the southern state of India, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and religious significance. The state is home to a vast number of temples, each with its unique architecture, history, and religious significance. These temples not only offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of India but also provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the famous Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal to the ancient Kaleshwaram Temple, Telangana boasts a rich collection of temples that are visited by thousands of devotees every day. The Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda is another must-visit temple that is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Apart from their religious significance, the temples in Telangana are also popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. The beautiful Charminar in Hyderabad, for instance, is not just a symbol of the city but also houses a mosque that is considered one of the oldest and most significant in India. If you’re planning a trip to Telangana, make sure to include a visit to these temples in your itinerary. Whether you’re a believer seeking spiritual solace or a traveler looking to explore the cultural heritage of India, the temples in Telangana are a must-visit.
Tripura, a small state located in northeastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse religious traditions. The state is home to several Hindu temples, each with its unique history and architectural style, attracting devotees and tourists from across the country. One of the most popular temples in Tripura is the Tripura Sundari Temple, located in the ancient city of Udaipur. Dedicated to the goddess Tripura Sundari, the temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. The temple’s main sanctum is adorned with a beautiful idol of the goddess, with several smaller shrines surrounding it. The temple’s architecture is an impressive blend of Bengali and Mughal styles, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. Another famous temple in Tripura is the Bhuvaneswari Temple, situated in the city of Gomati. Dedicated to the goddess Bhuvaneswari, the temple is famous for its unique octagonal shape and exquisite carvings on the walls and pillars. The temple’s sanctum is located at the center of the structure and houses the idol of the goddess. The temple also features several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. Apart from these, the state is also home to other important temples like the Jagganath Temple, the Chaturdasha Devta Temple, and the Kali Temple, among others. Each temple has its unique significance and attracts a large number of devotees every year. If you are planning a trip to Tripura, make sure to visit these temples to experience the state’s rich cultural heritage and religious traditions.
Forteen Goddess Temple is located about 14 Kmu. away from Agartala at a place called Old Agartala. In the face of continued fight with Shamser Gazi, Maharaja Krishna Manikya had shifted the capital from Udaipur to Old Agartala. It continued to be the capital till it was shifted to Agartala. Near the sacred 14 goddess temple during the month of July every year a Kharchi festival is organised and thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this festival. It is a local saying that one who visits Tripura Fourteen Goddess Temple once comes in Agartala fourteen times more. Daily airline service is provided by three major airlines company including Air India from and to major cities of India. Agartala Airport (IATA: IXA, ICAO: VEAT) is a domestic airport located 12 kilometres (7 miles) northwest of the city of Agartala. It is administered by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).[4] It is the second busiest airport in northeast India after Guwahati and is proposed to be upgraded as an international airport. The airport is now named after The Maharaja of Tripura, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. Agartala railway station is located 5.5 km (2.96 nautical miles) from Agartala in Tripura, India. It is the second capital city (after Guwahati, Assam) in Northeast India to be connected to the country’s railway map, moreover Agartala is the first state capital of independent India to be connected with a rail network. Before 2015 the 413-kilometre (257 mi) route was connected to Lumding with a meter gauge track, but after the gauge conversion in 2016, the track connected directly to Guwahati and the rest of India. Agartala is well connected by road to other parts of the Indian state of Tripura. Agartala is also connected to Assam (749 km) by the National Highway 44 whereas other important cities like Silchar (460 km), Guwahati (785 km), Shillong (686 km), Dharmanagar (173 km) and Aizawl (293 km) are connected with NH44 and NH44A. Bus service, Jeeps, Cabs and SUVs are the various modes of transport system within the city. Khayerpur, Old Agartala, Mekhlipara, Tripura 799008
Maa Bhabatarini Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Unakoti, a village in the state of Tripura, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhabatarini, an avatar of the goddess Durga, and is an important religious and cultural center for the people of Unakoti. Maa Bhabatarini Mandir is known for its beautiful and ornate architecture, and is a popular tourist destination in Tripura. The temple is built in the traditional Hindu style, with a central sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the deity of Bhabatarini, and a series of smaller shrines and halls surrounding it. The temple is also known for its annual festival, the Maa Bhabatarini Mela, which is celebrated in honor of the goddess Bhabatarini. The festival is attended by thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the country, and features a variety of cultural and religious events, such as puja ceremonies, devotional music, and traditional dance performances. Overall, the Maa Bhabatarini Mandir is an important religious and cultural landmark in Unakoti, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Tripura. The Maa Bhabatarini Mandir in Unakoti is known for its beautiful and ornate architecture. The temple is built in the traditional Hindu style, with a central sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the deity of Bhabatarini, and a series of smaller shrines and halls surrounding it. The temple is built of stone and decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The main entrance to the temple is marked by a large gateway (torana) adorned with sculpted figures and motifs. The interior of the temple is adorned with colorful murals and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the goddess Bhabatarini and other Hindu deities. The temple also has a large open courtyard surrounded by pillared halls, which is used for various cultural and religious events. By Air: Nearest Airport is Agartala which is around 178 KM from Kailashahar by road. Kalishashon is around 6 KM from Kailashahar by road. By Train: Nearest Railway Station is at Kumarghat which is 26 KM from Kailashahar. Bus, Autorickshaw, and other small vehicles ply between Kailashahar and Kumarghat. Kalishashon is around 6 KM from Kailashahar by road. By Road: Nearest cities like Guwahati, Silchar, Shillong, and Agartala are connected with Kailashahar by Bus and other small vehicles. Kalishashon is around 6 KM from Kailashahar by road.
Kamalasagar Kali Temple, was built on a hill-top by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in the late 15th century. It is situated just deside the Bangladesh border, The lake in front of this temple rightly enhances its beauty. The large ‘Kamala Sagar’ lake dug by king Dhanya Manikya (1490-1520) and the two wavy blue water lakes in front of the ‘Ujjayanta palace’, abode of Tripura’s erstwhile princely rulers in the heart of capital Agartala will form inevitable itinerary of trourists fond of waterscape. Princely Tripura’s erstwhile capital and present headquarter of south Tripura District, Udaipur is also known as a ‘lake-town’ because of the surfeit of large lakes, dug by different princely rulers, that dot the town. These lakes coupled with the river Gomati that flows by Udaipur will enthuse tourists to have a pleasant outing. The nearest airport is at Agartala and it is situated 32.2 km from the Agartala Airport. The nearest railhead is at Agartala and it is situated 24 km from the Agartala Railway Station. Buses and small vehicles are available from the Agartala Bus stand to Rastarmatha, Bishalgarh. From Rastarmatha you will get the auto/Rickshaw for the Kashaba Kali Temple. Kamalasagar, Sipahijala, Tripura 799102 0381 230 0332
Tripura Sundari Temple, Gomati, Tripura Tripura Sundari Temple is a Hindu temple of Goddess Tripura Sundari, better known locally as Devi Tripureshwari. The temple is situated in the ancient city of Udaipur, about 55 km from Agartala, Tripura and can be reached by train and road from Agartala. It is believed to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines in this part of the country. Popularly known as Matabari, the shrine is set upon a small hillock, since the shape of a hillock resembles the hump of a tortoise (Kurma) and this shape called Kurmapṛṣṭhākṛti is considered the holiest possible site for a Shakti temple, hence also bestowing the name of Kurma Pīṭha. The Goddess is served by traditional Brahmin priests. The temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas; legend says that the right leg of Sati fell here. Here, Shakti is worshipped as Tripurasundarī and the accompanying Bhairava is Tripuresh. The main shrine, a cubical edifice with a three-tier roof with a finial, erected by Maharaja of Tripura Dhanya Manikya in 1501 AD, is constructed in the Bengali Ek-ratna style. There are two similar but different sized black stone idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The larger and more prominent idol of 5 feet height is of Goddess Tripura Sundari and the smaller one, adorably called Chhoto-Ma (literally, Little Mother), is 2 feet tall and is an idol of Goddess Chandi. Folklore says that the smaller idol was carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield. Every year on the occasion of Diwali, a famous Mela takes place near the temple which is visited by more than 0.2 million pilgrims. Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Tripura. The temple is more than 500 years old and is popular for being one of the 51 peethas of Hindus. The locals called it the Matabari. Maharaja Dhanya Manikya built the temple in 1501 AD, at Udaipur, the former capital of Tripura kingdom. The site is believed to be the place where Sati’s right foot fell. According to the legend Maharaja Dhanya Manikya was instructed in his dream to install goddess Tripura Sundari in the temple that stood at the edge of Udaipur town. A temple already stood at the small hilltop, but it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The king was amused by it. But he had the same dream again the next night. The king did as he was instructed and the temple came into being. This ‘pithasthan’ (centre of pilgrimage) is also known as Kurma Pith because the shape of the temple premises resembles that of “Kurma” or tortoise. The idol of ‘Maa Kali’, presiding deity of the temple, stands in the sanctum sanctorum and it is made of reddish black stone, popularly known in Bengali as ‘Kashtipathar’. The Goddess ‘Kali’ is worshipped in her incarnation as ‘Shoroshi’ (sixteen year old girl) in the temple by professional priests. An idol of smaller size of Maa Kali called ‘Chotto Maa’who stands beside the presiding deity used to be reportedly carried along by the kings during hunting expeditions and also during war for impromptu worship in tents. The temple consists of square type sanctum of the typical Bengali hut structure with a conical dome. Legend / Local stories Legend has it that King Dhanya Manikya, who ruled over Tripura in the closing years of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in a dream in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop near the town of Udaipur, the contemporary capital of the kingdom. The king found out that a temple on the hillock was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu. He was in a dilemma, unable to decide how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of Shakti. The following night, the divine vision was repeated. The king understood that Vishnu and Shakti were different forms of the same Supreme Deity (Brahman). Thus, the temple of Tripura Sundari came into being around the year 1501 AD. In the dawn of this century, the temple has crossed 500 years. This legend is recounted as an example of solidarity between two sub-groups of Hinduism: the Vaishnava and the Shakta sects. Photo Gallery tripura-sundari-temple-agartala-ho-agartala-temples-8up40yx Tripura-Sundari-Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Gomati, Tripura tripurasundari-temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Gomati, Tripura tripura-sundari-temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Gomati, Tripura deity-maa-kali-tripura-sundari-temple tripura-sundari-temple- structure, Tripura Sundari Temple, Gomati, Tripura kalyansagar-lake-tripura-sundari-temple How to Reach: Contact Details Official Address Related Browse Temples in India Andhra PradeshArunachal PradeshAssamBiharChhattisgarhGoaGujaratHaryanaHimachal PradeshJammu & Kashmir JharkhandKarnatakaKeralaMadhya PradeshMaharashtraManipurMeghalayaMizoramNagalandOrissa PunjabRajasthanSikkimTamil NaduTripuraUttar PradeshUttarakhandWest Bengal Legend has it that King Dhanya Manikya, who ruled over Tripura in the closing years of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in a dream in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop near the town of Udaipur, the contemporary capital of the kingdom. The king found out that a temple on the hillock was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu. He was in a dilemma, unable to decide how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of Shakti. The following night, the divine vision was repeated. The king understood that Vishnu and Shakti were different forms of the same Supreme Deity (Brahman). Thus, the temple of Tripura Sundari came into being around the year 1501 AD. In the dawn of this century, the temple has crossed 500 years. This legend is recounted as an example of solidarity between two sub-groups of Hinduism: the Vaishnava and the Shakta sects. Official Address
Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Agartala, Tripura A temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lakshminarayan located in the Ujjayanta Palace ground in the city of Agartala, Tripura state, India. The temple was constructed by the King of Tripura, Birendra Kishore Manikya (r. 1909-1923), a century ago Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the holy places of interest in Agartala and is situated near the main entrance of Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala. The temple was built during the rule of Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya and today it’s a divine tourist spot in Agartala. Icon of Lord Krishna was installed by Krishnananda Sevayet of Laxmi Narayan temple more than 45 years ago. The temple is also registered under Indian antiquitity act like monument. The main temple was constructed with some financial assistance of the royal family of Tripura. According to the legendary tale of the Bhagavata Tamal tree is closely associated with the life sport of Lord Krishna, probably considering this aspect, the sevayet planted Tamal tree in front of the temple about 35 years back. Official Address
Chaturdasha Temple, Agartala, Tripura The Chaturdasha Temple is a Hindu temple (mandir) situated near Old Agartala, India, and features the Bengal dome patterned after the roofs of village huts in Bengal. The dome is surmounted by a stupa-like structure which reveals traces of Buddhist influence. This temple was built in honour of fourteen deities, together called the Chaturdasha Devata, by King Krishna Manikya Debbarma of Tripura in 1761 and these deities are ceremoniously worshipped during Kharchi Puja. The Kokborok names of the fourteen deities are Lampra, Akhatra, Bikhatra, Burasa, Thumnairok, Bonirok, Sangroma, Mwtaikotor, Twima, Songram, Noksumwtai, Mailuma, Khuluma and Swkalmwtai.The temple is located near the old part of Agartala where the royal palace is situated. The location of the temple is about 8 kilometers away from the main city of Agartala which is the capital of the state of Tripura in India. The temple was dedicated to the Chaturdasha Devata which means fourteen deities. The temple was built by King Krishna Manikya Debbarma who was the ruler of Tripura at that time. he temple is fondly called the Chaudda Devata Mandir. The fourteen deities worshipped at the Chaturdasha temple Tripura are called Burasa, Lampra, Bikhatra, Akhatra, Thumnairok, Sangroma, Bonirok, Twima, Songram, Mwtaikotor, Mailuma, Noksumwtai, Swkalmwtai and Khuluma in Kokborok. These deities are the local forms of Hindu gods and goddesses who are Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Kartikeya, Saraswati, Ganesha, Samudra, Prithvi, Agni, Ganga, Himadri and Kamadeva. These deities and the gods they represent have completely influenced the people of this state which is called the country of fourteen gods and goddesses. People from the neighboring states also come here in large numbers every year to pray for peace, happiness and prosperity. Tripura is called the land of the fourteen gods. As per legend and the description in the royal chronicles regarding Chaturdasha temple history, king Tripur was killed by Lord Shiva because of his irreligious acts and conduct. Harabati, the widow of Tripur, had gone to bathe in the river when she saw the fourteen gods being chased by a wild buffalo and taking refuge on a cotton tree. Harbati helped the gods to kill the wild buffalo and save themselves. The fourteen gods and goddesses were so pleased with Harabati that they came to stay in the royal palace at Udaipur and were worshipped there. The sacrifice of a wild buffalo at the Kharchi festival has come down as a tradition since then. The city of Udaipur fell to Muslim invaders under the command of Samser Gaji. The Muslim invaders occupied the city, and the Tripuri king had to shift his capital to Agartala on the banks of the river Haora. It is said that when King Krishna Manikya Debbarma set up a new capital at Agartala after leaving his original capital Udaipur behind, the gods and goddesses also wanted to leave the place and come with him to his new adobe. The king took their request to heart and brought them to Agartala and installed them at the newly built temple. The King installed the heads of the fourteen deities he had worshipped in Udaipur. All idols were originally made of alloy. When one of the heads got washed away while being bathed in the river, it was replaced by a head made of silver. The temple that he had built for the fourteen deities had a flat roof that was similar to the architecture followed in Bengal at that time but has two domes that taper upwards like Buddhist stupas. The one at the back is higher than the one at the front. Official Address
Agartala Jagannath Mandir, Agartala, Tripura Located within the Ujjayanta Palace grounds in Agartala, India this temple is dedicated to the Hindu Gods Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Built in the 19th century by then Maharaja of Tripura, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, this temple with an octagonal base has four stories. The temple is adorned with bright orange stepped up Shikharas. The Jagannath temple is a famous religious site located in Agartala in Tripura. Built by the Maharaja of Tripura of the Manikya Dynasty in the 19th century, the temple is situated in the Ujjayanta Palace grounds and is dedicated to the Hindu Gods- Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The beauty of this spectacular place lies in the fact that the temple is as much a place of architectural beauty and prestige as it is of religious importance. The temple is also a beautiful place to click some amazing pictures, so be prepared to be taken aback by the sheer beauty of this location. Jagannath Temple was built by the Manikyas, who chose Agartala above Udaipur as the capital. For decorating the capital, they adorned it with numerous monuments and beautiful sites. Though inclined to Islamic architecture, the Jagannath Temple represents a confluence of Hemadpanthi and Arabic style on the exterior and Hindu flair on the insides. It is believed that the idol of Neelmadhav at Puri had been donated from this temple. Open to travellers in the present time, this temple replicated the rich architectural heritage of Agartala. Orange in colour, the temple has an octagonal base and the pillars are crowned by square and pyramidal cones. Moreover, the impression of ‘pradhkshin patha’ round the sanctum further adds to the beauty of this national heritage temple at the capital of Tripura. Official Address
Unakoti, Tripura Unakoti hill, literally meaning one less a koti in Bengali, hosts an ancient Shaivite place of worship with huge rock reliefs celebrating Shiva. It is the prime tourist spot of Unakoti District Tripura in the Kailashahar Subdivision in the North-eastern Indian state of Tripura.It is Shiva pilgrimage and dates back to 7th – 9th centuries if not earlier. Unakoti is a historic Shaiva pilgrimage spot and dates back to 7th – 9th centuries if not earlier. While the site’s rock carvings, murals with primitive beauty form the chief attraction, the natural environment, mountain scenery and waterfalls are an added attraction. As per Hindu theological traditions, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses including him, he made a night halt at this location. He asked all the gods and goddesses to wake up before sun rise and proceed for Kashi. It is said that in the morning, except Shiva himself, no one else could get up so set out for Kashi himself cursing the others to become stone images. As a result, we have one less than a crore stone images and carvings at Unakoti. These carvings are located at a landscaped forest area with green vegetation all around. There is also another story that suggests about a blacksmith who wished to live with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the Kailash Mountain. Lord Shiva had bet him that if he could make a crore (koti) idols of Lord Shiva, with in the period of one night, He would take Kallu, the blacksmith, with him to Kailash Parvath. When counted in the morning, the idols were one less than a koti (crore). This made the name of the place be changed to Unakoti, literally meaning one less than a crore. The former princely state of Tripura was ruled by Maharajas of Manikya dynasty. It was an independent administrative unit under the Maharaja even during the British rule in India, though this independence was qualified, being subject to the recognition of the British, as the paramount power of each successive ruler. As per Rajmala, the royal chronology of Tripura, a total of 184 kings ruled over the state before it merged with the Indian Union on October 15 1949. Since then the history of Tripura has been interspersed with various political, economical and social developments. On January 26, 1950 Tripura was accorded the status of a ‘C’ category state and on November 1, 1956, it was recognized as a Union Territory. It gained full statehood on January 21, 1972, as per the North-East Reorganisation Act, 1971. Initially a one district state, was trifurcated into three Districts w.e.f. 01.09.1970. The North Tripura District started functioning in the office of the Sub-divisional officer at Kailashahar and partly at Kumarghat, later the whole office was shifted to Kailashahar. The Collectorate was shifted to the newly constructed complex at Gournagar on 13.11.1987. Subsequently, North Tripura District has been bifurcated and a new District namely “Dhalai District” has been inaugurated on 14.04.1995 with district head quarter at Ambassa. On 21.01.2012 the decision to further bifurcate North Tripura District was accepted and the district “Unakoti District” was created with its headquarter at Kailashahar. Unakoti lies 178 km to the northeast from Agartala which has the closest airport, 8 km to the east from Kailashahar, district headquarters of Unakoti district, 148 km to the south-east from Silchar. The nearest railway station is 19.6 km away at Dharmanagar railway station on the Lumding–Sabroom section.From Dharmanagar railway station it takes about 30–40 minutes by car.Travelling from capital town Agartala has become much easier nowadays. The morning train from Agartala reaches dharmanagar before 10 am. The afternoon train from Dharmanagar reaches Agartala by 8 p.m. Official Address
Uttar Pradesh, the land of cultural diversity, is home to some of the most famous and revered temples in India. The state is dotted with countless temples that are not only important from a religious standpoint but also hold significant historical and architectural importance. From the ancient and revered temples of Varanasi to the modern marvels of Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh is a treasure trove of fascinating temples. One of the most famous temples is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built by the Maratha queen, Ahilyabai Holkar, in the 18th century. Another significant temple in Varanasi is the Durga Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located in the heart of the city. Mathura and Vrindavan are other important temple towns in Uttar Pradesh. The Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura is considered to be one of the most important temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The ISKCON temple in Vrindavan is a modern marvel and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The state is also home to the famous Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival held every 12 years at four different locations in India, including Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. During the festival, millions of devotees take a dip in the holy river Ganges, considered to be a purifying act. Overall, Uttar Pradesh is a state that is steeped in tradition and culture, and its temples are a testament to the rich history and heritage of the region. Whether you are a devout believer or a curious traveler, the temples of Uttar Pradesh are sure to leave you mesmerized. Major Cities: Varanasi – Bhadohi – Saharanpur – Sultanpur – Shrawasti – Siddharthnagar – Sambhal
Bhuteshwar Mahadev, one out of many names of Lord Shiv. Bhuteshwar Mahadev which literally means The Lord of Ghosts! The four ancient deities of lord shiva residing at Mathura are known as dik-palas, protectors of directions; Butheshwar Mahadev is the Protector of the western side among the four. The deity of Lord Shiva is amazing with beautiful bright eyes and a long moustache. It is one of the most important jyotilinga. There is also a shaktipeeth of Devi inside the temple campus where the ringlet of Mata Sati fell. People in Mathura believe that Bhuteshwar Mahadev protects the city from evil. As per popular belief, the sacred temple of Bhuteshwar safeguards the town and its residents from evil forces; thus, the name Bhuteshwar. #Trivia: It is the city’s oldest temple built in celebration of founding this gorgeous place. According to mythology, Mathura was established when Shatrughan slew the demon Madhu. Shatrughan, Sri Ram’s younger brother, founded Mathura after the demon’s murder. The Bhuteshwar Temple in Mathura has been around for thousands of years and renders a beautiful persona to the cityscape. The great temple of Shiva where Lord Krishna and Gopis prayed to SHIVA when he took the form of a gopi to participate in Maharasa of Sri Krishna. Well kept, neat and clean and rare place where the keeper priests are non-greedy and really devoted to Shiva. The temple’s sanctuary is spread over 100 square metres. Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, one of Mathura’s oldest temples, holds the Patal Devi Cave, the deity revered by King Kansa. Lord Shiva’s presiding deity’s name is Bhuteshwar Mahadev. One noteworthy feature is a conduit that connects the outside of the grilled side-gate to the inside, allowing devotees to offer ‘abhisheka’ or first prayers onto the Shivling. Apart from the major Linga, there are several smaller ones on the left side of the main entrance, where worshippers independently offer ‘abhisheka’ and flowers without the help of a priest. Amongst the numerous Shiva temples in our country, this one has a distinct flavour. Nearest Bus Stop: The Nearest bus stop to Bhuteshwar temple is the Mathura Bus Stop in Shanti Nagar. It is around 1.5 kilometres away. So it will take you about 6 minutes to reach the temple from here. Nearest Railway Station: The Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is around 3 kilometres from the Mathura Junction. It takes 9 minutes to reach the temple from here. Nearest Airport: There is no airport in Mathura. The nearest international airport is in Delhi. It is 147 kilometres away from Mathura.
Pateshwari Devi Temple is a famous temple of district Amethi. Nearest Airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh airport Lucknow. Gauriganj is connected by Rail Route. Auto service is available.
Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. The Sarnath Temple, also known as the Chaukhandi stupa, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Varanasi (also known as Benares) in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple marks the spot where the Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment, and it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The temple complex includes the Chaukhandi stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where the Buddha first taught, and a number of other stupas and temples, as well as a museum containing artifacts related to the history of Buddhism in the area. It is also known as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, included in the “Sarnath- The Buddhism Heritage Site” The Sarnath Temple complex, like many Buddhist temples, is characterized by its stupas, which are large, dome-shaped structures that typically contain relics of the Buddha or other important figures in Buddhism. The most significant of these stupas is the Chaukhandi stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where the Buddha first taught. This stupa was originally built in the 4th century AD, but has been rebuilt and modified several times over the centuries. It has a base in the shape of a square with an octagonal tower on top, and it is decorated with a series of stone carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. Other notable structures in the Sarnath Temple complex include the Dhamekh Stupa, which is believed to stand at the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by the Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to mark the site of the Buddha’s teachings, and the Chinese and Thai temples, which are dedicated to the various countries where Buddhism is practiced. In general, the architectural style in Sarnath temple complex is a blend of Indian, Chinese and Tibetan influences. The architecture is not limited to buildings but it also includes the sculptures, images and inscriptions which are displayed on the walls, pillars and other structures in the complex. The nearest airport to Sarnath lies at Varanasi – the cultural capital of India. Varanasi Airport at Babatpur is located about 30 km from Sarnath. It is one of the important domestic airports in India. Almost all public and private airlines in India operate regular flights to and from Varanasi. From Varanasi you can avail direct flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Khajuraho, and others. You can also board flight from Kathmandu to reach Varanasi. Sarnath has a railway station of its own, which is connected to Varanasi and Gorakhpur by passenger trains. The nearest railhead to Sarnath is at Varanasi too, which is one of the major railway junctions in the region. Varanasi railway station is connected to the rest of India by a large number of important trains. There are train links from Varanasi to various cities within Uttar Pradesh as well as cities in other parts of India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Lucknow, Bangalore and Ahmedabad, to name a few. Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is well connected with other parts of the state by decent roadways. The nearest mega terminus from Sarnath lies at Varanasi, about 10 km downtown from Sarnath. Varanasi is well connected by bus with major cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, Kanpur, Allahabad, Agra and Mathura. Regular buses run by Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation as well as private operators ply from Varanasi to these destinations. Hence, Sarnath is easily accessible by road from Varanasi and other major destinations in Northern India.
It is a very famous temple in Surapur-Sultanpur. Many people visit here on Tuesday & Saturday & he enjoys here after a visit to Hanuman Mandir. This place has its own story in Ramayana. At this place, Lord Hanuman defeated Kaalnemi and taken rest here when he was going to bring Sanjeevani for Lord Lakshman, who was in the unconscious that time. Lord Hanuman took a bath in Makari Kund which is also available at the side of Bijethua Temple. Ravana sends to Kaalnemi to this place to distract Lord Hanuman but while taking a bath in Makari Kund, a spider told him that the Saint who is there was a demon. Millions of people visit this place on Tuesday and Saturday to worship here for Lord Hanuman. This temple has its own record of having the largest number of bells in any temple. Bighthuah Mahaviran: It is located about 50 km from the district headquarter in Kadipur tehsil and can be visited by roadways bus and private taxi. The nearest Domestic Airport is Allahabad Airport, Uttar Pradesh, roughly two hour drive from Sultanpur. It is well connected to New Delhi through Air India. The second nearest International Airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow, roughly 148 Kms from Sultanpur. Frequent Flights to various national and international destinations take off from here. It has its own Railway Station named as Sultanpur Railway Junction which is connected to the all major cities of Uttar Pradesh and other state like Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Jaipur and Bhopal. There are many ways to reach Sultanpur. Sultanpur is 60 Kms from Faizabad, 103 Kms from Allahabad, 135 Kms from Lucknow, 162 Kms from Varanasi, 231 Kms from Kanpur, 630 Kms from Delhi, 662 Kms from Bhopal, 743 Kms from Jaipur through Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and some private travel services.
Dhopap temple is located in tehsil Lambhua.This place is located on the right bank of River Gomti on Sultanpur-Jaunpur road (NH-56), about 32 km south east of Sultanpur city & 85 km from Ayodhya, 8 km from Lohramau, 8 km from Kadipur. According to Vishnu Puran, Gomti was known in this tract as Dhutopapa, which reaches Dhopap from the east and after forming a loop near this place it takes sharp turn to the south east. Ghat known as Dhopap Ghat has been constructed, where people follow the example of Rama in washing away their sins in the river. The story goes that Lord Rama obtained here absolution for the sin of killing the demon King Ravan, who was of Brahmin caste, while returning from Sri Lanka by taking a dip in the river on the advice of Maharshi Vashistha.People believe that one who visits the place on the day of Dushehra can wash their sins in the Gomti River. There is a large temple of Lord Ram here which is visited by a large number of devotees. Bathing fair (Jyestha snan mela) is held here on the 10th day of Jyestha month, on Ganga Dushehra & on Chaitra Ramnavami. A Ram temple is located at the Ghat which opens from Sunrise-Sunset. The nearest Domestic Airport is Allahabad Airport, Uttar Pradesh, roughly two hour drive from Sultanpur. It is well connected to New Delhi through Air India. The second nearest International Airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow, roughly 148 Kms from Sultanpur. Frequent Flights to various national and international destinations take off from here. It has its own Railway Station named as Lambhua Railway Junction which is connected to the all major cities of Uttar Pradesh and other state like Sultanpur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, Jaipur and Bhopal. There are many ways to reach Sultanpur. Sultanpur is 60 Kms from Faizabad, 103 Kms from Allahabad, 135 Kms from Lucknow, 162 Kms from Varanasi, 231 Kms from Kanpur, 630 Kms from Delhi, 662 Kms from Bhopal, 743 Kms from Jaipur through Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and some private travel services. Sultanpur to Lambhua by road arount 22 kilometers on Sultanpur-Varanasi Highway.
Bharat Bhari Temple is located in Domariyaganj Block in Siddharth Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh State, India. It is located 65 KM towards west from District head quarters Naugarh. It is located 05 KM away from Domariyaganj and 210 KM from State capital Lucknow. Madhali ( 2 KM ) , Samda ( 2 KM ) , Mahuara ( 4 KM ), Ausan Kuiyan ( 4 KM ) , Ajgara ( 5 KM ) are the nearby Villages to Bharat Bhari Temple. Bharat Bhari is surrounded by Ramnagar Block towards South , Khuniyaon Block towards North , Mithwal Block towards East , Rudhauli Block towards South . This Place is located on the border of the Siddharth Nagar and Basti District. The nearest Airport is Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 150 Kilometers from Bharat Bhari Temple. There is no railway station near to Bharat Bhari in less than 10 km. How ever Basti Railway Station is major railway station 40 KM near to Bharat Bhari Temple & Another Railway Station is Naugarh, approx 65 Kilometres from Bharat Bhari Temple. To reach this temple Auto-rickshaws and by own convenes.
The district Shravasti with headquarter Bhinga is situated in the northern zone of Uttar Pradesh in Himalayan range, adjacent to Nepal border. During Mahabharata period, Pandava spend twelve years in exile and one year concealed place. At the period exile they resides sometimes in this forest region called SOHALVA. At that time Bhima initiated to formed a village, so the name of village was known as Bhimgaon, later on it became BHINGA. In Himalayan range, 36 Km north form Bhimgaon, Pandva laid foundation a Shiva temple which is famous as VIBHUTI NATH. Thousands of devotee visit the temple every year. During “Sawan” millions of devotee visits the temple for offering their prayer to lord Shiva. Shravasti is well connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh by roadways. The nearest mega terminus is at Gonda that is 50 kilometers from the downtown Shravasti. Gonda in turn is well connected by bus to cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, Kanpur, Allahabad, Agra and Mathura. Both Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation as well as Private players operates these buses Merkiya, Uttar Pradesh 271840
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples. The main deity is known by the name Shri Vishwanath and also by the ancient name of deity Vishweshwara (IAST: Vishveshvara literally means Ruler of the Universe. Varanasi city is also called Kashi in ancient time, and hence the Temple is popularly called as Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Etymology of the name Vishveshvara is Vishva: Universe, Isha: Lord; Vara: Excellent means Supreme Lord of the Universe the Parabrahman or Parameshwara as its synonyms. The Temple has been referred to in Hindu scriptures for a very long time as a central part of worship in the Shaiva Philosophy. It has been destroyed and re-constructed a number of times in history. Distance between Shahjahanpur to Varanasi is 523 km by Road and 448 km by Rails. Aerial distance is 410 km. There is/are 10 direct train(s) from Shahjahanpur to Varanasi. These train(s) is/are Shramjevi N Exp (12392), Doon Express (13010), Doon Exxpress (23010), Kashi V Express (14258), Sadhbhawna Exp (14016) etc. Sadar Bazar, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh 242001
Kaila Devi temple has a long history. Mother Kaila has two temples in the country. First in Rajasthan and the other in the Bhanga area of Sambhal. Here in the Navaratri it is said that the Goddess Darshan of the lion is coming. The banyan tree located in the temple premises is also of great significance. It is said that this banyan tree is seven hundred years old. Philosophy of Yaduvansh Kuldev’s mother Kaaladevi on Monday is of particular importance. The nearest working domestic airport is Pant Nagar City, 146 km away, the second airport is Dehradun Airport. Sambhal is 235 km away from the Dehradun Airport (DED), Dehradun, Uttarakhand. IGI Delhi is 170 km away. Nearest Railway Station is 6 KM from here Sambhal bus stand is 6 KM from here . Auto and E-Rickshaw are easily available from bus stand and station road
Sitamarhi temple is located in Bhadohi district. This temple is situated on the banks of Ganga river and 11 km from Jangiganj Bazar in the middle of Allahabad and Varanasi. It is believed that at this place Mother Sita had absorbed herself in the earth. Here is the 110 feet high statue of Hanuman ji, which has the distinction of being the world’s greatest statue of the Hanuman ji. The nearest Airport is Allahabad airport ( 75 kms ) and Varanasi airport ( 86 kms) The nearest railway stations are Bhadohi ( 40 Kms ) and Mirzapur ( 44 Kms ) This place lies approx 12 kms away from Grand Trunk road towards Ganga river side in between Allahabad and Varanasi . From Allahabad , after Handia one has to take right and from Varanasi after Gopiganj one has to take left to reach Sitamarhi. Jangiganj Dhantulsi Marg, Bankat Uparwar N. Barpur, Uttar Pradesh 221309
Bala Sundari Devi Temple is located in Deoband, which is a tehsil of Saharanpur district and is situated on the road connecting Saharanpur with Muzaffar Nagar. Every year there is a grand fair on the Chaturdashi of Chaitra month. In the fair, the devotees come to visit the mother. This fair takes up to 15 days. If you want to visit Bala Sundari Devi Temple Deoband, saharanpur by air you can visit by Dehradun airport and from there you can travel by roadways or indian railways.second one option to visit saharanpur by air is board at new delhi IGI airport thereafter you can visit either by roadways or Private Bus From Saharanpur Bus Stand or indian railways. The railway station is Deoband which is around 2.5 Km away from the temple. The temple is well connected by road from Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar as well via Roorkee. Devi Kund, Saharanpur Rd, Deoband, Uttar Pradesh 247554 096345 22483
Shakti Peeth Shakumbhri, meaning the abode of Shakti Goddess Shakambhari or Shakumbhri, is situated in the Jasmour village area, at a distance of 40 km to the north of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh state of Northern India. It has two important temples of Hindu deities: one of the Goddess (Devi) Shakumbhri herself and another one, Bhura-Dev temple, located one kilometer away from it to the east, of the deity Bhairava, considered to be her guard. Another temple dedicated to this goddess and quite famous is near the Sambhar Lake, in Rajasthan.Another big temple of Shakumbari devi is located in Badami, of Bagalkot District of Karnataka. If you want to visit Shakumbhari Devi Temple saharanpur by air you can visit by Dehradun airport and from there you can travel by roadways or indian railways.second one option to visit saharanpur by air is board at new delhi IGI airport thereafter you can visit either by roadways or Private Bus From Saharanpur Bus Stand. The nearest railway station is Saharanpur which is around 40 Km away from the temple. The temple is well connected by road from Saharanpur and Chhutmalpur as well via Behat.
This temple is nearly 1 km before the Shakumbhari Devi Temple. This is located on the road, which is the only way to reach the Shakubhri devi temple. It is believed that before worshiping the Shakumbhri mother, it is necessary to worship Baba Bhua Dev. Even while on returning journey from Mataji’s temple, people bow down their heads to Baba Bhua Dev. If you want to visit Baba Bhuradev Temple saharanpur by air you can visit by Dehradun airport and from there you can travel by roadways or indian railways.second one option to visit saharanpur by air is board at new delhi IGI airport thereafter you can visit either by roadways or indian railways The nearest railway station is Saharanpur which is around 40 Km away from the temple The temple is well connected by road from Saharanpur and Chhutmalpur as well via Behat.
This temple is as old as Pashupatinath temple at Nepal.Having very beautiful panchmukhi Shivling made by very costly stone Kasauti. statue of Ma Ganga, Ganesh Gauri, Laxmi-Narayan and Garun devata also seen in this temple.It is situated at village Sambhalheda (a very small village) of distt. Muzaffarnagar (Uttar-Pradesh). The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun Airport (DED) Uttarakhand. – 98 km away Second nearest airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi,- 105 km away Nearest Railway Station : Muzaffarnagar (MOZ) – Distance – 28 Km Roadways Roadways Bus Stand – Muzaffarnagar – 28 Km Jansath Pvt. Bus Stand – Distance – 28 Km Sambhalhera, Uttar Pradesh 251315
Vahelna is an important pilgrimage site for Jains. This site has a mosque, a Shiva temple and a Jain temple sharing a common wall, signifying secularism. The Vahelna Jain Mandir, also known as Shri 1008 Parshwanath Digamber Jain Atishye Chetra, has an old idol of Lord Parshwanath. This temple complex also has a 57 ft high Manasthamb and a Naturopathy Hospital & Research Centre. A newly built 31 ft monolith statue of Lord Parshwanath has been installed in the Jain Mandir. Vahelna is a small industrial village situated 4 km from the Muzaffarnagar City. The nearest airport is Dehra Dun Airport. – 98 km away – Dehra Dun Airport (DED), Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 105 km away – Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi, Delhi Nearest Railway Station : Muzaffarnagar (MOZ) – Distance – 4 Km Roadways Bus Stand – Muzaffarnagar – Distance – 4 Km Muzaffarnagar-Shamli Bypass, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh 251002
Sai Temple is located in Deen Dayal Nagar, Phase II region around the Shri Sai Karuna Dham in Moradabad. The temple welcomes followers of all religions. Main deity of the temple is Sai Baba. According to the folklore, he was said to have supernatural powers and healing potential; Shirdi Sai Baba is said to have announced and proved the Oneness of God or which is also referred to as ‘Sabka Maalik Ek’. The temple is very popular among Sai devotees.The architecture of the temple is very nice.It looks very attractive.The environment of the temple is very peaceful.One can feel relaxing after coming here. This is a great temple of Sai Baba. There any person can feel relax. Any one can enjoy this temple without restriction. I visited it so many times with my friends. I can say it is a best place to visit in Moradabad. The nearest working domestic airport is Pant Nagar City, 86 km away, the second airport is Dehradun Airport. Muradabad is 175 km away from the Dehradun Airport (DED), Dehradun, Uttarakhand. IGI Delhi is 154 km away. Moradabad airport in Mundapanday is not yet open for domestic traffic. Its is % Km away from Moradabad Railway station. Its 5 Km away from Moradabad Bus Stand. Autos and E Rickshaws are easily available from Bus Stand and Railway Station
It is situated in district Meerut & connected through Meerut-Bijnor Road, about 37 kms. from Meerut and 100 kms. from Delhi. It has been the silent witness to the majestic, grandeur, royal conflicts and princely anecdotes of Pandavas & Kauravas. It was also known as capital city of Pandavas and Kauravas at the time of Mahabharata. Sites related to Mahabharata spread across the Hastinapur like Vidurr Tila, Pandaveshwar Temple, Baradri, Draunadeshwar Temple, Karna Temple, Draupadi Ghat and Kama Ghat etc. Hastinapur is also a sacred place for Jain devotees. A number of masterpieces of architecture and center of great faith of Jain religion are also worth visiting here like – Jambudweep Jain Temple, Shwetambar Jain Temple, Prachin Digambar Jain Temple, Astapad Jain Temple and Shri Kailash Parvat Jain Temple Etc. Along with Sumeru Parvat and Kamal Temple in Jambudweep Jain Temple and whole premises of the Temple is worth a visit. As being the birth place of Panch Pyare Bhai Dharam Singh, one of the five disciples of Guru Govind Singh Ji, Hastinapur is also a center of great faith for Sikh devotees. The Gurdwara at Saifpur Karamchandpur is a center of great devotion and faith for Sikh religion. Besides known for sacred place & historical palaces, Hastinapur is also known for its wildlife attraction, as sanctuary nearby is full of Flora and Fauna diversity, a center of wildlife tourism and adventure, ecotourism and related activities. Lodging and fooding facilities are also available in Hastinapur. Rest house of department of forest and guest house of P.W.D. with Jain Dharamshalas offers good lodging and fooding facilities there. Nearest Airport is at New Delhi. Nearest Railway station is at 42 KM distance at Meerut. Nearest Bus Stand is at 38 KM distance at Meerut.
District approximately 12 kilometers away from the headquarters is located in the picturesque and idyllic surroundings of nature southwest vanadevee temple leaders mother Sita Mata. Today it is the focal point of attraction for devotees. Vanadevee temple is also a source of inspiration for the mythical and cultural values as well as their natural dignity. Based on legends and geological evidence it is known as the practice location Maharishi Valmiki a home. Around the house right now for Maharishi would elsewhere. It is said that Mata Sita gave birth to their sons Luv-Kush on the right following his continuous fidelity to husband religion. It symbolizes the location etc. I Maharishi Valmiki and all Indian literature practice is linked to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. According to legend, appeared dream Sidnua Baba living Nrhwar that goddess statue Another was buried in the ground in the woods. Devi directed to worship excavation of the site Baba. The dream then started digging Baba set point saw them bust. Statue of injury Baba shovel was also damaged. Baba lifelong there were liturgical archan. In old age, he wanted to set up your home by bringing the statue but they did not succeed and there was done to them. Later there built the temple. Vanadevee temple is also Tpsthli several hermit-saint and seekers. Are in this area is extraordinary to Lahiri Baba many saints and sages. Here you get rid of pilgrims plague the mental and physical. reach Varnarsi or Gorakhpur by air and then by road. well connected from Varanarsi, Gorakhpur, Chapra, Lucknow, New Delhi, Mumbai etc. connected to Varanarsi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh. It is around 12 KMs from Mau City.
The place is approachable to visit by nearest airport situated in Agra which is famous as Kheria Airport (130 Km Approx from district Mainpuri headquarter). The nearest railway station is Mainpuri Junction (MNQ). Mainpuri Junction is on the Shikohabad-Farrukhabad branch line, Which is just 5 Km from this Place. It is situated 2 kilometer from Mainpuri District headquarter. There are regular buses from other cities to Mainpuri. Devi Rd, Udetpur Abhai, Uttar Pradesh 205001
Shiv Tandav Temple Mahoba.A rare statue of block granite stone in the dancing pose of Lord Shiva.Located near Collectorate Mahoba Nearest Air port is Khjuraho District Chaterpur , Madhya Pradesh distance 56 KM Connected by Rail with Jhansi, Banda , Khajuraho. Well connected by road. Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh 210427
Chandika Devi is also known as Chandi Devi. It is quite revered as the goddess of women power. It is believed that the goddess destroys demons and delivers the people of religious and religious beliefs. There are two such temples in this area, which is dedicated to Chandika Devi. One is called the Choti Chandika Devi temple and the other is called the Bari Chandika Devi temple. BY FLIGHT – There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Mahoba. Nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport. Mahoba is 54 km away from Khajuraho Airport , Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh Mahoba is 134 km away from Kanpur Airport , Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh BY TRAIN – Mahoba is connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. Near by stations are Jhansi Junction, Khajuraho, Banda . Railway Station(s): Mahoba Junction (MBA) BY BUS- Mahoba is connected by bus. Major near by places connected with Bus are Chhatarpur-Madhya Pradesh, Naogaon -Madhya Pradesh,Banda,Hamirpur,Kanpur,Harpalpur,Mauranipur,Jhansi,Orcha-Madhya Pradesh,Baruasagar, Khajuraho-Madhya Pradesh. Near Degree College Mahoba
This is the important pilgrimage site of this district. It can be reached from Pharenda tehsil headquarter at Brijmanganj road by going 0.5 km to 02 km from the road. In ancient times, this place was covered with a thick forest called Adravan. Here the holy temple of Goddess Durga is located on the banks of the ancient river (now Nalla) called Pahh. According to public faith and religious beliefs, this temple of God was established during the Mahabharata period by earning itself in the time of Pandavas’ unknown period. The ancient name of this religious place was ‘Adaruna Devi Than’, which is now known as Lehda Devi Temple. According to ancient folk belief, in the Mahabharata, Pandavas spent most of their time in this narrow ‘Ardravan’ period. During this period, Arjuna worshiped Vanadevi here. Pleased with worship, Vanadevi mother Bhagwati Durga had given Arjuna many unmatched powers. Thereafter, Arjun had established this Shakti Peeth as per the order of Mother Bhagwati. Later, according to another rainbow, which became famous as ‘Aadorna Devi’, in the ancient times, when a young woman crossing the ‘Pah river’ in a boat, the boatman wanted to touch her with bad intention, then the Goddess Mother of that girl Defense itself was manifested, and the sailors had given Samadhi in the same water, including the boat. The significance of this place is also expressed in this event. At a distance from the temple, an ancient place of worship (hut) is located in a number of boundaries, where many saints are the samadhi of saints, who remained associated with this meditation and remained penurious in their lifetime. In these Sadhus Yogis, the name of a famous yogi Baba Vanshidhar is still taken with respect by the saints. He has been renowned as a perfect yogi. On the Yoga force, he did many miracles and works of welfare. Many wild animals and animals, influenced by Baba’s power and devotion, remain obsessed with his command. Among them, a lion and a crocodile still become the subject of discussion, which Baba Vanshidhar had made a vegetarian creature. The nearest Airport is Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 80 Kilometers from LehdaTemple. The nearest Railway Station is Anandnagar, approx 18 Kilometres from LehdaTemple. To reach this temple Buses,Autorickshaws and Trains are available from Gorakhpur to Anandnagar(Pharenda). It is well connected by other mediums to the Temple from Anandnagar. Many tourists reach to the temple from Gorakhpur. Bishunpur Adrauna, Uttar Pradesh 273157 089576 21454
It can be reached from the headquarters of the Tehsil Nichlaul of Uttar Pradesh district through the Thothibari Marg. It is located in ancient Shiva Temple. The fair is organized annually with the help of the local people, there are huge crowds gathered every Monday.This temple is located at a distance of about 13 km from Nichlaul, 39 km from Maharajganj, 5 km from Gadaura Bazaar in Maharajganj district of U.P., India and can be accessed via Maharajganj-Nichlaul-Itahia road. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been constructed in 1968-69 by a Mahant whose Samadhi has also been built in the premises. District Magistrate, Maharajganj has the responsibility to look after the temple administration. Some religious ceremonies are considered very auspicious if performed here, like, Rudrabhishek, Mundan, marriage etc. People visit this temple in large number during Shravan month & on Shivratri day. (Timings: 6am-8pm, open all days, Monday- special day) The nearest Airport is Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 100 Kilometers from Itahiya Shiv Temple. The nearest Railway Station is Siswa Bazar, approx 40 Kilometres from Itahiya Shiv Temple. To reach this temple Auto-rickshaws and by own convenes. Piparia, Uttar Pradesh 273305
This Gupta period Vishnu temple is the earliest known Panchayatan temple of north India. The terraced basement above the high temple plinth is adorned with a continuous row of sculptured panels. A highly carved doorway with Ganga_Yamuna figures lead to sanctum sanctorum or the garbhagriha. Three big Rathika Panels – Gajendra Moksha, Nara-Narayan tapasya and the Anantshai Vishnu – set in the side walls depict Vaishnava mythological scenes carved in high relief. The temple is noted for being the first north Indian temple with a spire or shikhara. Erotic panels are an added attraction. Bhopal or Gwalior airport are nearest Lalitpur railway station NA
Linh-Son Vietnam Chinese Buddhist Temple is located further north of the Burmese Temple. The main shrine is a two-storied building built in Chinese style complete with images of dragons and laughing Buddha. The Chinese temple complex also features replicas of shrines at the four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites: Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar. In addition to these, there is a replica of a Buddhist temple in Vietnam. This temple also has lotus ponds The nearest Airport is Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 53 Kilometers from Sri Lanka Temple. The nearest Railway Station is Deoria Sadar, approx 35 Kilometres from Sri Lanka Temple. To reach this temple Auto-rickshaws and by own convenes. Roadways buses are also running from Gorakhpur and Deoria regularly PO & Distt, Uttar Pradesh 274403
This temple is a joint-venture between the AIK World Buddhist Culture Association Japan and the Sri Lanka Buddhist Centre. A flight of stairs leads to the main shrine made up of a domed brick structure on the first floor. The shrine contains an image of Buddha surrounded by ritualistic objects. Several frames of ink paintings adorn the wall at the back of the image. The nearest Airport is Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 53 Kilometers from Sri Lanka Temple. The nearest Railway Station is Deoria Sadar, approx 35 Kilometres from Sri Lanka Temple. To reach this temple Auto-rickshaws and by own convenes. Roadways buses are also running from Gorakhpur and Deoria regularly.
This temple is a temple of Lord Jagannath. This temple is located in the village of Benhta, three kilometers from the headquarters of the Bhiatargaon Block of Kanpur district. It is said that the typical feature of this temple is that some drops of rain begin driping on its roof seven days before rain. Although many times efforts have been made to know this secret, even after all the surveys, the archeological scientists could not find the exact timing of the temple’s construction and mystery. It is only possible to find that the last restoration of the temple was done in the 11th century. The nearest airport in Kanpur Chequei. Local vehicles are available anywhere from the city The nearest railway station is Kanpur Central. Local vehicles are available anywhere from the city This temple is located in Behta village, three kilometers away from the headquarter of Bhatgaon block of Kanpur district. Kanpur – Allahabad Hwy, Shankar Nagar, Lal Bungalow, Jajmau, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208007
Annapurna Temple is another famous temple of kannauj district. कन्नौज स्टेशन से मात्र 5 किमी की दूरी पर है Tirwaganj, Uttar Pradesh 209732
Gauri Shankar Temple of Kannauj is most famous and religious temple. कन्नौज स्टेशन से मात्र 6 किमी की दूरी पर है
The temple of Ma Sheetla Chaukiya Devi is quite old. The worship of Shiv and Shakti has been going on since times immemorial. History states that, during the era of Hindu kings, the governance of Jaunpur was in the hands of Ahir rulers. Heerchand Yadav is considered the first Aheer ruler of Jaunpur. The descendants of this clan used to surname ‘Ahir’. These people built forts at Chandvak and Gopalpur. It is believed that the temple of Chaukiya Devi was built in the glory of their clan-deity either by the Yadavs or the Bhars– but in view of the predilections of the Bhars, it seems more logical to conclude that this temple was built by the Bhars. The Bhars were non-Aryans. The worship of Shiv and Shakti was prevalent in the non-Armyans. The Bhars held power in Jaunpur. At first, the Devi must have been installed on a praised platform or ‘chaukiya’ and probably because of this she was referred to as Chaukia Devi. Devu Sheetla is the representative blissful aspect of the Divine Mother: hence she was called Sheetla. On Mondays and Fridays, worshippers come here in quite large numbers. Huge crowds gather here during the Navratris. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Babatpur, 50km approx Temple is situated about 8 km from Jaunpur City railway station, many local transport facilities are available. Temple is situated about 5 km from Jaunpur bus stand, many local transport facilities are available. ishesharpur Road, Chaunkiya, Jaunpur District, Deo Chandpur, Uttar Pradesh 222001
Hardoi Baba Temple is about 400 years old.This historic temple is situated just a short distance from Prahalad Ghat. It was renovated around 1949, in the courtyard of which there is a peepal tree known as ‘हरदोई बाबा का दरबार’ Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh 241001
Lord Shiv devotees across the country have faith towards the ancient Shiv Temple located about 20 km from the district headquarters. This Temple located in Sakha village is known as “Shiva Sankat Haran Temple Sakaha”. There is an atmosphere of fare here throughout the month of Sawan. A large gathering of Kanwariyas and Shiva devotees takes place here. It is believed that here the sufferings of the devotees of Lord Shiva go away, hence the name of Shivalaya is Shiva Sankat Haran. Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh 241001
The Tarkulha Devi Temple is a famous place for devotees of Hindu religion. Tarkulaha Devi was the Ishta Devi of freedom fighter Senani Babu Bandhu Singh. On the eve of Chaitra Ramnavmi a one month large fair is organized every year. Tarkulha Devi Temple is one of the major attractions near Chauri Chaura. This Temple is located around 5 kilometers from Chauri Chaura. The temple has been historically associated with the great freedom fighter Shaheed Bandhu Singh. There is also a memorial built to honour Shaheed Bandhu Singh. He used to fight British with Gurilla war technique. There is a saying that he used to sacrifice heads of enemies in the Tarkulha Devi Temple. Finally he was arrested by British and hanged publicly at Ali Nagar Chauraha in Gorakhpur on 12th August 1857. People say that 7 times the hangman was unable to hang him due to rope breaking every time by grace of Tarkulha Devi. It was successful only at 8th time when Bandhu Singh prayed Mata Tarkulha Devi. Gorakhpur is the nearest airport to reach Tarkulha Devi Temple. To reach Tarkula Devi Temple one can take train upto Chaurichaura from Deoria or Gorakhpur. Buses and Taxi are available from Gorakhpur or Deoria or ChauriChaura to reach Tarkulha devi temple Pramukh.devi.mandir, Uttar Pradesh 273202
Swaminarayan was born Ghanshyam Pande in Chapaiya, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1781. In 1792, he began a seven-year pilgrimage across India at the age of 11 years, adopting the name Nilkanth Varni. During this journey, he did welfare activities and after 9 years and 11 months of this journey, he settled in the state of Gujarat around 1799. In 1800, he was initiated into the Uddhav sampradaya by his guru, Swami Ramanand, and was given the name Sahajanand Swami. In 1802, his guru handed over the leadership of the Uddhav Sampraday to him before his death. Sahajanand Swami held a gathering and taught the Swaminarayan Mantra. From this point onwards, he was known as Swaminarayan. The Uddhav Sampraday became known as the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Lucknow to Chhapiya – 150 Km Mankapur Station to Chhapiya – 15 Km Ayodhya to Chhapaiya – 35 Km ( Vaya : Katra Parsurampur ) Babhnan – Mankapur Rd, Chhapaiya, Uttar Pradesh 271305
Prithvinath temple Gonda is located in Krgupur region of Uttar Pradesh. The temple district headquarters town of a small district about 30 kilometers away from the West Krgupur market. It is the best example of temple architecture. Prithvinath are told ‘lingam’ world’s tallest Shiva installed in the temple, which was established by Bhim during the exile of the Pandavas in Dwapara Yuga. Having appeared Prithvinath temple find all devout peace. The philosophy of the temple of Shiva only from all suffering, Kalesh get away. Faith of devotees demonstrates the importance of this place.. By Air At 54 km from Gonda,Faizabad is the nearest airport. Lucknow is the closest international airport, 132 km from gonda. Gonda Railway Junction – 20 km Itiyathok Railway Station. Gonda is well connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh by roadways. Gonda in turn is well connected by bus to cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, Kanpur, Allahabad, Agra and Mathura. Both Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation as well as Private players operates these buses Vishunpur Belbhariya, Uttar Pradesh 271204
On going to Ghaziabad from Mohan Nagar crossroads, Mohan Nagar Temple is on the left side of GT Road. Apart from the grand statue of Goddess Mother, there are statues of many deities. There are more than 500 devotees every day in this temple. CCTV cameras have been installed in the temple in terms of security. More than 400 devotees can stand together in the huge court of the temple. In the month of Savan, two to three thousand Shiv devotees arrive every Monday for Jalabhishek at this place. It is a historic temple The history of this temple is hundreds of years old but the present form of the temple was built in 1978. Currently the nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. It is approximately 44.0 KM from the airport through Hindon and Rajnagar extension elevated road. It is located 5.5 kilometers away from Ghaziabad old railway station via GT Road. It is 4.8 km from Ghaziabad old bus stand via Hapur road-G.T. Road.
Known to be a serene place, the Iskcon temple falls under the religious traditions of the Hare Krishna movement, and is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and the lessons by Lord Krishna. If some spirituality is what you crave, this is a must-visit spot during your Noida travels. One of the attractions here is a robot which narrates the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The prasad is highly recommended by visitors. Nearest Airport New Delhi Nearest metro Station Noida Sector 18 Nearest bus stand Noida
The Jain temple was founded by Late Seth Chhami Dami Lal Jain. In the temple hall, the beautiful statue of Lord Mahavir ji is established in the currency of Padmasana, in this beautiful and huge temple, on May 2, 1976, 45 feet long and 12 feet width statue of Lord Vahuvali Swami has been established .The idol has a total weight of 130 Ton. It is the first of India and the fifth largest statue in the country and Chandraprabha Beautiful statue of the ground is also established.From the whole of India, the Jain Mantrali Dasmunshi Mahavir keeps coming in the number of thousands of devotees every month for observing Digambar Jain temple. यह जगह आगरा में स्थित निकटतम हवाई अड्डे से यात्रा करने के लिए पहुंच योग्य है जो कि खेरिया हवाई अड्डे (इस जगह से 40 किमी लगभग) और सैफाई हवाई पट्टी (इस जगह से 77 किलोमीटर लगभग) से प्रसिद्ध है जो इटावा जिले में स्थित है। निकटतम रेलवे स्टेशन फिरोज़ाबाद रेलवे स्टेशन है जो दिल्ली-हावड़ा मार्ग पर है और इस जगह से केवल 1 किमी दूर है। यह फिरोज़ाबाद बस स्टेशन से 100 मीटर की दूरी पर स्थित है। अन्य शहरों से फिरोज़ाबाद तक नियमित बसें हैं।
Temple is about 10 kms away from Firozabad Tundla route , there is a mandatory demand from any true mind here. There is a fair in Navadurga every year and thousands of people come from far and wide to visit the temple of Shradalu Demands for fulfilling vows and Lajja are also offered here in a considerable number. The place is approachable to visit by nearest airport situated in Agra which is famous as Kheria Airport (36 Km Approx from this place) and also from Saifai Airstrip (81 Km Approx from this place) which is situated in Etawah District. The nearest railway station is FIrozabad Railway Station which is on Delhi-Howrah route and is just 10 Km from this Place. It is situated 9 Km from Firozabad Bus station . There are regular buses from other cities to Firozabad. NH 2, Usaini, Uttar Pradesh 283103
This temple was established in the form of a monastery by Shri Bajirao Peshwa II during the Maratha rule, about 0.5 km from Firozabad. Here is the footprint of the 19th Century’s glorious Mahatma Vava Prayagadas. This place is accessible from Agra to the nearest airport, 41 kilometers from this place, Kheria Airport and can be reached by the Saifai airstrip located in Etawah district (about 76 kilometers from this place). The nearest railway station is Firozabad Railway Station, which is on Delhi-Howrah route and is 1.5 km away from this place. It is located 0.5 km from Firozabad Bus Station. There are regular buses from other cities to Firozabad on this route.
It is very old temple situated at Parham Panchayat Firozabad This place is accessible from Agra to the nearest airport; this place can be reached 65 kilometers away from Kheria airport and Saifai airstrip located in Etawah district (about 95 kilometers from this place). The nearest railway station is Shikohabad Junction Railway Station, which is on Delhi-Howrah route and is 16.5 km from this place. It is located 15.5 km from Shikohabad Bus Station. There are regular buses from other cities to Shikohabad on this route Parham, Uttar Pradesh 283130
Ayodhya is the place where 18 ‘Kalyanak’ of different ‘tirthankars’ have taken place. Five Thirthankars were born and preached their religious values here, they include Adinath, Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Sumatinath, Ananthnath. Kesari Singh, the treasurer of Nawab of Faizabad, got the five Jain shrines constructed to mark the birth place of these Thirthankers. This temple of Digamber Jain sect is dedicated to first Tirthanker Rishabhdev, who is also known as Adinath, Purdev, Vrishabhdev and Adi Brahma.This magnificent, majestic new temple popularly known as Badi Murti is situated in Raiganj locality of Ayodhya. Here a 31 feet high marble statue of Rishabhdev is installed. This place has been recently developed with the blessings of Acharya ratna Deshbhushanji Maharaj and Aryika Gyanmati Mataji. Lucknow International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 152 Kms from Faizabad. Faizabad is about 158 Kms from Gorakhpur Airport, 172 Kms from Allahabad Airport and 224 Kms from Varanasi Airport. Faizabad and Ayodhya are major railway stations of the district and are well connected to almost all major cities and towns. By Rail route Faizabad is 128 kms. from Lucknow, 171 kms. from Gorakhpur, 157 kms. from Allahabad and 196 kms from Varanasi. By Rail route Ayodhya is 135 kms. from Lucknow, 164 kms. from Gorakhpur, 164 kms. from Allahabad and 189 kms from Varanasi. Services of Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses are available 24 hours a day, and it is very easy to reach here from all places. By Road Faizabad is 152 kms from Lucknow, 158 kms from Gorakhpur, 172 kms from Allahabad and 224 kms from Varanasi. By Road Ayodhya is 172 kms from Lucknow, 138 kms from Gorakhpur, 192 kms from Allahabad and 244 kms from Varanasi.
Shri Ram Janaki Birla Temple is a newly made temple. It is located opposite to the Ayodhya Bus stop on the way of Ayodhya-Faizabad. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and Devi Sita. Lucknow International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 152 Kms from Faizabad. Faizabad is about 158 Kms from Gorakhpur Airport, 172 Kms from Allahabad Airport and 224 Kms from Varanasi Airport. Faizabad and Ayodhya are major railway stations of the district and are well connected to almost all major cities and towns. By Rail route Faizabad is 128 kms. from Lucknow, 171 kms. from Gorakhpur, 157 kms. from Allahabad and 196 kms from Varanasi. By Rail route Ayodhya is 135 kms. from Lucknow, 164 kms. from Gorakhpur, 164 kms. from Allahabad and 189 kms from Varanasi. Services of Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses are available 24 hours a day, and it is very easy to reach here from all places. By Road Faizabad is 152 kms from Lucknow, 158 kms from Gorakhpur, 172 kms from Allahabad and 224 kms from Varanasi. By Road Ayodhya is 172 kms from Lucknow, 138 kms from Gorakhpur, 192 kms from Allahabad and 244 kms from Varanasi. Faizabad,, Darshan Nagar, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh 224123
Hanuman Mandir, Deoria is a perfect destination for a great time with your dear ones. It’s not just the place for sightseeing, but it also enables you to steal a self-indulgent moment for yourself as well. Hanuman Mandir is located at Raghav Nagar, Deoria & is one of the ‘siddh’ places of Deoria. A large no. of followers can be seen on each Tuesday. It is surrounded by a Big Pond In which You Can see various type of Fishes. hanuman mandir, Deoria is the sure way to refresh and relax after a busy weekday. Explore interesting themes, fabulous designs, colorful landscapes, amusing characters, ambient music, props and merchandise available in nearby stores- all at one place. Nearest Airport Gorakhpur Nearest Railway Station Deoria Sadar Nearest Bus Station Deoria Bus Station Hanuman Mandir Chauraha, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh 274001 088408 06675
Dugdheswar Mandir is on the main pilgrim’s of the north-east. It is one of the old historical ‘Shiv’ temples situated at approx. 2 km. north of Rudrapur town. There are several types of assumption about this Mandir. It is also an assumption that this Mandir is Founded By Rudrapur Maharaja, Where He was Used to workship. This Mandir is Situated Near around 20 Acer Area. Explore interesting themes, fabulous natural designs here. This is the temple of Dugdheshwar Nath (Lord Shiva), Situated at Rudrapur, District Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India. Nearest Airport Gorakhpur Nearest Railway Station Deoria Sadar Nearest Bus Station Deoria Bus Station Rudrapur Gauribazar Rd, Rudrapur, Uttar Pradesh 274204 094157 39240
Sri Tirupati Balaji Mandir is located at Deoria Kasia road,Sri Tirupati Balaji Mandir is an important temple of deoria which is built on southern style. Nearest Airport Gorakhpur Nearest Railway Station Deoria Sadar Nearest Bus Station Deoria Bus Station SH 79, Ramgulam Tola, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh 274001 093101 71727
Like the Kanva Ashram, Vitur Kuti has a lot of importance in mythology. It is believed that during the Mahabharata, the well-known philosopher was located on the banks of the Ganges. It is believed that in Krishna Ji and Hastinapur, failing to explain to Kauravas, he turned down the 56 demands of Kauravas and crossed the Ganges and came to Mahatma Vidur’s ashram. The footprint of Mahatma Vidur in the Vidur Ashram is still safe on marble. Vidur Kuti Road, Vidur Kuti, Dara Nagar, Dara Nagar Ganj, Uttar Pradesh 246701
Bhadeshwar Nath is about 5–6 km. on a bank of river kuwana from the district headquarters. There is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. It was believed that this temple was established by Ravana. A fair is held here on the occasion of Shivratri, which is attended by many people from different part of the state. A Great shiva linga is mounted in this great temple. The Name of this Shiva linga & Bhadreshwar nath is also written in SHIVA MAHAPURAN. Village Bhadreshwar nath are mostly populated by Brahmins Goswamis. The population of this village is around 500. Basti District is not directly connected to airways, the nearest airport is Gorakhpur which is 80 Km. from Basti. The Basti City is well connected by Raiway.The main Rail line connecting Lucknow with Gorakhpur.It is situated 214 K.M. from Lucknow and 72 K.M. from Gorakhpur.The following impartant tarins are passing through the Basti: Vaishali Exp, Gorakhdham Exp, Intercity Exp, Bagh Exp, Shaheed Exp, Avadh-Assom Exp etc. Four lane NH-28 is connected to Basti City . From Lucknow to Basti Via Faizabad is 214 K.M. Volvo and JanRath AC Bus services are also provided by UPSTRC at nominal prices on this route..
It is situated 5 km. from the Karmiya. A very old Temple situated at this place and every Tuesday there used to be a small fair. Basti District is not directly connected to airways, the nearest airport is Gorakhpur which is 80 Km. from Basti. The Basti City is well connected by Raiway.The main Rail line connecting Lucknow with Gorakhpur.It is situated 214 K.M. from Lucknow and 72 K.M. from Gorakhpur.The following impartant tarins are passing through the Basti: Vaishali Exp, Gorakhdham Exp, Intercity Exp, Bagh Exp, Shaheed Exp, Avadh-Assom Exp etc. Four lane NH-28 is connected to Basti City . From Lucknow to Basti Via Faizabad is 214 K.M. Volvo and JanRath AC Bus services are also provided by UPSTRC at nominal prices on this route.
Located in the Chowk of the city, this temple is one of the Goddess Shakti Peethas. Here, MahesLocated in the Chowk of the city, this temple is one of the Goddess Shakti Peethas. Here, Maheshwari appeared as a stone rock. Hundreds of people come to see the daily philosophy. A huge fair is held here on Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri. People come from far and wide to visit. Nearest Air Port Khajuraho is 150 Kilometer form Maheshwari Devi Temple Nearest Railway Station Banda is approximately 1 Kilometer form Temple Nearest U.P Roadways BUS Station Banda is approximately 3 Kilometer form Temple
In the Shiv Lings established in the country and abroad, where Baba Baijnath Dham of Baba Vishwanatha of Kashi and the Baba Baijnath Dham of Devghar are considered special significance of Baba Pashupati Nath of Kathmandu, while the worship of Baba Bhavannath is very important for the people of Azamgarh. About the temple situated on the western end of the city, it is believed that Baba Bhananthnagar gives relief to his devotees by performing Darshan-worshiping. Perhaps this is the reason why any festival of Shiva worship is followed by the people of the city and the surrounding areas. Mahashivaratri or the month of Sawan, here people do not forget to visit Baba once. Even the devotees going to Baba Dham from this region also perform Jalabhishek before leaving. It is said that the worship of Lord Shiva is not considered complete without coming here after performing Darshan-worship in all the pagolins established within the city limits. People believe that due to the name, salvation from any crisis results in liberation and Baba Bhanananath protects his devotees for the year. It is also a great fair on the day of Shivratri and according to tradition, Shiva marriage is organized. There is daily traffic of devotees in the month of Savan, but on Monday there is a lot of crowd. All the four doors of the sanctum are filled with devotees and due to shortening the door, there is a need to find lines for hours. After fulfilling the blessings here, people also offer Kadahi to Baba and wish for happiness and prosperity throughout the year.There is no one to give detailed information about the establishment of this ancient Shiva temple, but the people around them believe that it puts a lot of light on its history. Nearest Airport is Babatpur Airport, Varanasi. Azamgarh is about one hundred kilometers from Babatpur Airport. It takes almost three hours via road from the airports to reach Azamgarh. Bhanwar Nath is about 10 Kilometers from Azamgarh Railway station. Azamgarh is well connected by road with major cities like Varanasi, Lucknow and Gorakhpur Sikandarpur Rd, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh 276001 083686 75011
The temple is located in Padheen Darwaja area at Phaphund Road, Auraiya. It is assumed to be the oldest of all Devi temples in the district. 3.8 km from Auraiya Bus Stand
Bhagwa Kali Temple is very old Mandir and situated to near yamuna river. 2.2 km from Auraiya Bus Stand Havelock Rd, Bidhuli, Auraiya, Uttar Prades
This temple of Devkali is located in the southern direction of district head quarter of Auraiya and near to the bank of Yamuna river. According to the ancient stories and customs, the temple is related to the 11th century A.D. but by the archeological view it was constructed in 18th century A.D. The temple is basically dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple of Devkali is located in the southern direction of district head quarter of Auraiya and near to the bank of Yamuna river Kasba Khanpur, Uttar Pradesh 206122
Very old Lord Shiva temple situated near yamuna river. There is a mela organised every year in the month of sawan. 1.2 km from Auraiya Bus Stand
This temple is famous for ancient architectural values. This temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on a square platform. Bramha Nagar – Badanpur Rd, Sardar Bazar, Hashmat Nagar, Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh 206122
This temple is very old temple of Auraiya. 3.9 kms from Auraiya Bus Stand
Very old Lord Shiva temple situated near yamuna river. There is a mela organised every year in the month of sawan. 3.8 km from Auraiya Bus Stand
This temple of Devkali is located in the southern direction of district head quarter of Auraiya and near to the bank of Yamuna river. According to the ancient stories and customs, the temple is related to the 11th century A.D. but by the archeological view it was constructed in 18th century A.D. The temple is basically dedicated to Lord Shiva. 3.8 km from Auraiya bus stand
Belon Temple, Bulandshehar, Uttar Pradesh Belon Temple is situated in Belon village near the town of Narora in District Bulandshehar, Uttar Pradesh, India and around 60 kilometers from the industrial city of Aligarh. It is about 5 km from Narora town, Narora is located on bank of river Ganga and is home to one of the nation’s network of nuclear power plant operated by Neil The ancient name of village, Belon, derived from Bilwan which comes from its groves or a forest of bael tree (binomial name: Aegle marmelos). Belon village is located at 28.10°N 78.21°E. It has an average elevation of 633 ft. The Belon Hindu temple is devoted to Sarva Mangala Devi, the goddess of all wellbeing. A visit to the temple is believed to bring happiness in all aspects of one’s life. Pilgrims come from many parts of Uttar Pradesh, the heart of northern India, to catch a glimpse of mother goddess, to recite prayers and to leave offerings. There is a tradition of playing Holi with Tesu Phool. This temple are revered by thousand of people of Uttar Pradesh who flock around the shrine during Navratris of Kavar (during Dashera) and Chaitra (during Ram Navami). The ancient name of village, Belon, derived from Bilwan which comes from its groves or aforest of Bael Tree . Official Address
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple. Its name originally was Visvheshvara (broken down Vishwa: Universe, Ish: Lord; Vara: Excellent) or Lord of the Universe. The temple has been referred to in Hindu scriptures for a very long time as a central part of worship in Shaiva philosophy. It has been destroyed and re-constructed a number of times in history. The last structure was demolished by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque on its site. The current structure was built on an adjacent site by the Maratha ruler, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. Since 1983, the temple has been managed by the government of Uttar Pradesh. During the religious occasion of Shivratri, Kashi Naresh (King of Kashi) is the chief officiating priest. The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar.The main temple is quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi also spelled as Gyaan vapi (the wisdom well). The Jnana Vapi well sites to the north of the main temple and it is believed that the Jyotirlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of the invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders. According to the structure of the temple, there is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall leading to the inner Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum. The venerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown coloured stone that is enshrined in the Sanctum, placed on a silver platform. The structure of the Mandir is composed of three parts. The first comprises a spire on the Mandir of Lord Vishwanath or Mahadeva. The second is a gold dome and the third is the gold spire atop Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a trident. The Kashi Vishwanath temple receives around 3,000 visitors every day. On certain occasions, the numbers reach 1,000,000 and more. Noteworthy about the temple is the 15.5-metre high gold spire and gold dome. There are three domes each made up of pure gold. The temple has been mentioned in the Puranas including the Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana. The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed by the army of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194 CE when he defeated the Raja of Kannauj as a commander of Mohammad Ghori. The temple was rebuilt by a Gujarati merchant during the reign of Delhi’s Sultan Iltutmish (1211-1266 CE). It was demolished again during the rule of either Hussain Shah Sharqi (1447-1458) or Sikandar Lodhi (1489-1517). Raja Man Singh built the temple during Mughal emperor Akbar’s rule, but orthodox Hindus boycotted it as he had let the Mughals marry within his family. Raja Todar Mal further re-built the temple with Akbar’s funding at its original site in 1585. The temple has been mentioned in the Puranas including the Kashi Khanda (section) of Skanda Purana. The original Vishwanath temple was destroyed by the army of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1194 CE when he defeated the Raja of Kannauj as a commander of Mohammad Ghori. The temple was rebuilt by a Gujarati merchant during the reign of Delhi’s Sultan Iltutmish (1211-1266 CE). It was demolished again during the rule of either Hussain Shah Sharqi (1447-1458) or Sikandar Lodhi (1489-1517). Raja Man Singh built the temple during Mughal emperor Akbar’s rule, but orthodox Hindus boycotted it as he had let the Mughals marry within his family. Raja Todar Mal further re-built the temple with Akbar’s funding at its original site in 1585. In 1669 CE, Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. The remains of the erstwhile temple can be seen in the foundation, the columns and at the rear part of the mosque. In 1742, the Maratha ruler Malhar Rao Holkar made a plan to demolish the mosque and reconstruct Vishweshwar temple at the site. However, his plan did not materialize, partially because of intervention by the Nawabs of Lucknow, who controlled the territory. Around 1750, the Maharaja of Jaipur commissioned a survey of the land around the site, with the objective of purchasing land to rebuild the Kashi Vishwanath temple.[7]:85 However, his plan to rebuild the temple did not materialize either. In 1780, Malhar Rao’s daughter-in-law Ahilyabai Holkar constructed the present temple adjacent to the mosque. In 1828, Baiza Bai, widow of the Maratha ruler Daulat Rao Scindhia of Gwalior State, built a low-roofed colonnade with over 40 pillars in the Gyan Vapi precinct.[8] During 1833-1840 CE, the boundary of Gyanvapi Well, the ghats and other nearby temples were constructed.A 7-feet high stone statue of Nandi bull, gifted by the Raja of Nepallies to the east of the colonnade. Many noble families from various ancestral kingdoms of Indian subcontinent and their prior establishments make generous contributions for the operations of the temple. In 1841, the Bhosales of Nagpur donated silver to the temple. In 1835, Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 1 tonne of gold for plating the temple’s dome. The temple was managed by a hereditary group of pandas or mahants. After the death of Mahant Devi Dutt, a dispute arose among his successors. In 1900, his brother-in-law Pandit Visheshwar Dayal Tewari filed a lawsuit, which resulted in him being declared the head priest. Official Address
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most popular and revered. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet-saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 1500s and is situated on the banks of the Assi river. The deity was named “Sankat Mochan” meaning the “reliever from troubles”. Tulsidas is believed to have written most of the verses of Ramacharitramanas in this temple. In the temple, offerings to Lord Hanuman (called Prasad) are sold like the special sweet “besan ke ladoo”, which the devotees relish; the idol is also decked with a pleasant marigold flower garland as well. This temple has the unique distinction of having Lord Hanuman facing his Lord, Rama, whom he worshipped with steadfast and selfless devotion. No photography is allowed inside. The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious temples in India. It is believed that Lord Hanuman, who is revered as the symbol of strength, courage, and devotion, can fulfill the wishes of his devotees and protect them from all evils and obstacles. The temple is particularly popular among students, scholars, and intellectuals, who come here to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman for success in their academic pursuits. It is also a popular destination for devotees who are facing problems and difficulties in their lives, as it is believed that Lord Hanuman can remove all kinds of obstacles and challenges. The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a hub of activity throughout the year, with several festivals and celebrations being held here. One of the most popular festivals celebrated here is the Hanuman Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees throng the temple on this day to offer prayers and seek blessings. Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include Navratri, Diwali, and Holi. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and special puja and aarti ceremonies are performed. Each year in the month of April, the temple organizes classical music and dance concert festival titled “Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh“, in which musicians and performers from all over India take part. The first festival was organized 88 years ago, and it has invited musicians and dancers including Odissi guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, who was associated with since its early days. In fact, he was instrumental in starting women’s participation in the festival with Sanjukta Panigrahi, Swapna Sundari, and Kankana Banerjee The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, also known as the Sankat Mochan Mandir, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, who is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu pantheon. The temple was established in the early 1900s by the famous Hindu saint and social reformer, Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj, who was a disciple of the legendary saint, Swami Ramanuja Acharya. According to legend, the temple was built on the spot where Lord Hanuman appeared in the dreams of Swami Tulsidas, the author of the famous epic, Ramcharitmanas, and blessed him with his divine presence. It is said that Lord Hanuman himself revealed the location of the temple to Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj in a dream. Tulsidas is believed to have written most of the verses of Ramacharitramanas in this temple. The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is an impressive structure that blends the traditional Hindu architectural style with modern elements. The temple complex comprises several buildings, including the main shrine, the Hanuman Chalisa Hall, the Vedic School, and the Dharamshala (guesthouse). The main shrine, which houses the idol of Lord Hanuman, is a magnificent structure with a high ceiling and intricate carvings. The idol of Lord Hanuman, which is made of brass, is four feet tall and has a bright orange color. The Hanuman Chalisa Hall, which is located next to the main shrine, is a spacious hall that can accommodate hundreds of devotees. The walls of the hall are adorned with beautiful paintings and murals that depict the life and deeds of Lord Hanuman. It is believed that the temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Tulsidas who was the author of the Ramacharitamanasa, which is the greatest version of lord Ram story written in Avadhi(“Most of the people having confusion that Ramacharitamanasa is a Awadhi version of Valmiki Ramayana but Ramacharitamanasa is different from Sanskrit Ramayana written by Rishi Valmiki as Baba Tulsidas Ji already told in Ramacharitamanasa that “Nana bhanti Ram avatara, Ramayan sat koti apara” means in each Kalp lord Ram takes Avatar & plays different-2 lilas(Act) so we have different stories of same lord Ram”). Tradition promises that regular visitors to the temple will gain the special favour of Lord Hanuman. Every Tuesday and Saturday thousands of people queue up in front of the temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman saves human beings from the anger of the planet Shani (Saturn), and especially people who have an ill-placed Saturn in their horoscopes visit this temple for astrological remedies. This is supposed to be the most effective way for appeasing Shani. While it is suggested that Hanuman did not hesitate to engulf in his mouth the sun, the lord of all planets, which humbled all the gods and angels, making them worship him for the Sun’s release. Some astrologers believe that worshipping Hanuman can neutralize the ill-effects of Mangal (Mars) and practically any planet that has an ill effect on human life. The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple can be easily reached by various modes of transportation. The nearest airport to Varanasi is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometers from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-paid taxi to reach the temple. Varanasi is well connected by rail to all major cities in India. The Varanasi Junction railway station is the main railway station in the city and is located about 8 kilometers from the temple. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a rickshaw to reach the temple. The temple is also well connected by road, and there are several state-run and private buses that ply between Varanasi and other major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. You can also hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. Official Address No, you can directly visit the temple. The temple is crowded on Tuesdays & Saturdays. You can visit the temple normally without advance booking. Laddoo, and various other sweets are sold as prasad inside the temple. Devotees should buy from there. There are many attractions near this temple such as Tulsi Manas Temple, Yes, there are several guesthouses and hotels near the temple where you can stay. Yes, the temple is wheelchair accessible, and there are ramps and elevators available for people with disabilities.
Vindhyachal, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh Vindhyachal pronunciation is a town in -District of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. The city is a Hindupilgrimage site having the temple of Vindhyavasini, who according to Markandeya Purana had incarnated to kill the demon Mahishasura. The detailed description has been given in ‘Durga Saptashati’ Chapter of Markandeya Purana. The river Gangaflows through this city. The Indian Standard Time (IST) line passes through the Vindhyachal railway station. Vindhyachal 70 km. (one and a half hour drive) from Varanasi, is a renowned religious city dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Goddess Vindhyavasini is believed to be the instant bestower of benediction. Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is situated 8 km from Mirzapur, on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It is one of the most revered Siddhapeeths of the presiding deity, Vindhyavasini Devi. The temple is visited by large number of people daily. Big congregations are held during Navratras in Chaitra (April) and Ashwin (October) months. Kajali competitions are held in the month of Jyestha (June). The temple is situated just 2 km from the Kali Khoh. The nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, at Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 72 Kilometres from Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal. The nearest Railway Station is ‘Vindhyachal’ (Indian Railway code-BDL), approx one Kilometre from Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal. ‘Vindhyachal’ Railway Station is located on very busy Delhi-Howrah route and Mumbai- Howrah Route. Although not all, but reasonable number of trains have stoppage at ‘Vindhyachal’ railway station. For more options of Trains, choose Railway Station ‘Mirzapur’ (Indian Railway code-MZP), approx nine Kilometre from Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal. The most convenient way to reach Vindhyachal by Road is through National Highway 2 (NH 2), popularly known as Delhi- Kolkata Road. On the National Highway 2 (NH 2) road, which is incidentally part of Asian Highway 1 (AH1), take turn Southward, either at Gopiganj or Aurai, both places between Allahabad and Varanasi. After crossing Holy River Ganga, through Shastri Bridge, via State Highway 5, you will easily reach Vindhyachal. We want to specifically alert you about the pathetic condition of the State Highway 5 road, which connects National Highway 2 (NH 2) to Shastri Bridge. The distance between Aurai and Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal is only approx 19 Kilometres; and distance between Gopiganj and Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal is approx 25 Kilometres, but these small distances take approximately one hour due to bad condition of road. The distance between Varanasi and Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal is approx. 63 Kilometres, and it takes around one and half to two hours of drive. If you want to use Public Transport, sufficient number of Uttar Pradesh State Transport Buses is available from Allahabad and Varanasi, the exact timings of the same may be ascertained from UPSRTC contact numbers. Official Address
Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is a group of Hindu temples in Mallapura, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. These temples are built around the place where major Hindu deity Krishna is said to have been born. The place holds religious significance since the 6th century BC. The temples were destroyed multiple times throughout history, latest by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1670 who erected Eidgah there. In 20th century, the new temple complex was built with financial help from industrialists containing the Keshavdeva temple, the Garbha Griha temple at the birth place and the Bhagavata Bhavan. Mathura fell under British control in 1803. The East India Company auctioned the land of Katra and it was purchased by Raja Patnimal, a wealthy banker of Banaras.Raja Patnimal wanted to build the temple but could not do so. His descendants inherited the land of Katra. His descendant Raj Krishna Das was challenged, for the ownership of 13.37 acres of land on which the shrine and the Eidgah is situated, in two civil suits by the Muslims of Mathura but the Allahabad High Court ruled in favour of Raj Krishna Das in both suits in 1935.Kailashnath Katju and Madanmohan Chaturvedi had helped in lawsuits. Politician and educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya acquired the land from Raj Krishna Das on 7 February 1944 at the cost of Rs. 13000 with financial help of Industrialist Jugal Kishore Birla.Following death of Malaviya, Jugal Kishore Birla formed a trust named Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, later registered as the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan, on 21 February 1951 and acquired the land. Jugal Kishore Birla entrusted the construction of the new temple with another industrialist and philanthropist Jaidayal Dalmia. The construction of the temple complex was started in October 1953 with leveling of lands and completed in February 1982. His eldest son Vishnu Hari Dalmiasucceeded him and served on the Trust until his death. His grandson Anurag Dalmia is Joint Managing Trustee on the Trust. The construction was funded by other business families including Ramnath Goenka. In 1968, the Trust and the Shahi Eidgah committee reached an agreement which granted the temple land to the Trust and the management of the Eidgah to the Eidgah committee as well no legal claim of the Trust on the Eidgah.Following the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992, Manohar Lal Sharma, a resident of Vrindavan, has filed a petition in the Mathura District Court challenging the 1968 agreement as well as a petition to quash the Places of Religious Worship Act of 1991 which preserves the status quo as on 15 August 1947 for all places of worship According to Hindu traditions, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell where they were confined by his maternal uncle Kansa, a king of Mathura, due to prophecy of his death by the child of Devaki. According to tradition, a temple dedicated to Krishna was built the birthplace by his great grandson Vajranabh. The present site known as Krishna Janmasthan (lit. birthplace of Krishna) was known as Katra (lit. market place) Keshavdeva.[5] The archeological excavations of the site had revealed pottery and terracotta from 6th century BC.[5]It also produced some Jain sculptures as well as a large Buddhist complex including Yasha Vihara, a monastery, belonging to Gupta period (c. 400).[5] Cunningham opined that Hindus may have occupied the former Buddhist site.[3] The Vaishnava temple may have erected on the place as early as the first century. Some late 8th century inscriptions mentions donations to the sie by the Rashtrakutas. In 1017 or 1018, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered Mahaban. Ghazni’s scribe, though not accompanying him on the expedition, Al Utbi describes in his Tarikh-i-Yamini neighbouring holy town which is identified as Mathura. He wrote, “In the centre of the city there was a huge and magnificent temple, which the people believed wasn’t built by men but by the angels… Any description of the temple, either in words or in pictures, would fall short and fail to convey its beauty.” Mahmud of Ghazni wrote, “if any one wished to construct a building equal to it, he would not be able to do so without spending a hundred million dinars, and the work would occupy two hundred years, even though the most able and experienced workmen were employed.” He ordered to burn all the temples and demolish them. He plundered gold and silver idols and carried away a load of hundred camels.A stone inscription in Sanskrit found from the site mentions that in Vikrama Samvat 1207 (1150) a person named Jajja who may have been a vassal of Gahadavala king built a Vishnu temple which was ‘brilliantly white and touching the clouds’.Vaishnava saints Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Vallabhacharya visited Mathura in early 16th century. Abdullah, in the reign of Mughal emperor Jehangir, mentions in Tarikh-i-Daudi the destruction of Mathura and its temples by Delhi SultanSikandar Lodi in 16th century. Lodi had prohibited Hindus from bathing in the river and shaving of heads on the banks as well. In the reign of Jehangir, in 1618, Raja Veer Singh Deva Bundela of Orchha had built a temple at the cost of thirty-three lakhs. A French traveller Tavernier visited Mathura in 1650 and had described the octagonal temple built in red sand stone.Italian traveller Niccolao Manucci who worked in Mughal court has also described the temple. Mughal prince Dara Shikoh had patronised the temple and donated a railing to the temple. The railing was removed Mathura governor Abdun Nabi Khan on the order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and he built Jama mosque on the ruins of the Hindu temples. During the Jat rebellion in Mathura, Abdul Nabi Khan was killed in 1669.Aurangzeb attacked Mathura and destroyed that Keshavdeva temple in 1670 and built Shahi Eidgah in its place. Official Address
Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Sri Dwarkadheesh Mandir is one of the oldest and largest temples of Mathura city in States of Indiaof India, India. This is a major and famous Hindu shrine, and its current structure was built up by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the treasurer of then Gwalior State(Scindia) in 1814, with approval and heavy donation from Shrimant Daulatrao Scindia Maharajah of Gwalior.It was built for the famous Hindu deity Dwarkadheesh (meaning the God or king of Dwarka, where Lord Krishna has shifted from Mathura and settled till his life on earth). There the main deity is of Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna seen in a black Marble idol named Dwarkanath. With him is the White marble idol of his counterpart deity Rukmini Devi. The temple is having a good large premises with the main building enclosed by a magnificently carved Rajasthani style entrance with steep steps leading to temple courtyard. In the central courtyard a platform is built up lined up with three rows of richly carved pillars and support the ceiling which is also beautifully painted. Another small temple of another form of Lord Krishna (Vishnu) Shaligram is also built up within the temple courtyard. This Temple is about 3.5 km from city main railway station Mathura Junction. From there many modes are available to reach the temple e.g. autorickshaw takes about 10 minutes to reach the temple. A cycle rickshaw takes about 15–20 minutes only. Mathura city can be approached by nearest airport at Agra 60 km away. From there a cab or bus for Mathura depot can be taken and then reach the temple by taking a connecting auto or rickshaw. Official Address
Radha Ramana temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh sri Radha Raman Sewa Charitable Trust Chamunda Colony, Rajpur Bangar, Vrindavan, 281121. 9927435368, 7984028939 Radha Raman (or Radharamana) is a famous image of Radha Krishna worshiped in Hinduism. There is a famous temple of this deity in Vrindavana.The self manifested deity out of the Saligram Shila, over 500 years old heritage temple where standards of worship are highest in Vrindavan. Radha Raman Temple was established by Gopal Bhatta Goswami. He is one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan who followed the principles of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu strictly. This beautiful Deity is self-manifested from a saligram sila and has a mystic smile on his face. Sri Radha Raman’s Appearance Place is in the Radha-Raman Temple, next to the samadhi of Gopala Bhatta. Gopala Bhatta Goswami erected this temple. The deity was installed on the full moon day in the month of Vaishaka (April-May) in the year 1542. This event is celebrated every year by bathing the deity with milk and various other items. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s other shalagram-shilas are also worshiped in the temple. The samadhi of Gopala Bhatta is located next to Raman’s appearance place in Radha-Raman Temple. The quaint historic temple of Radha Raman has recently celebrated its 500th anniversary. It has a steady flow of local worshippers as well as pilgrims from around the world. It is notable for housing the image that is the oldest remaining in Vrindavan for the longest continuous period, as Radha Raman remained in Vrindavan during the iconoclastic raids by Mughal King of India Aurangzeb during the seventeenth century, when other images were removed to be hidden in safer places outside the city.Performances of classical Indian devotional music are offered in Radha Raman temple nightly. The self manifested deity out of the Saligram Shila, over 500 years old heritage temple where standards of worship are highest in Vrindavan. Radha Raman Temple was established by Gopal Bhatta Goswami. He is one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan who followed the principles of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu strictly. This beautiful Deity is self-manifested from a saligram sila and has a mystic smile on his face. Sri Radha Ramans Appearance Place is in the Radha-Raman Temple, next to the samadhi of Gopala Bhatta. It is said that there are markings of discs on the Deitys back and feet. The Deity of Radha-Raman is around 30cm (1 foot) tall. Gopal Bhatta Goswamis other saligram-shilas are also worshiped on the altar here. Radha-Ramanji is one of the few original Deities of the Goswamis still in Vrindavan. The standard of worship in this temple is very high. There is no Deity of Radha in this temple. The name of Radharani is worshiped in this temple, because according to scriptures the name and the person are considered non-different. There is a golden plate next to Krishna, which has the name of Radharani engraved into it. A Deity of Radharani is not worshiped in this temple because the Deity of Radha-Raman is self-manifested and there was no Deity of Radharani self-manifested. The present temple was built in 1826 at the cost of 80 thousand rupees by Shah Behari Lallji from Lucknow, the grandfather of Shah Kundan Lall and Shah Fundan Lall, who built the Shahji Temple. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhus kaupina (cloth) and asana (seat), which Gopal Bhatta Goswami brought from Jagannath Puri, are also in this temple. The asana is black wood and is about 31cm (12) by 25cm (10). They are brought out to be seen by the public for six days a year. They can be seen on Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Radha Raman, the actual day and day after the disappearance of Gopal Bhatta Goswami, Janmasthami and Nandotsava (the day after Janmasthami). There is a daily abhiseka of the asana with Yamuna water. There is no decay of the asana or any cracks, even after 450 years. For the raja bhoga offering, Radha Ramans pujaris first offer all of the bhoga (food) to Radha-Raman and the shalagrama shilas, and then they make a second offering to Srimati Radharani, and then a third offering for Gopal Bhatta Goswami. There are not three different plates, but the same plate is offered in the order above. The fires for cooking in the temple kitchen have been burning continuously for over 440 years, since the Deity was installed. This is so no foreign elements, such as matches, are used for ignition purposes. Before the present temple was built, there was another temple at the same place that is now the kitchen and prasadam area for the present temple. Gopal Bhatta Goswamis Samadhi is to the left, after you enter the first gate from the street into the temple compound. After entering the temple compound you turn left and walk fifty metres (150 ft). He passed away at the age of 85, in 1596, exactly 100 years after the appearance of Lord Chaitanya. His disappearance day is celebrated in the month of Shravana (July-Aug) on the Shukla Panchami (5th) day. There are also smaller samadhis here of the previous sevaits (priests) of Radha-Raman. There is regular worship at this samadhi. Daily bhajans and kirtanas are chanted and the Srimad Bhagavatam is recited. Twice a day a full plate of Radha-Ramans maha-prasada is offered. They also offer him fresh drinking water. In a separate kitchen, five bhoga (food) offerings are prepared and offered to Gopal Bhatta Goswami. After the offerings, five aratis are performed. After the last arati of the day, Radha Ramans pujari give Radha-Ramans maha flower garlands to Gopal Bhatta Goswami. In the area of the present Radha-Raman Temple, there used to be a lake connected to the Yamuna River. Official Address
Banke Bihari Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, in the holy city of Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated near Shri RadhaVallabh Temple.This temple is among the 7 temples of Thakur of Vrindavan including Shri Radha Vallabh Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji, Shri Radha Raman Ji, Shri Radha Madhav Ji, Shri Madan Mohan Ji and Shri Gopinath Ji. Bankey Bihari Ji was originally worshipped at Nidhivana. Bankey means “bent in three places” and Bihari means “supreme enjoyer.” The image of Lord Krishna stands in the Tribhanga posture. Haridas Swami originally worshipped this devotional image under the name of Kunj-Bihari (“Enjoyer of Lakes”). “I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, round whose neck is swinging a garland of flowers beautified with the moon-locket, whose two hands are adorned with the flute and jewelled ornaments, who always revels in pastimes of love, whose graceful threefold-bending form of Śyāmasundara is eternally manifest. Bankey Bihari Temple was established by Swami Haridas (Lalita Sakhi in Dvapara Yuga),a guru of the famous singer Tansen. Once on the request of his disciples Swami Haridas ji sang the following verse in Nidhivan in Vrindavan “Mai ri sahaj jori pragat bhai ju rang ki gaur syam ghan damini jaisen. Pratham hun ahuti ab hun aagen hun rahihai na tarihai taisain.. Ang ang ki ujraii sugharaii chaturaii sunderta aisain.. Shri Haridas ke swami syama kunjbihari sam vais vaisain..” On singing the verse, the Celestial couple Shyama-Shyam (Radha Krishna) appeared in front of him and his devotees. On the request of Shri Swami ji the couple merged into one and the idol of Banke bihari appeared there (the same idol seen in the temple). The idol was established in Nidhivan. The image of Bihariji installed in Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir, is the one granted to Swami Haridas by the celestial couple Shyama-Shyam themselves. Submitting to the desire of devotees, The Lord appeared in person with his divine consort and left back a black charming image before disappearing. Swami Haridas was born to Shri Ashudhir and his wife Srimati Gangadevi on the day of Radha Ashtami i.e. eighth day of second (bright) fortnight of Bhadrapad month of the year 1535 Vikrami (1478 A.D.). He was born in a small village, now known as Haridaspur, near Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh. The lineage of the family can be traced back to Shri Gargacharya. Shri Gargachrya was the Kulaguru (family guru) of Yadavas and visited Brij secretly for conducting the Namakarana Samskara (naming ceremony) of young Krishna and Balarama on request of Sri Vasudeva. A branch of the family migrated to Multan (now in Pakistan), but some of them returned after a long time. Sri Ashudhir was one such migrant who after returning from Multan settled at the outskirts of Brij, near Aligarh. Swami Haridas was the reincarnation of Lalita ‘sakhi’ (female friend), of the inner consortium of Lord Krishna. This easily explains the fact that even in his childhood, he was more into meditation and scriptures, while other children of his age were busy playing. He was married at the suitable age according to the time to Harimati. Even after his marriage, young Haridas stayed away from worldly pleasures and concentrated on meditation. Harimatiji was such a saintly soul herself that on realizing the inclination of her husband, she prayed intensely and was bodily transported to the heavenly abode of Lord by entering the flame of a small lamp in the presence of Haridas. No physical remains were left behind. Soon after that Haridas left his village for Vrindavan, which was a dense forest at that time and chose a secluded spot, which is now known as Nidhivan, to practice his music and to enjoy eternal bliss of meditation. He constantly and continuously meditated on Nitya Ras and Nitya Bihar of Lord at Nitya Vrindavan. His way of Sadhna was to compose and sing songs in the praise of Lord. While on earth, living in a mortal state, he facilitated his regular unobstructed entry in the Nitya Bihar and always enjoyed the pleasure of closeness of Lord. He chose a secluded and densely forested area, Kunj, in Nidhivan as his gateway to the nirvana and was mostly sitting there, singing, meditating and surfing in the ocean of eternal bliss. His disciples were curious about this place and one day with permission of Swamiji, they all entered the kunj. But instead of seeing anything they were almost blinded by bright, intense light, which seemed to fill the whole place. On knowing of their plight Swamiji himself went there, and then after his requests, the lord appeared in person with his divine consort, pleasantly smiling and in a playful mood and casting a spell of charm on every living being present there. Those who witnessed this, were so spell bounded by the beauty of the Lord and his consort, that they couldn’t even blink their eyes; it seemed that all of them had turned into stone statues. The legend as handed down to the generations of Goswamis, says that the beauty of the divine couple was such that no one wanted to lose the sight and proximity of divinity, but then what kind of divinity is it, which cannot make a mere mortal swoon and charmed enough to forget and give up the world and its luxuries? The beauty of the divine couple was so much that lesser mortals, like you and me, won’t be able to bear such a heavenly beauty. Sensing this Swami Haridasji requested both of them to take a single form, as the world won’t be able to bear their image. He requested them to take a single form like Ghan (cloud) and Damini (lightning), thus giving a perfect metaphor to the combined beauty of dark Lord and his fair consort, Radhaji. Also he wanted his beloved lord to be in front of his eyes always. Granting him his both wishes, the couple turned itself into one single black charming idol, the same one that you see in the temple today. The charm and beauty of Shri Bankey Bihariji is the only reason why the ‘darshan’ in the temple is never continuous but is broken by thel curtain drawn on him regularly. It is also said that if one stares long enough into the eyes of Shri Bankey Bihariji, the person would lose his self-consciousness. Thus came into existence the physical form of Lord Bankey Bihari, popularly known as Bihariji. The responsibility of Sewa of Bihariji was handed over to Goswami Jagannath by Swamiji himself. Goswami Jagannath was one of the principal disciple and younger brother of Swamiji. By tradition, the Sewa is performed by descendents of Jagannath Goswami till day. Initially, the deity was installed in a temple close to the first appearance in Nidhivan. A new temple befitting the glory of Bihariji was constructed in 1862 AD. Goswamis themselves mobilized resources for the construction. The temple is an architectural beauty in itself and follows the contemporary Rajasthani style. The sewa of the Bihariji is unique in its own way. It is performed in three parts every day i.e. Shringar, Rajbhog and Shayan. While shringar (which includes bath, dressing and adornment with jewellery like crown and necklaces) and Rajbhog(feast) is offered in the forenoon, Shayan Sewa (shayan means sleep) is offered in the evening. The temple doesn’t have a tradition of Mangala (early morning) sewa. Swami Haridas did not favour Mangla Sewa as he wanted his child like Lord to take complete rest and did not want to disturb him out of deep slumber so early in the morning. So, the temple today stands with its full glory, inside which the Lord himself resides. It is thronged by thousands of visitors everyday. Many of saints visits the temple. Sadguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi(AMMA) from Kerala visited the temple on 2016. Amma’s entire tour group(more than 3000 people) joined Amma for the visit to the always-crowded temple. The already sanctified space reverberated and pulsed with devotion as Amma entered the temple and gazed at the murti of Sri Krishna. Before leaving, Amma participated in a ceremonial worship of the Lord. The temple’s priest welcomed Amma as an honored guest and presented her with ceremonial shawls, garlands and the same type of flute that was played by Sri Krishna. By Road : Vrindavan is situated on Delhi-Agra NH-2. the various buses runs between the Agra and Delhi. temple is 7 km. away from National Highway. Getting to Temple is very easy as there are frequent tempos and rickshaw available throughout the day. Mathura is just 12 km away. frequent buses, tempos and taxies runs between Mathura and Vrindavan.Another new way is from Greater Noida (Delhi NCR) TO Vrindavan via Yamuna Expressway By Train : The major railway station nearby is Mathura on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line. Several express and passenger trains connect Mathura from other major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Calcutta, Gwalior, Dehradun, Indore, and Agra. Though Vrindavan itself is a railway station. A rail bus runs between Vrindavan and Mathura 5 round in a day. By Air : The nearest airport is Agra just 67 km away from Vrindavan. The nearest international airport is Delhi, which is connected to almost every important city in the world with major airlines. There are regular flights to other important tourist destinations of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai etc. Official Address
Prem Mandir, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Prem Mandir is a Hindu temple in Vrindavan, Mathura, India. It is maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, charitable trust. The complex is on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan, and is dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. The temple structure was established by the fifth Jagadguru, Kripalu Maharaj. Figures of Shri Krishna and his followers depicting important events surrounding the Lord’s existence cover the main temple. Construction began in January 2001 and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 February to 17 February 2012.The temple was opened to public on 17 February. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million).The presiding deity are Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishna) and Shri Sita Ram. A 73,000 square feet, pillar-less, dome shaped satsang hall is being constructed next to Prem Mandir, which will accommodate 25,000 people at a time The foundation stone was laid by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj in the presence of thousand devotees on 14 January 2001. It took 1000 artists about 12 years to build the complex. The Vrindavan site was developed by Kripalu Ji Maharaj, whose main ashram was at Vrindavan. He dedicated the gift of love to Shri Vrindavan Dham. Prem Mandir is constructed entirely of Italian marble. The total dimensions of the temple including its flag is 125 ft. high, 190 ft. long and the 128 ft. wide raised platform serves as the seat of the two-storeyed white monument. A circumambulation route has been constructed on the mandir prangan, the platform of the temple, enabling visitors to view the 48 panels depicting the pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna which are carved on the outer walls of the temple. The walls are made of solid Italian marble, 3.25 ft. thick. The thickness of the walls of the garbha-griha is 8 ft to bear the weight of huge shikhar, swarna Kalash and the Flag. 84 panels set up on the temple’s exterior display the pastimes of Shri Krishna depicted on Shrimad Bhagvatam. Official Address
Ved Mata Gaytri Mandir, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh Ved Mata Gaytri Mandir is a temple of the Maa Gayatri Devi. The name Gayatri Mandir derives from the Acharya of Gayatri Mission, Gaytari Mandir is a famous Temple. The Gayatri Mandir is founded by Mr. Rampravesh Kushwaha.This Temple is situated in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh science a long time. Gayatri Mandir temple performs various cultural and social activities and serves as the cultural hub of the city. Gayatri Mandir Arrange every year Nav Kundiy Gaytri Gayatri Mhayagya. During Last Day Of Yagya Gaytri Mandir also Arrange Mass wedding ceremonies (Garib Var-Kanyaon Ki Samoohik Vivah). Official Address
Waneshwar Mahadev Temple, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Waneshwar Mahadev Temple is a legendary Temple is founded by Daityaraj Wanasur and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legendary Waneshwar Mahadev Temple (at village Jinayi)in sub-division Derapur, Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh, India is the center of people’s faith. According to History Writer Pro. Laxmikant Tripathi Sithaupurwa (Sronitpur) was the capital of Daityaraj Wanasur. Wanasur son Daityaraj Bali founded huge Shivling in this temple. After war between Shri Krishna and Wanasur this temple demolished.Janmejay renovated by the son of Parikshit was named Wanpura Janmejay.After some time in local language it renamed Banipara Jinayi.Near Lord Shiva Temple are pond,Usha Burj, Vishnu statue etc. These are signs that authenticate mythology Rura railway station (North Central Railway), 7 km from the temple by road to east-south. Ambiapur Railway Station is at a distance 4 km to the north.It is also connected with Kanpur by Bela Road via Kahinjhari and via Rura to Kanpur. Official Address
JK Temple, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh JK Temple(Juggilal Kamlapati temple) is a temple in the Indian city of Kanpur.It is considered to be a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture. The mandapa of the temple has been constructed with high roof for adequate ventilation of light and air. The temple was constructed by JK Trust and major maintenance expenses of the temple also comes from the trust fund. The temple is also popularly known as Radhakrishna Temple Singhania family which owns a number of companies under its umbrella JK Organisation formed a trust known as JK Trust in 1953.The trust constructed this temple and was opened for public in the year 1960. The temple celebrated its 50 years in 2010. The temple is located on First Street in Sarvodaya Nagar locality of Kanpur. The Kanpur Airport is located around 14 km from temple’s campus. Kanpur Central Railway Station is around 5 km from the temple and has trains to Lucknow, Allahabad, Delhi, Kolkata and other major cities of India. Photography is however prohibited and the place is heavily secured with guards and cctv. Handbags and large purses are not allowed and need to be deposited at the cloak room before entering. Visitors are frisked before entry.t Official Address
Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh The Gorakhnath Math (Gorakhnath Mutt) is a temple of the Nath monastic group of the Nath tradition. The name Gorakhnath derives from the medieval saint, Gorakhnath (c. 11th century), a yogi who travelled widely across India and authored a number of texts that form a part of the canon of Nath Sampradaya.The Nath tradition was founded by guru Matsyendranath. This math is situated in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh within a large premises. The temple performs various cultural and social activities and serves as the cultural hub of the city. Gorakhpur takes its name from Gorakhnath, who was a saint of the ‘Nath Sampradaya’. A shrine called Gorakhnath Mandir was built in his honour at the location where he practised his daily rituals. The Gorakhpur region comprises the districts of Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Basti, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau and parts of Nepal tarai. These areas, which may be called the Gorakhpur janapad, were an important centre of the Hindu Vedic culture. Gorakhpur was a part of the kingdom of Kosala, one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas in the 6th century BC. The solar dynasty of Kshatriyas, whom are believed to have ruled the area, included the God-King Rama. Gorakhpur remained an integral part of the erstwhile empires of Maurya, Shunga, Kushana, Gupta and Harsha dynasties. The history of math has also been described in the biography of Yogi Adityanath – The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, written by Shantanu Gupta. The website of gorakhnath mandir describes its history and the attacks which the temple had to bear from time to time. Official Address
Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Hanumangarhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya. More than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple which is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman in North India.It is a custom that before visiting lord Ram temple one should first pay visit to shri lord Hanuman temple. The hill station of Nainital also has famous temple by the name Hanumangarhi, often visited by local saint, Neem Karoli Baba. Located at an altitude 1,951 m (6,401 ft), the temple complex is about 3.5 km (2 mi) from the Tallital (South End) bus stop. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, the vanara god of the Ramayana, and he is depicted tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita in his heart. Hanuman Garhi also is known for its views of the setting sun. One of the central characters of Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is himself a devotee of Lord Rama, and so it fits that Hanuman holds a place of importance here at Ayodhya. The temple complex is a huge structure that is shaped as a four sided fort, and each of its corners has circular bastions housing a temple of Hanuman. You can come here at any given time of the year, but it is during Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami that this place lights up and comes truly alive. Hanuman holds a special place in not only Hindu religion, but also Jainism and Buddhism; the Lord Hanuman is revered in many parts of Asia, and is considered one of the most powerful Gods among Gods. Lord Hanuman is in fact considered to be the reincarnation of Lord Shiva.The Hanuman Garhi Temple here in Ayodhya is definitely one of the most important places of worship for Lord Hanuman, and it is devotees come here every day to offer prayers to the lord. A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Garhi is located in the city of Ayodhya, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This widely popular temple is visited by numerous devotees all round the year, and is much revered by the Hindus. The temple is in the shape of a fort, and is right at the centre of the town. Ayodhya, Lord Rama’s birthplace is one of the most important places for Hindus, and Hanuman Garhi is exceedingly popular place of worship. The temple is a grand structure that takes 76 steps to approach. According to legends, Lord Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Ramkot, or the birthplace of Ram. You will find the statue of Maa Anjani with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap. Devotees come here to pray to the lord and ask for their heart’s desire, as it is believed that your wishes are granted here at Hanuman Garhi. The city of Ayodhya is of course very well-connected to nearby cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, and even Delhi. It would take you about ten hours to drive from Delhi to Ayodhya. Ayodhya is also 135 km away from Lucknow, 165 km from Allahabad, and about 200 km away from Varanasi. While there are regular trains commuting to and fro from Ayodhya, as you can see these distances are pretty much coverable by road as well.The nearest airport to Ayodhya are Lucknow and Varanasi, you can easily drive up to Hanuman Garhi from these two destinations, or otherwise take a train. By train you can reach Ayodhya, and Hanuman Garhi in 3 hours from Lucknow, and 4 hours from Varanasi. Official Address
Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Ram Janmabhoomi is the name given to the site that many Hindus believe to be the birthplace of Rama, the 7th avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The Ramayana states that the location of Rama’s birthplace is on the banks of the Sarayu river in a city called “Ayodhya”. A section of Hindus claim that the exact site of Rama’s birthplace is where the Babri Masjidonce stood in the present-day Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. According to this theory, the Mughals demolished a Hindu shrine that marked the spot, and constructed a mosque in its place. People opposed to this theory state that such claims arose only in the 18th century, and that there is no evidence for the spot being the birthplace of Rama. The political, historical and socio-religious debate over the history and location of the Babri Mosque, and whether a previous temple was demolished or modified to create it, is known as the Ayodhya dispute. In 1992, the demolition of Babri Masjid by Hindu nationalists triggered widespread Hindu-Muslim violence. Since then, the archaeological excavations have indicated the presence of a temple beneath the mosque rubble.Several other sites, including places in other parts of India, Afghanistan, and Nepal, have been proposed as birthplaces of Rama. The Ramayana, a Hindu epic whose earliest portions date back to 1st millennium BCE, states that the capital of Rama was Ayodhya.According to the local Hindu belief, the site of the now-demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya is the exact birthplace of Rama. The Babri mosque is believed to have been constructed during 1528-29 by a certain ‘Mir Baqi’ (possibly Baqi Tashqandi), who was a commander of the Mughalemperor Babur (r. 1526–1530).However, the historical evidence for these beliefs is scant. In 1611, an English traveller William Finch visited Ayodhya and recorded the “ruins of the Ranichand castle and houses”. He made no mention of a mosque. In 1634, Thomas Herbert described a “pretty old castle of Ranichand [Ramachand]” which he described as an antique monument that was “especially memorable”. However, by 1672, the appearance of a mosque at the site can be inferred because Lal Das’s Awadh-Vilasa describes the location of birthplace without mentioning a temple or “castle”. In 1717, the Moghul Rajput noble Jai Singh IIpurchased land surrounding the site and his documents show a mosque.The Jesuit missionary Joseph Tiefenthaler, who visited the site between 1766-1771, wrote that either Aurangazeb (r. 1658–1707) or Babur had demolished the Ramkot fortress, including the house that was considered as the birthplace of Rama by Hindus. He further stated that a mosque was constructed in its place, but the Hindus continued to offer prayers at a mud platform that marked the birthplace of Rama.[8] In 1810, Francis Buchanan visited the site, and stated that the structure destroyed was a temple dedicated to Rama, not a house. Many subsequent sources state that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a temple. Police officer and writer Kishore Kunal states that all the claimed inscriptions on the Babri mosque were fake. They were affixed sometime around 1813 (almost 285 years after the supposed construction of the mosque in 1528 AD), and repeatedly replaced. Before the 1940s, the Babri Masjid was called Masjid-i-Janmasthan (“mosque of the birthplace”), including in the official documents such as revenue records. Shykh Muhammad Azamat Ali Kakorawi Nami (1811–1893) wrote: “the Babari mosque was built up in 923(?) A.H. under the patronage of Sayyid Musa Ashiqan in the Janmasthan temple in Faizabad-Avadh, which was a great place of (worship) and capital of Rama’s father” H.R. Neville, the editor of the Faizabad District Gazetteer (1870), wrote that the Janmasthan temple “was destroyed by Babur and replaced by a mosque.” He also wrote “The Janmasthan was in Ramkot and marked the birthplace of Rama. In 1528 A.D. Babur came to Ayodhya and halted here for a week. He destroyed the ancient temple and on its site built a mosque, still known as Babur’s mosque. The materials of the old structure [i.e., the temple] were largely employed, and many of the columns were in good preservation. Official Address
Bhitargaon, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Bhitargaon is a town in Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, known for its ancient Hindu temple, the largest Indian brick temple to survive from the time of the Gupta Empire. Bhitargaon is small village in Kanpur district and is famous for an ancient brick temple of the Gupta period. As per a local tradition, there was a city named Pushp-pur (Foolpur) in olden days The middle part of that city was known as Bhitargaon, which literally means the inner village. The external part of the city is known as Barigaon (which literally means the outer village), which is adjacent to Bhitargaon separated at a distance of about a km. The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta period, it is the oldest remaining brick/terracotta Hindu shrine with a roof, find more about roofing dublin and a high Shikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century. The temple is built on a square plan with double-recessed corners and faces east. There tall pyramidal spire over the garbhagriha. The walls are decorated with terracotta panels depicting aquatic monsters, Shiva and Vishnu etc. When Cunningham first visited the site, the remains of the porch and of the ardhamandapa were still visible, which later collapsed. The name of the temple, Bhitargaon, also suggests its location. According to the legend, it was located in the inner area of an ancient village called Phoolpur. Bhitargaon has an ancient temple which was built in 6th century during the golden Gupta period of India. Hence, the temple got its name after the village. Bhitargaon Temple is regarded as the oldest Hindu sacred place having a high roof or shikhara. The 68.25-feet-tall structure from the ground was built with terracotta and 18-inch-long, 9-inch-wide and 3-inch bricks. It is built upon a 36-feet by 47-feet platform. The walls of the temple are 8 feet thick. It contains a vaulted arch which was used for the first time in India. The whole structure is a testimony to the state of architecture in those days. The 15-feet by 15-feet sanctum is constructed in two storeys and it represents the Hindu concept of repentance of Nar and Narayan over the kidnapping of Goddess Sita. Bhitargaon is about 43 km from Kanpur. Regular shared tempos ply from Naubasta in Kanpur to Bhitargaon. It lies on Kapur-Hamirpur road on which you need to take a left turn from Sarh (साढ़) to wards Bhitargaon. Kanpur is the nearest big railway-head and airport. Official Address
Yagya Varaha is located at A.11/30, near Swarleeneshwar at Panch Agni Akhada Ghat. The temple is approachable from Prahalad Ghat Chauraha upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Panch Agni Akhada Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Vitank Narsimha is located just outside the eastern door of Kedareshwar temple at B.6/102. This door faces the river Ganga. The idol of Vitank Narsimha is located at the steps of Kedar Ghat, on left side. Kedareshwar Temple, Kedar Ghat is a famous place and devotees can reach here by rickshaw, or by boat upto Kedar Ghat (river side). Official Address
Vidar Narsimha is located at A-10/82 Prahlad Ghat. People can approach this place by traveling in a rickshaw upto Birla Hospital after Macchodari and then on foot. Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Prahlad Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
There are two locations of Veer Madhav. One is near the door of Atma Veereshwar at Ck.7/158 (Rahu’s idol) and other is just opposite at Ck.7/30 where devotees can have darshan through window. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Chowk in a rickshaw and then walking on foot via Sankata Devi temple which is a famous landmark. Official Address
Vaman Keshav is located at A.2/29, Trilochan. The temple is also known as Madhusudhan. The temple is approachable from Birla Hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the stairs. This deity is known by the name of Madhusudan. On Akshay Triteeya Day, many devotees worship this deity and they make offering of butter to the Lord. Official Address
Vaikunth Madhav is located at Ck.7/165, near Harish-chandreshwar, Scindia Ghat. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Chowk in a rickshaw and then walking on foot via Sankata Devi temple which is a famous landmark. Official Address
Trivikrama is located at A-2/80, Trilochaneshwar Temple. Above the idol, it has been mentioned as Brihaspati. The temple is approachable from Birla Hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel in Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the stairs. Official Address
In Tri Lok Sundari Vandi Devi’s South Kashi, Lord Vishnu is present in the form of Tribhuwan Keshav. (Kashi Khand mentions this as Bhuwan Keshav). Devotees who worship Tribhuwan Keshav will not see womb again, meaning thereby that there will be no rebirth. Tribhuwan Keshav is located at D.17/100, Bandi Devi, Dasaswamedh Ghat. Just before the Ghat, devotees should take a right turn. It is advisable to enquire at the vegetable market just before the Ghat. The temple priest calls this deity by the name of Dharani Varaha. There is some confusion as some learned Pundits claim that Dharani Varaha is located at D.17/111, Ram Mandir and they give the name of Prayag Madhav for this. Kashi Khand mentions South Kashi. If we take the Mukti Kshetra of Kashi as per Kashi Khand, Madhyameshwar is the mid point and Dasaswamedh Ghat falls to the South. However, in the present day scenario Dasaswamedh is the center point for various religious and cultural activities. There is also a Shiv Ling in the temple premises which was called Prayageshwar by the Poojari Official Address
Tamra Varaha is located outside House No.Ck.33/57, Neelkanth Mohalla in the slope. Devotees can travel upto Chowk in a rickshaw and walk on foot upto Neelkanth temple which is a famous landmark. Official Address
Shwet Madhav is located at D.3/71, Big Hanuman temple at Mir Ghat. The deity is located in side the temple premises, exactly opposite Hanuman idol. Devotees can reach this place by traveling upto Dasaswamedh in a rickshaw and then on foot. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Mir Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Kashi Khand has attached a great importance to bathing in Prayag Teerth. Prayag Teerth, as such, is not in existence but this falls within the larger area of Dasaswamedh. One point needs to be mentioned here to make things clear. At the time when Skanda Puran was conceived by Bhagwan Ved Vyas and when the Puran was actually written, there were only five bathing places in Ganga at Varanasi, which had a great religious importance, namely Assi, Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Panchganga and Varuna. Even today, South Indian pilgrims who visit Varanasi, for their Kashi Yatra, perform Shraddha Karma at the above five Ghats. Over a period of several centuries, many Ghats have come up in the name of many Kings or the Royal families, etc. Religiously speaking, Dasaswamedh extends to a very wide area in the river Ganga and may include several new Ghats in its fold. Therefore, Prayag Teerth as mentioned in Kashi Khand is a part of Dasaswamedh. Devotees may consider both as synonymous. Great importance has been attached to taking bath in the above Teerth in Magh Month and worshipping Prayag Madhav. Persons doing so, will be blessed with wealth, food grains, happy family and will attain Moksha. Prayag Madhav is located at D.17/111, in the premises of Ram Mandir at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Some people also call it Dharani Varaha (Ref: Varanasi Vaibhav by Pt. Kuber Nath Sukul). Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Ghat in a rickshaw. The temple remains opens for worship from 05.00 p.m. to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 p.m. to 09.30 p.m. Timings may be flexible. Aarties are performed in the morning and evening. Official Address
Prahlad Keshav is located at A-10/80 Prahlad Ghat inside Prahledeshwar temple, on the face of Ganges, on the right side wall. People can approach this place by traveling in a rickshaw upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha and then on foot. Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Prahlad Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Prachand Narsimha is located at B.1/151, Jagannath Temple, Assi Ghat. People can travel upto this place in a rickshaw. Official Address
Narad Keshav is located at A-10/80 Prahlad Ghat, inside Shitla Mandir opp. Prahladeshwar. People can approach this place by traveling in a rickshaw upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha and then on foot. Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Prahlad Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Nar Narayan (popularly known as Badri Narayan) is located at A.1/72, Badri Narayan Ghat steps near Gai Ghat. Devotees can approach this place by travelling upto Bhaironath in rickshaw and then on foot. Official Address
Mahabal Narsimha is located at A-2/9 North of Trilochan, in the premises of Kameshwar Temple. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Prahlad Ghat (after Machhodari). Devotees can travel beyond Machhodari upto Birla Hospital in a rickshaw and walk on foot to the temple. Official Address
Lakshmi Narsimha is located at K.20/159, Raj Mandir, inside Dakshin Mukhi (one eyed) Hanumanji temple. This temple is near Kashi Vyayamshala / Suvodhini Vidya Mandir. Raj Mandir is a locality near Gai Ghat. Official Address
Kolahala Narsimha is located at Ck.8/181 above Siddhi Vinayak, inside Narsimha Mutt. People can approach this place by traveling upto Chowk in a rickshaw and then on foot. Official Address
Kashi Khand mentions one Hayagreev Teerth where Lord Vishnu is present in the form of Hayagreev Keshav.The devotees worshipping Hayagreev Keshav will reach Lord’s Lotus feet. Hayagreev Teerth is not in existence now. Hayagreev Keshav is located at B.3/25 near Anandmayee Hospital at Bhadaini. People can reach this place by auto/car or cycle rickshaw. If one approaches from Sonarpura area, Hayagreev Keshav will be just before the Hospital. This place of worship also houses Hayagreeva Yogini which is mentioned in Kashi Khand, Chapter 45. Official Address
Gyan Madhav is located at Ck.35/21, Vishwanath Temple compound near Akshay Vat. The narrow lane or Gully approaching the temple is known as Vishwanath Gully. For directions to reach this place, kindly refer Visweshwar Temple. Official Address
Gyan Keshav is located at A-37/51, Adi Keshav Temple, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
Gopi Govind is located at K.4/24, Lal Ghat near Birla Sanskrit Vidhyalaya, Birla House. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath or Machhodari in a rickshaw and walk on foot to the place of Gopi Govind. Alternatively, they can travel by boat upto Lal Ghat and climb the steps. This temple also houses Narayani Devi (Lakshmi Devi) which has reference in Kashi Khand, Chapter 70. Official Address
Ganga Keshav is located at D.1/67, Lalita Ghat, just above the steps. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Ghat in a rickshaw and it is easier to walk through Ghats rather than through Gullies to reach this place. Nepali Pasupatinath temple is a landmark below which, devotees can find Ganga Keshav, empanelled in eastern wall, opp. Shiv Ling. Official Address
Bhrigu Keshav is located at Gola Ghat on the steps aloft the river Ganga. People can approach this place by travelling in a rickshaw upto Prahlad Ghat crossroads and then on foot. Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Gola Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Bheeshma Keshav is located in the temple premises of Mrityunjay Mahadev at K.52/39, near Vriddha Kaleshwar. This place of worship is open throughout. Devotees can worship and perform any pooja by themselves. There is no specific poojary for the temple. However, devotees may contact Shri Housila Prasad Mishra who remains in the temple Official Address
Atyugra Narsimha is located at Ck.8/21, Gomath. People can approach this place by traveling upto Chowk in a rickshaw and then on foot. Gomath is a famous locality. The place of worship is open from 06.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Devotees can pray and perform pooja by their own. Official Address
Adi Keshav is located at A-37/51, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. The place of worship is open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. The timings may be flexible. Official Address
Yaksh Vinayak is located at Ck.37/29, Rudra Prayag, Kotwalpura. Yaksh Vinayak removes all obstacles and smoothens the lives of devotees. Devotees can travel upto Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. This deity is situated inside a house in the Gully on the left side and some inconvenience may be caused in worshipping. Official Address
Vikata Dwija Vinayak is located at Dhoop Chandi locality in Dhoomavati Devi temple. The idol can be seen behind Dhoomavati Devi, next to Hanuman idol. Worshipping this Vinayak will give the highest position in life to the devotee. The place of worship is open from 06.00 a.m. to 01.30 p.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Aarties are performed in the morning and evening. Shri Munna Lal Goswami is the Poojari of the temple and he can be contacted on his Cell No. (0)9616884959 for performing any special pooja etc. Official Address
Vighna Raja Vinayak is located at J-12/32, Chitrakoot Talab. This place is better known as Ram Lila Ground wherefrom the procession of Ram Lila starts. Vighna Raja Vinayak is worshipped for Siddhi. Siddhi may mean attainment of supernatural powers or success or prosperity. Here, one may take the meaning of success and prosperity. The place of worship is open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Aarties are performed in the morning and evening. The place of worship is practically inside a private house. The timings may be flexible. Official Address
Varad Vinayak is located at A-13/19, near Naya Mahadev Kali Mandir, Prahlad Ghat. Varad Vinayak is capable of blessing devotees with divine wish. Devotees may travel upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha by rickshaw and then on foot. Official Address
Vakra Tunda Vinayak is located at K-58/101, Lohatia Bara Ganeshji. He removes ill effects paap karma (sins) committed by devotee and bestows upon them overall happiness. This Vinayak is also known as Bara Ganesh. Devotees can travel upto Lohatia by auto rickshaw or cycle rickshaw and reach this temple on foot. The temple is a stand alone temple and widely worshipped. The temple is open from 04.45 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Mangala Aarti is held at 04.45 a.m., Bhog at 10.30 a.m. and Shayan Aarti at 10.30 p.m. Wednesday is a special day when special Aarti is held at 11.30 p.m. Shri Subhash Chandra Tiwari is one of the Poojaries of the temple. Official Address
Uddand Vinayak is located at a village near Rameshwar which is more than 20 Kms. from the heart of Varanasi. This Vinayak is capable of removing huge obstacles coming in the path of a devotee in his day to day life. Official Address
Uddand Mund Vinayak is located at A-2/80, Trilochan Temple. Uddand Mund Vinayak grants all sorts of blessings and prosperity to the devotees. Pilpila Teerth, which was attached much importance in Kashi Khand is existing now in the form of a Koop (well).. Devotees can travel almost upto this place rickshaw and walk a small distance on foot upto this temple. The temple is open for worship 05.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon and 05.00 p.m. to 11 p.m. Mangala Aarti is performed at 05.30 a.m. and Shayan Aarti at 11.00 p.m. Pandit Girija Shankar Pandey is the Poojari of the temple. Official Address
Tri Mukh Vinayak is located at D-59/94, Sigra at Tripurantakeshwar. Tri Mukh Vinayak is capable of removing all fears. As per Kashi Khand, one face is of a monkey, second of a Lion and third face is of an elephant. For directions to reach this place, kindly refer to Tripurantakeshwar. Official Address
Sumukh Vinayak is located at Ck.35/7, House of Moti Ghatia. If a devotee proceeds from Kashi Karvat temple towards Saraswati Phatak, there is a shop on the left side called Maa Rama Silk Factory. Adjacent to this shop is a house where Durmukh Vinayak is located. If the devotee proceeds still further, just before SBI, towards the right side there is a very small by lane and Sumukh Vinayak is located inside the house on the right side. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Official Address
Sthool Dant Vinayak is located at D-16/34, Man Mandir, near Someshwar. This Vinayak is capable of granting Siddhi (supernatural accomplishments) to the devotees. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Alternatively they can travel by boat upto Man Mandir Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Singh Tund Vinayak is located at D-33/66, Khalispura, near Dasaswamedh. Sincere prayers offered to this Vinayak will absolve one of all sorts of sins knowingly or unknowingly committed. Official Address
Siddhi Vinayak is located at Ck. 9/1, near Mani Karnika Kund in the steps. Siddhi Vinayak grants Siddhi (attainment) to his devotees. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this temple. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Mani Karnika Ghat and walk up the steps. Official Address
Srishti Vinayak is located at D-8/3, Kalika Galli. Srishti Vinayak always blesses his devotees. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. This Vinayak is a small idol on the wall of a building exactly opposite Shukreshwar. Official Address
Shal Kant Vinayak is located near a pond in Manduadih which is somewhat in the western border of Varanasi. Worshipping this Vinayak will yield all sorts of happiness Official Address
Raj Putra Vinayak is located at A-37/48, near Road, Raj Ghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by auto rickshaw, car or cycle rickshaw. By worshipping Raj Putra Vinayak, even a vanquished king can regain his lost kingdom. In the present day scenario this may apply to devotees who may be aspiring to get high positions. The place of worship is open in the morning from 06.00 a.m. to 07.00 a.m. and 07.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Aarties are performed in the morning and evening. However, devotees can worship this deity throughout the day through grill door. Official Address
Pranava Vinayak is located at Hiranya Garbheshwar temple, Trilochan Ghat steps. It is easy to reach this place by boat. If devotees travel by road, they can travel beyond Machhodari upto Birla Hospital and take a right turn and then walk on foot. A devotee who regularly worships this Lord will find his place in heaven. The temple is open from 05.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m and from 04.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Shri Chandra Keshav Ojha (Chhania Maharaj) is available near the temple. Official Address
Pramoda Vinayak is located at Ck.31/16, Naipali Khapra. Just near Kashi Karvat temple there are two shops selling Lassi. Pramoda Vinayak is inside one of the shops. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Worshipping this Vinayak will remove all obstacles in life. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Pichandil Vinayak is located at A-10/80, below Vat Vriksh, Prahlad Ghat. Pichandil Vinayak guards Kashi day and night and blesses devotees with all success. Devotees can travel upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Alternatively they can take a boat ride and walk up the steps. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Panchasya Vinayak is located at Pishachmochan, at C-21/40. Kashi Khand mentions this as Pancha Mukha Vinayak (five faced Vinayak). This Vinayak guards Kashi area from the western side. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Shri Kamlesh Tiwari is available at Pishachmochan Teerth and he can be contacted at his Cell No. (0)9918989066 for performing any special pooja. Official Address
Paas Pani Vinayak is located at Sadar Bazar. Worshipping this Vinayak will remove obstacles of the devotees and smoothen their lives. In the Cantonment area, if a devotee proceeds on the road where various posh hotels are located, he will come across Radisson, Ideal Towers, Hotel Clarks etc. and JHV Mall. If he proceeds further on the road (known as Cariappa Marg), he will come across a turning to the right where there is an indicator reading “Bheeshma Chandi Devi temple”. Without taking the right turn, if he proceeds further he will come to Paas Pani Vinayak on the right side of the road. There is a stone slab on the road indicating this temple The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Shri Nanhe Choubey and Sujit Kumar Pandey are available at the temple Contact Details Official Address
Nagesh Vinayak is located at House No. Ck.1/21, Patani Tola, Bhosala Ghat, Varanasi, in the premises of Nageshwar Temple. Devotees will be blessed with all sorts of prosperity during life and after death, by praying to this Vinayak. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Bhosala Ghat and climb up the steps. The temple is open from 07.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and in the evening from 07.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Devotees can perform pooja as per their convenience within the above timings. Shri Sanjay Maharaj is the poojari of the temple Official Address
Munda Vinayak is located at Sadar Bazar in Chandi Temple, after JHV Mall/Hotel Clarks. This Vinayak is considered as omni potent. The idol is placed near the devi idols and only the head is visible. In the Cantonment area, if a devotee proceeds on the road where various posh hotels are located, he will come across Radisson, Ideal Towers, Hotel Clarks etc. and JHV Mall. If he proceeds further on the road (known as Cariappa Marg), he will come across a turning to the right where there is an indicator reading “Bheeshma Chandi Devi temple”. Munda Vinayak is located inside Chandi Devi Temple. This place of worship is open from 05.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and devotees can worship as per their convenience. According to locals this temple is a powerful Shakti Peeth. Pandit Mangala Prasad Choubey is the poojari attached to this temple Official Address
Modak Priya Vinayak is located at A-3/92, Aadi Mahadev Temple, Trilochan. Worshipping this Vinayak will bring all round success to the worshippers. The temple is approachable from Prahalad Ghat Chauraha upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. The temple is open from 05.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m. Mangala Aarti is performed at 05.00 a.m., Shringar at 06.30 a.m., and Aarti at 07.00 a.m. The temple is open till 09.00 p.m. Shri Girish Chand Mehrotra is the Poojari of the temple. Official Address
Moda Vinayak is located at Ck.31/12, Kashi Karvat Temple, Naipali Khapra. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Moda Vinayak removes all obstacles in life. Official Address
Mitra Vinayak is located at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat in the premises of Atma Veereshwar which is a famous locality in Varanasi. Mitra Vinayak who blesses his devotees with success and prosperity. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Official Address
Mani Karnika Vinayak is located at Manikarnika Ghat opposite to the main gate of Satua Baba Ashram. In Kashi Khand it is mentioned that Manikarnika Vinayak removes all obstacles. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Alternatively they can travel by boat upto Manikarnika Ghat and walk up the steps and reach the place. Official Address
Mangal Vinayak is located at K-24/34, Mangala Gauri Temple, Bala Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Alternatively they can travel by boat upto Bala Ghat/Panchganga Ghat and walk up the steps and reach the place. Mangal Vinayak guards Kashi against all evil forces and blesses the devotees. Official Address
Lambodara Vinayak is located at B.7/206, Kedarghat Road and in this locality devotees normally know this temple as Chintamani Ganesh temple. He gives Shakti (energy) to all his devotees and removes all obstacles. This is a full fledged temple with a massive idol. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw. The temple is open from 05.00 am to 10.00 noon and from 06.30 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. However, darshan is allowed throughout the day through grilled door. Aarties are performed at 08.30 a.m. and 07.30 p.m. Special days are Sankata Hara Chaturthi. Devotees can perform pooja on their own self also. So many regular devotees, after taking bath in Kedar Ghat, worship this Vinayak by chanting Ganesh Sahasranam etc. Official Address
Kshipra Prasad Vinayak is located at C-18/47, Pitar Kunda, Pitreshwar Temple. Devotees can travel upto this place by rickshaw, via Pishachmochan. Pitar Kunda is a famous locality. Worshipping this Vinayak will bring all round success to the devotees. Official Address
Koot Dant Vinayak is located at No. B-3/335, Kina Ram Ashram, Krim Kund, Shivala, Varanasi. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw. This Vinayak removes even the toughest obstacles and guards Kashi area. The Ashram where the Koot Dant Vinayak is located, is open from 05.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. The timings may vary during summer and winter. The devotees can perform pooja by themselves as there is no specific priest. Official Address
Kooshmanda Vinayak is located at Phoolwaria village which once considered a village, is now practically part of the city. Worshipping Kooshmanda Vinayak will bring happiness to the devotees Official Address
Koonitaksh Vinayak is located at D-52/38, inside old Lakshmi Temple premises and near Mahalakshmi Gauri temple in Lakshmi Kund locality.Devotees can travel upto this place by rickshaw via Luxa Road. Lakshmi Kund is a famous locality. This Vinayak guards Kashi from evil designs of bad persons. Official Address
Kharva Vinayak is located at Rajghat Fort inside a house, almost near the Adi Keshav Temple. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Kharva Vinayak blesses all devotees who worship him with sincerity. The place of worship is open practically throughout. Aarties are held at 07.30 a.m. and 07.00 p.m. and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. At times when the main gate is closed, devotees can have darshan through the grill gate. Official Address
Kali Priya Vinayak is located at D-10/50, behind Sakshi Vinayak, Manaprakameshwar temple. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Viswanath Gully by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. This Lord creates all sorts of problems for the enemies of sincere devotees staying in Kashi. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Kaal Vinayak is located at K-24/10, Ram Ghat on the steps, below peepal tree. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Alternatively they can travel by boat upto Ram Ghat and walk up the steps and reach the place. Devotees who worship this Lord need not be afraid of untimely death etc. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Jyeshta Vinayak is located at K-62/144, Sapt Sagar Mohalla, in the premises of Jyeshteshwar Ling. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Maidagin. People can approach Maidagin by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw or even car. From Maidagin it is advisable to walk on foot. According to Lord Shiva (Kashi Khand, Chapter 57) all the Vinayaks were his sons and the eldest one was Jyeshta Vinayak. Special importance is attached to Jyeshta month, Chaturthi after Amavasya. Poojas performed on this day will yield excellent results. The temple is open for worship from 05.30 a.m. in the morning to 12.30 p.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Aarties are held both in the morning and evening. According to old timers, the temple timings are flexible and the poojari may be requested to open the temple as per the convenience. Official Address
Heramba Vinayak is located at C-21/14, Maldahiya. At the original place of this temple, a shopping complex, known as TSM Complex, has been constructed and a small temple has been constructed in the premises on the second floor. Worshipping Heramba Vinayak will fulfill the desires of devotees. The place of worship is open from 08.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and from 06.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. Shri Tulsi is the Poojari of the temple. Official Address
Gyan Vinayak is located at Khowa Gulli Chowraha at Ck.28/4 Langlishwar temple. Gyan Vinayak guards Kashi against evil forces, according to Kashi Khand. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place via Khatri Medical Hall. The temple is open from 08.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 06.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. Shri Jai Prakash Pandey is the Poojari of the temple Official Address
Gana Nath Vinayak is located at Ck.37/1, Dhundhi Raj Galli, near Visweshwar temple. If a devotee takes a left turn just before Dundhi Raj Vinayak towards Gyan Vapi and walk for a few yards he will reach the shop of reputed Jewellers named Vijay Jewellers. Gana Nath Vinayak is located just outside the shop on the main Gully. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place.Prayers to Gana Nath Vinayak will yield success and all round happiness in life. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Gaja Vinayak is located at Ck.54/44, Raja Darwaja, Bhara Bhooteshwar Temple. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees who worship this Vinayak with sincere devotion will get wealth enough to purchase an elephant. (This implies all riches). The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Gaja Karna Vinayak is said to have located at Ck. 37/43, Kotwalpura, Ishaneshwar. Gaja Karna Vinayak gives his devotees all happiness and prosperity. This Vinayak Deity was located inside a Mall which is under construction. Previous one Cinema Hall named Deepak Cinema existed thereat. Our enquiries reveal that the idol of Vinayak which was defaced and broken was immersed permanently in River Ganges. The Mall Authorities may, in due course, install another idol. However, there is a Vinayak idol in the premises of Aadi Visweshwar Temple near Phool Satti (Flower Market), Bansphatak, which is worshipped. The photograph pertains to that Vinayak. Official Address
Eka Danta Vinayak is located at D-32/102, Pushpa Danteshwar, Bengali Tola, Varanasi. He guards Anand Van (Kashi) against the evil clutches. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Dwi Mukh Vinayak is located at D-51/90, West of Saamba Aditya, Suraj Kund. Worshipping this lord will give all round prosperity. It is almost in the temple premises. Devotees can travel upto Suraj Kund by rickshaw. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Dwar Vinayak also guards Kashi against evil forces, according to Kashi Khand. Dwar Vinayak is located near Swargdwareshwar (Brahmanal Chauraha) at the steps near Jau Vinayak. Devotees can reach this place by asking the directions to reach Manikarnika Ghat. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Durmukh Vinayak is located at Ck.34/60, near Kashi Karvat Temlple. If a devotee proceeds from Kashi Karvat temple towards Saraswati Phatak, there is a shop on the left side called Maa Rama Silk Factory. Adjacent to this shop is a house where Durmukh Vinayak is located. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Durg Vinayak is located at no. 27/1, behind Durga Kund. Durg Vinayak is a stand alone temple with two entrances and a lot of devotees regularly come for offering prayers. Devotees can travel upto this place by cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw and famous landmark is Durga Kund which one can never miss. The temple is open from 05.00 a.m. to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Mangala Aarti is held at 05.00 a.m., Bhog at 12.00 Noon, Sandhya Aarti at 07.00 p.m. and Shayan Aarti at 10.00 p.m. The aarties are widely attended by many persons. Staunch devotees believe that worshipping Durg Vinayak during or before any job/project, will certainly give success in that venture. Shri Santosh Mishra is one of the Poojaries of the temple. Official Address
Dehli Vinayak is located at a village which is almost more than 20 kms. away from the heart of Varanasi city. Dehli in hindi means a threshold. Worshipping Dehli Vinayak will remove all obstacles coming in the way of the devotees Official Address
Dant Hast Vinayak is located at K-58/101, Lohatia, near well in Bara Ganesh temple. This Vinayak protects Kashi from evil people and grants blessings to the devotees. Devotees can travel upto Lohatia by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. The temple is a stand alone temple and widely worshipped. The temple is open from 04.45 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Mangala Aarti is held at 04.45 a.m., Bhog at 10.30 a.m. and Shayan Aarti at 10.30 p.m. Wednesday is a special day when special Aarti is held at 11.30 p.m. Shri Subhash Chandra Tiwari is one of the Poojaries of the temple and he can be contacted on his Cell No. (0)9415446300 for performing any special pooja etc. Official Address
Chitra Ghanta Vinayak is located at Ck. 23/34, Chitra Ghanta Devi. Chitra Ghanta Vinayak guards Kashi against evil forces. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. The temple is situated in a gully somewhat opposite UCO Bank in Chowk. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can worship through the grill gate. Official Address
Chintamani Vinayak is located at K-56/42, East of Ishwar Gangi Talab, Babu Bazar. By worshipping Chintamani Vinayak, the devotees will attain whatever good things they desire. Devotees can travel upto this place by cycle rickshaw, through Laburabir. Ishwar Gangi Talab is a famous place. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Chatur Dant Vinayak is located at D-49/10, Sanatan Dharm School, Nai Sarak. Just by having darshan of this Vinayak, devotees will find their obstacles disappearing. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
Bhimchandi Vinayak is located at the outskirts of Varanasi in the Panchkosi route. Worshipping Bhimchandi Vinayak will remove all fears from the devotee’s mind. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can perform pooja by themselves. Official Address
According to some old timers, original Avi Mukt Vinayak idol has disappeared. Now two places are claimed to house this deity. One at Gyavapi Masjid, in the wall and other inside Visweshwar (Vishwanath) temple premises besides Gauri and Vishnu. Avi Mukta Vinayak, according to Kashi Khand, removes all difficulties from the lives of devotees who stay in Avi Mukta Kshetra (Kashi).Devotees can travel upto Gyanvapi by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. The place of worship is open practically throughout and devotees can only pray. Performing pooja etc. may not be allowed. Official Address
Asha Vinayak is located at D-3/71, Mir Ghat, Bare Hanuman Temple. This falls in the vicinity of Vishalakshi Devi Temple. All desires of the devotees will be fulfilled if they offer devout prayers to Asha Vinayak. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place through Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, which is a famous landmark. Alternatively they can travel by boat upto Mir Ghat and walk up the steps and reach the place. The temple is open from 07.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. Official Address
Though this is a stand alone temple, there is no specific pooja and local people say that devotees only worship this deity. Also there is no specific poojari attached to this place. Ark Vinayak is located at 2/17, near Lolark Kund. Worshipping this deity will fulfil the desires of the devotee. Special importance is for worship on Sundays. A devotee has to go past the Lolark Kund towards the Ganges river to reach Ark Vinayak. Rickshaw travel can be undertaken almost near to Lolark Kund. Official Address
Abhay Vinayak is located at D-17/111, Dasaswamedh Ghat inside the premises of Shooltankeshwar temple. Worshipping this Vinayak will make the devotees free from all fears. Devotees can travel almost upto this place by cycle rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Dasaswamedh Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
After Vinayak paved the way for his father, Lord Shiva made a grand entry into Kashi. Lord Shiva praised Vinayak for his deeds. The latter was called Dhundhi Vinayak. All devotees who come to worship Lord Shiva in Visweshwar temple will necessarily have to come across Dhundhi Vinayak as it is the entry point and they will worship him first. A person who worships Dhundhi Vinayak daily in the morning will find all his obstacles removed. A person who merely takes the name of Dhundhi Vinayak with full devotion will be blessed with all kinds of happiness. Devotees should worship Dhundhi Vinayak on all Tuesdays. More importance is attached to Tuesdays coinciding with Chaturthi (fourth day after Amavasya or Poornima). A person who performs pooja of Dhundhi Vinayak in the month of Magha, Chaturthi after Amavasya will be blessed by God. (Skanda Puran, Kashi Khand, Chapter 57). Later Shiva went on describing the various forms of Vinayak spread all over Kashi. Dhundhi Vinayak is located at the entry point of Annapurna and Visweshwara Temple. For directions to reach this place, kindly refer to Visweshwar Temple. Dhundhi Vinayak is a huge idol of Ganesha at the above point. The place is open practically twenty four hours. Devotees may make offering of flowers or green grass to the Lord and some sweets as Bhog. Since there is heavy patrolling police and other forces, devotees may visit the place early in the morning when there is likelihood of lesser crowd. Official Address
On the request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated the various deities/ Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Towards the south of Krishneshwar is a Shiv Ling known as Yagya Valkeshwar. Devotees who worship Yagya Valkeshwar will be blessed with increase in Brahma Tejas (radiating energy for students). This Ling is supposed to have been installed by Sage Yagya Valkya. Yagya Valkeshwar is located next to Krishneshwar at No. Ck.7/159. The Shiv Ling is facing the east and is in the corner of the building. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Chowk by rickshaw and walking on foot via Sankata Devi temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Sankata Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Sage Vyas, through his gestures, expressed that his hand and tongue were immobilized and pleaded with Lord Vishnu for restoration of the movement of his limb and tongue. Lord Vishnu gently patted the larynx of Sage Vyas and the latter started singing praises of Lord Shiva. Nandi observed this and cast a glance at the immobilized hand of Sage Vyas and soon mobility returned to the hand as well. Sage Vyas installed a Shiv Ling in Kashi near Ghanta Karna Pushkarini and started worshipping Lord Shiva. Since then Sage Vyas has never left Kashi. The Ling installed by Sage Vyas was called Vyaseshwar and a person who worships Vyaseshwar will attain ultimate knowledge in life and will reach heaven after demise. Kashi Khand has advised devotees to take bath in Ghanta Karna Pushkarini and worship Vyaseshwar. Vyaseshwar is located at Karn Ghanta Pond and devotees can have darshan from a distance only. Karn Ghanta is a famous locality near Bulanala. During rainy season, the pond’s level rises and the Vyaseshwar Ling gets submerged. According to old timers, due to special divine powers, the pond has never dried up despite water being drawn therefrom for several decades, whereas several other Teerths/ponds have dried up. While Kashi Khand has attached importance to Ghanta Karna Pushkarini (Karna Ghanta Pond), people do not take bath at that place now. However, some ardent devotees take bath during Ashad poornima Day (Guru Poornima Day). Official Address
Once a learned Brahmin devotee of Lord Shiva was performing pooja of a Shiv Ling near Jyeshteshwar on the day of Shivratri. The devotee was so immersed in his prayers that he did not know what was happening in the nearby places. Dundubhi soon approached the site, assumed the form of a tiger and was about to attack the brahmin, that Lord Shiva came out of the Ling and faced Dundhubi. In the fight that ensued. Lord Shiva took hold of the tiger and crushed him to death. Before dying, the tiger let out a deafening roar which was heard by the entire world (Kashi Khand, Chapter 65). All the devotees nearby rushed to the site and they were glad to behold the death of the tiger. The devotees prayed to Lord Shiva and requested him to be always present in the Ling, which came to be known as Vyaghreshwar. Lord Shiva granted accordingly and stated that a devotee who worships Vyaghreshwar will find all his obstacles in life removed and he will be successful in all his ventures. If a warrior devotee, after worshipping the Vyaghreshwar Ling, proceeds to battle ground, he will emerge victorious. Saying this, Lord Shiva disappeared into the Ling. Vyaghreshwar is located at K.63/16, Bhoot Bhairav Mohalla. (Reference Book by Pt. Kedarnath Vyas). Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Kashi Devi temple/Bula Nala/Lohatia by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Jyeshta Gauri/Bhoot Bhairav. Official Address
From Vrishabhdwaju Teerth, one Ling by name of Vrishabheshwar (Vrisheshwar) has appeared in the Holy city of Kashi. Devotees who worship this Ling will always be pleasant (happy). Vrisheshwar is located at K.58/78, Gorakhnath Maidagin. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw. There is a Ved Patshala in this premises and Vrisheshwar Ling is located below the ground level. Official Address
Long time back, there was a boy called Vishwakarma who stayed in the Gurukul (residential school) for his education. As was the practice, a student was required to carry on domestic chores and do service to his Guru (Teacher), Guru Patni (Teacher’s wife) and their family. Once the teacher asked Vishwakarma to construct a shelter which should never become old. Teacher’s wife asked him to stitch one dress for her without using any cloth. The dress should neither be big nor small. The teacher’s son asked Vishwakarma to prepare one slipper which should not be made of leather and it should be convenient for the wearer to run very fast in water. The teacher’s daughter asked him to prepare one pair of golden ear tops. Further, he was asked to prepare girls’ play things made of ivory. There were several such demands from the Teacher’s family. The demands went on increasing from all quarters. Vishwakarma was flabbergasted. In those days, respect to Guru was accorded highest priority and any refusal or disrespect was viewed seriously. Vishwakarma left the Guru’s house without telling anyone and reached a forest, not knowing what had to be done. In due course, he came across an ascetic and he fell at the latter’s feet. Vishwakarma narrated his woes to the ascetic, who told him to go to Kashi and worship Lord Visweshwar. Since Vishwakarma did not know the way to Kashi, the ascetic offered to take him there. Both of them reached Kashi and the ascetic took leave of Vishwakarma. Some intuition told Vishwakarma that the ascetic was none other than Lord Shiva. Vishwakarma soon installed a Shiv Ling and started worshipping Lord Shiva intensively for several years. At last Lord Shiva appeared before him and granted him a divine wish. Vishwakarma told him of his woes pertaining to his teacher and his family. Lord Shiva was highly pleased with the veneration that Vishwakarma had for his Guru. He blessed the latter with all the divine powers which will enable him (Vishwakarma) to produce/make/manufacture various machineries, weapons, idols, necklaces and all other things which are needed by mankind. By the divine powers, Vishwakarma would also be able to construct various temples/buildings and beautify existing temples/palaces etc. Vishwakarma was extremely happy with Lord Shiva’s generosity. Lord Shiva also stated that the devotees who worship the Ling installed by Vishwakarma will attain Moksha. Lord Shiva further stated, he will be available in the Ling which is called Vishwakarmeshwar and devotees will always be blessed by the Lord. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 86). The above chapter in Kashi Khand also speaks about the respect which students should have for their teachers. Vishwakarma later on became the celestial architect. Even today, Vishwakarma Jayanti is celebrated in North India and Bengal and on this day all factories remain closed. The workers perform pooja of machinery and other tools/equipments etc. and give a respite to their tools. Vishwakarma’s idol is installed at various places/workshops and after pooja/archana etc. the idol is immersed in the Ganges/River. Vishwakarmeshwar is located at Ck.7/158 in the premises of Atma Veereshwar temple. The location is as given in the book by Pt. Kedar Nath Vyas and confirmed by the authors during their personal visit. However, Pt. Kuber Nath Sukul in his book “Varanasi Vaibhav” has given the location as Brihaspateeshwar temple which is opposite the above location. On enquiries with the locals, they confirmed the first location. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate about such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Kashi Khand mentions one Shiv Ling named Vishalaksheeshwar in the vicinity of Vishalakshy Devi. Devotees who worship Vishalaksheeshwar will be blessed with happiness and prosperity. Devotees can find Vishalaksheeshwar at D.3/85, in the premises of Vishalakshy Temple at Mir Ghat. They can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees generally combine prayers at this temple alongwith darshan of Visweshwar / Annapurna temple. The entire area encompassing Vishalakshy Devi, Dharmeshwar, Vishwa Bhuja Gauri etc. is a powerful Shakti Peeth known as Dharma Peeth. Official Address
In the vicinity of Swarleeneshwar, devotees can find Vimaleshwar. Devotees who worship this Ling will attain Siddhi (divine powers). In the present day parlance, the devotees will be highly respected and be capable of meeting various challenges. Vimaleshwar is located at A.10/47, Naya Mahadeo, Prahlad Ghat. Local devotees know this Ling by the name of Neelkant Mahadeo. People can travel upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha (cross-road) by rickshaw, take a right turn to reach this place. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 97, this temple is located somewhere to the eastern side of Chandreshwar. Those who worship Vidhyeshwar Ling are successful in their scholarly pursuits. It is believed that students who prepare for exams etc. worship this Ling before going to examination hall. The temple is located at House No. Ck.2/41 B, Siddheshwari, Chowk Varanasi. Vidhyeshwar Ling is located below the ground level where the devotee will have to descend through the stairs. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Scindia Ghat and climb up the stairs. Official Address
Vibhandeshwar is located at B-17/42, Til Bhandeshwar. Devotees can travel upto Til Bhandeshwar (Pandey Haveli) by cycle rickshaw. This is a famous temple. While Vibhandeshwar is a big Ling situated under the ground level, there is a huge Ling known as Til Bhandeshwar which is worshipped with all fervour by the local population. It is believed that the Ling grows by the size of one Til (sesame seed) per year. Official Address
Vedeshar is located near Nakshatreshwar Ling at Adi Keshav temple, located at A-37/51, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
Devotees have been advised to perform pooja etc. on Naag Panchami Day which falls in the months of July-August. The temple also contains the idol of Vasuki Nagraj. Vasuki Nagraj is the huge serpent which was used as a rope by Devas and Asuras in Sagar Manthan (churning of ocean) for extracting Amrit. It is believed that Vasuki Kund (mentioned at para two above) was formed out of sweat emanating from of the body of Vasuki Nagaraj. While there is no trace of Vasuki Kund in the present day, old timers believe that a river called Vasuki still exists below the premises and may be flowing underground. The temple is located at House No. Ck.7/155, Scindia Ghat, Varanasi, near Brihaspateshwar temple. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Atma Veereshwar Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Scindia Ghat and climb up the steps. Official Address
Siddhi Ashtakeshwar is located at K-58/101, Lohatia in the premises of Bara Ganeshji. When devotees face Bara Ganesh, the Shiv Ling will be to the right of the devotees and to the left of Ganeshji. The Shiv Ling is installed with a marble enclosure and there is an inscription in the marble on the front side. Devotees can travel upto Lohatia by auto rickshaw or cycle rickshaw and reach this temple on foot. Bara Ganesh is a famous temple. Official Address
There are two places where Vashishteshwar Ling is supposed to be located. One is trans Varuna, after Varuna Sangam. Other Ling is at Ck.7/161, Sankata Ghat. According to locals, the second one is worshipped as Vashishteshwar. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place by foot via Sankata Devi temple which is a famous landmark. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Sankata Ghat and walk up the steps. Official Address
Once there was a Sage known as Kardam who had a son named Suchishman. The boy was extremely devoted and dutiful. He was intelligent, soft spoken and possessed all good qualities. One day the boy was playing alongwith his friends in a lake when suddenly an aquatic creature dragged him and swam away. All the friends got panicky and reported the matter to Suchishman’s father who was in his prayers. The sage, after hearing this, started praying with severe intensity. Due to his divine vision, the Sage could see the aquatic creature dragging his son and this creature was followed by one Goddess who was trying to rescue the boy. Meanwhile, one person with a Trident in his hand attacked the aquatic creature, rescued the boy and placed him at the feet of Lord Shiva. The boy was restored to the Sage. The Sage opened his eyes, saw his son standing in front with water dripping from his hair, eyes blood shot, body completely gone weak with a sense of fear gripping all over. The boy prostrated in front of his father. The sage realized that the boy has almost taken a rebirth. Suchishman who had an escape from the aquatic creature, took permission from his father, reached Kashi, installed a Shiv Ling and started intensely worshipping Lord Shiva. The Lord appeared before the boy and granted him a divine wish. Suchishman desired that he should be made the leader of all aquatic or marine plants and animals. Lord Shiva granted accordingly. The Lord further stated that Suchishman will be the Lord of all pearls etc. found in water, all rivers, all ponds, all Wells, western direction and the boy will be loved and adored by the celestial beings. Lord Shiva further stated that the Shiv Ling installed by the boy will be known as Varuneshwar. Devotees worshipping Varuneshwar will become very intelligent and will never face any fear on account of water. They will not have any fear of dehydration. They will be blessed with good tasty food. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 12). Varuneshwar is located at Ck.8/8, Gomat, towards the west of Jyoti Rupeshwar (Abhay Sanyas Ashram).Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place. They may have to take directions from locals to reach Gomath. Official Address
Mythologically speaking, where two holy rivers join together, the place attains spiritual importance. Devotees can find Varuna Sangameshwar almost at the point of confluence of Holy Rivers Varuna and Ganga. Varuna Sangameshwar is located at Adi Keshav temple at located at A-37/51, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
Vamadeveshwar is located at Ck.7/161, Sankata Ghat. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place by foot via Sankata Devi temple which is a famous landmark. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Sankata Ghat and walk up the steps. Official Address
The temple is located at House No. Ck.2/4, Patani Tola, Bhosala Ghat, Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk in cycle rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Another famous landmark is the Gangamahal Building. Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Bhosala Ghat and climb up the stairs. Official Address
A devotee who takes bath in Trisandhi Teerth and performs Trisandhya (the above rituals) without fail and worships Trisandhyeshwar, will derive the benefits accruing out of learning three Vedas. Though Kashi Khand has mentioned this very briefly, it needs to be elaborated. Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda are four Vedas. The three Vedas mentioned here may mean any three of the four Vedas or the first three Vedas. Learning even one Veda is a huge and herculean task and there may be only a handful of people in the world in the present day who may be gifted with this knowledge. Therefore, learning three Vedas is indeed a great thing. One more thing needs to be mentioned here. In performing Sandhya Vandan, the devotee has to perform about 15-20 pranayams (inhaling, exhaling and retention of breath), prayer to Lord Surya by offering Arghya, recitation of Gayatri Mantra and some amount of physical activities by prostrating before the Lord. If the above ritual is performed three times a day, the physical activity involved is thrice. If a person does this regularly with devotion, even scientifically looking at it, he will remain healthy.Trisandhi Teerth is dried up and devotees may take bath in river Ganga nearby Trisandhyeshwar is located at Ck.34/10, Lahouri Tola, Phoote Ganesh. People can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully by rickshaw and then on foot to this place. Lahouri Tola Phoote Ganesh is an important landmark. Phoote Ganesh is a huge Vinayak Idol and Trisandhyeshwar is located just behind the Ganesh. Official Address
From Shri Shail Mountain one Ling by name of Tripurantak has appeared in the Holy city of Kashi, which is called Tripurantakeshwar. By worshipping this deity, the devotee derives the benefit of worship the Holy Shri Shail Mountain. A devotee who worships Tripurantakeshwar will attain Moksha and need not worry about rebirth. On all India basis there are twelve Jyotirlings and there are twelve important Shiv Lings in Kashi which represent the aforesaid twelve Jyotirlings. Tripurantakeshwar is worshipped as Mallikarjun Jyotirling (Sri Sailam, Andhra Pradesh). Tripurantakeshwar is located at D.59/95, Sigra Tila (Mount of Mud). If devotee travels from Sigra towards Mehmoorganj, after about 100 yards towards the left side he will come across Union Bank of India and further onwards one commercial complex called Siddharth. Just ahead of this is Shitla Devi immediately after which there is a left turn. After taking a left turn devotees will come to Sigra Tila over which this temple is located. In the same premises, devotees can find Trimukh Vinayak. Two more deities are worshipped in Varanasi symbolic of Jyotirlings of their respective Jyotirlings elsewhere. Grishneshwar located at Kamakhya temple and Baijnatheshwar located nearby are worshipped for Grishneshwar (Ellora/Maharashtra) and Baijnath (either Parli Maharashtra or Bihar) respectively. Official Address
From Trisandhyam Teerth one Ling by name of Triambak has appeared in the Holy city of Kashi, which is called Triambakeshwar. By worshipping this deity, the devotee will get the respect normally given to Lord. (In other words, he will be held in high esteem). On all India basis there are twelve Jyotirlings and there are twelve important Shiv Lings in Kashi which represent the aforesaid twelve Jyotirlings. The above deity is worshipped as Triambakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra). Triambakeshwar (also known as Triloknath) is located at D-38/21, Hauj Katora. If a devotee proceeds from Godowlia towards Chowk, immediately after Spice KCM cinema, he should take a left turn and after walking a few yards, he should take a right turn. This temple also houses the idol of Purushottam (Lord Vishnu) and many people know this temple by the name of Purushottam. Official Address
Til Parneshwar is located just near the main entrance of Durga Devi Temple at Durga Kund, towards the right side, near a shop selling bangles. Durga Kund is a famous landmark and people can travel upto this place by cycle rickshaw/auto or car. Official Address
Out of various Yatras prescribed for Kashi Devotees, Swarleeneshwar Ling forms a part of third Fourteen Ling Yatras. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 100). It is mentioned that devotees should take bath in Varuna River, have darshan of Shaileshwar, then take bath in Varuna Ganga Sangam (Confluence), have darshan of Sangameshwar. After the above rituals, they are advised to take bath in Swarleen Teerth (Pond) and have darshan of Swarleeneshwar. In Kashi Khand, Chapter 33, Swarleeneshwar Ling is described where Lord Shiva has become immersed in this Ling to fulfil the desires of his devotees. The temple is located at A-11/30, Naya Mahadev, Panchagni Akhada, Rajghat. It is approachable by Road where devotees can travel upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha by Rickshaw and then on foot. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Rajghat (Panchagni Akhada Ghat) and climb the steps. Official Address
Swarga Dwareshwar is located at Ck.10/16, Brahmanal. Just opposite Pulaheshwar towards the south side is a house with a flight of steps leading upwards. After climbing the steps there is a garden like open space and Swargdwareshwar Ling is located in a small temple thereat. Great importance has been attributed to this Ling and this locality is known as Swarg Dwari. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. From Aamrathakeswara Kshetra one Ling by name of Sookshmeshwar has appeared in the Holy city of Kashi, which is in the vicinity of Vikata Danta Vinayak. Devotees who worship this ling will have their wishes fulfilled. They will develop a sharp brain to enable them to solve any sort of problem Sookshmeshwar is located at Dhoop Chandi locality in Dhoomavati Devi temple. The Ling is located adjacent to Vikata Dwaja Vinayak which is at the back side of Dhoomavati Devi. Official Address
Someshwar Temple, Varanasi People who worship this deity will always be blessed with happiness and prosperity. Many people undertake Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Yatra in Kashi (Dwadasa means twelve). Someshwar represents Somnath of Saurashtra which is the first among the twelve jyotirlings. Even otherwise, old timers say that devotees in Kashi, who cannot travel upto Somnath in Gujarat, can worship this Shiv Ling, Someshwar, in Kashi and they will derive the same amount of blessings. Someshwar is locted at D.16/34, Manmandir Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully by rickshaw, enter the gulli and immediately take a right turn and proceed further for about 150 yards. They may seek guidance from the locals at that place to reach the Varahi temple and proceed further. Someshwar is located in the vicinity of Varahi temple. Official Address
Lord Shiva also told him the secret of Mrita Sanjivini (elixir or potion capable of giving life to the dead). Lord Shiva also granted that Shukra will shine in the Galaxy among all planets and those marriages which are cosummated with Shukra in a favourable position will be blissful and happy marriages. (Even today, when marriages are fixed, the astrologers ensure that Shukra’s planetary position is not adverse). Those who worship the Ling installed by Shukra (Lord Shiva named this Ling as Shukreshwar) will be blessed with all happiness and attainment in life. A devotee who performs pooja etc. of Shukreshwar Ling for one year with complete devotion will be blessed with good children and will attain all happiness. After narrating all these, Lord Shiva disappeared into the Shukreshwar Ling. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 16). Even today, when a person is having a very good time, people regard him as having a Shukra Dasa (time allotted to Shukra in a person’s life). Similarly, for marriage purpose Shukra is given much importance. There is a well called Shukra Koop nearby which is supposed to have divine properties. Shukreshwar is located in a lane parallel to the lane occupied by Annapurna temple and Visweshwar temple at D-8/30, Kalika Galli. The place of worship is open practically throughout the day. Official Address
Devotees who worship Shruteeshwar will lead a happy life and attain Moksha. Shruteeshwar is located at K-53/40, near Ratneshwar, on the road leading to Vridhha Kaleshwar/ Mrityunjeshwar. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw and the nearest landmark is Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Other deities in the vicinity are Satishwar, Krithi Vaseshwar, Vridha Kaleshwar, Mahakaleshar, Mrityunjeshwar, Ratneshwar etc. details whereof are given elsewhere. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there were 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. Near Prayag Teerth one can find Shool Tankeshwar Ling. A devotee who takes bath religiously in Prayag Teerth and worships Shool Tankeshwar, will attain the benefits equivalent to hundred times the benefits which would have accrued to him, had he taken bath in Prayag (Sangam – Allahabad). Besides, the devotees will find all round happiness and will attain Moksha. Here one point is worth mentioning. When river Ganga approached Kashi with a violent force, Lord Shiva threw his Trishul (Trident) hard into the ground, just before the entry point to the South of Kashi. By this action, Ganga had to slow down her force and she agreed to flow gently through Kashi and that she would always remain in Kashi, giving happiness to the residents thereat. Scientifically speaking, the River Ganga is perennial in Kashi and at some points, even during the dry summer, the depth is over 130 feet. Accordingly, people believe that Shool Tankeshwar temple is at a point almost 2 Kms. South of Assi. But according to Kashi Khand, the place has been mentioned in the vicinity of Prayag Teerth, which is almost a part of Dasaswamedh Shool Tankeshwar is located at Dasaswamedh Ghat steps. People can reach Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and climb down the steps towards the Ghat. The temple is quite famous, also known as Bada Ling. Alternatively, they can travel by boat upto Dasaswamedh Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty requested Lord Shiva to describe various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) and Shiv Lings in the Holy City of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Lord Shiva was very pleased to accede to the request of the Goddess. Kashi Khand mentions one Shatkaleshwar Ling among various other Shiv Lings. It is stated in this epic that Lord Shiva stayed in Kashi to bring out this Ling for the benefit of easy darshan to the devotees. A devotee who worships Shatkaleshwar Ling, will live happily for hundred years. Shatkaleshwar is located at Ck.17/24, Thatheri Bazar, underground. In local parlance, people call it Peetal Shivala or Shiva Temple made of brass. The place is opp. Dashrath Kala Kendra and near Ck.18/6. People can worship the Ling through a grill door and no one is allowed near the Ling as old timers consider this Ling to be a very powerful one. Official Address
Sangya created a clone of herself who was named Chhaya (shadow). She was an alter ego (splitting image) of Sangya. Under instructions from Sangya, Chhaya was to perform the role of Sangya, spend her life as wife of Surya, without disclosing the secret to any one. She was also expected to take good care of the above three children. After getting an assurance from Chhaya, Sangya went away to her father’s house. After some time, Chhaya gave birth to three children of which the second one was Shani. But once her own children were born she started showing lesser and lesser love to the children of Sangya. Surya came to know about this and got extremely angry whereupon, Chhaya divulged the secret. However, considering her innocence, Surya pardoned her. Surya went in search of Sangya who was undergoing severe and intense prayers. Surya was overwhelmed and pardoned her too. The boy Shani, born out of Surya and Chhaya came to Kashi, installed a Ling which was later called Shaneeshwar and started worshipping Lord Shiva. He was blessed by Lord Shiva. A person who has darshan of this Ling and performs pooja of this Ling on Saturdays will be free from all his afflictions on account of Shani (Shani Dasa, Sade-Saathi etc.) (Kashi Khand Chapter 17). Shaneeshwar Ling is located at Vishwanath Temple at southern door, No. Ck. 35/19. For directions to reach this place, kindly refer to Visweshwar temple. Shanishwar ling has got one boundary made of brass. If a devotee enters through the main door of the temple, he should immediately take a left turn and Shaneeshwar Ling is located in the corner, somewhat below the ground level. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 66 also states that a person who constructs a Shiva Temple in Kashi gets the fruits of constructing houses for all the three worlds. He will get the benefits accruing out of performing very big Yagyas. Listening to all his advices, the workers of Giri Raj set upon the task and worked throughout the night. By early morning they finished the construction of a temple near the river Varuna. Soon Giri Raj installed a Shiv Ling called Shaileshwar in the temple. After taking bath in Pancha Nada Teerth and worshipping Kaal Bhairav, Giri Raj left all the ratnas (precious stones) at a particular place in a heap and left for his abode in the mountains. This temple was spotted by two Shiv Gans who immediately reported the matter to Lord Shiva. They were surprised that just one day before there was no temple and some how the place of worship has sprung up overnight. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvaty and the Shiv Gans soon reached the place where they saw the beautiful temple and the Shiv Ling which was radiating light. Both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty were extremely happy at seeing this and Lord Shiva saw the inscriptions in the temple and immediately realized that the noble work has been done by Giri Raj. Goddess Parvaty was also extremely pleased. She requested Lord Shiva that he should be present in that Ling, to which Lord Shiva agreed. Lord Shiva further stated that those who take bath in Varuna River and worship Shaileshwar will attain Moksha. The devotees who worship Shaileshwar will never be unhappy in their lives. Goddess Parvaty also blessed that the devotees who worship Shaileshwar will be like the children of the Goddess. Shaileshwar is located at A-40/11, Marhia Ghat, Shailputri. If one travels from Varanasi Railway station through G.T. Road, just before Varanasi City Station, a small road takes a left turn where he will encounter a level crossing. After crossing the road, he will travel for about 2 Kms. to reach this place. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw/auto rickshaw and most of the drivers know the place Shailputri. Official Address
While Lord Shiva took the form of a boy named Rudra as mentioned above, Goddess Parvaty became the daughter of Daksh and was known as Sati. When she came of age, in order to get a good husband, she came to Kashi and started worshipping Lord. One day a Ling appeared before her and from inside came the voice of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva told Sati that her wishes will be fulfilled and there was no further need of any intense prayers. The Ling which appeared before her was called Satishwar and those girls or boys who sincerely worship this Ling will get spouse of their choice. Besides, those devotees who pray to this Ling with sincere devotion will get their wishes fulfilled. Lord Shiva further told Sati that the latter’s father would give her in Kanyadaan to the former and that Sati’s wishes would be fulfilled. After saying this, Lord Shiva vanished inside the Ling. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 93) Satishwar is located at K-46/32, on the road leading to Vridhha Kaleshwar/Mrityunjeshwar. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw and the nearest landmark is Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Official Address
Samudreshwar is located in the main road at Bansphatak. When a devotee proceeds from Godowlia to Chowk, just after Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli, Samudreshwar will be on the right side of the road. If a devotee is traveling from Chowk to Godowlia, this deity will be on the left side of the road just before Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli. Locals refer to this Ling as Ardha Kapari Baba. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 61, Lord Vishnu describes various sacred ponds and deities around Manikarnika Teerth. Towards the north of Manikarnika is the Pasupath Teerth. Devotees should take bath in this Teerth, perform rituals for their forefathers and worship Pasupateshwar. Pasupateshwar is a huge Swayambhu Ling not vertical or erect but is a protrusion and covers a large suface area. Persons worshipping Pasupateshwar are blessed with all sorts of happiness in life and they are free from all bondages. Special importance has been given to Chaitra month, a day before Poornima. Devotees are advised to observe fast on this day. Kashi Khand, Chapter 79 states that Lord Shiva resides in various Lings at various times. In the twilight time, Lord Shiva resides in Pasupateshwar Ling. So worshipping Pasupateshwar at this time is very beneficial to the devotees The temple is located at Ck. 13/66, Pasupateshwar Galli. The locality is named after this famous Ling. People can travel upto chowk area by rickshaw and walk on foot upto this temple. This temple is a famous landmark. Official Address
Parvateshwar is located at K-7/156, Scindia Ghat. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place by foot through Atma Veereshwar temple which is a famous landmark. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Scindia Ghat and walk up the steps. Devotees should not confuse this deity with Parvateeshwar which is mentioned elsewhere. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 93 states that a devotee who worships Parvateeshwar is cleansed of even the worst sin of Brahma Hatya. The devotee who regularly worships this Ling will himself take form of a Shiv Ling in Kashi after his death. Special importance has been attached to Chaitra Month (March-April) Shukla Paksha Triteeya (3rd day after Amavasya) and a devotee who performs pooja of Parvateeshwar on this day will get all round prosperity and will attain Moksha. Parvateeshwar is located at A-3/92, Aadi Mahadev, Trilochan. The temple is approachable from Birla Hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Panchaksheshwar is located near Trilochaneshwar Temple at Trilochan Ghat and is also known as Rudraksheshwar. The temple is approachable from Birla Hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps and enter the gully. The municipal number of the temple premises is A-2/56 and there is a hand pump nearby. Official Address
Kashi Khand has described the importance of the area included under Pancha Krosha Kshetra which is considered to be the most pious area. In Chapter 26, this area is described to contain the Avimukta Kshetra, housing Visweshwar Temple. Further, Lord Shiva has described the area coming under Pancha Krosha as very dear to him. The importance of this area has been amply described in various other Purans also. Kashi Khand, in Chapter 100 has prescribed various Yatras (religious tours like Shiva Ling Yatras, Ekadasa (eleven) Ling Yatras, Antargrihi Yatra, Gauri Yatra, Surya Yatra, Bhairava Yatra, Vishnu Yatra etc. One important Yatra being undertaken by the religious devotees in and around Kashi is the Pancha Krosha Yatra which takes a circumambulation around Kashi Kshetra. This tour involves about five days and devotees worship 128 deities on the way. The tour is indeed tedious and to avoid hardship, people undertake this tour by car or other conveyance to finish the trip in one day. Pancha Krosha Yatra, per se, has not been mentioned in Kashi Khand, though this finds mention in other Purans like Brahma Vaivart Puran (Kashi Rahasya), Koorma Puran etc. However, local devotees hold Pancha Krosha Yatra in high esteem and it is reckoned with almost synonymous with Kashi Khand. Therefore, the compiler is pleased to write about this. There are various religious groups undertaking this Yatra. Experienced seniors sometimes lead the group of people or they depend on some people to take them around the various places. For those who are not in a position to undertake the extensive tour (for reasons like physical strain, lack of time etc.), there is one Pancha Krosha Temple in Kashi where all the 128 deities are available in miniature form. The Shiv Ling is supposed to be made of sphatik stone (crystal stone) with both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty’s symbolic presence. According to local pundits, worshipping this temple as per the schedule of Pancha Krosha Yatra is equivalent to undertaking the full fledged Yatra. Pancha Krosha Temple is located at Ck.5/32, Gola Gully, behind Kashmiri Mal Haveli. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel to this place on foot. Kashmiri Mal Haveli is a famous locality. Official Address
On a request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated the various deities/Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Kashi Khand mentions one Panchanadeshwar Ling in the vicinity of Mangala Gauri. This Ling is called as Pancha Gangeshwar by the locals. Devotees who worship Pancha Gangeshwar (Panchanadeshwar) will be blessed with all sorts of happiness in life. Panchanadeshwar (Pancha Gangeshwar) is located at K.22/11, below Tailang Swamy Mutt. Without entering the Mutt premises, if a devotee moves around the premises, this Shiv Ling can be seen somewhat below the ground level through a grill gate. There is also a big Shiv Ling inside the Bindu Madhav temple premises which, the locals say, is Pancha Gangeshwar. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by rickshaw and walk upto this place by enquiring about Tailang Swamy Mutt. If they travel by boat, they may get down at Panch Ganga Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Nikumbeshwar is located inside Parvaty temple in the premises of Visweshwar temple at Ck.35/19. Regarding directions to reach this place, kindly refer Visweshwar temple. One point needs to be mentioned. This Ling is mentioned in the Kashi Khand towards the South of Visweshwar. Historically, Visweshwar Temple has been relocated to the present place. Official Address
Chapter 69 of Kashi Khand describes various Lings which were originally stationed elsewhere but have been installed in Kashi by Nandi. This chapter is very important. From Kalanjar mountains, Neelkanth Ling has been installed in Kashi. By worshipping this Ling, the devotees become equivalent to Lord Neelkanth (Lord Shiva). Neelkantheshwar is located at Ck.33/23, Neelkanth Mohalla. The locality has been named after Neelkantheshwar temple. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place. They can ask for the route to Brahmanal Chouraha and this place located on the opposite direction of Mani Karnika Ghat with reference to Brahmanal Chauraha. The temple is located adjacent to Adi Chunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Shakha Mutt of Karnataka. There is another Neelkanteshwar Ling which is located in a small room just outside Kedareshwar temple on the steps towards Ganges. This Ling is also worshipped with all religious fervour. Official Address
She came to Kashi, installed a Ling near Trilochaneshwar near Pilpila Teerth and started invoking Lord Shiva, who appeared before her and granted her a divine wish. Narmada only craved for the divine bhakti and darshan of the Lord. Lord Shiva granted that all stones in the river bed of Narmada will be treated as Shiv Ling. He granted her one more divine wish. A devotee who takes bath in Ganga is cleansed of his sins. A devotee who takes bath in Yamuna for one week is cleansed of his sin and one who takes bath for three days in Saraswati becomes pure. However, if a devotee simply sees the river Narmada he will be cleansed of his sins. Lord Shiva also granted that the Ling established by Narmada would be called as Narmadeshwar. This Ling will be capable of granting Mukti to its devotees. Merely by looking at this Ling, a devotee will be cleansed of all his sins. After saying this, Lord Shiva disappeared into this Ling. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 92). Lord Skanda who was narrating this to Sage Agasthya said that a girl who even listens to the Mahatmya or reads this chapter relating to Narmada will be cleansed of her sins. Narmadeshwar is located at A-2/79, behind Trilochan. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha and approach this place via Trilochan which is a famous landmark. Official Address
On a question raised by Goddess Parvaty, Lord Shiva was describing the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). According to Lord Shiva, towards the east of Kameshwar there is one Nal Koop Ling and in front of that Ling is a well called Nal Koop. Taking bath in Nal Koop and worshipping Nal Koop ling will yield good crops and wealth to the devotees. India is an agrarian country and getting good crops and grains tantamounts to getting good wealth. So, much importance has been attached by old timers for good crops. Nal Koop Ling is located at K-30/6 Ghasi Tola. Old timers believe that old name of Nal Koopeshwar was Panchalkeshwar which was existing to the east of Kameshwar but now the same has disappeared. The present Ling has been installed in the premises described above. But the compiler wishes to state that the name of Nal Koop Ling is very much mentioned in Kashi Khand but no name of Panchalkeshwar could be traced. The devotees may draw their own conclusion. Regarding re-installing the Ling, it may be mentioned that there was a period when many temples were destroyed by various invaders and the devotees hid some Shiv Lings and Pooja idols at some inconspicuous places other than the temples. In due course of time (say 100 – 200 years) the new places became their permanent sites. Presently, Nal Koop Ling is located in a private house but devotees can worship the Ling through a grilled door. When the place was visited, the compiler was allowed to perform a small abhishek (pouring sacred Ganges water) on the Shiv Ling and offer flowers etc. to Lord Shiva. Nal Koop (Well) is presently existing, as stated in Kashi Khand, in front of Nal Koop Ling. Devotees can reach this temple by travelling upto Bhairo Nath by rickshaw and then by foot through the Gullies. Official Address
Devotees who worship Nakshatreshwar will be free from any afflictions caused by any planet or Nakshatra in their horoscope. The devotees, after their death, will reach the celestial world where these beautiful girls have been ordained to live by Lord Shiva. Nakshatreshwar is located at A.37/51, Raj Ghat Fort, Adi Keshav Temple. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
Nageshwar temple in Varanasi is worshipped as one of the Jyotirlings. It is believed that doing pooja and archana of Nageshwar Ling at Kashi is as beneficial as doing a similar pooja at the above two temples. This will cleanse the devotee of all the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. The temple is located at House No. Ck.1/21, Patani Tola, Bhosala Ghat, Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Bhosala Ghat and climb up the steps. There is another Shiv Ling named Nageshwar in the premises of Mrityunjay Temple and devotees worship this Ling also with all divinity. Official Address
This Ling is supposed to have been installed by the great Sage Muchkunda. Devotees who worship this Ling will derive all happiness and will attain Moksha. Muchkundeshwar is known by the name of Baradeo and is located near Jaipuria Bhavan (Godowlia area) on the left turning just before the Bhavan. This turning leads to Kodai Chowki. In fact, the locality is also known as Baradeo. Official Address
Moksha Dwareshwar is located at Ck.34/10, Lahouri Tola, near Phoota Ganesh. From Vishwanath temple, a devotee should approach Saraswati Phatak and proceed further straight and after walking about 200 metres, he will approach a place where Phoote Ganesh is located. People can reach this place by travelling upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and on foot through Gullies. Lahouri Tola Phoota Ganesh is a famous landmark. Official Address
By performing the above religious activities, the devotees will be cleansed of all their sins howsoever abysmal or outrageous these may be. Markanday Teerth is not in existence now. Markandeyshwar is located at Ck.36/10, in the bazar behind Gyan Vapi. Devotees can travel upto Gyan Vapi (Near Chowk) by rickshaw, take a right turn, climb down the steps and again take a right turn. (If a devotee proceeds diagonally left, he will enter the Gyan Vapi area). After walking a few yards, the devotee will come to Markhandeyshwar on the right side. For ready reference, Jalans (textile merchants) have a portion of their shop nearby (cut piece wing). Official Address
Pawaneshwar is located at K.63/14, Bhoot Bhairav Mohalla. The ling is under the ground and there is a flight of steps leading to the Ling from ground level. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Kashi Devi temple/Bula Nala/Lohatia by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Jyeshta Gauri/Bhoot Bhairav. Official Address
Once Lord Shiva was very unhappy because of separation from Devi and one drop of sweat from his forehead fell on the ground. Out of this combination of sweat and Bhoomi (earth) one male child was born and Bhoomi Devi reared this child. Because of the association of Bhoomi with his birth, the child was called Bhaumakumar. The boy came to Kashi and reached a Shakti Peeth called Pancha Mudra Maha Peeth. He installed a Shiv Ling at that place and underwent severe Tapas. After a long time, Visweshwar appeared before him, named him Angarak and gave him the title of Mahagraha. (Out of nine grahas/planets in astrology, Angarak or Mangal or Kuja was termed as the largest planet). Lord Shiva also told that when Tuesday and Chaturthi combine (Angarak Chaturthi) and a devotee performs pooja/archana of the Shiv Ling installed by Angarak (which is called Mangaleshwar), the devotee is blessed with unending prosperity and happiness. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 17). Old timers in Kashi believe that pooja/archana performed at Mangaleshwar will be especially beneficial for those devotees who have afflictions connected with Mars (Mangal) in their horoscope. In Sanskrit, Tuesday is referred to as Bhauma Vasar. Tuesday is connected to Mars planet and the word Bhauma has connection with the incident narrated in paragraphs above.Mangaleshwar is also called as Angaareshwar Mangaleshwar temple is located at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat in the premises of Atma Veereshwar temple. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Official Address
Pingaleshwar, also called as Nakuleshwar by locals, is located at C-21/40, near Kapardeeshwar in Pishachmochan, which is a famous locality in Varanasi. This place can be reached by cycle rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from Chetganj or Maldahiya or Faatmaan road (Sigra). People visit this Pishachmochan Kund for performing Pind Daan (Shraaddh/ rituals for their forefathers). Official Address
The temple is located at No. Ck.7/92, Mohalla Sheetla Galli. The temple is approachable from Chowk upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate about such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Kashi Khand mentions one Pitreshwar Ling near a Pond named as Pitri Kund Devotees who perform rituals for their forefathers at Pitri Kund and worship Pitreshwar Ling will make their forefathers very happy and in turn the devotees will always have their blessings. Pitrehwar is located at C.18/47, Pitar Kund Talab. In fact the entire locality is known as Pitar Kunda, in reverence to this Holy Kund. Devotees can travel upto this place by rickshaw from Maldahiya Loha Mandi, through Pishach Mochan and then upto Pitar Kunda. Official Address
Prahladeshwar is located at A-10/80 Prahlad Ghat. Devotees can approach this place by travelling in cycle rickshaw upto Prahlad Ghat Chouraha and walking on foot. Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Prahlad Ghat and climb the steps. The temple is located just above the steps. Official Address
One point needs to be mentioned. Prayag is a famous place in Allahabad and thousands of devotees assemble there in the Magha Month (during winter) for taking a holy dip. Once in twelve years, Kumbh Mela is held and during the Magha Month falling during that year, this place draws devotees to the tune of 70 to 80 Lakhs. Prayag Teerth in Kashi is a part of Dasaswamedh and taking bath here gives the benefit of taking bath in Prayag at Allahabad. Prayageshwar is located in the premises of Bandi Devi temple at D.17/100, Dasaswamedh. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and just before the Ghat, they have to take a right turn. It is advisable to ask for directions from local shop keepers as there are several labyrinthine (confusing) gullies in the vicinity. Official Address
Pulaheshwar is located at Ck.33/43, Thakurdas Surekha Bhavan in Brahmanal Chouraha. This is on the way to Manikarnika Ghat. The premises is having a platform made of marble and this is the easy idetification. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place by foot. Brahmanal Chouraha/Swargdwar is an important landmark.There is another Ling installed by a great Sage Pulasthia and known as Pulatheeshwar in the same premises. Official Address
Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvaty were happily ensconsed in the Holy City of Kashi, blessing all their devotees. Goddess Parvaty’s father was Giri Raj Himavan. (Giri means Mountain, Raj means King and Himavan is Himalaya Mountains).Once Giri Raj’s wife (Goddess Parvaty’s mother) told Giri Raj that a long time has passed but there had been no news about the welfare of their daughter Parvaty. Giri Raj also felt the separation from his daughter unbearable. He felt as if he was sitting on burning fire. He decided to visit Kashi to see his daughter. As is customary, whenever a father visits his daughter in her husband’s house, the father generally carries with him lots of gifts. Accordingly, Giri Raj carried with him abundant dresses and Ratnas (precious stones). Kashi Khand states the number of precious stones as 8000 Grams of Pearls, 1000 Grams diamonds, and a similar or larger quantity of other stones like corals, emarald, sapphire etc. He reached Kashi and was astounded to see the beauty of the city. He naturally felt his daughter must be quite happy staying here and he was pleased with his fortune. Giri Raj asked a devotee in Kashi the directions to reach his daughter Uma’s house. The devotee praised Goddess and stated that a person who devoutly prays Uma even by uttering these words through his mouth is blessed by Lord Visweshwar. The devotee further stated that Lord Visweshwar and Goddess Uma (Parvaty) are staying in a very huge Palace befitting the status of an emperor and that the palace has been constructed under the supervision of celestial architect Viswakarma. The devotee went on describing the beauty of the palace where the pillars have been beautified with various kinds of precious stones with beautiful paintings on the wall etc. On hearing the description of the palace, Giri Raj was astounded. The devotee also told Giri Raj that Lord Visweshwara was freely distributing his wealth to needy persons. When Giri Raj heard about the greatness of Lord Visweshwara, his generosity and the attractive beauty of his palace, he (Giri Raj) felt ashamed and thought that the huge quantities of Ratnas (precious stones) brought by him as a gift for his daughter were no match for what was possessed by Lord Visweshar. By that time it was evening. Before sunrise the next day, he took bath in Panch Nada Teerth (present Panchganga Ghat), worshipped Kaal Bhairav and after leaving all the precious stones nearby, left for his abode. The Ratnas which he had left as a heap, grouped together and took the form of a Ling. Soon thereafter, Lord Visweshwar and Goddess Parvathy visited the place where the Ling had formed itself. Lord Visweshwar knew by his divine vision as to what had happened. He praised Giri Raj for his greatness and stated that the Ling thus formed out of Ratnas will be called Ratneshwar. According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 67, a person who worships Ratneshwar Ling will be blessed with all prosperity and wealth. The benefits accruing by reciting one crore Rudra Jap will be attained by performing pooja (prayers) of Ratneshwar. Ratneshwar is located at K-53/40, on the road leading to Vridhha Kaleshwar/Mrityunjeshwar. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw and the nearest landmark is Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. From a place called Rudra Mahalayam, Rudreshwar has appeared in Kashi in form of a Ling. Devotees who worship Rudreshwar are certain to reach Rudra Lok (heaven). A person who performs pooja of Rudreshwar Ling in Kashi is sure to be venerated as Lord Rudra. In another reference, (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97), Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about the various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate about such deities. Lord Shiva narrates about a pond called as Rudravasam where devotees can find Rudreshwar. A devotee who worships this Lord will derive the benefits which would normally accrue on worshipping one crore Rudra Devas. Kashi Khand mentions Rudreshwar at two locations one at Rudravasam (in the vicinity of Krithi Vaseshwar) and the other near Tripureshwar (Tripura Bhairavi). While the first Shiv Ling no longer exists, the location below pertains to the second Shiv Ling. On the day of Chaturdasi (fourteenth Day after Amavasya or Poornima) when Ardra (Tiruvadirai) star conjoins, this period of time is very very auspicious. If a person takes bath in Rudra Kund and performs pooja of Rudreshwar, he will certainly reach Rudra Lok, even if he dies in any place other than Kashi. (Of course, death in Kashi will ensure a place in Heaven, that is implied). While Rudra Kund is not in existence, devotees may take bath in River Ganga. For ready reference, Chaturdasi Thithi falls twice in a month and Ardra is one of the 27 stars. Devotees have to watch out for this combination in the almanac (Panchang). This combination can occur once in an year. In the year April 2009 to March 2009, devotees saw this combination on 21-07-2009. During the last year (April 2008-March 2009) this combination occurred on 10.01.2009. Since Kashi Khand has attached so much importance to this combination, it is worth going through the Panchang Rudreshwar is located at D.5/21, near Tripura Bhairavi (D.5/24). Devotees can approach Tripura Bhairavi Temple by travelling upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully by rickshaw. After entering the Gully, immediately there is a right turn. Devotees may take that right turn, walk for about 100 yards and ask for Tripura Bhairavi Temple. Just after the temple, there is a left turn and Rudreshwar is located on the first door on the right side, inside a house. Rudreshwar is a huge Ling and the residents of the House permit devotees to worship this Ling. Official Address
Malteeshwar is located at K-52/39, Vriddha Kal/Mrityunjay Mahadev. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate about such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). In the process, the Lord mentions one Mahalakshmeeshwar Ling in the vicinity of Lakshmi Kund. A devotee who bathes in Lakshmi Kund and worships Mahalakshmeeshwar and Mahalakshmi Devi will attain a position where he will be flanked by Deva Strees (celestial damsels), waving Chanvar (Chamaram – Fly whisk). In other words, he will enjoy his life in heaven. Kashi Khand also states that devatas living in heaven, alongwith their wives, come to earth and worship Mahalakshmeeshwar. Kashi Khand states that the entire locality is a Shakti Peeth (seat of vital energy). There are many powerful Devis in the area and of all the Shakti Peeths in Kashi, Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth is the most powerful. Mahalakshmeeshwar is located at D.52/54, just above Lakshmi Kund, opposite a hand pump. This temple and the locality (Lakshmi Kund) are quite famous and people can approach this place through Luxa by rickshaw. Mahalakshmeeshwar is famous by the name of Sorahia Mahadev. Official Address
Mahakaleshwar is located at K-52/39, Mrityunjay Mahadev temple. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Official Address
Mahasiddheshwar (known by local people as Siddheshwar) is located at Goenka College near Abhay Cinema, Assi. People can reach this place either through Assi Cross Road or Durga Kund by rickshaw. There is another Siddheshwar temple located at J-6/85, Jaitpura in the premises of Jwara Hareshwar temple which is also worshipped with all divinity. Official Address
Madhyameshwar temple finds mention in Kashi Khand Chapter 100, where it is stated that devotees should take bath in Mandakini Teerth and perform pooja at Madhyameshwar temple. Special importance is attached to Ashtami and Chaturdasi days. According to ancient topography, Kashi used to comprise a very large area and Madhyameshwar (as the name implies) was somewhere in the centre of Kashi Kshetra. Subsequently, for various geographical and political reasons, Kashi area started constricting and presently this temple does not fall in the centre. This temple gains importance because of its proximity to famous Siddha Peeth (Krithi Vaseshwar temple). According to Kurma Puran a person who takes bath in Mandakini Teerth, performs pooja archana at Madhyameshwar temple and performs Shraaddh Karma for his ancestors, certainly attains Moksha and goes to heaven. Mandakini Teerth finds mention in Ling Puran and it is stated that a person who bathes in this Teerth and performs Tarpan, does a great service to his ancestors. Madhyameshwar temple is located at K-53/63, Daranagar. Mandakini Teerth as mentioned in ancient texts is almost fully dried up. There is a Mandakini Pond in Company Bagh garden at Maidagin. Maidagin is a contorted form of Mandakini. It is not known how many people actually take bath in this Kund at present as it has now lost its sanctity. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Bishweshwarganj, which is a great mandi (market place) and travelling to the temple in cycle rickshaw is convenient. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty requested Lord Shiva to describe the various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) and Shiv Lings in the Holy City of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Lord Shiva was very pleased to accede to the request of the Goddess. Madalaseshwar is located at D.5/133 Kalika Galli. When a devotee proceeds from Annapurna on the road to Vishwanath temple and crosses Vishwanath temple, after about 50 yards he will reach a cross road known as Saraswati Phatak. After taking a right turn and walking for a short distance, he will encounter a right turn which is Kalika Galli. Without turning right, just on the opposite side (viz. on the left side) the devotee will see Madalaseshwar. However, the locals refer to this Ling by the name of Pancham Mandareshwar. Official Address
Kashi Khand also advises devotees to make donations to poor people and farmers after worshipping Langlishwar, which will result in accrual of wealth and prosperity to the devotees. Langlishwar is located at Ck.28/4 Khowa Gulli Chouraha. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place via Khatri Medical Hall. Official Address
Lord Shiva was very upset at being away from Kashi for a long time and he wanted to make King Divodas commit some mistake. Accordingly, he sent sixty four Yoginis to create some disturbance, but they were enthralled by the beauty and serene surroundings of Kashi which appeared to be a part of heaven. They ultimately settled down there. When the Yoginis failed to return, Lord Shiva sent Lord Surya with instructions to create some disturbance in Kashi so as to defeat King Divodas in his resolve. Lord Surya came to Kashi and disguised himself as an astrologer, a learned scholar, a religious propagator, a businessman, a brahmin etc. But he could not find any fault with any person in Kashi or the governance of King Divodas. Lord Surya was also very much attracted towards Kashi and the beauty of the city. Lord Surya thought, if he went back to Mandarachal without fulfilling the wishes of Lord Shiva, the latter would get angry. Lord Surya finally decided to stay in Kashi. He said to himself, disobeying the instructions of Lord Shiva is a sin, but by staying in Kashi and undertaking religious activities, such sins will easily get cleansed. Accordingly Surya settled down in Kashi for the time being. When Lord Surya did not return, Lord Shiva sent Lord Brahma to Kashi with the same mission. Lord Brahma also did not return. Then Lord Shiva sent several of his Shiv Gans to Kashi in batches. These Shiv Gans arrived at Kashi and they also found the place enchanting. They installed several Shiv Lings and started performing pooja of these lings. When the first batch did not return, subsequent batches of Shiv Gans were sent and they also did not return. In one of the batches one Shiv Gan known as Kukkut arrived at Kashi and being enthralled by the beauty of the divine surroundings, installed a Shiv Ling which was named after him as Kukkuteshwar and started praying to Lord Shiva.Kashi Khand, Chapter 53 states that a person who worships egg shaped Kukkuteshwar will attain all happiness and will not have residence in womb (there will be no rebirth). Kukkuteshwar is located just outside the door opening to the southern side of Durga Devi Temple at Durga Kund. Durga Kund is a famous landmark and people can travel upto this place by cycle rickshaw/auto or car. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 13, in Kambilya there was one Dikshit named Yagya Dutt. He was proficient in all Vedas and Shastras and performed all rituals connected thereto. He had a very handsome son and Yagya Dutt performed the Yagyopavith (Sacred thread ceremony) of his son in due course of time. However, the boy, named Guna Nidhi, did not perform any rituals a must for a Brahmachari like performing Sandhya Pooja etc. Slowly and steadily he got into bad company and engaged himself in gambling and other such vices. All these days, Guna Nidhi’s mother like an indulgent parent told lies to her husband Yagya Dutt who was under the impression that the boy was engaged in righteous activities. Guna Nidhi was continuously losing wealth in gambling and he started selling various household articles to settle his gambling debts. In the process he sold one diamond ring belonging to his mother. Once when Yagya Dutt was returning home, he saw one ruffian wearing this diamond ring. When confronted, the person divulged the truth to Yagya Dutt that the ring was given by Guna Nidhi in settlement of gambling debts. Only then Yagya Dutt could realize how he had been cheated all along by his son and his indulgent wife. Yagya Dutt reached home and at once discarded both his wife and son. He subsequently married one learned man’s daughter and went to some unknown destination. Guna Nidhi started wandering about, now realizing that he had wasted his life for nothing. He went from one place to another wondering what to do. His ramblings brought him to a secluded place, where he saw some devotees of Lord Shiva going towards a temple. He was very hungry and in the hope of getting some food, he followed them to the temple. Unknown to him it was Shiv Ratri and the devotees started singing religious songs in the temple and Guna Nidhi kept awake the whole night in the hope of getting some food. Late night when every devotee went to sleep, Guna Nidhi slowly approached the sanctum sanctorum of the temple hoping to find some prasad (eatables offered to the deity) and as it was dark, he tore a piece of cloth from his dress, rolled it like a small wick and lit it to get some illumination. With the help of such light he grabbed whatever food he could and started running away. In this attempt, he stumbled upon the foot of one devotee who started shouting. One of the devotees stuck Guna Nidhi a severe blow on the head and he died instantly. Soon the attendants of Yam Raj arrived to take Guna Nidhi to Hell as he had committed all sorts of sin in his life. However, several Shiv Gans also arrived at the scene and took him with them. The attendants of Yam Raj read out the sins committed by Guna Nidhi including stealing from Shiva Temple. It is said that taking Shiva Nirmalyam (floral wastes and other prasad etc.) out of the Shiva Temple is the most heinous sin. However, Shiv Gans clearly stated that whatever sins he might have committed, have been washed away by some good and pious acts unknowingly done by him. On the night of Shiv Ratri he was awake, had watched the Shiv Pooja performed by the devotees, had listened to the Shiv Bhajans and had lit a lamp near the Shiv Ling thereby removing the darkness. He will take birth as Raj Kumar of Kalinga Desa. In his new birth the boy who was named Daman soon became the King of Kalinga and ordered all subjects in his Kingdom to ensure that lamps are lit in the Shiva Temples.He followed this ritual meticulously. Due to his good deeds in his entire life, he became Dig Pal (attendant of Lord) named Kuber. Kuber with his intuition could realize the evil doings committed by him in one of his earlier births. He came to Kashi, installed a Shiv Ling made of flowers, lit a lamp and started worshipping Lord Shiva. His intense prayers went for a very long time. Lord Shiva was very pleased and he appeared in person with Goddess Parvaty. Kuber was very happy with the immense light and the presence of the Lord. He started blinking and with the left eye he saw Goddess Parvaty in her beautiful self and wondered about her. Exactly at that time, his left eye lost the vision. Lord Shiva immediately realized what had happened. However, he blessed Kuber with all sorts of happiness and assured that he (Lord Shiva) would always be with him. Kuber prostrated before Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty. The Goddess also blessed him stating that those who worshipped the Ling installed by him, which was called Kubereshwar, would attain all sorts of Siddhi and also attain Moksha in their life. Such devotees will always make good friends and will face no enmity in life. Kashi Khand in this chapter has described the importance of lighting lamps in the temples of Lord Shiva. Here it is important to note that not only in temples of Lord Shiva, but in all the temples it is important to light lamps during twilight time and this ritual is followed in almost all temples all over the world. Kubereshwar is located in the north side of Annapurna Devi at D-9/1, Annapurna Temple premises. If a devotee enters the temple, he has to take a left turn where he will encounter the office of Annadanam (free feeding). Immediately thereafter, to the left is Kubereshwar Ling. Regarding directions to reach Annapurna temple, devotees may kindly refer Visweshwar temple. Official Address
Kshemeshwar is located at Kshemeshwar Ghat at House No. B-14/14, Manasarovar Ghat. People can travel upto Kedarghat by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Kedarghat Post Office and take a right turn towards Kshemeshwar Ghat. The Ling is located in a house belonging to Kumaraswamy Mutt of Kedar Ghat. Official Address
On a request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated various deities/Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). In the vicinity of Vasishteshwar, devotees can find Krishneshwar.Devotees who worship Krishneshwar will reach Vishnu Lok after death. Vishnu Lok is that part of Heaven where Lord Vishnu resides. Krishneshwar is located on the outer wall of Sankata Devi temple at No. Ck.7/159. The Shiv Ling is facing the east and is opposite the Harishchandreshwar Ling. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Chowk by rickshaw and walking on foot via Sankata Devi temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Sankata Ghat and climb the steps. Other deities in the vicinity are Bhadreshwar, Aswiniyeshwar, Atma Veereshwar, Brihaspateeshwar, Budheshwar, Vasukeeshwar, Yama Aditya etc. details whereof are mentioned elsewhere. Official Address
Koti Ling is located at Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully in the vicinity of Sakshi Vinayak. Just before Sakshi Vinayak, there is a Saree Shop called Giridhar Stores and one Babaji Shop selling pooja items. In between these two shops, devotees can find Koti Ling. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and travel to this place by foot. It is advisable to combine darshan of this deity alongwith darshan of Kashi Vishwanath (Visweshwar) temple etc. Official Address
Kooshmandeshwar is located at Ck.10/16, Brahmanal, near Swarg Dwareshwar. Just opposite Pulaheshwar towards the south side is a house with a flight of steps leading upwards. After climbing the steps there is a garden like open space and Swargdwareshwar Ling is located in a small temple thereat near which Kooshmandeshwar Ling is also located. Great importance has been attached to this place which is called as Swarg Dwari. Official Address
Lord Shiva was in Mandarachal and he sent several batches of Shiv Gans to Kashi to create disturbance in the city and distract King Divodas. (For details, refer to Kukkuteshwar). In one of the batches, one Shiv Gan named Kirat installed a Shiv Ling called Kirateshwar. Devotees who worship this Ling in Kashi will shed all fears in their lives. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 55). Further, Kashi Khand, Chapter 69 states that devotees who worship Kirateshwar which is behind Bharabhooteshwar, will not have any rebirth. Kirateshwar is located at Ck.52/15, near Bharabhooteshwar. If a devotee proceeds from Chowk to Neechibaug, immediately after Chowk Police Station there is a left turn which leads to Raja Darwaja. After walking for about 200 yards, there is a right turn where devotees will find Shyamlal Khatri Attar Merchants (Perfumers). Opposite to this shop is the premises Ck. 52/15 and inside the big gate, there is Narayan Agricultural Industries. Devotees will find Kirateshwar inside the premises, under the ground level. While Kirateshwar Shiv Ling may not be quite famous, the Attar Merchants are quite famous and devotees will be guided properly. Devotees can reach Raja Darwaja by rickshaw. At times due to heavy rush, they may have to get down at Chowk – Neechibaug road and walk on foot to Raja Darwaja. Official Address
Kashyapeshwar is located at D-35/79, Near Jangambari Mutt, Jangambari, Varanasi. This is a famous place and can be reached by rickshaw. If a devotee travels from Sonarpura to Godowlia, just after Jangambari Mutt (on the same side), in between Raj Furnishers and Akash Travels, there is a flight of steps going up. The Shiv Ling is located on the left side when a devotee climbs the flight of steps. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate about such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). In the process, the Lord mentions one Karvireshwar Ling in the vicinity of Mahalakshmeeshwar. A devotee who worships Karvireshwar will be free from all ailments and diseases. Kashi Khand states that the entire locality is a Shakti Peeth. There are many powerful Devis in the area and of all the Shakti Peeths in Kashi, Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth is the most powerful. Karvireshwar is located at D-52/41, outside Mahalakshmi Temple in the premises of 1008 Shani Maharaj, Poorab Mukhi Shani. Mahalakshmi temple and the locality (Lakshmi Kund) are quite famous and people can approach this place through Luxa by rickshaw Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 94, near Moksha Dwareshwar, one can find Karuneshwar Ling. A person worshipping this Ling will always find happiness. A person who takes bath in Manikarnika and worships Karuneshwar will always be happy. Devotees should worship this Ling on all Mondays. A devotee who performs pooja on all Mondays for one full year will see that all his wishes get fulfilled. Even if a person listens to the greatness of Karuneshwar as narrated by any learned person, the former stands to benefit by this. Karuneshwar is located at Ck.34/10, Lahouri Tola, near Phoota Ganesh. From Vishwanath temple, a devotee should approach Saraswati Phatak and proceed further straight and after walking about 200 metres, he will approach a place where Phoote Ganesh is located. People can reach this place by travelling upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and on foot through Gullies. Lahouri Tola Phoota Ganesh is a famous landmark. Official Address
It is worth mentioning here that Karkotak Nageshwar Ling is submerged in the water of Karkotak Well. When the water level recedes or the water is removed for cleaning purposes, the Ling becomes visible. However, as long as the Ling remains submerged in the water, the water in the well attains divinity and people pray this well with all divinity. However, at the main entrance just before going to the Nag Kuan, there is a temple, where one Shiv Ling has been installed which is worshipped as Nageshwar. Karkotak Nageshwar is located at J-26/206, Nag Kuan. The place is located at Jaitpura. Devotees can travel upto Jaitpura Police station and enquire about Nag Kuan which is a famous place. There is another Karkoteshwar Ling just above the water level in the Nag Kuan with an image of serpent etched nearby. This Ling is also worshipped by devotees. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate about such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Lord Shiva narrates about Kardhameshwar Ling in the vicinity of Ark Vinayak (Lolark) and this Ling is in between Ark Vinayak and Durga Devi. A devotee who worships Kardhameshwar will be blessed by Lord Shiva and the devotee will see his wishes fulfilled. Kardhameshwar is located at No. B.2/17, in the temple premises of Mahishasurmardini (Chamunda Devi). Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Lolark by rickshaw and then on foot. Mahishasurmardini temple is quite famous. The authors would like to add one point. In the Pancha Krosha Yatra (Religious Tour which circumambulates the entire Kashi area whereby 128 deities are worshipped), Kardhameshwar temple is mentioned in Kandava Village. This place falls about 7 Kms. south-west of Assi. This Kardhameshwar temple has been constructed in the 10th Century and is famous for its architecture and is supposed to be the oldest Hindu temple, archaeologically. Devotees may worship this temple also. Official Address
Kapardeeshwar Ling was installed by Shiv Gana Kapardi near Vimal Kund. According to Kashi Khand, in ancient times one devotee of Kapardeeshwar named Valmiki was residing nearby. One day a hideous and cruel looking Pishach/demon (ghost) appeared and told Valmiki that he (Pishach) was once residing near the banks of the holy river Godavari and had committed many sins. He learnt that a person who lives in Holy places and commits sins, attains Pishach Yoni and his present appearance was due to his past sins. He appealed to Valmiki to help him. Valmiki was all the while chanting Shiv Sahasranam(thousand praises of Lord Shiva) and advised the Pishach to take bath in Vimal Kund and pray to Lord Kapardeeshwar. The pishach did as he was told and attained Mukti. After that, Valmiki gave him vibhuti (sacred ash) to be smeared on his forehead and the Pishach followed his instructions. The value of smearing vibhuti on the forehead is amply described in Kashi Khand inasmuch as a person who smears vibhuti in his forhead is safe from untimely death and mishappenings. After the Pishach attained Mukti, the above Vimal kund came to be called as Pishachmochan Kund (Kashi Khand chapter 54). This huge kund is still existing in the present day and fairly well maintained. It is believed that people who pray to Kapardeeshwar attain absolute control over emotions and Krodh (anger). They are cleansed of all their sins. Kapardeeshwar temple is located at C-21/40, Pishachmochan, which is a famous locality in Varanasi. This place can be reached by cycle rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from Chetganj or Maldahiya or Faatmaan road (Sigra). People visit this Pishachmochan Kund for performing Pind Daan (Shraaddh/ rituals for their forefathers). Visiting this place is considered very auspicious during Magh month (roughly from January 21 to Feb. 20), Shukla Chaturdasi (one day before Amavasya). Official Address
They came to the ground, assumed the guise of Shiv Gans and started approaching Goddess Parvaty. Lord Shiva who was watching these people, with divine sight, could easily recognize the evil designs of the two unwanted guests. He signalled Goddess Parvaty, who took the hint. With great force, she threw the ball at the demons who died instantly. After slaying the evil demons, the ball touched the ground and took the form of a Shiv Ling. This Ling came to be called as Kandukeshwar. Kashi Khand, Chapter 65 states that Goddess Parvaty blesses the devotees who worship Kandukeshwar. Besides, Goddess Parvaty herself worships this Ling daily. Both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty bless the devotees of Kandukeshwar. Kandukeshwar is located at K.63/29, Bhoot Bhairav locality. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Kashi Devi temple/Bula Nala/Lohatia by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Jyeshta Gauri/Bhoot Bhairav. Official Address
Lord Shiva said, when Saturday, Trayodashi (13th day after Amavasya or Poornima) and Pradosha day coincide, persons taking bath in Kamkund and performing pooja of Kameshwar are cleansed of all their sins, their wishes will be fulfilled and they will reach heaven after death. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 85). Kamkund is now fully dried up and apparently buildings have been constructed over the spot. Instead of the bath envisaged in Kamkund, people take bath in river Ganges now. In Kashi Khand there is mention of both Durvaseshwar Ling and Kameshwar Ling with reference to the above incident of Sage Durvasa. Kameshwar Temple is located at A-2/9 North of Trilochan. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Prahlad Ghat (after Machhodari). Devotees can travel upto Prahlad Ghat Chauraha by rickshaw and walk on foot to the temple. There are two lings in the temple. The bigger Ling is referred to as Durvaseshwar Ling and the smaller Ling is referred to as Kameshwar Ling or Man Kameshwar Ling. While Durvaseshwar Ling is symbolic of Bhakti, Kameshwar Ling symbolizes Shakti. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). In the process, the Lord mentions one Kaleshwar who generates faith in the minds of the devotees who merely look at the Shiv Ling. Devotees who worship Kaleshwar will have purity of mind and thoughts. A person who has pure thoughts will not have fear of anything in life. Kaleshwar is located at K-31/49, in the premises of Dandapani Temple. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by rickshaw and walk upto this place by enquiring about Dandapani temple. If they travel by boat, they may get down at Panch Ganga Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Kaholeshwar is located inside Batuk Bhairav temple (at Kamachha locality), on the turning to Aadi Bhairav on the right side. The channel gate of this temple always remains closed. Devotees can reach this place by rickshaw as Batuk Bhairav, Kamachha is quite famous. There is another location given for Kaholeshwar viz. K.63/22, Bhoot Bhairav locality. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know about various Shiv Lings and deities at several places in Kashi and Lord Shiva was pleased to narrate such deities (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). In front of Shukreshwar, there is a Shiv Ling known as Kacheshwar, who is worthy of being worshipped. In front of this deity is Shukra Koop (Well). Those who worship Kacheshwar will find happiness coming their way. Those who even touch the water of Shukra Koop will derive the benefit of performing Aswa Medh Yagya. Kacheshwar is located adjacent to Shukreshwar in a lane parallel to the lane occupied by Annapurna temple and Visweshwar temple at D-8/30, Kalika Galli. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 94, mentions a Ling called Jyoti Rupeshwar near Manikarnika. It is stated that river Ganga which is worshipped as Goddess, herself worships Jyoti Rupeshwar. Long long ago, Lord Vishnu was undergoing severe penance of Lord Shiva at Chakra Pushkarini (Mani Karnika) when a divine light in the form of a Ling appeared. This was Jyoti Rupeshwar. Devotees who worship this Ling regularly are said to attain Siddhi (divine powers). The devotees will themselves start shining like Jyoti (ray of light). Jyoti Rupeshwar is located at Ck.8/10, Gomath, Abhay Sanyas Ashram. At one time this must have been in the open, but now it is within the premises of the Ashram. However, devotee can have darshan of this divine Ling. This Ling is called as Jyoti Lingeshwar by the locals. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place. They may have to take directions from locals to reach Gomath. Official Address
Jyeshteshwar temple is located at K-62/144, Sapt Sagar Mohalla. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Maidagin. People can approach Maidagin by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw or even car. From Maidagin it is advisable to walk on foot. A famous landmark near this temple is the Kashi Devi Temple. Official Address
On a request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated the various deities/Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Towards the east of Gopreksheshwar, devotees can find Jwara Hareshwar Ling (referred to as Vijwarar in Kashi Khand). Devotees who are running high fever get rid of their ailment by worshipping Jwara Hareshwar. One point needs to be mentioned here. When Kashi Khand was conceived and even after a long time when it was actually written, medical science had not at all made any progress. Any fever was considered to be serious because in those days, people used to follow strict regimen of exercise, diet, fasting etc. Most of the people were healthy and with the human body’s immune system taking care of any external attack, only a few people used to fall sick. If at all they fell sick, it was much beyond mild ailment. In the present day environs, with medical advancement and diagnostic and pathological facilities available, people may not attach much importance to mild fevers etc. Jwara Hareshwar is located at J.6/85, Jaitpura, on the way to Skanda Mata temple. Devotees can reach this place by rickshaw via Jaitpura Police station. Skanda Mata temple is quite famous. There is another temple No. Ck.2/4, Patani Tola, where people claim that Jwara Hareshwar is located. However, Pandit Kedarnath Vyas who has done extensive research has given the Jaitpura address for this temple. The compiler personally enquired at the Jaitpura Jwara Hareshwar temple and was advised that even now devotees who are afflicted with fever etc., (despite consuming medicines) pray to Lord Jwara Hareshwar and get quick relief. One point needs to be mentioned here. According to the direction mentioned in Kashi Khand, Jwara Hareshwer is located to the east of Gopreksheshwar (Lal Ghat, Machhodari/Gai Ghat). Towards the east will be the area encompassing Prahlad Ghat, Trilochan and River Ganga. Jwara Hareshwar at Jaitpura falls to the west and the temple of the same name at Patani Tola would fall to the South. One reason for this anomaly could be that on account of invasion and destruction of temples, some Shiv Lings may have been shifted away from their original place, after Kashi Khand was actually written. There have been historic evidences of various temples being destroyed and constructed at other sites. So, the devotees should get a clear picture and not get confused. Official Address
The cave where Sage Jayageesh undertook austere penance is located at K.66/3, Ishwar Gangi (Agni Kund). For directions to reach this place, kindly refer Agni Dhruveshwar. The Shiv Ling installed by the Sage is located at K.63/27, Bhoot Bhairav locality, near Jyeshta Gauri. For directions, kindly refer Jyeshta Gauri. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. From Rameshwaram area (South India) one Shiv Ling has appeared in Kashi in the name of Jata Dev. The Ling is known as Jateeshwar and is located in the vicinity of Eka Danta Vinayak. A devotee who worships Jateeshwar (Pataleshwar), will get all his wishes fulfilled and will attain Moksha. Jateeshwar (Pataleshwar) is located outside House No.D.32/118, Bengali Tola. Devotees can travel upto Bengali Tola Post Office Gully by rickshaw and then walk on foot. Pataleshwar is quite famous. Official Address
Jarasanheshwar Temple, Varanasi In ancient times there was not much medical advancement and people used to worship various deities for being cured of any disease. Nowadays a lot of pathological and diagnostic tests are available to determine the exact type of ailment. Our enquiries reveal that even now devout people worship this deity for riddance from fevers etc. Jarasandheshwar is located at D-3/71, Mir Ghat, Bare Hanuman Temple. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place through Vishalakshi Gauri Temple, which is a famous landmark. Alternatively they can travel by boat upto Mir Ghat and walk up the steps and reach the place. Official Address
Lord Shiva was describing the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).In the vicinity of Malteeshwar is the Janakeshwar Ling. By worshipping this Ling, the devotee will be blessed with ultimate knowledge. In the vicinity of the Ling is Kalodak Koop (Well). The water from the well is capable of curing all diseases. Janakeshwar is located at K-52/39, Mrityunjay Mahadev at Daranagar. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty wanted to know from Lord Shiva the importance of various Teerths (Sacred Ponds) and the deities around them. Lord Shiva was very much pleased to describe these to her. Kashi Khand mentions, among other Lings, one Jambukeshwar Ling. A devotee who sincerely worships this Ling is freed of all his sins and will certainly reach heaven after his death. Jambukeshwar is located in the premises of Bara Ganesh temple at K-58/101. Devotees can travel upto Lohatia by auto rickshaw or cycle rickshaw and reach this temple by foot. Official Address
Hiranya Garbha Teerth is not existent now and the place in Ganges is in Trilochan Ghat. On any day, there are several religious minded people taking bath in Trilochan Ghat and worshipping Hiranya Garbheshwar. Hiranya Garbheshwar is located on the steps rising above Trilochan Ghat. The temple is approachable from Machhodari, after crossing which devotees should travel upto Birla Hospital and take a right turn. Trilochan temple is very famous. From here, they can ask for directions to reach Trilochan Ghat. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 100 has prescribed Antargrihi Yatra to be performed daily by devotees. The Yatra (religious tour) covers various deities in the innermost divine place in Kashi.Among various deities mentioned in the above Yatra, Kashi Khand mentions Hatkeshwar and devotees are required to worship this deity. Devotees who worship Hatkeshwar will attain Mukti in Kashi. The main doors of the place of worship are open from 07.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. During the remaining time, devotees can have darshan through grill gate. Hatkeshwar is located at Ck.43/189, Harha Sarai, near Tulsi Market. This place is about 150 yards further down inside Raja Darwaja (Please refer Bharabhooteshwar). After reaching Harha Sarai, devotees may enquire from the locals as they may have to take one or two turns. Official Address
Hasti Paleshwar is located at K-52/39, in the premises of Mrityunjay Mahadev, Daranagar. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwar-ganj/GPO. Official Address
Lord Vishnu was describing various religiously important places, teerths etc. to Sage Bindu (Kashi Khand, Chapter 61). He described the boundaries of Manikarnika which extended upto River Ganga in the east, Swarg Dwar in the west, Ganga Keshav in the South and Harishchandra Mandap in the north A devotee who bathes in Harishchandra Teerth and performs rituals for his forefathers is purified. The devotees should worship Harishchandreshwar nearby. Such devotees will always be truthful. Philosophically speaking there has always been debate about ULTIMATE TRUTH in life. People who visit various Satsangs (company of sublimated souls) and religious discourses are pondering about one main point which is TRUTH. There are various factors in life which one has to consider and the compiler does not want to take much of the readers’ time in discussing these aspects. If all people simply follow the path of truthfulness in life, then the entire humanity will prosper. Kashi Khand has sought to give this message. Another point is worth mentioning here. Kashi has two burning Ghats (cremation grounds) viz. Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. People generally believe that Raja Harishchandra was involved with Harishchandra Ghat. That is not so. Harishchandra Ghat came into being at a very later stage. He was involved with the cremation ground nearer to Manikarnika and there is a Shiv Ling installed by him by the name of Harishchandreshwar which has been referred by Kashi Khand. Harishchandreshwar is a huge Shiv Ling located at Ck.7/166, Sankata Ghat. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place through Sankata Devi temple, which is a famous landmark. They can also travel by boat upto Sankata Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Devotees who worship Harikesheshwar will find all happiness coming their way and they will attain Moksha. Harikesheshwar is located on the platform near House No. 35/273, behind Khari Kuan in the vicinity of Vimal Aditya. If a devotee proceeds from Sonarpura to Godowlia, just after Jangambari Mutt there is a left turn going towards Khari Kuan (famous place). Devotees should take that left turn and after travelling about 100 yards, they should take a right turn to reach this place. They can enquire from the locals about the Surya Dev temple in that locality (Vimal Aditya). Official Address
Hareshwar Temple, Varanasi According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places and installed in Kashi. From Harishchandra Kshetra one Ling by name of Hareshwar has appeared in the Holy city of Kashi. By worshipping this deity, the devotee will always be victorious in his ventures. Hareshwar is located at A-37/51, Rajghat Fort, in the room which houses Gyan Keshav. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
Gyaneshwar Ling is located at No. D.10/32, Lahori Tola in the premises of Gyaneshwar Silk Factory. Devotees will have to descend the steps in the premises as the Ling is located under the ground level. The place of worship is well maintained. People can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully by rickshaw and then on foot to this place. Lahouri Tola is an important landmark. Official Address
Lord Shiva was describing the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Somewhere towards the east of Aadi Mahadev is Gopreksheshwar Ling. Devotees who worship Gopreksheshwar will derive benefit of Godaan (giving donation of a cow to a deserving person). Gopreksheshwar also known as Gauri Shankar is located at K-4/24, Lal Ghat Gauri Shankar, near Birla Sanskrit Vidhyalaya, Birla House. If devotees travel in a rickshaw, they can reach Gaighat locality and walk on foot upto this place, by asking directions. Alternatively, they can travel by boat upto Lal Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Gautameshwar Temple, Varanasi Gautameshwar is located at D.37/33, Kashinaresh Shivala, Godowlia. This comes in the proximity of Marwari Hospital and is quite famous. According to old timers, there was intense dispute regarding worship of this deity and matter was referred to the then Kashi Raja, who after protracted legal cases, acquired the entire area and constructed the temple. Therefore, this temple is known as Kashi Naresh Shivala. Official Address
Garudeshwar is located at D-31/43, Jangambadi Teliana. When approached from Godowlia Cross Road (Chauraha) on the way to Sonarpura, devotees will have to take a left turn after Bengali Tola Post Office. Garudeshwar is located adjacent to Purana Durga Badi at Jangambadi, which is a famous landmark. Devotees can travel Jangambadi by rickshaw and walk on foot to the temple. Official Address
Lord Skanda was narrating various incidents about Kashi to Sage Agasthya. Mighty river Ganga entered Kashi and started flowing with all the might. Ganga is considered pious and is regarded as Goddess Ganga Devi. She learnt about the divinity in installing a Shiv Ling in Kashi. Accordingly, she installed a Shiv Ling somewhere towards the east of Visweshwar Ling. Getting a darshan of Gangeshwar Ling is somewhat difficult. On Dussehara day (Vijay Dasami day), if a person performs pooja of Gangeshwar Ling, his sins accumulated over several years will be washed away. Let alone having darshan of Gangeshwar Ling and benefiting out of it, if a devotee reads or listens about Gangeshwar Ling, he will earn the punya which will accrue to him by bathing in Holy River Ganga. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 91) Kashi Khand and other important texts covering Kashi have attached great importance to Ganga and bathing in River Ganga. A person worshipping Gangeshwar will reach heaven after his death and all his desires will be fulfilled. Gangeshwar is located at Ck.13/78. (Reference “Varanasi Vaibhav” by Pt. Kuber Nath Sukul). When a devotee proceeds from Pasupateshwar towards Sankata Devi temple, by taking a right turn, just opp. House No. Ck.13/68, one can find Gangeshwar Ling in the corner house. If people do not carefully observe, they are bound to miss it. Kashi Khand has aptly put it that getting darshan is difficult. Official Address
Ganeshwar, Rameshwar Temple, Varanasi Ganeshwar also known as Rameshwar is located at D.16/34, Manmandir Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully in a rickshaw and immediately after entering the gully, they should take a right turn and walk for about 60 yards. They may ask for directions of Varahi Devi temple which is very famous and quite close by. Official Address
Eeshaneshwar is located at Deepak Cinema compound at Bansphatak. The Cinema hall has been demolished and a Shopping Mall is under contruction. The Mall authorities are preserving the temple and they were kind enough to allow the compiler to offer prayers at this temple. Enquiries revealed that presently darshan is allowed only through the wall from the by-lane nearby. It is expected that once the construction of Mall is fully completed, darshan will become easy as the devotees will have easy access to the temple. Official Address
Devotees who worship Dwareshwar will attain full benefits of living in Kashi and attain Siddhi. In other words, they will acquire divine powers and attain Moksha. Dwareshwar is mentioned to be in south of Durg Vinayak at B-27/1. Our enquiries revealed that the deity is located outside the South entrance of Durga Devi Temple at Durga Kund. The main entrance is to the western side. Dwareshwar is located in a small temple like structure alongwith Dwareshwari Devi (mentioned in Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Official Address
Divodaseshwar Temple, Varanasi Lord Shiva was very upset at being away from Kashi for a long time and he wanted to make King Divodas commit some mistake. Accordingly, he sent sixty four Yoginis to create some disturbance, but they were enthralled by the beauty and serene surroundings of Kashi which appeared to be a part of heaven. They ultimately settled down there. When the Yoginis failed to return, Lord Shiva sent Lord Surya with instructions to create some disturbance in Kashi so as to defeat King Divodas in his resolve. Lord Surya came to Kashi and disguised himself as an astrologer, a learned scholar, a religious propagator, a businessman, a brahmin etc. But he could not find any fault with any person in Kashi or the governance of King Divodas. Lord Surya was also very much attracted towards Kashi and the beauty of the city. Lord Surya thought, if he went back to Mandarachal without fulfilling the wishes of Lord Shiva, the latter would get angry. Lord Surya finally settled in Kashi. Subsequently, Lord Shiva sent Lord Brahma to Kashi with the same purpose. Lord Brahma, disguised as an old Brahmin, visited King Divodas. He was welcomed with honour by King Divodas, who asked the guest (Lord Brahma) as to what could be done for his comfort. The old Brahmin said he desired to perform Aswa Medha Yagna and requested the King to provide all the materials and make arrangements. Lord Brahma, with the help of King Divodas, performed not just one but ten Aswa Medha Yagnas. Lord Shiva then sent his Shiv Gans who also were enthralled by the beauty of Kashi and decided to stay there. Installing a Shiv Ling in Kashi is considered very auspicious and the Shiv Gans installed various Lings at several places in Kashi. These Shiv Lings came to be known after their names. (Kashi Khand, Chater 53). Finally Lord Shiva summoned his son, Lord Ganesha (Vinayak) with the specific mission of creating disturbances in the governance of King Divodas. Lord Vinayak reached Kashi and assumed the guise of an old astrologer. He made people dream of something and in the morning he met those people and narrated the effects of dreams. He also started interpreting the position of planets in various persons’ horoscopes. By such minatory predictions, he made several people leave Kashi. In due course, he gained entry into the King’s palace and managed to win the confidence of the ladies thereat. As days went by he also impressed the Queen who told the King about the greatness of the old astrologer and suggested that the King should pay his respects to him. On getting his permission, the Queen sent for the old astrologer. The King welcomed the astrologer with all humility and the latter blessed the King as per the usual practice. The King asked the astrologer to predict the future. The astrologer after deep thought, told various things about the King and the kingdom. He also stated that starting from that day, on the eighteenth day one Brahmin will come and give him (King) some serious advice which should be followed. After saying this the astrologer left the palace. In some way or the other Vinayak fulfilled his father’s wishes and settled down in Kashi in various different places in different forms. Finally Lord Vishnu was sent to Kashi where he approached King Divodas as a Brahmin on the eighteenth day. He was welcomed with all honour by the King and Lord Vishnu in the disguise of a Brahmin preached the King all the good things. The King stated that during his period of governance, the people of Kashi were extremely happy and that there was a sense of religious fervour all around. King Divodas was advised by the Brahmin to install a Shiv Ling in Kashi, which is considered very auspicious. The Brahmin further advised that after installation of Shiv Ling, on the seventh day, a celestial plane would land from Heaven and take the King to Lord Shiva’s abode. King Divodas was very happy at hearing this. He gave the Kingdom to Rajkumar Samaranjayan, installed a Shiv Ling which came to be known as Divodaseshwer and started praying to Lord Shiva. At the pre-appointed day, the celestial plane landed on the earth, and the King was taken to Lord Shiva’s abode. Those who worship Divodaseshwar will always be happy, they will be absolved of all their sins and they will be victorious in the battlefield. In the present day parlance, this may be taken as victorious in any competition. Divodaseshwar Ling is located at D.2/13, Vishwa Bhuja Gauri, near Dharmeshwar/Vishalakshi Gauri. They can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees generally combine prayers at this temple alongwith darshan of Visweshwar/ Annapurna temple. Official Address
Dhruveshwar Temple, Varanasi Dhruv’s mother Suniti saw tears in Dhruv’s eyes and soon came to know about the happening in the Darbar. Dhruv wanted to know from his mother, while both Suniti and Suruchi were the wives of the King, why he was being discriminated and ill treated and supposed as inferior to his step brother Uttam. With utter dismay, Suniti told Dhruv that Suruchi must have performed all benevolent acts in her previous life. All persons ought to do good deeds like philanthropy, display of respect to elders, proper studies, showing respect to guests, worshipping God, listening to and perusal of various Purans, proper behaviour towards friends and persons equal to their parents. Those who undertake such good deeds are blessed in their next birth. The good exalted positions and comforts enjoyed by them in their present life are certainly the result of good deeds performed in the previous birth. Suniti also told that Suruchi was the principal queen and all the other queens played second fiddle to her. Therefore, she must have priority over other queens in all respects. Dhruv sought permission from his mother for undertaking penance and intense prayers to the Lord. Though the boy was too young and tender for such ordeal, yet Suniti gave him permission to follow the path of worship. Dhruv left his home and wandered through the forests in search of a suitable and proper place to carry out his prayers and penance. He was deeply engrossed in thoughts with his eyes closed and when he opened his eyes, he saw seven great Sages passing by. Dhruv immediately prostrated before the great Sages and told them his plight. He expressed his desire to undertake intense penance to the Lord almighty. Dhruv further told that he would like his step brother to be the heir apparent and become the King in due course. Besides, Dhruv had no intention of enjoying something which he had not earned rightfully. He wanted to become an altruist (one who shows unselfish regard for the interest of others) and achieve something in life. He earnestly requested the great Sages to show him the right path. All the seven Sages were unanimous in their advice. One by one they asked Dhruv to worship Lord Vishnu, in the process describing Lord Vishnu in his various forms. Further, they also advised the mode and manner in which Dhruv should worship Lord Vishnu. They also taught him some Mantras to chant regularly in praise of Lord Vishnu. After giving all good advices to Dhruv, the great Sages departed. Dhruv reached the banks of Yamuna and started intensely praying Lord Vishnu by chanting the various Mantras as advised by the Sages. His prayers were so intense that many Devas like Lord Indra felt petrified. They tried to disturb Dhruv in his prayers but could not succeed. Kashi Khand, Chapter 20, has described in detail the type of prayers undertaken by Dhruv and various methods of interruptions adopted by the Devas. The Devas alongwith Lord Indra approached Lord Brahma and narrated the intense penance and austerity undertaken by Dhruv and expressed their fear that their own position was in jeopardy (danger). Lord Brahma assured the Devas and assuaged their apprehension by telling that Dhruv would not do anything detrimental to their interest and advised them not to lose their composure. However, Lord Vishnu soon realized the sincerity of the penance undertaken by Dhruv and appeared before him. On seeing the Lord in person, Dhruv was overwhelmed with ecstasy and started weeping. He started singing various mantras in praise of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was very pleased and he granted that Dhruv’s mother would always remain with him. Lord Vishnu told that he was on the way to Kashi, the abode of Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu showered encomiums (high praises) on Kashi Kshetra and Lord Visweshwar who blesses all the denizens of Kashi. Lord Vishnu made Dhruv sit on Garuda and took him to Kashi. The day was Poornima of Kartik month. On the way, Lord Vishnu stated that a person who takes bath in river Ganga on the Shukla Chaturtasi day of Kartik month and worships Visweshwar is blessed with Moksha. After reaching Kashi, Lord Vishnu advised Dhruv to install a Shiv Ling in Kashi and worship Lord Shiva. According to Lord Vishnu, if a person installs one Shiv Ling in Kashi it is equivalent to installing one million Shiv Lings in other places. Further, if a person constructs or renovates a temple in Kashi, he will get the punya equivalent to giving entire Sumeru Mountain in Daan (offering). After giving all such good advices to Dhruv, Lord Vishnu disappeared. Very religiously, Dhruv dug a Kund, installed a Shiv Ling, constructed a temple and started praying Lord Shiva. Soon thereafter he left for his home. According to Kashi Khand, a devotee who worships Dhruveshwar will attain all happiness in life and reach Dhruv Lok (heaven) after death. Further, prosperity will never leave the devotee. Kashi Khand has described the events related to Dhruv in detail in chapters nineteen to twenty one. Kashi Khand also states that those who read and listen to the story of Dhruv will be absolved of all their sins and will reach the abode of Lord Vishnu after death. Dhruveshwar is located in the premises of Sanatan Dharm College, Nai Sarak, Varanasi. This is a famous locality and devotees can reach this place by rickshaw/auto. Official Address
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a holy city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich cultural and religious heritage. One of the most revered temples in Varanasi is the Dhanvantari Temple, dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and healing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the Dhanvantari Temple, exploring its history, architecture, and significance. Dhanvantareshwar Temple, Varanasi Overview Lord Shiva was relating the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koop (Wells), and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with blissful joy (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97).In the vicinity of Malteeshwar is the Dhanvantareshwar Ling. By worshipping this Ling, the devotee is cleansed of all sins committed by him and the devotee is cured of his diseases. Kashi Khand mentions one Dhanvantareshwar Koop (Well) where Dhanvantari (celestial physician) had dropped various medicines/drugs like Mrit Sanjivini, the elixir which revives the dead ones. The Koop is presently not visible. However, in the near vicinity is Kalodak Koop (Well). The water from the well is capable of curing all diseases. Old-timers believe that Dhanvantareshwar Koop has merged itself with Kalodak Koop. The Dhanvantari Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu mythology and Ayurveda. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and spiritual significance, the temple offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Whether you are seeking the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari or looking to explore the cultural and religious heritage of Varanasi, the Dhanvantari Temple is a destination not to be missed. The Dhanvantari Temple was built during the reign of the Maratha ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the early 19th century. It is located in the Chowk area of Varanasi, near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most popular ghats in the city. The temple was built to honor Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and healing, who is believed to have incarnated on earth to teach humans the science of Ayurveda. The Dhanvantari Temple is a beautiful example of the traditional North Indian style of architecture. The temple is built on a raised platform and has a square plan. The main shrine is located at the center of the temple, and it houses the idol of Lord Dhanvantari. The idol is made of black stone and is depicted with four hands, holding a conch, a discus, a pot of nectar, and a leech. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari was the physician of the gods and was responsible for imparting the knowledge of Ayurveda to humans. He is believed to have emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean, holding a pot of amrita, the elixir of life. He is also worshipped as the presiding deity of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. The Dhanvantari Temple is a popular destination for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day. The daily rituals at the temple include offering prayers, aarti, and the distribution of prasad to the devotees. The temple also celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the Dhanvantari Jayanti and Diwali. The Dhanvantari Temple holds immense significance for followers of Ayurveda, as it is dedicated to the god who is considered the father of this ancient system of medicine. The temple hosts several Ayurvedic clinics and centers, where visitors can receive traditional treatments and therapies. The temple also organizes workshops and seminars on Ayurveda, providing a platform for practitioners and scholars to exchange knowledge and ideas. Dhanvantareshwar is located at K-52/39, on the premises of Mrityunay Mahadev temple. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO. The Dhanvantari Temple is located in the Chowk area of Varanasi and is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, which is located approximately 20 km from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Varanasi Junction, which is well-connected to all major cities in India. From the airport or railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Dhanvantari Temple. Apart from the Dhanvantari Temple, there are several other places of interest near the temple. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Varanasi include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Sarnath Stupa, and the Manikarnika Ghat. Visitors can also explore the narrow lanes and bazaars of the old city, which offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Varanasi. There are several accommodation options available near the Dhanvantari Temple, catering to all budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, depending on their requirements. Some of the popular hotels near the temple include the Rivatas by Ideal, the Hotel Alka, and the Hotel Ganges Grand. The Dhanvantari Temple can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The city is also home to several festivals and events during this time, including Diwali, Dev Deepawali, and the Kumbh Mela. Visitors to the Dhanvantari Temple are advised to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple premises. It is also recommended to carry a water bottle and sunscreen, as the temple can get crowded and hot during peak hours. Visitors should also be respectful of the customs and traditions of the temple and avoid causing any disturbances or disruptions. The Dhanvantari Temple is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and healing, and is considered a sacred abode of Ayurveda. The Dhanvantari Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day. The Dhanvantari Temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the Dhanvantari Jayanti and Diwali. Some of the popular tourist destinations near the Dhanvantari Temple include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Sarnath Stupa, and the Manikarn
Lord Shiva sent Lord Brahma to Kashi to create disturbance in the Kingdom to make King Divodas leave the Holy City. (For details kindly refer to Divodaseshwar). Lord Brahma assumed the guise of an old Brahmin and visited King Divodas. He was welcomed with honour by King Divodas, who asked the guest (Lord Brahma) as to what can be done for his comfort. The old Brahmin said he desired to perform Aswa Medha Yagna and requested the King to provide all the materials and arrangements. Lord Brahma, with the help of King Divodas, performed not just one but ten Aswa Medha Yagnas. The place where he performed these Yagnas is known as Dasaswamedh Teerth (now known as Dasaswamedh Ghat). Prior to that the place was known as Rudra Sarovar. Subsequently, Lord Brahma installed a Ling called Dasaswamedheshwar and decided to stay in Kashi. Lord Brahma could not find any fault with King Divodas and could not think of anything to report to Lord Shiva. According to Kashi Khand (Chapter 52), a devotee who takes bath at Dasaswamedh Ghat and worships Dasaswamedheshwar, is cleansed of all his sins. A person who does the above act of worship on the 1st day after Amavasya in the month of Ashad will attain punya of the highest order and all his sins accumulated over two generations will be washed away. A devotee should take bath from the first day to tenth day after Amavasya every month in Dasaswamedh Ghat and worship Dasaswamedheshwar and he will always remain happy and there will be no rebirth for him. More importance is attached to the ten days as above in Jyeshta month (June 22-July 21). Dasaswamedheshwar Ling is located at Dasaswamedh Ghat inside Shitla Mandir, at D-18/19. Devotees can travel upto this place by rickshaw. Alternatively, they can travel upto Dasaswamedh Ghat by boat and climb the steps. Official Address
Long time back, there was a Yaksh named Ratnabhadra who had a son named Poornabhadra. After the death of Ratnabhadra, Poornabhadra started leading a comfortable life, but he had no issue, so he longed for children. He expressed his desire to his wife, Kanaka Kundala, who in turn, asked him to worship Lord Shiva in Kashi. Poornabhadra did as he was asked by his wife. He worshipped Lord Shiva by means of singing Bhajans and very soon his wife delivered a beautiful boy who was named Harikesh. In due course, Harikesh became eight years old and developed a religious proclivity (natural inclination or disposition) of mind. He also started worshipping Lord Shiva by making clay Shiv Lings. He used to address his friends by various names of Lord Shiva like Chandrashekhar, Mrityunjay, Trilochan, Neelkant, etc. He used to visit various Shiva Temples without fail. His father Poornabhadra was a little upset because Harikesh had become religious very early in his life. He asked Harikesh to be involved in household activities but the boy would not listen. Without telling his parents, one fine morning Harikesh left his home and started wandering aimlessly. He remembered an incident sometime back, when a Sage had told his father; if a person does not have any proper destination, Varanasi (Kashi) is the best place for him. Harikesh soon arrived in Kashi and started worshipping Lord Visweshwar (Shiva). Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty were in Anandavan (Kashi) and Lord Shiva was describing the various aspects of Kashi. In the process, he stated that those who live in Kashi will be happy and those who die in Kashi will have no rebirth. They are indeed praiseworthy. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 32 has amply described the beauty of Kashi as narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvaty). While all these discussions were going on, Lord Shiva saw Harikesh whose body had gone completely lean. He was emaciated and his body resembled a skeleton. Goddess Parvaty was moved by the boy’s intense worship of Lord Shiva and she asked Lord to bless the boy suitably. Accordingly Lord Shiva approached the boy and gently touched him. The boy was immensely pleased on seeing the Lord shining like one crore Suryas. He started singing praises of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed the boy, stating that he will remain in Kashi as a saviour of votaries of Lord Shiva. He will protect the holy place from the evil forces and drive them away by his powers. Lord Shiva also ordained that two of his Shiv Gans named Samparam and Utparam would always be present with the Yaksh (Harikesh). Lord Shiva addressed Harikesh as Yaksh Raj (King of Yaksh) and granted that those who do not worship the latter would not get the benefit of Mukti in Kashi. Harikesh was also given the title of Dandapani (the one with the staff in his hand). Lord Shiva further stated that devotees who take bath in Gyan Vapi Teerth and after performing rituals for their forefathers, worship Dandapani will become very fortunate and receive his (Lord Shiva’s) blessings. Kashi Khand states that Dandapani will stand or remain towards the south of Lord Visweshwar and will expel all wicked persons and admit only virtuous people for worshipping Lord Shiva in Kashi. Those who worship Dandapani in Kashi will find that all their obstacles in life are removed and they will be quite happy in life. They are sure to attain Mukti. Dandapani is located at Ck.36/10, Dhundhiraj Galli, Bazar behind Gyan Vapi. Devotees can travel upto Gyan Vapi (Near Chowk) by rickshaw, take a right turn, climb down the steps and again take a right turn. (If a devotee proceeds diagonally towards left, he will enter the Gyan Vapi area). After walking a few yards, the devotee will come to Markandeyshwar on the right side and immediately thereafter he will find Dandapani. For ready reference, Jalans (textile merchants) have a portion of their shop nearby. One thing is worth mentioning here that this Dandapani should not be confused with another Dandapani temple which is in the proximity of Kaal Bhairav temple. Official Address
Daksheshwar Temple, Varanasi Daksheshwar is located at K-52/39, Vriddha Kal. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Official Address
According to old timers, this is a powerful Ling and devotees will find happiness and joy in their life. Chitrangadeshwar is located adjacent to B-14/118, near Kedar Ghat Post Office, Kedar Ghat, Varanasi. Devotees can reach Kedareshwar temple by rickshaw and proceed on foot towards Kedar Ghat Post Office. This temple falls on the left side just before the clinic of Dr. R.C. Kowdi. The temple houses one Devi, known as Chitragreeva Devi which finds mention in Kashi Khand, Chapter 70. Official Address
Chatur Mukheshwar Temple, Varanasi Chatur Mukheshwar (also known as Prayag Ling) is located in front of Varuna Sangameshwar Ling at Adi Keshav temple, located at A-37/51, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand this Ling was installed by Chandra (Moon) for worshipping Lord Shiva. Chandra also dug one Koop (Well) which is known as Chandra Koop. Chandreshwar Ling is one of the Navgraha Shiv Lings and people who undertake Navagraha Yatras perform pooja of Chandreshwar Ling. After installing this Ling, Chandra undertook rigorous intense penance (Tapas) to propitiate Lord Shiva. This went on for several years after which Lord Shiva appeared in person and blessed Chandra. Lord Shiva stated that the place where the Ling was installed is a Shakti Peeth (seat of vital energy). A person who performs pooja and archana at Chandreshwar Ling on Poornima days (Full Moon) will attain highest level of prosperity and happiness. Lord Shiva also attached special importance to Amavasya which falls on Mondays (Somvati Amavasya). Devotees should perform Pooja of Chandreshwar on Triodasi (two days before the Amavasya), observe fast on Chaturdasi (one day before Amavasya). Finally on Somvati Amavasya, the devotees should take bath in Chandra Koop, perform Shraaddh Karma for their forefathers. This will give them ultimate happiness and the blessings of their forefathers. If for some reason, the rituals for forefathers cannot be performed, devotee should at least touch the water of Chandra Koop. Again, if for some reason, the devotee is not able to touch the water of Chandra Koop, he should at least see it so as to get the benefits prescribed in the above paragraph. After performing the pooja etc. as mentioned above, devotees should perform Annadan (Offering of food) to Sanyasis (Saints) etc. On poornima days in the month of Chaitra (March – April), if the Star Chitra coincides, they should undertake the above poojas etc. of Chandreshwar. Even if a staunch devotee of Chandreshwar, dies in any place other than Kashi, he is certain to reach heaven. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 14). Worshipping Chandreshwar Ling gives mental peace and clarity in thoughts. Those who have afflictions in their horoscope on account of adverse planetary position of moon, perform special poojas at Chandreshwar temple for remedy. The temple is located at House No. Ck.7/124, Siddheshwari, Chowk Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place. Siddheshwari temple is an important landmark. Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Scindia Ghat and climb up the steps. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 73, Lord Shiva was describing importance and divine powers of various Shiv Lings. Inter alia, he narrated the Shiv Lings in sets of fourteen each. Among the second set of fourteen Lings, Chandeeshwar is the eleventh Ling. Lord Shiva has given the importance of worshipping these Lings in detail. A person who worships Chandeeshwar among the above fourteen Lings will not have rebirth. These Lings are invaluable treasures. Let alone worshipping, if a person with all divinity takes the names of these Lings including Chandeeshwar, he will be saved from all sorts of dangers and worries. Lord Shiva further stated that he will always be present in Chandeeshwar Ling and those who worship this deity will attain Mukti. A devotee who comes to Avimukta Kshetra (core area of Kashi) and worships Chandeeshwar will definitely attain Moksha and there is no doubt about it. Learned Pundits believe that if a lamp is lit in front of Chandeeshwar with all divinity, in rememberance of any departed soul, within 27 days of the death, the departed soul will get liberated (Moksha) and reach the abode of Lord. This lamp is called as Moksha Deepam or Mukti Deep Chandeeshwar is located at Sadar Bazar. In the Cantonment area, if a devotee proceeds to the road where various posh hotels are located, he will come across Radisson, Ideal Towers, Hotel Clarks etc. and JHV Mall. If he proceeds further on the road (known as Cariappa Marg), he will come across a turning to the right where there is an indicator reading “Bheeshma Chandi Devi temple”. The devotee should take a right turn and Chandeeshwar, a stand alone temple, is located opposite Chandi Devi temple. Official Address
Chakreshwar, Yantreshwar Temple, Varanasi According to Kashi Khand, devotees who bathe in Chakra Teerth and worship Chakreshwar will reach the abode of Lord Shiva after death. Chakreshwar, which is known by the name of Yantreshwar is located towards the right side immediately after entering Annapurna Temple. There are three approach lanes one via Dashashwamedh Road, 2nd via Bansphatak and third via Gyanvapi to reach Annapurna Temple. It is difficult to prescribe the convenient entry point because due to heavy police patrolling, entry points keep changing. During peak rush days like Mondays and other important festivals, the police may regulate the pilgrims through Gyanvapi and the exit point may be through Bansphatak etc. Since the temple is located in deep Gully, it is advisable to visit the temple alongwith a local person or Guide Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, once Chandra (Moon) got deeply infatuated with Tara, wife of Brihaspati. Despite warnings by Devas, Chandra forcibly took Tara with him. In spite of many requests and pleadings Chandra kept Tara with him for several days and refused to part with her.The matter was referred to Rudra Dev who attacked Chandra with a weapon called Pinak. Chandra also retaliated. However, at the end Tara was separated from Chandra and handed over to Brihaspati. Soon Brihaspati realised that Tara was pregnant. He asked her to get rid of that to-be born child from her womb. She did so in the garden, but by that time the child was fully developed. The moment the baby touched the ground, the entire assemblage of the Devas came to know about the birth of a child. All of them insisted on knowing from Tara as to who was the father of the child, but Tara kept silent. In the meantime, the newly born child who was very intelligent (with Buddhi) threatened that he would curse Tara unless she revealed the truth. Finally Tara revealed that Chandra was the father of the child. Considering the high level of intelligence of the child (Buddhi), he came to be called Budha. Budha sought permission from Chandra to go to Kashi and pray to Lord Shiva, to which Chandra agreed. Budha came to Kashi, installed a Ling and started worshipping Lord Shiva for several years. Finally Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him stating that the Ling installed by Budha be known as Budheshwar and those who worship this Ling will attain highest level of intelligence and such level of intelligence will always remain with the devotee despite his age. (Kashi Khand, Chapter fifteen). Budheshwar temple is located at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat in the premises of Atma Veereshwar temple. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Official Address
Brihaspateeshwar Temple, Varanasi On seeing Lord Shiva, Brihaspati became ecstatic and started singing praises of Lord Shiva whereupon the Lord granted that Brihaspati will be the Lord of all Devas. Since Brihaspati had sung prayers of Lord Shiva, the latter also granted that Brihaspati will be called Vachaspati (having excellence in speech). The Ling installed by Brihaspati will be called Brihaspateeshwar. Lord Shiva further stated, a devotee who performs pooja etc. of Brihaspateeshwar on a regular basis will get all his wishes fulfilled. Lord Shiva then summoned Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and other Devas. With all those celestials around, Lord Shiva ordained that Vachaspati (Brihaspati) will be the Guru (Teacher) of all Devas. Vachaspati will become the lord of all intelligent persons. A devotee who performs prayers at Brihaspateeshwar on Thursday when Pushyami Star conjoins, will be successful in all his endeavours. (Pushyami star is called Poosam in Tamil and Pooyam in Malayalam). A person who prays to Brihaspateeshwar for six consecutive months is cleansed of all his sins. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 17). The temple is located at House No. Ck.7/133, Scindia Ghat, Varanasi, opp. Atma Veereshwar temple. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Scindia Ghat and climb up the steps. Official Address
Brahmeshwar Temple, Varanasi Brahmeshwar Ling is located at D-33/66, 67, Khalispura (near Dasaswamedh). Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Bata shop by cycle rickshaw and walk on foot to this temple. This temple also house Brahmini Devi. There is another Brahmeshwar Ling inside Brahmacharini Temple near Panch Ganga Ghat which is also worshipped with great fervour. Official Address
On a request by Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated the various deities/ Shiv Lings/Teerths (Sacred Ponds) spread over the expanse of Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). Kashi Khand mentions one such powerful Shiv Ling known as Bhooteshwar in the vicinity of various other Shiv Lings. Devotees who worship Bhooteshwar will be blessed with all sorts of wealth and prosperity. Bhooteshwar is located at Bhooteshwar Gully, Dasaswamedh. This is a famous locality and people can travel upto Dasaswamedh Ghat Bata Shop area by rickshaw and enquire about Bhooteshwar Gully. The temple also houses one Shani Idol which is worshipped by devotees. Alternatively, devotees can take a boat ride upto Dasaswamedh Ghat by boat and climb the steps. Official Address
Bhoor Bhuva Suva Linga Temple, Varanasi Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. From Gandamadan Mountains one Shiv Ling has appeared by itself in Kashi, by name of Bhoor Bhuva Suva Ling. Devotees who worship this Ling will be extremely happy in various parts of heaven. Bhoor Bhuva Suva Ling is located at No. K.63/26, Bhoot Bhairav locality. (Reference : Book by Pt. Kedarnath Vyas). This is a huge Ling. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Kashi Devi temple/Bula Nala/Lohatia by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Jyeshta Gauri/Bhoot Bhairav. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places and installed in Kashi. From Sapt Godavari Teerth the Lord has appeared in Kashi by name of Bheemeshwar for bestowing happiness and granting Moksha to devotees. All those devotees who worship Bheemeshwar which is to the east of Nakuleshwar, will be freed from even the most heinous sins committed by them. On all India basis there are twelve Jyotirlings and there are twelve important Shiv Lings in Kashi which represent the aforesaid twelve Jyotirlings. The above deity is worshipped as Bheema Shankar(Nashik-Pune Road, Maharashtra). Bheemeshwar is located at Ck.31/12, Kashi Karvat temple. Devotees can proceed northwards from Visweshwar temple towards Saraswati Phatak and ask for Kashi Karvat temple, which is quite famous. Official Address
Bharabhooteshwar Temple, Varanasi Bharabhooteshwar is located at Ck.54/44, Raja Darwaja. If a devotee proceeds from Chowk to Neechibaug, immediately after Chowk Police Station there is a left turn which leads to Raja Darwaja. After walking for about 150 yards, there is a small right turning where this temple is situated. Devotees may ask for directions in the general locality. Devotees can reach Raja Darwaja by rickshaw. At times due to heavy rush, they may have to get down at Chowk – Neechibaug road and walk on foot to Raja Darwaja. Official Address
Bhagirateshwar Temple, Varanasi Lord Vishnu was recounting various religiously important places, teerths etc. to Sage Bindu (Kashi Khand, Chapter 61). Devotees should bathe in Bhagirath Teerth and perform rituals for their forefathers. The devotees should then worship Bhagiratheshwar nearby. By performing the above religious rites, the devotees will be cleansed of all their sins howsoever heinous they may be. Bhagirat Teerth is not in existence now. Bhagiratheshwar is located at Ck.11/11, near Brahmanal in the house of Devanand Chaturvedi. This place falls opposite to Vani Vittan Shishu Mandir. There is a stone slab on which the name of lane viz. Dewan Bal Mukund Lane is inscribed. The above house is located on a path perpendicular to the stone slab. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place through Brahmanal, which is a famous landmark. They can also travel by boat upto Manikarnika Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
The temple is located at House No. Ck.2/4, Patani Tola, Bhosala Ghat, Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Bhosala Ghat and climb up the steps. Official Address
In the vicinity of Trilochan is one big Shiv Ling is known as Balmikeshwar. Devotees who worship Balmikeshwar will be free from all worries and despair. Balmikeshwar is located in Trilochaneshwar Temple premises at A-2/80, Trilochan Ghat. The temple is approachable from Machhodari after crossing which devotees can travel upto Birla Hospital and take a right turn. Devotees can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Varanasi or Kashi is known as Avi Mukta Kshetra and a person who dies here attains Moksha and has no rebirth. There has been a lot of discussions and doubts raised in various places whether Avimukteshwar temple is the main temple or the Vishwanath Temple. In ancient texts and granths Avimukteshwar temple has been given importance. It is stated in ancient texts that a person having the darshan of Avimuktheshwar Ling is relieved of all his Paap Karmas of several generations and has no rebirth. It is also believed that Bhagvan Vishwanath performs pooja of Avimukteshwar every day. Avimuktheshwar ling finds mention in Ling Puran, Kashi Khand, as also in Brahma Vaivart Puran. According to historical evidences, there was a magnificent temple of Avimukteshwar Ling and in this premises Vishweshwar Ling was also present. Devotees had darshan of both lingas in the same premises. But there was a bout of destructions during Mughal period and the Avimukthshwar Ling may not be in the same place as envisaged in Kashi Khand. Presently Avimukteshwar Ling is situated in the same premises of Vishwanath Temple viz. Ck-35/19, Chowk, Varanasi. Regarding directions to reach this temple, devotees may kindly refer to Visweshwar temple. Official Address
Goddess Parvaty requested Lord Shiva to describe various Teerths (sacred ponds/lakes) and deities in Kashi. Lord Shiva told her that all Lings are bearing the divine powers of Teerths. The temple is located at Ck. 13/85, Opp. Pasupateshwar, Pasupateshwar Galli. The locality is named after the famous Pasupateshwar Ling. People can travel upto chowk area by rickshaw and walk on foot upto this temple. This temple is a famous landmark. Official Address
This ling is referred to as Aswaniyeshwar in Kashi Khand which mentions two Lings. According to Kashi Khand, Surya was born to Kashyap and Dakshayani. Surya married Sangya, who was very devoted to her husband, as is expected of dutiful wives. In due course, two sons and one daughter were born to them. The first one was a boy named Vaivasvathamanu, second again a boy named Yamraj and third was a girl named Yamuna. However, Sangya somehow felt that the heat emanating from Surya was increasingly becoming unbearable. Sangya created a clone of herself who was named Chhaya (shadow). She was an alter ego (splitting image) of Sangya. Under instructions from Sangya, Chhaya was to perform the role of Sangya, spend her life as wife of Surya, without disclosing the secret to any one. She was also expected to take good care of the above three children. After getting an assurance from Chhaya, Sangya went away to her father’s house. After some time, Chhaya gave birth to three children of which the second one was Shani. But once her own children were born she started showing lesser and lesser love to the children of Sangya. Surya came to know about this and got extremely angry whereupon, Chhaya divulged the secret. However, considering her innocence, Surya pardoned her. Surya went in search of Sangya who was undergoing severe and intense penance. Due to poor eating and fasting her body had assumed the shape of a mare and Surya disguised himself as a horse (Ashwa in Sanskrit). In this state, two children were born to them who were twins and came to be known as Aswani Kumars. They are also the divine physicians. Surya later pardoned Sangya also. (Kashi Khand Chapter 17). In due course, the Aswani Kumars installed two lings which are collectively known as Aswaniyeshwar (Aswani Kumareshwar) and a devotee who worships these Lings will receive all kinds of blessings. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). The temple is located at House No. Ck.2/26, Opp. Ganga Mahal, Bhosala Ghat, Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Bhosala Ghat and climb up the steps. Official Address
Lord Shiva described the power of Ashadeshwar Ling. A devotee worshipping this Ling is cleansed of all his sins. (Kashi Khand 97). Ashadeshwar temple is a stand alone temple and well maintained. A multitude of devotees visit this temple. While the ancient Ling (Kashi Khand) is available towards the back side of the temple, within the last century some noble person has installed a Ling within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Devotees worship both the Lings The temple is located at K.63/53, Kashipura. People can travel almost upto this place by rickshaw through a place called Lohatia. Another approach is through Jyestha Gauri where people can cross Bhoot Bhairav and take a left turn to reach this place. It is advisable to combine visit of this temple alongwith darshan of other deities in the vicinity. Official Address
Angeerayeshwar is located at D-35/77, Jangambari Mutt, Jangambari, Varanasi. This is a famous place and can be reached by rickshaw. The Shiv Ling is located on the right side when a devotee enters the main gate. Official Address
Once there was a Grihastha Rishi (one who leads a normal family life) named Shanaru in Kashi. He used to observe all the prayer codes as laid down in Sanathana Dharma. He performed Brahma Yagnam, Linga Pooja and all the related rituals daily.One day his son, Upajangini was playing in the nearby forest where he was bitten by a snake and the boy’s body went inert. Totally crestfallen at his son’s death, the Sage brought the body to a place near Swarg Dwar in Kashi which was near Mahasmashan (cremation ground). He placed the boy in a mound of mud and started pondering on the next course of action regarding the cremation. Unknown to him, under the ground, there was a small Ling of the shape and size of a goose berry (amla). The Shiv Ling was so powerful that by its radiation, the boy Upajangini who was declared dead, got up as if from deep slumber. The sage was utterly surprised as to what had happened. Precisely at that time, one snake passed through the muddy area with a dead worm in its mouth. The moment the dead worm came into contact with the muddy area, it revived. The sage wondered there must be something in that muddy area which he thought must contain Amrita Sanjivini (elixir capable of overcoming death). He started digging the mud and found one small Ling of the shape and size of a goose berry. The sage immediately took the Shiv Ling out of the mud, and after observing all the rituals, installed the Shiv Ling ceremonially. He then started worshipping the Shiv Ling which was named by him as Amriteshwar. According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 94, devotees who touch Amriteshwar Ling will attain Amritatva (victory over death). The Shiv Ling has been described to be so powerful as to make the dead people alive. It is also said that those who pray to Amriteshwar will have no fear of rebirth. Further, in Kashi Khand, Chapter 73, Lord Shiva tells Goddess Parvaty about fourteen powerful Shiv Lings in Kashi which are capable of giving mukti to devotees. Amriteshwar is first among the fourteen mentioned by Lord Shiva. Amriteshwar is located at Ck.33/28, Neel Kant, Baccha Maharaj Ganga Putra House. From Neelkanteshwar devotees will take a left turn (towards the eastern side) and after walking a few yards, they will come across a Kali Temple. Amriteshwar is just opposite the Kali temple. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and walk upto this place. The temple is located close to Adi Chunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Shakha Mutt of Karnataka. The place of worship also houses Amriteshwari Devi who finds mention in Kashi Khand, Chapter 70. Official Address
Amareshwar Temple, Varanasi According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 69, the place where Lord Shiva wore the skin of Gajasur after slaying the latter, was called Rudra Vasam. (Kindly refer to Krithi Vaseshwar). Once the Lord, in his form as Krithi Vaseshwar, was sitting alongwith Goddess Uma Devi when Nandi offered his prayers and stated that there are 68 places of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in this holy place. Various idols/Shiv Lings have been brought from several other places by Nandi and installed in Kashi. From Ganga Sagar Teerth, one Ling by name of Amareshwar has appeared in the Holy city of Kashi. Devotees who worship this ling will lead a long and happy life, without any fear of untimely death. This Ling is symbolic of Amarnath Shiv Ling and devotees who cannot travel to Amarnath will derive the same benefits if they pray to this Lord. Amareshwar is located at B-2/20, behind Lolark Kund, Bhadaini. People can travel almost upto Lolark (famous landmark) near Assi and behind Lolark is a building bearing the above number and this Ling is situated in the eastern side of the building below the ground level. Official Address
Agni Dhruveshwar Temple, Varanasi Kashi Khand, Chapter 100 states that devotees should undertake religious tour (Yatra) of eleven Shiv Lings. This Yatra is known as Ekadasha Maha Rudra Yatra. (Ekadasha means eleven). Agni Dhruveshwar Ling is the first Ling in the above Yatra. This Yatra should be undertaken as often as possible. Devotees who worship Agni Dhruveshwar will attain Rudra Padavi (equivalent to Lord Rudra – Lord Shiva). Agni Dhruveshwar is also known as Jageshwar Mahadev and is located at J.66/4, Ishwar Gangi. (Reference: Book by Pt. Kedarnath Vyas). People can reach this place by rickshaw or auto as Ishwar Gangi/Jageshwar temple is quite famous. Another landmark is Adarsh School. Agni Dhruveshwar (Jageshwar) Ling is a very huge Ling and probably the biggest Ling ever seen. This can be judged by the height of the man standing near the Ling. Official Address
Agneeshwar Temple, Varanasi Once there lived a pious Brahmin called Vishwanar alongwith his wife Suchishmati. After due prayers, they were blessed with a male child. The child was named Grahapati by all elders and eminent personalities. Vishwanar performed all the sanskars (rituals) connected with child birth and upbringing of a child. Upanayan Sanskar of Grahapati was performed at the age of five and he was given Brahmopadesh. The boy learnt all the vidyas from his Guru/father. One day Sage Narad visited their house and was overwhelmed by the hospitality extended by Vishwanar and his family. Sage Narad made Grahapati sit on his lap and examined him in detail. Afterwards, Narad told the parents that the child had all the indications of a Raja Yog and all parts of his body, his mannerisms etc. pointed out to that. But at the age of twelve, he will have to face a very serious threat to his life by Lightning (Agni). After saying this, Sage Narad left their place. On hearing this, both the parents were taken aback. Vishwanar fainted and his wife started weeping bitterly. On seeing their parents’ plight, Grahapati told them that he will go to Kashi and start worshipping Lord Shiva in his form of Mrityunjay. He came to Kashi, took bath in Manikarnika Teerth and worshipped Lord Vishweshwar. Soon Grahapati installed a Shiv Ling and started performing intensive Tapas to please Lord Shiva. He performed abhishek with 108 pots of Ganges water on this ling and performed various poojas and archana with flowers and other ingredients. He was on fast for several months at a stretch and this went on for two consecutive years till he attained the age of 12. The danger time, prescribed by Sage Narada had approached. Lord Indra appeared before Grahapati and offered him a divine wish. Grahapati respectfully stated that he was worshipping Lord Shiva and the latter can only grant him any wish or blessing and none else. Lord Indra claimed that he was the only God who could bless him. Grahapati again politely repeated his words, which infuriated Lord Indra to such an extent that he attacked Grahapati with Vajraayud (thunderbolt). Grahapati on account of the above attack, fell down unconscious. Then Lord Shiva appeared before him and woke him up. Grahapati woke up as if he was awakened from a deep sleep and saw Lord Shiva in person standing before him. Lord Shiva told Grahapati that the latter was put to test. None of the devotees of Lord Shiva need to fear from any one as they are under the protection of the Almighty. He told Grahapati that the latter would have the status of Deva. The Ling installed by Grahapati will henceforth be known by the name of Agneeshwar Ling. A devotee who worships Agneeshwar Ling will not have any fear from lightning or fire. He will not be faced with Akal Mrityu (untimely death). If a person performs pooja etc. of Agneeshwar in Kashi, he will reach Agni Lok even if he dies elsewhere. After saying all this, Vishweshar disappeared into the Agneeshwar Ling. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 11). The temple is located at House No. Ck.2/1, Patani Tola, Bhosala Ghat, Varanasi. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Bhosale Ghat/Ganesh Ghat near Mehta Hospital and climb up the steps Official Address
Agasthyeshwar Temple, Varanasi Sage Narad came across Vindhya mountains and told the latter that Sumeru Mountain was growing in height and Vindhya mountain would soon be surpassed. Irked by this, Vindhya mountain started growing higher and higher. In the process, he blocked the sunlight to major part of the world. This created chaos. Many of the living beings, plants etc. started to die. Devas and other learned men ran to Lord Brahma and pleaded with him to intervene. Lord Brahma advised them to go to Kashi and take up the matter with Sage Agasthya. Devas alongwith Brihaspati came to Kashi and straight away went to Sage Agasthya’s Ashram. They saw a serene atmosphere where the Sage was praying to Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiv Ling installed by the former. The Shiv Ling was known as Agasthyeshwar. Sage Agasthya had dug a kund which was later called Agasthya Kund where he used to take bath daily and perform all the pooja and rituals in worship of Lord Shiva. Kashi Khand, Chapter 3 has described in detail the tranquil and divine ambience of the Ashram. Those devotees who take bath in Agasthya kund and perform the rituals for their forefathers, will derive full benefits of staying in Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 26). Devotees should take bath in Agasthya Kund and perform the rituals for their forefathers. They should worship Agasthyeshwar. Such devotees will be absolved of all their sins. All their sufferings will vanish and they will reach heaven after their death. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 61). Agasthyeshwar Ling is located at D.36/11, August Kund Mohalla. This will come somewhere in the vicinity of Nattu Kottai Chatram. Devotees who approach from Godowlia will come across Susheel Cinema. Immediately after the cinema, they should take a left turn and at the end of the lane they should take another left turn and climb the huge steps on the right. The temple also houses a Shirdi Sai Baba idol which is widely worshipped by local devotees. Agasthya Kund is almost fully dried up but the entire locality is known by the name of August Kunda in reverence to Sage Agasthya and Agasthyeshwar Ling. Official Address
Aapa Stambeshwar is located at K-53/66, Dara Nagar. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO and walk through the locality of Madhyameshwar temple. The landmark for this temple is a well and Boodhwa Baba temple (Hanuman). Official Address
Aadi Varaheshwar Temple, Varanasi Among the deities to be worshipped one is Aadi Varaheshwar Shiv Ling. People who worship this deity will not have any fear or worry in their minds. Aadi Varaheshwar is located at D.17/111, inside Ram Mandir, Dasaswamedh Ghat. The Aadi Varaheshwar Shiv Ling is located behind the Ram Lakshman idols. Devotees can reach this place by travelling upto Dasaswamedh Ghat by rickshaw and walking down the steps. Alternatively they can take a boat ride upto Dasaswamedh Ghat and climb the steps Official Address
In Satya Yug, in response to devout prayers by Devas and Rishis, one Ling emerged from the Bhoomi and manifested itself. This came to be called Mahadev Ling. This Ling gets the credit of making Kashi a Mukti Kshetra (region free from bondage). A person who peforms pooja and archana with sincere devotion at this temple will reach Shiva’s abode after death, even if he happens to die in any place other than Kashi. A devotee who sincerely prays to Lord Mahadev in Kashi, gets the punya equivalent to praying all Lings available in the entire world. A person who performs pooja at least once at Mahadev temple, will find a place in Lord Shiva’s abode after death (Kashi Khand, ibid). Special importance is attached to the offering of Yagyopaveeth (Sacred Thread) at Mahadev temple on Chaturdasi Day after Amavasya during Shravan Month (July-August) (Kashi Khand, ibid). The temple is located at No. A-3/92, behind Trilochan Temple. The temple is approachable from Birla hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapater 82, Lord Shiva described the power of Veereshwar Ling as under : Once a kingdom was ruled by a very religious minded ruler named Amitrajit. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and he made it a rule that all the citizens of his kingdom also became devotees of Lord Vishnu. One day Narad Rishi visited his palace and was welcomed with due respect by the King. As per the direction of Narad Rishi, King Amitrajit saved one beautiful girl called Malayagandini from the clutches of one evil person. The King subsequently married her and they came to Kashi and were immediately happy with the beautiful surroundings. In due course, Malayagandini was blessed with a handsome male child, who was destined to become 16 years old, immediately after birth. However, since he was born in an inauspicious planetary combination, the Ministers of the King told the Queen that she would have to sacrifice the child, otherwise the King would die. In order to save the King, she sent the child to Vikata Devi. But no one was inclined to slay the handsome boy who had been 16 years of age by then. The boy undertook severe penance of Lord Shiva, whereupon Lord Shiva appeared before him in form of a Ling. This Ling was named by Lord Shiva as Veereshwar Ling. According to Lord Shiva, a person who performs Pooja, Abhishek and archana of Veereshwar Ling attains all sort of happiness, prosperity and success. Kashi Khand, Chapter 83, states that a person who performs pooja of Veereshwar gets the benefit of doing pooja of three crore Lingas. It is considered auspicious to worship this Ling during Chaturdasi nights without going to sleep or bed. It is also considered auspicious to perform abhishek of this Ling with Panch Amritam (five ingredients namely milk, curd, honey, sugar and clarified butter) (Kashi Khand ibid). Kashi Khand, Chapter 11, mentions the importance of pooja/archana of Atma Veereshwar for being blessed with a child. One Sage Vishwanar and his pious wife prayed at various places in Kashi and finally arrived at the Siddha Peeth of Atma Veereshwar. He performed all rituals and rites at this temple for many months, reciting a prayer called Abhilasha Ashtakam and one day he saw a boy aged eight years standing near the Ling. The sage started worshipping the boy with the same fervour as one would worship Lord Shiva with. The boy was none other than Lord Shiva himself who directed his devotees to recite Abhilasha Ashtakam for one year, as was done by Sage Vishwanar, which will certainly result in progeny for childless couples. Subsequently, the boy disappeared into the Atma Veereshwar Ling. Though this Ling is mentioned as Veereshwar in Kashi Khand, presently, this ling is called as Atma Veereshwar or the soul of Veereshwar. Atma Veereshwar temple is located at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat which is a famous locality in Varanasi. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Reciting Rudra Japa at Atma Veereshwar temple is very fruitful. Official Address
Those persons who take bath in Dharma Koop and perform pooja of Dharmeshwar are cleansed of all sins. Yam Raj agreed to do as he was directed by Lord Shiva. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 78). Dharmeshwar Temple is located at D-2/21, Mir Ghat. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Dashashwamedh. People can travel upto Dashashwamedh Vishwanath Gulli by Rickshaw and then to the temple via famous Vishalakshi Gauri temple by foot. A devotee who has finished darshan of Visweshwar Temple, can proceed towards the Saraswati Phatak gate and walk towards Vishalakshi Gauri temple, to reach Dharmeshwar. Alternatively, they can travel to Mirghat by boat and climb the steps. The entire area covering Dharmeshwar, Dharma Koop, Vishalakshi Devi etc. is a powerful Shakti Peeth (seat of vital energy) and any prayer offered at this place begets maximum benefits to the devotees. Official Address
Once Lord Surya installed a Shiv Ling and a devi idol at Panchanada Teerth (Panchganga Ghat) and started immensely propitiating Lord Shiva. (Importance of Panchganga Ghat is described elsewhere). The intensity of Lord Surya’s prayers started reflecting in the extreme heat generated thereby. Sunrays started getting warmer and warmer. Finally it became extremely unbearable for all living beings and all physical activities practically came to a standstill. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty came to know about this and they appeared in person in front of Lord Surya. Lord Surya opened his eyes and started singing praises of Goddess Parvaty and Lord Shiva whereupon both of them became extremely happy. They granted several divine wishes to Lord Surya. Lord Shiva told Lord Surya that the Shiv Ling installed by Lord Surya will be known as Gabhasteeshwar. A person who takes bath at Pancha Nada Teerth (Panchganga) and worships Gabhastheeswar will be free from all sins and will certainly attain Moksha. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 49) Gabhastheeshwar is located at K-24/34, Mangala Gauri Temple. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by auto or cycle rickshaw and walk upto this place. Mangala Gauri temple is a famous landmark. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Panchganga Ghat and reach this temple through Ghats. Official Address
Kedareshwar is a Shiva temple in Himalayas which is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. According to Kashi Khand, one gentleman performed the upnayanam ceremony of his son named Vashisht at Ujjain. The boy, Vashisht, was very religious and performed all poojas including Linga pooja etc. He used to visit Kedareshwar Temple in Himalayas alongwith his Guru regularly and perform pooja of Lord Kedareshwar. Once, on the way to Kedareshwar, the Guru died unfortunately and since he had all along done only good deeds, he found a place for himself at Mount Kailas. Vashisht who was 12 at that time, got an enlightenment that those who go for having darshan of Kedareshwar are blessed with all punyas. He then went and settled down at Kashi. But on all Chaitra Month Poornima days (March 20-April 21), Vashisht (who remained a Brahmachari) used to visit Kedareshwar Ling at Himalayas and this went on for 61 years. But due to old age, he could not move out and he started praying to Lord Shiva at Kashi. Lord Shiva blessed him with a wish and Vashisht requested that Lord Shiva should kindly appear at Kashi itself as Kedareshwar. Lord Shiva was overwhelmed with the sincerity and devotion of Vashisht and granted accordingly. He appeared as Kedareshwar at Kashi and told Vashisht that performing pooja at Kedareshwar at Kashi will yield seven times greater punya as compared to performing pooja at Kedareshwar at Himalayas (Kashi Khand, Chapter 77). Gauri Kund, Hans teerth and Manasarovar teerth find mention in Kashi Khand in reference to Kedareshwar but now only Gauri Kund remains. Manasarovar and Hans Teerth have dried up. People observe vrath (fast) on Chaitra Month (March 20-April 20) Shukla Paksha Chaturdasi and break their fast on Poornima day, the next day, after performing pooja of Kedareshwar. This is as stated in Kashi Khand where Vashisht used to pray Lord Kedareshwar on Chaitra Poornima days (as mentioned in para above). Kashi is divided into three Khands, Omkar Khand, Vishweshwar Khand and Kedar Khand. It is believed that a person who dies in Kashi attains Mukti. Going a step further, if the person dies in the area governed by Kedar Khand, he obtains immediate mukti while in other two Khands, there are some sort of hardships to be faced. On all India basis there are twelve Jyotirlings and there are twelve important Shiv Lings in Kashi which represent the aforesaid twelve Jyotirlings. Kedareshwar (Varanasi) is worshipped as Kedareshwar Jyotirling (Uttarakhand). The temple is open for worship 03.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. Mangala Aarti is performed at 03.15 a.m., 2nd Aarti at 10.00 a.m., 3rd Aarti at 05.30 p.m. and Shayan Aarti at 10.30 p.m. Timings may change depending upon the season. Important days are Ekadasi, Pradosham and Poornima days. Anna Abhishek is performed once in a year. In this ritual, the Shiv Ling is covered with cooked rice. Taking bath in Ganges on every Monday and performing pooja/abhishek of Lord Kedareshwar is very auspicious. Much importance to attached to poojas on Mondays during Shravan month (July 23 to August 20) and most importantly on last Monday of that month. It is believed that performing Shraaddh ceremony on Amavasya which falls on Tuesday at Kedar Ghat is very auspicious. The poojas at the temple are performed by Kumaraswamy Mutt of Tamil Nadu. For doing special pooja etc., it is advisable to consult the Poojari before hand. Kedareshwar temple is located at B-6/102, Kedar Ghat which is a famous locality. It is approachable by cycle rickshaw. Alternatively, people can travel upto a locality called Sonarpura by Car or Auto rickshaw and travel on foot. People may also travel by boat to Kedar Ghat and walk up the steps directly into the temple. Official Address
Please put on the speaker attached to your System and click on the mp3 file above)Lord Shiva was describing the fame of Ratneshwar to Goddess Parvaty and precisely at that time Mahishasur’s son Gajasur was aggressively beating up and killing various Shiv Gans (attendants / servitors). Wherever his steps touched the ground there were earthquake like tremors. His gigantic hands uprooted all the trees and his forceful exhalation of breath caused huge tidal waves in the ocean. Left alone, Gajasur would have created havoc in the world and Lord Shiva did not want any sort of disturbance in the Punya Kshetra : Kashi. When Gajasur approached him in a speed, Lord Shiva pierced him with his Trishul and lifted him high in the sky. Before dying Gajasur told Lord Shiva that he was extremely happy that he faced death at the hands of Lord Shiva and this was indeed a bliss in disguise for him. All living beings have to die one day or the other and he prayed that such kind of death should be a boon to all. He also wished that, after his death, his skin should adorn Lord Shiva for ever and he (Gajasur) would have the satisfaction of being in constant touch of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva agreed accordingly. He further stated that Gajasur had attained his death in the Avimukta Kshetra called Kashi and his body will attain the form of a huge Shiv Ling precisely at that place. This Ling will be called Kriti Vaseshwar. Krithi Vaseshwar will be a huge/enormous ling, much bigger than any of the Shiv Lings in Kashi. For the benefit of mankind, Lord Shiva stated that he and his family will always remain in Krithi Vaseshwar Ling. All sins committed in previous births and present births are washed away by performing various poojas and good/righteous actions. But a mere darshan of Krithi Vaseshwar would cleanse the devotee of all his sins. Whatever benefit is derived by reciting seven crore Rudra Jap, will be attained simply by one Rudra Jap (japam) in front of Krithi Vaseshwar. (Kashi Khand, Chapter sixty eight). Jap or Japam is repeated recitation of a mantra or shloka. According to Brahma Vaivart Puran, Krithi Vaseshwar makes the life of Kashi Vasis (residents of Kashi who have adopted divine life) fruitful and gives Moksha to devotees who pray at this temple. According to Koormapuran, whether a devotee attains Moksha even after thousand births or not, with blessings of Krithi Vaseshwar, the devotee certainly attains moksha and is liberated. Elsewhere in Kashi Khand, Goddess Parvaty desired to know about the Lingas which are worshipped in Kashi and which are capable of giving mukti. Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvaty that there are crores of Lingas in Kashi (Kashi Khand, Chapter 73) of which many are Swayambhu Lingas and many have been established by devotees after observing vedic rituals. Of the above Lings, there are fourteen prominent Lingas and by merely uttering the names of such Lings, the devotee is absolved of all his sins. Fourth among such Lings is Krithi Vaseshwar Ling. During medieval times, many Mughal rulers destroyed various temples. Of the important temples of Kashi which were destroyed three were prominent, i.e. Vishweshwar Temple, Krithi Vaseshwar Temple and Bindu Madhav Temple (Vishnu). Krithi Vaseshwar temple was situated to the north of Kal Bhairav temple and was destroyed by Aurangzeb. Near the temple was Hans Teerth. People were known to take bath in Hans (Swan) Teerth and pray at Krithi Vaseshwar temple. After destruction of the temple, the reconstruction was undertaken by Raja Patnimal after a long gap and the present temple was constructed at a place to the South of the ancient temple and worship is being done at this newly constructed temple now. One important point needs to be mentioned here. Original Krithi Vaseshwar was in a huge temple premises. As mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs, a mosque was constructed after destruction of the temple and there was a fountain, precisely at the place where Krithi Vaseshwar Ling existed once. Till about 3 years back, devotees used to pray at the fountain on Shiv Ratri days, at the spot where the Ling stood once. A few years back, one huge Ling had been installed again on that spot. It is learnt that the devotees are offering simple prayers at the above spot also. Special importance is on all Chaturdasi days after Poornima (one day before Amavasya). A person undergoing Vratham on the above day and doing pooja at Krithi Vaseshwar temple attains highest level of happiness. Kashi Khand lays special importance for pooja/archana during Magha month (Jan. 21 – Feb. 20), Chaturdasi day after Amavasya (fourteenth day) and Chaitra month (March – April) Poornima days. Performing pooja on such days will be highly beneficial for the devotees. Krithi Vaseshwar temple is located at K-46/23, West of Har Tirath Pond, in Mrityunay Mahadev Road. Hans Teerth as mentioned in ancient texts is now known as Har Tirath and many buildings have now come up where once the pond existed. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Bishweshwarganj, which is a great mandi (market place) and travelling to the temple in cycle rickshaw is convenient. Official Address
Lord Shiva was describing the various sacred Teerths (Ponds), Koops (Wells) and places of worship in Kashi. Lord Shiva described such places with pleasure (Kashi Khand, Chapter 97). In the vicinity of Kaleshwar is the Mrityunjayeshwar. This Ling is capable of keeping untimely death away from devotees. In the vicinity of the Ling is Kalodak Koop (Well). The water from the well is capable of curing all diseases. Mrityunjayeshwar is also referred to as Apa Mrityu Hareshwar in Kashi Khand (the Lord who wards off untimely death). Mrityunjayeshwar is located at K-52/39, Vriddha Kal. People can approach this temple by rickshaw through Bisheshwarganj/GPO. Local devotees call this temple as Mrityunjay Mahadev and the deity is quite famous by that name. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 73, Goddess Parvati wanted to know about Omkareshwar Ling and Lord Shiva narrated as under : Once Lord Brahma underwent severe penance for several long years and a mighty or very strong force erupted from beneath, piercing the ground, radiating divine light all over. This assumed the form of a divine Ling and Lord Brahma beheld a divine energy which was representative of all the Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sam Veda), the energy which represented Akaar, Ukaar and Makaar. Lord Brahma saw in that divine light, the energy of OM which governs the entire universe. Lord Brahma visualized a creature with four horns, seven hands, two heads. The Lord also saw a divine energy encompassing all the Vedas, Puranas, five Brahms (Akaar, Ukaar, Makaar, Naad and Bindu). Lord Brahma was so enchanted with the Panchakshara Ling (Panch+Akshar means five letters mentioned within the coasts above) that he started singing praises of Lord Shiva whom he could visualize in person, standing in front. Kashi Khand has described in detail the praises and eulogy which were expressed by Lord Brahma in veneration of Lord Shiva. Very pleased with the prayers of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva granted a divine boon to the former. Lord Brahma desired that Lord Shiva should always be present in the Shiv Ling which had appeared as a Divine energy and the name of the Ling should be Omkareshwar. Lord Shiva granted accordingly and stated that the Shiv Ling was to be called Shiva Panchayatan, symbolic of Akaar, Ukaar, Makaar, Naad and Bindu. A devotee who takes a holy dip in Matsyodari Teerth and worships Omkareshwar will not have the fear of rebirth. A person who worships Omkareshwar will derive the benefits accruing out of performing Ashwa Medha Yagna. Worshipping Omkareshwar is equivalent to reciting one lakh Rudra Japam and is also equivalent to worshipping all the Shiv Lings in the world. A person who is a devotee of Omkareshwar will attain Mukti even if he dies at any place other than Kashi. Lord Shiva told Lord Brahma that with the radiating energy of Omkareshwar, Lord Brahma will be successful in his job of creating human beings. After granting all the boons to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva disappeared inside the Ling. Earlier there were five Shiv Lings representing Shiva Panchayatan viz. Akaareshwar, Omkareshwar, Makaareshwar, Naadeshwar and Bindu Ling. Now there are only three Lings, Akaareshwar, Omkareshwar and Makaareshwar. Omkareshwar Ling is also known as Kapileshwar and Nadeshwar. Omkareshwar ling was stated to be on the banks of Matsyodari Teerth where, during rainy season, the rising river Ganges also used to join. According to Kashi Khand (Chapter 73), on Ashtami and Chaturdasi days, having a bath in Matsyodari Teerth and praying to Lord Omkareshwar, will cleanse the devotee of all sins. A person praying at Lord Omkareshwar temple is really lucky and will find place in heaven. His ancestors plunge into ecstasy on seeing their descendent praying at the above temple. Omkareshwar temple is located at A-33/23, Pathani Tola, North of Machhodari. Matsyodari Teerth as mentioned in Kashi Khand has dried up now and the locality is known as Macchodari. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Machhodari and if a devotee travels through the left of Machhodari, he will come across Trilochan Police Chowki after which he will take a left turn to reach Omkareshwar. Official Address
Vishweshwar Temple also known as Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This temple finds mention in various religious texts like Kashi Khand, Shiv Puran etc. According to Kashi Khand, the name of this temple was Moksh Lakshmi Vilas temple which contained five mandaps of which the main mandap was Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) where the Vishweshwar Ling was worshipped. Vishweshwar Ling is Swayambhu Ling. In the South, there was Mukti Mandap, in the West Shringar Mandap, in the North Aishwarya Mandap and in the East Gyan Mandap. According to Kashi Khand (Chapter 99) Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty visited the Mukti Mandap alongwith Devas wherefrom they went and sat in Shringar Mandap, facing east. Here, Lord Shiva described the greatness of Vishweshwar Ling as under :- “By touching the Vishweshwar Ling and praying, the devotee is free from all sins accumulated over past two generations.” In many temples all over India, devotees are not allowed to enter Sanctum Sanctorum. However, they are allowed at Vishwanath Temple in Kashi. “A devotee who, with pure devotion, pours holy water on the Linga and offers just one flower to Lord Vishweshwar, gets the blessings equivalent to performing a pooja with hundreds of Golden Flowers.” When Lord Shiva was narrating the greatness, he was accompanied by Lord Indra on one side and seven great rishis were surrounding him. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 99, para 5).” Even today, seven poojaries (believed to be the descendents of the great seven rishis) perform a daily pooja at Vishwanatha Temple at around 7-7.30 p.m., known as Sapta Rishi Pooja/Aarti. As on date devotees can see video clippings of this Aarti at www.shrikashivishwanath.org. However, devotees who visit Kashi must make it a point to participate in this Holy ritual and it is certain that they will like the Aarti to their utmost satisfaction. There are various types of Poojas and rituals prescribed in ancient texts like Kashi Khand, Padma Puran, Linga Puran etc. but considering the present environs it may not be possible for any person to follow the steps mentioned in the above texts. It is believed that taking a dip in the Holy Ganges at Manikarnika Ghat and having darshan at Vishwanath Temple will cleanse all sins of a person. The greatness of Visweshwar (Vishwanath) has been described amply in Kashi Khand in several places in several chapters and if an attempt is made to reproduce the same here, it may consume much space. However, it is sufficient to say that Vishwanath temple is highly revered and worshipped by several devotees not only from all over India but all over the world. Every year on the day after Deepavali Amavasya, 56 Bhog Annakoot Shringar is done at Vishwanath Temple and this attracts devotees from all over the world. It is believed that having darshan of this beholding sight will prevent shortage of food at our house. Statue of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. Oldest Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built in 100 BCE by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar which was destroyed by Muslim rulers in 1193 first time. And Last time by Aurngazeb in 1669. The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar. The main temple is quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi also spelled as Gyaan vapi (the wisdom well). The Jnana Vapi well sites to the north of the main temple and it is believed that the Jyotirlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders. According to the structure of the temple, there is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall leading to the inner Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum. The venerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown colored stone which is enshrined in the Sanctum, placed on a silver platform. Structure of the Mandir is composed of three parts. The first compromises a spire on the Mandir of Lord Vishwanath or Mahadeva. The second is gold dome and the third is the gold spire atop Lord Vishwanath carrying a flag and a trident. The Kashi Vishwanath temple receives around 3,000 visitors every day. On certain occasions the numbers reach 1,000,000 and more. Noteworthy about the temple is 15.5 metre high gold spire and gold dome. There are three domes each made up of pure gold. As per Shiva Purana, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of Harmony) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshiped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. There are 64 forms of Shiva, not to be confused with Jyotirlingas. Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity – each considered different manifestation of Shiva.At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, Deogarh in Deoghar, Jharkhand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of Ganges near to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha, a revered place of worship for the Shaktism sect. The Daksha Yaga, a Shaivite literature is considered as an important literature which is the story about the origin of Shakti Peethas The temple is located at Ck-35/19, Chowk, Varanasi. The narrow lane or Gully approaching the temple is known as Vishwanath Gully. There are three approach lanes one via Dashashwamedh Road, 2nd via Bansphatak and third via Gyanvapi. It is difficult to prescribe the convenient entry point because due to heavy police patrolling, entry points keep changing. During peak rush days like Mondays and other important festivals, the police may regulate the pilgrims through Gyanvapi and the exit point may be through Bansphatak etc. Since the temple is located in deep Gully, it is advisable to visit the temple alongwith a local person or Guide. The temple is open almost 24 hours with slight gap of about 1-2 hours. The day begins with Mangla Arti at around 2.30 a.m. to 4.00 A.M. Bhog is at 11.30 to 12.30 noon. Sapta Rishi Pooja is carried out at around 7 to 7.30 p.m. daily followed by Shringar at 9.00 p.m. and Shayan pooja at 11.00 p.m. The timings may vary slightly depending on the seasons (summer/winter). Special poojas are performed daily at various timings by Nattu Kottai Nagaratthar Chatram (of Tamil Nadu) based in Varanasi. For South Indians visiting Kashi, it is advisable to stay for at least two days in Nattu Kottai Chattram and participate in the poojas undertaken by them. There are 5 aartis of Shree Kashi Vishwanath: Official Address
There was an original temple in a locality called Daranagar which became extinct and another temple was built in a different locality and was named Kaleshwar. Subsequently, a temple was re-built at the original spot (Daranagar) and to distinguish between the two, the temple in original place is called Vridha Kaleshwar. According to Kashi Khand, a person performing pooja and archana at Vridha Kaleshwar is granted all his wishes, he remains absolutely happy and is free from all sorts of diseases and poverty. Nearby is Kalodak Well, the water from which, will be a cure for all diseases. Vridha Kaleshwar also finds mention in Brahma Vaivart Puran and Ling Puran. Vridha Kaleshwar temple is located at K-52/39, Vridha Kal area, in the premises of Mrityunjeshwar. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Bishweshwarganj, which is a great mandi (market place) and travelling to the temple in cycle rickshaw or auto-rickshaw is convenient Official Address
Sahasraksheshwar is located at A-40/11, Marhia Ghat, Shailputri. If one travels from Varanasi Railway station through G.T. Road, just before Varanasi City Station, a small road takes a left turn where he will encounter a level crossing. After crossing the road, he will have to travel for about 2 Kms. to reach this place. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw/auto rickshaw and most of the drivers know the place where Shailputri temple is located. Official Address
Trilochan Ling finds mention in Kashi Khand as Trivishtabh Ling. In the south of Trilochan, three holy rivers Yamuna, Saraswati and Narmada joined together once. It is believed that these three rivers themselves performed abhishek of Trilochan Ling (Kashi Khand, Chapter 75). While Omkareshwar Ling attained prime importance among all Lings in Kashi, the importance of darshan of Trilochan Ling is given more prominence. Trilochan is a Swayambhu Ling and it is stated in Kashi Khand that the Ling came to the earth from seven Patal Lokas, piercing each and every layer. Let alone having darshan, even uttering the word of Trilochan by mouth will cleanse the devotee of his sins. A person knowingly or unknowingly committing sins in any place, finds mukti in Kashi and a person committing a similar sin in Kashi finds mukti by eulogizing (praising) Trilochan Ling. (Kashi Khand, ibid). The three rivers mentioned above join together in a Teerth called Pilpila Teerth. It is believed that taking a bath in Pilpila Teerth and having darshan of Trilochan is considered very auspicious. Performing pooja/archana of Trilochan on all Ashtami and Chaturdashi days are auspicious. In Vaishaka Month (April 20-May 20) Shukla Paksha Tritheeya (third day after Amavasya), also known as Akshay Tritheeya is a very very auspicious day and people who observe vrath (fast) on that day and perform Shraadh Karma (rituals towards their forefathers) attain high level of enlightenment and obtain blessings of their ancestors and Gods. If all the Shiv Lings in the world are visualised as a human being (personified), Trilochan Ling is the Eye of the Personified structure. Local pundits believe that Trilochan Ling is the third eye of Vishweshwar Ling. In Kashi Khand, besides Pilpila Teerth, there is mention of Padodak Koop (well). This Koop is still existing in the temple premises. Pilpila Teerth is existing in the form of Pilpila Koop very near to Trilochan temple. While the Padodak well has been kept covered, there is a pump attached to the well, with the help of which water is drawn Trilochaneshwar Temple is located at A-2/80, Trilochan Ghat. The temple is approachable from Birla Hospital after Machhodari upto which place, devotees can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the steps. This temple also houses Varanasi Devi which finds mention in Kashi Khand, Chapter 33. Official Address
Devotees have been advised to worship Annapurna Devi and they would get the benefit of worshipping all Devis in the world. Devotees should worship this deity with the offerings of clothes, precious stones, flowers, incense sticks, deep (lamp). Kashi Khand states that devotees should circumambulate Bhavani (Annapurna) 108 times in Chaitra Month, Shukla Paksha Ashtami. By doing this the devotees would derive the benefit of circumabulating all the mountains, seas, divine ashrams, all islands and the entire world. Devotees should circumambulate this deity eight times daily and worship Annapurna. With the blessings of Annapurna all residents of Kashi will always remain happy. If devotees face any sort of hardship in Kashi, they should sincerely worship Maa Annapurna and they will be blessed with all prosperity and their obstacles will be removed. Kashi Khand has described the greatness of Bhavani (Annapurna) in detail. According to puranic belief, Maa Durga’s eighth form is Maha Gauri. She is fair complexioned and her fairness is compared with shell, conch and moon. She is considered to be eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are also white. Her vehicle is a bull. She has four hands. Her upper right hand grants protection from all fears and in her lower right hand she holds a trishul (trident). She has a small drum in her upper left hand and her lower left hand grants blessings. Her appearance is very peaceful. To attain Lord Shiva as her husband, She (as Parvati) had undergone rigorous penance, due to which her full body became black. Lord Shiva was pleased with her penance and he bather her with holy Ganga Water due to which she became as lovely and white as lightning. So she is called Maha Gauri (Gauri means fair complexioned/white). She always grants wishes to her devotees without fail. Devotees get all round prosperity and they do not have to face any sort of grief or sorrow. Every year from Dhanteras viz. Triyodashi before Deepavali Amavasya to one day after Amavasya (total four days), Golden Annapurna idol is installed on the upper floor of Annapurna temple for darshan by devotees. South Indian devotees general combine Deepavali Darshan for Golden Annapurna, Ganga Snaan and Vishwanath Darshan. Annapurna Devi is located at D-9/1, Annapurna Temple. The narrow lane or Gully approaching the temple is known as Vishwanath Gully. There are three approach lanes one via Dashashwamedh Road, 2nd via Bansphatak and third via Gyanvapi. It is difficult to prescribe the convenient entry point because due to heavy police patrolling, entry points keep changing. During peak rush days like Mondays and other important festivals, the police may regulate the pilgrims through Gyanvapi and the exit point may be through Bansphatak etc. Since the temple is located in deep Gully, it is advisable to visit the temple alongwith a local person or Guide. Devotees worship this deity as one form of Durga in the Nav Durga Yatra during Navratri falling in September-October. This deity is called as Mahagauri Durga and is worshipped on the 8th day of the Navratri. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, near Prayag Teerth devotees can find Bandi Devi. Devotees who worship this Devi will be free from all bondages. If a devotee regularly observes fast on Tuesdays and performs Pooja/Archana of Bandi Devi, he will be blessed with all sorts of prosperity and freedom from bondages. Kashi Khand further mentions that the benefit of worshipping Bandi Devi will accrue not only to the devotees but also to their kith and kin who may be living away from Kashi. Worshipping Bandi Devi will remove all sorts of misgivings tormenting the devotee, who will be blessed by the Devi. Bandi Devi is located at No. D.17/100, just before Dasaswamedh Ghat. People can travel upto Dasaswamedh Ghat by rickshaw and before going down the steps, they should take a right turn. It is advisable to consult some local shop keepers as there are several labyrinthine gullies in the vicinity. Official Address
Bhavani Gauri is located at D.8/38, Ram Mandir annexed to the premises of Annapurna Devi. The deity is located between Kali Devi and Jagannath. Regarding directions to reach this place, kindly refer to Visweshwar temple. Devotees visit this place of worship on the seventh day of Chaitra Navaratri in March-April. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, in the vicinity of Brahmeshwar, devotees can find Brahma Devi (Brahmacharini). Among the nine forms of Maa Durga, Brahmacharini is the second. Here Brahma means Tapasya (penance). Brahmacharini means one who observes penance. Brahmacharini Devi’s form is brilliant and very magnificent. She has a bead garland in her right hand and a Kamandalu (water pot) in her left hand. In her previous birth she was born as the daughter of Himalaya. At that time, she was encouraged by Sage Narad’s advice and she underwent a rigorous penance for several thousand years to be blessed with Lord Shiva as her husband. Due to this rigorous penance, she was called Tapascharini. All the Devas and Sages described her penance as extra ordinary and began to praise her. In the end, Lord Brahma was also impressed and addressed her saying that nobody had done such a rigorous penance and it has been admired by everybody everywhere. Lord Brahma further stated that Tapascharini will get Lord Shiva as her husband. This second form of Maa Durga grants her devotees unlimited wishes. By worshipping her the qualities like penance, sacrifice, freedom from wordly desires, discipline, self control etc. increase in a devotee. Even in adverse circumstances his mind does not waver from his duties. Due to her blessings he attains victory and prosperity everywhere. The Devi is described as paralyzing the enemies by sprinkling the holy water from the water jug. Those who worship this Devi daily will become adept in Brahma Vidya. In the modern day parlance, this can be taken for higher education. Brahma Charini is located at K-22/72, Durga Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by rickshaw and walk on foot upto Brahmeshwar temple. Alternatively, they can travel upto Durga Ghat / Brahma Ghat by boat and climb the steps. Devotees specially worship Brahmacharini Devi during Navratri falling in September/October. There is another Devi worshipped as Brahmini who is very powerful alongwith Goddesses like Maaheshwari, Varahi etc. This Devi idol is located at Brahmeshwar temple at D-33/66 Khalispura, near Dasaswamedh, Varanasi. Official Address
This Devi is known by the name of Mahishasura Mardini near Lolark Kund, which is quite famous. People can travel upto this place in rickshaw as this temple is well known. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 83 mentions seven Matrika Devis and Chandika Devi is the last among them. They were instrumental in giving life to a young boy. Details mentioned under Veereshwar. These Matrika Devis are extremely powerful and are capable of giving Siddhis to their Devotees. Further Kashi Khand, Chapter 70 mentions various powerful Devis located at several places in the Holy city of Kashi and Kaurmi Shakti is one of them. Shri Kedar Nath Vyas in his book published after extensive research has given Chandi Devi as the name of this powerful deity. One point may be mentioned here. The deities mentioned in Kashi Khand may not be in the same place as mentioned therein. They could have been relocated to other places for various reasons like foreign invasion etc. Further, some of the deities, Shiv Lings are no longer existing. Chandi Devi is located at Sadar Bazar. In the Cantonment area, if a devotee proceeds in the road where various posh hotels are located, he will come across Radisson, Ideal Towers, Hotel Clarks etc. and JHV Mall. If he proceeds further in the road (known as Cariappa Marg), he will come across a turning to the right where there is an indicator reading “Bheeshma Chandi Devi temple”. Official Address
Charma Munda Devi is located at B-2/62 Bhadaini. If one proceeds after Mata Anandmayee Hospital towards Assi, there is left turn going towards Bhadaini Water Works. The corner building is B-2/61 which is the house of the Priest of the temple. There is a fairly steep slope over which this temple is situated. The locals call this temple as Nav Durga Temple. Official Address
By performing poojas with all divinity, the devotee’s name will not figure in the books of Chitra Gupta. It is noteworthy to mention here that Chitra Gupta records the sins committed by various devotees, who ultimately find their way to Hell. Kashi Khand is very succinct in its narration. By saying that the devotee’s name will not figure in the books of Chitra Gupta, it means that all the sins of the devotee, committed knowingly or unknowingly will be cleansed away. As per Puranic belief, the third power of Maa Durga is Chitra Ghanta who is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She has a crescent shaped bell on her forehead and so she is called Chandra Ghanta. Her body has a golden glow. She has ten hands which have different weapons. Her vehicle is lion and her posture signifies readiness for battle. In spite of her warrior attitude, she presents a mild, prosperous and peaceful form to her devotees. Since she is always ready for battle, she gives blessings to her devotees very fast. Her devotees are as mighty and brave as a lion and at the same time they exude a peaceful and happy radiance wherever they go. Maa Chitra Ghanta relieves her devotees of all difficulties and they get success very easily. Official Address
All the devas and human beings approached Lord Shiva and sought refuge. Lord Shiva knew about the powers of Durgasura especially that the latter could not be killed by a Man. He hinted the Devi to do the needful. Devi sent her emissary, Kalratri, alongwith a few other ladies to warn Durgasur. Kalratri reached Durgasur’s abode and passed on the message. She further asked him to refrain from tormenting religious people, return the land etc. grabbed by him and go elsewhere, otherwise Goddess Devi would certainly slay him. With utter arrogance Durgasur asked his warriors to capture Kalratri and imprison her. When the warriors approached her, Kalratri exhaled with a roar which produced jets of fire balls and thousands of the warriors were killed. This further infuriated Durgasur, who ordered more warriors to chase her. Kalratri immediately flew through the sky, reached Goddess’s abode near Vindhyachal mountains and reported the entire happenings to Goddess. Soon Durgasur arrived at the place where Goddess was stationed and a fierce war ensued. In the process, Devi released all her Shaktis which took form of various female warriors (with extreme powers). The battle has been described in detail in Kashi Khand. Here we may suffice it to say that Goddess, with her extreme powers, killed Durgasur and all his deputies. There was extreme joy in the entire world and peace and happiness returned. All devas and other learned people praised Goddess by reciting Vajra Panchakam. Goddess was pleased and assumed the name of Durga Devi (on account of slaying Durgasur). Goddess Durga told the people that devotees should recite Vajra Panchakam which will help them in overcoming any sort of obstacles. On Asthami and Chaturdasi, especially if Tuesday combines with the above days, devotees should worship Durga Devi in Kashi. Goddess will bless devotees with purity in thoughts and deeds. Devotees should perform various kinds of poojas to please Durga Devi. In Sharad Navaratri and Vasanth Navaratri, devotees should undertake Yatra of Durga Devi. During Navratri, devotees should take bath in Durga Kund and worship Durga Devi without fail. By this act, the devotee will cleanse all sins accumulated over his entire life time. Durga Temple of Kashi is quite famous and is located at Durga Kund area. People can travel upto this place in car/auto or cycle rickshaw. Devotees worship Durga Devi during Navratri falling in September/October and this Goddess is also referred to as Kooshamanda Devi. Though there is a practice of worshipping one Devi each starting from day one, there is a heavy rush of devotees on all days of both Navratries. Official Address
Hayakanti Devi is located at D.52/35, Kali Mutt, Lakshmi Kund. People can reach this place by rickshaw through Luxa. Lakshmi Kund is a famous locality. Official Address
The importance of Jyeshta Gauri has been described amply in Kashi Khand, Chapter 63. Lord Shiva said, in the Jyeshta Month (May 20 to June 20), eighth day after Amavasya (Shukla Paksha Ashtami), people should have darshan of Jyeshta Gauri. If a girl, who may be most unfortunate, visits the Jyeshta Gauri Temple and prays with sincerity, she becomes most fortunate (Sowbhagyavati). It is stated that persons visiting Kashi and having darshan of Jyeshta Gauri will reach a high position in life (Kashi Khand, ibid). Jyeshta Gauri temple is one of the Nine Gauri temples, which are worshipped in Vasantha Nav Ratri (9 days preceding Rama Navami day). yeshta Gauri temple is located at K-63/24, Sapt Sagar Mohalla. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Maidagin. People can approach Maidagin by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw or even car. From Maidagin it is advisable to walk on foot. A famous landmark near this temple is the Kashi Devi Temple. Official Address
When the evil demon Durgasur was to be killed, Kalratri was sent by Goddess as her special emissary. Kalratri created havoc by her exhalation which resulted in huge fireballs destroying the demon’s army. (Details given under Durga Devi). After slaying the demon and taking the form of Durga Devi, Kashi Khand states that Durga Devi guards Kashi in form of various Shaktis/Devis at various places in Kashi. Kalratri is one of them. Maa Durga’s seventh form is Kalratri. Her body is pitch black just like darkness. Her hair is in disorder. She has a garland around her neck that shines like lightning. She has 3 eyes that are round like the universe and give out lightning rays continuously. She exhales fire flames continuously through her nose. Her vehicle is a donkey. Her upper right-hand grants blessings and her lower right hand assure protection. Her upper left hand has an iron thorn and her lower left hand has a dagger. Though her appearance is fearsome, she always grants auspicious boons. So her name is Shubhkari. Her devotees need not fear her. She destroys evil, so demons and ghosts run away even when somebody thinks about her. Her devotees are freed from fear (phobia) of fire, water, animals, enemies, night etc i.e. all kinds of fear. Kalratri devi is considered to be very powerful. Kalratri is located at D.8/17, Kalika Galli, which is a lane parallel to Annapurna – Vishwanath Lane. People can travel to Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and walk through the Gully to Visweshwar temple and after crossing Sakshi Vinayak, they may take right turn, climb a few steps and reach Kalika Galli through Shukreshwar. Devotees worship Kalratri Devi during Navratri falling in September/October and some people refer regard this Goddess as a form of Kali. The road Kalika Galli is named after this Goddess. This temple is one of the Shakti Peets of Varanasi. TYPES OF POOJA The temple is open from 06.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 04.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Aarties are held in the morning and evening. According to old-timers, Kalratri is a very powerful Devi and at any time, few old people can be seen in the temple premises deeply engrossed in prayers. Official Address
Lord Shiva was in Mandarachal and Kashi was ruled by a very pious and religious King named Divodas. In his Kingdom every one was very happy and there was all round prosperity. He had reached an understanding with Lord Brahma that as long as he was ruling, Devas and other celestial beings should stay away from Kashi and should not create any disturbance in Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 45). Lord Brahma more or less agreed to it but on one condition that King Divodas should prove to be an excellent administrator and all people living in Kashi and visiting Kashi should be treated well in their religious pursuits. The King agreed and accordingly gave excellent governance. Lord Shiva was very upset at being away from Kashi for a long time and he wanted to make King Divodas commit some mistake. Accordingly, he sent sixty four Yoginis to create some disturbance, but they were enthralled by the beauty and serene surroundings of Kashi which appeared to be a part of heaven. They ultimately settled down in Kashi and established themselves at various places all round the Kshetra. KAMAKHYA DEVI (KAMAKSHI DEVI) was one of them All the places where these Yoginis stationed themselves are regarded as Shakti Peeth. A person praying at these places will get divine energy. The devotees will be blessed with mental peace, victory in competitions and debates and will attain all round success. Kashi Khand, Chapter 72, in another reference has described Kamakhya as a super power created by Goddess in her fight with Durgasur. Official Address
This ancient temple, located in the heart of Varanasi, is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, one of the forms of the powerful Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant festivals that attract devotees from all over the world. According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 82, Once a kingdom was ruled by a very religious-minded ruler named Amitrajit. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and he made it a rule that all the citizens of his kingdom also become devotees of Lord Vishnu. One day Narad Rishi visited his palace and was welcomed with due respect by the King. As per the direction of Narad Rishi, King Amitrajit saved one beautiful girl called Malayagandini from the clutches of one evil person. The King subsequently married her and they came to Kashi and were immediately happy with the beautiful surroundings. In due course, Malayagandini was blessed with a handsome male child, who was destined to become 16 years old, immediately after birth. However, since he was born in an inauspicious planetary combination, the Ministers of the King told the Queen that she had to sacrifice the child, otherwise the King would die. In order to save the King, she sent the child to Vikata Devi in Pancha Mudra Maha Peeth. Vikata Devi summoned various Yoginis and asked them to take the boy to Matrika Devis with whose permission, the child should be spared. Accordingly, the Yoginis took the boy to Matrika Devis, who after observing the divinity in the boy, ordered the Yoginis to take the boy back to Pancha Mudra Peet. The boy was brought back to the Pancha Mudra peeth by the Yoginis where he started praying. In nutshell, the boy had undertaken a short trip to heaven and returned. Vikata Devi is known and worshipped as Katyayini Devi. Maa Durga’s 6th form is Katyayini. She got this name on account of the following story. When Demon Mahishasur’s cruelty became unbearable on earth, Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva gave a part of their energies and created a Devi to kill Mahishasur. Sage Katyayan was the first person to perform her puja and so she is called Katyayini. Maa Katyayini grants wishes to her devotees without fail. To acquire Krishna as their husband, the Gopis of Braj had performed her puja on the banks of Kalindi Yamuna. She is regarded as the supreme saviour Goddess in Braj (Mathura-Vrindavan). Her form is supposed to be very simple and divine. Her colour is golden and radiant. She has four hands. Her upper right hand has the posture assuring safety or protection and lower right hand grants wishes. She has a sword in her upper left hand and a lotus flower in lower left hand. Her vehicle is lion. Katyayini Devi blesses her devotees who are freed from any sort of disease, sorrow, fear and suffering. They radiate supernatural energy. The Katyayani Temple has a rich and ancient history that dates back to the Vedic period. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Sage Katyayana, who was a great devotee of the goddess Durga. The sage prayed to the goddess for many years to bless him with a daughter, and the goddess Katyayani was born to him. In gratitude, he built this temple to honor the goddess. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and additions by different rulers and devotees. The current temple structure is believed to have been built during the 18th century by the queen of the Nagpur kingdom, Rani Bhavani. The Katyayani Temple is an important destination for Hindu pilgrims and spiritual seekers who seek blessings from the goddess Katyayani. The goddess is believed to be the epitome of courage, strength, and wisdom, and worshipped for her power to overcome obstacles and bring success and prosperity. The temple is especially famous for its Navratri festival, a nine-day celebration of the goddess’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and colors, and devotees perform special rituals and prayers to honor the goddess. Apart from its religious significance, the Katyayani Temple is also a fine example of ancient Indian architecture and art. The temple is built in the North Indian style of architecture, with a pyramidal roof, intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The main deity of the temple, the goddess Katyayani, is depicted as a fierce warrior goddess with four arms, riding a lion, and holding weapons like a sword, a trident, and a lotus. The temple’s architecture is a marvel of ancient Indian craftsmanship and artistry. The temple is built in the traditional North Indian style, with a pyramidal roof, multiple levels, and intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple’s main entrance is a stunning gateway that is adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings of gods and goddesses. The Katyayani Temple is a vibrant and active place that offers a range of activities and events for visitors. Apart from regular worship and prayers, the temple hosts a range of cultural and spiritual events throughout the year, including festivals, music concerts, and religious discourses. The temple also has a special prayer room for couples who seek blessings for a happy and fruitful married life. The Katyayani Temple is steeped in legends and local stories that add to its mystique and charm. One of the most popular legends associated with the temple is that of the demon Mahishasura, who was defeated by the goddess Katyayani. According to the legend, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who had received a boon from the god Brahma that made him invincible against all male gods. With his newfound power, Mahishasura began to wreak havoc on earth, destroying villages and terrorizing people. The gods realized that they could not defeat Mahishasura on their own, and so they approached the goddess Durga for help. The goddess agreed to help them and took the form of Katyayani, the daughter of Sage Katyayana. She rode into battle on a lion, wielding powerful weapons, and after a fierce battle, she defeated Mahishasura and restored peace to the earth. Another popular local story associated with the temple is that of a Brahmin who was blessed by the goddess Katyayani. The Brahmin was a poor man who was struggling to make ends meet. He prayed to the goddess Katyayani for help, and one day, the goddess appeared to him in a dream and told him to go to the temple and worship her. The Brahmin followed the goddess’s instructions and was blessed with wealth and prosperity, which he used to help the poor and needy. These stories and legends add to the allure and appeal of the Katyayani Temple and continue to inspire and captivate visitors from all over the world. Katyayini Devi is located on the premises of Atma Veereshwar Temple at Ck-7/158, Scindia Ghat which is a famous locality in Varanasi. One can reach this place by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively, one can travel by cycle rickshaw up to Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. The entire vicinity comes under the religious boundary of Pancha Mudra Maha Peeth. Any kind of pooja or Archana is said to yield multiple results. Katyayini is one of the Nine Durgas and devotees throng this temple on the 6th day of Navaratri falling in September-October. By Air: The nearest airport to Varanasi is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the Katyayani Temple. By Train: Varanasi is well-connected to other parts of the country by rail. The Varanasi Junction Railway Station is the main railway station in the city and is located about 10 kilometers from the Katyayani Temple. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. By Road: Varanasi is well-connected to other parts of the country by road. The city is located on the National Highway 2, which connects it to other major cities in India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Katyayani Temple from the city center. Once you reach Varanasi, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Katyayani Temple. The temple is located in the Bhelupur area of Varanasi and is easily accessible by road. Official Address
A person who takes bath in Lalita Teerth (now Lalita Ghat) and worships Lalita Gauri is sure to be blessed with prosperity. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 70). Lalita Gauri is present at Ck.1/67, Lalita Ghat. If one desires to walk on foot, he will have to travel upto Dasaswamedh by rickshaw and walk through the Ghats upto Lalita Ghat and climb the steps. If the devotee is already in the Gullies in the vicinity, Nepali Pasupati Mandir is an important landmark. However, Nepali Pasupati Mandir is not mentioned in Kashi Khand, as such the same is not covered here. Lalita Gauri is one of the 9 Gauris which are worshipped in Navratri falling in March-April (9 days preceding Ram Navami). Official Address
Devotees should take bath in Lakshmi Kund and worship Mahalakshmi. Devotees have also been advised to perform the rituals for their forefathers and give alms to needy people, whereby they will be blessed by Mahalakshmi. Kashi Khand states that the entire locality is a Shakti Peeth (seat of vital energy). There are many powerful Devis in the area and of all the Shakti Peeths in Kashi, Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth is the most powerful. Devotees who worship Mahalakshmi regularly will attain all kinds of Siddhi (divine powers) and achievements. Mahalakshmi will always reside in their homes. (Here Mahalakshmi is symbolic of wealth and prosperity). Further, in Chapter 100, Kashi Khand has prescribed Nau Gauri Yatra (religious pilgrimage of nine Gauris) and Mahalakshmi is the ninth Gauri. Mahalakshmi is located at D.52/40, Lakshmi Kund. This temple and the locality (Lakshmi Kund) are quite famous and people can approach this place through Luxa by rickshaw.Further Shikhi Chandi Devi (Kashi Khand, Chapter 70), in the back side of the premises and Mayuri (Chapter 45) on the entrance to the right side are two other Devis which have been mentioned and are present in Mahalakshmi temple. Devotees may worship these Devis also as they are very powerfu The temple also houses Ugreshwar Ling which finds mention in Kashi Khand. There is heavy rush during Fridays and on Navratri days (March-April). While devotees throng this temple on Chaitra Navratri (March-April) on the 9th day, there is generally a huge crowd on practically all days of both Navratris. Official Address
Once Lord Surya installed a Shiv Ling and a devi idol at Panchanada Teerth (Panchganga Ghat) and started immensely praying to Lord Shiva. (Importance of Panchganga Ghat is described under River Ganga-Teerths category). The intensity of Lord Surya’s prayers started reflecting in the extreme heat generated thereby. Sunrays started getting warmer and warmer. Finally it became unbearable for all living beings and all physical activities practically came to a standstill. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty came to know about this and they appeared in person in front of Lord Surya. Lord Surya opened his eyes and started singing praises of Goddess Parvaty and Lord Shiva whereupon both of them became extremely happy. They granted several divine wishes to Lord Surya. Lord Shiva told Lord Surya that the devi idol installed by the latter would be known as Mangala Gauri. A person who worships Mangala Gauri with all devotion is blessed with all happiness and prosperity. Unmarried girls will soon find a suitable match for themselves and childless couples will be blessed with children.Special importance is laid by Kashi Khand, Chapter 49 for Chaitra Month (March-April), Shukla Paksha Tritheeya (3rd Day after amavasya) for worshipping this Goddess. Mangala Gauri is located at K-24/34, Panchganga Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath by auto or cycle rickshaw and walk upto this place. Mangala Gauri temple is a famous landmark. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Panchganga Ghat and reach this temple through Ghats. Official Address
Lord Vishnu was describing to Sage Bindu, the various forms of Lord Vishnu and other deities in Kashi.Lord Vishnu describes Manikarnika in the form of a Goddess near Chakra Pushkarini Teerth (Mani Karnika Ghat). Kashi Khand has described amply the structure and appearance of Manikarnika Devi who appears as a twelve year old girl. She is as fair as a Spatik (crystal), with soft hairs. The devi is described as radiating beauty. Devotees who wish for attaining Moksha should worship this deity. Manikarnika Kunda, Kashi – Here just ‘bathing’ awards liberation Skanda Purana states that Lord Vishnu on His daily vihara visits Manikarnika Kunda in Kashi at 12:00 noon, mounted on Garuda and awards liberation to those who take a holy dip in this kunda at that time. It is located on the banks of the holiest Rivers of India – Ganga. The mortal remains of human bodies are burnt 24X7 and have been so since the creation of Kashi. Manikarnika Devi is located at Ck.7/130, Scindia Ghat, opposite Atma Veereshwar Temple. This place can be reached by boat through Scindia Ghat. Alternatively one can travel in cycle rickshaw upto Chowk and walk down the gullies to reach the temple. Atma Veereshwar is a famous temple. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 100 has prescribed Gauri Yatra (religious tour of Gauri temples). This Yatra is to be undertaken on Triteeya after Amavasya (3rd day after Amavasya). Devotees are advised to take bath in Gopreksha Teerth and worship Mukhnirmalika Gaur Devotees who worship Mukhnirmalika Gauri will get all sorts of happiness and prosperity in life. Mukhnirmalika Gauri is located at K.3/42, Hanumanji temple at Gai Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Gaighat area behind Machhodari by rickshaw and walk to this place on foot, by asking for directions. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Gai Ghat and climb the steps. Devotees visit this temple on the first day of Chaitra Navaratri in March-April. Official Address
Kashi Khand has prescribed Durga Devi Yatra during Navratri where devotees have been exhorted to worship Durga Devi on all the nine days of Navratri. Devotees worship Sankata Devi on the 8th day of Navratri falling in September-October. Sankata Devi is located at Ck.7/159, Sankataji. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel on foot to this temple by asking for directions. Sankata Devi temple falls in the vicinity of two Powerful Shakti Peeths, Panch Mudra Peeth (Atma Veereshwar temple) and Siddh Peeth (Siddheshwari Temple). Sankata Devi is a powerful form of Goddess and devotees who worship are showered with eternal happiness and prosperity. There is a regular rush of votaries during all Fridays and on certain important days. The compiler was given to understand that special shringar or embellishment of the Devi are conducted in the temple as per the desire/request of the devotees. It means any devotee desiring to have special decoration may do so by contacting Poojaries well in advance. Official Address
According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, in the vicinity of Shaileshwar, devotees should worship Shaileshwari also known as Shailputri. Shailputri, with the little finger in her right hand, removes all the problems/obstacles faced by the devotees on account of bad company. One point needs to be mentioned. People enter into friendship or companionship with others without knowing others’ motives or inner feelings. At times the company may be bad and some problems may arise. Maa Durga in her first form is known as Shailputri. As she was the daughter of the King of mountains Himalaya she had got this name. Her vehicle is bull, she has a trishul (trident) in her right hand and lotus flower in her left hand. Among the nine Durgas, who are worshipped during Navratri, she is the first Durga. In her earlier birth, she was the daughter of King Daksha and her name was Sati. Sati Devi got married to Lord Shiva. Sati in her rebirth was born as Shailraj Himalaya’s daughter and was known as Shailputri. She is also known as Parvati and Hemvati. Shailputri also got married to Lord Shankar and as in her previous birth she become his other half. Shailputri’s importance and strength is unlimited. Shailputri is located at A-40/11, Marhia Ghat. If one travels from Varanasi Railway station through G.T. Road, just before Varanasi City Station, a small road takes a left turn where he will encounter a level crossing. After crossing the road, he will have to travel for about 2 Kms. to reach this place. People can travel upto this place by rickshaw/auto rickshaw and most of the drivers know the place where Shailputri temple is located. Shailputri Devi is worshipped on the 1st day of Navratri falling in September-October. Official Address
This Gauri is located behind Gyanvapi Masjid (mosque) and Darshan is allowed only on two days in an year. However, devotees worship this deity in Vishwanath (Visweshwar) temple premises marked as Annapurna Devi. Kindly refer Visveshwar temple regarding directions to reach the place. Devotees worship this deity on the fourth day of Chaitra Navaratri in March-April. Official Address
Siddha Lakshmi Devi is located on the Wall at Ck.8/1, Opposite Siddhi Vinayak, Manikarnika. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel on foot to this temple. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Manikarnika Ghat (near Chakra Pushkarini Teerth) and climb the steps. Official Address
Maa Durgas 9th form is Siddhi Dhatri. She gives all sorts of siddhi to her devotees. There are several types of Siddhis mentioned in various Purans. According to Devi Puran, Lord Shiva attained all the Siddhi by her blessings. His half body assumed the form of Goddess. So he is also called Ardha Narishwar. Maa Siddhi Dhatri has four hands. Her vehicle is Lion. She sits on a lotus flower. She has a Chakra in her lower right hand, a mace/club in her upper right hand, a conch in her lower left hand and a lotus flower in her upper left hand. Her devotees are freed from sorrow and they get salvation after enjoying all happiness in the world. Siddheshwari is located at Ck.7/124, Siddheshwari Mohalla. Devotees can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel on foot to this temple by asking for directions. Siddheshwari temple also houses Chandra Koop and Chandreshwar and is a powerful Peeth called Siddh Peeth. Siddheshwari is known as Siddhidatri Durga (bestower of Siddhies). Devotees also visit another temple of Goddess at K.60/29, Sidhamata Galli, in the general location of Kal Bhairav on the 9th day of Navratri. There is a regular crowd during all Fridays and on certain important days. Official Address
When the evil demon Durgasur with his supernatural powers was tormenting religious people, Lord Shiva sent Goddess to kill him.(Details given under Durga Devi). After slaying the demon and taking the form of Durga Devi, Kashi Khand states that Durga Devi guards Kashi in form of various Shaktis/Devis at various places in Kashi. One of them is Ashwa Roodha. According to Pundits this deity is known as Vageshwari. This deity is located in the temple premises which houses Skanda Mata Devi. Maa Durga’s 5th form is Skand Mata. She has child Skand (Kartikeya) seated on her lap and so she is called Skand Mata. Skand Mata has four hands. In each of her upper hands she has a lotus flower. Her left hand has the posture of giving blessings. Her form is auspicious and she sits on a lotus flower. Hence she is called Padmasana Devi. Her vehicle is lion. Her devotees get all their desires fulfilled, they get peace and happiness and their way to salvation becomes easy. Since she guards the Sun’s orbit, her devotees get a radiating light which surround them as an aura. Vageshwari Devi (Ashwa Rooda) is allowed to be worshipped only on two days in one full year. On all the other days the door remains closed and devotees worship the door only. Skanda Mata Temple is located at J.6/33, Jaitpura. People can reach this place by rickshaw as Jaitpura Police Station is an important landmark. Devotees worship Skanda Mata during Navratri falling in September/October as one of the nine Durgas. There is some confusion here. Some locals term Skanda Mata as Vagheshwari. But according to Learned Pundits, Vagheshwari is Ashwa Rooda who is located inside the closed door on the ground level. Skanda Mata is located on the upper storey. Official Address
Sowbhagya Gauri is located at Ck.38/8, Adi Vishwanath Temple. If a devotee travels from Bansphatak to Chowk, after crossing flower market (on the left side), there is a flight of steps leading to a fairly big ground and Shiva temple. On the right side of the ground (north side), the devotee will find Sowbhagya Gauri. Devotees visit this place of worship on the third day of Chaitra Navaratri in March-April. Official Address
Further, when Goddess was fighting a fierce battle against Durgasur (Kindly refer Durga Devi), she released various forms of energy (called Shakti) from her body. These Shakti Devis released intense energy in form of fire balls to fight Durgasur and his army. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 72). Tri Lokya Sundari is one of those Shaktis. Devotees who worship this Devi will be blessed with all sorts of prosperity. Married ladies who worship this Goddess need not have fear of widowhood. (Widowhood is considered as a curse for ladies in India from time immemorial, because they lose their strong moral support). The deity is located at No. Ck.7/92, Mohalla Kashmiri Mal ki Haveli, near Pita Maheshwar. This deity is also known as Shitla Devi. The temple is approachable from Chowk upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw. Official Address
Tripura Bhairavi is located at D.5/24, Mir Ghat. Devotees may approach this place from Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gully and take the first right turn. This is a famous place. This temple also houses Tripureshwar Shiv Ling (in the vicinity of Rudreshwar) which finds mention in Kashi Khand, Chapter 69. Devotees may worship these two lings also. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 70 mentions Varahi Devi and the devotees who worship this devi will never fall into any danger. Kashi Khand, Chapter 45 states that Lord Shiva sent sixty four Yoginis to Kashi to create disturbance in the governance of King Divodas. However, the sixty four yoginis were totally enthralled by the beauty of Kashi and they decided to settle down in Kashi itself. Varahi is one of them. It is worth mentioning that Varahi is a very powerful devi. Varahi Devi is located at D.16/84, Manmandir Ghat. People can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Galli by rickshaw, enter the gulli and immediately take a right turn and proceed further for about 150 yards. They may seek guidance from the locals at that place to reach the temple. Learned Pundits believe that for getting victories in competition, litigation, court cases etc., devotees ardently pray Varahi Devi. Official Address
Kashi Khand, Chapter 70 mentions various Devis in Kashi who are to be worshipped. All of them are powerful Devis. Among other Devis, Kashi Khand mentions Vindhya Devi which is a powerful deity. Devotees who worship Vindhya Devi will attain all kinds of Siddhi in their life. Vindhya Devi, known by the name of Vindhya Vasini is located at Ck.2/33, outside Sankata Devi Temple. After reaching Sankata Devi Temple, the devotees may ask for directions. Vindhya Devi is located just adjacent to Sankata Devi temple. One can travel upto Chowk by Cycle Rickshaw and walk to this place via Sankata Devi Temple (famous landmark). Alternatively, devotees can approach the place by boat upto Ganga Mahal Ghat and climb up the steps. Official Address
(Recitation by Pt. Nageshwara Rao of Hyderabad.Please put on the speakers attached to your System and click on the mp3 file above). On a request from Sage Agasthya Lord Kartikeya happily started describing various Devis in Kashi. Devi is present in the form of Goddess Vishalakshi in Vishal Teerth in River Ganga. A devotee should bathe in Vishal Teerth and worship Vishalakshi Devi for all round happiness. In the month of Aswin (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) devotees should remain on fast and keep awake on the night of Triteeya. In the morning they should devotedly offer new clothes and other related items and feed 14 girls. After performing the above Kanya Pooja, they should break their fast. Vishalakshi Devi temple is a powerful Shakti Peeth and any pooja, charity, recitation of devi mantras performed in this premises is considered to yield very high results. Unmarried girls worshipping Vishalakshi Devi are sure to get married, childless couple will certainly be blessed with a child, even the most unfortunate ladies will find all fortunes coming their way. Kashi Khand, Chapter 70, has amply described the greatness of Vishalakshi Devi. Further, in Chapter 100, Kashi Khand has prescribed Nau Gauri Yatra (religious pilgrimage tour of nine Gauris and Vishalakshi is one of those Gauris) If you look carefully in the photograph, there are two Devi images. One is at the back with garland orange in colour. This is Aadi Vishalakshi. The idol in front has been installed at a later stage. South Indians attach great importance to this temple. They regard this as one of the three main Devi Temples in India viz. Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kashi Vishalakshi. Comeing Soon According to the scholar Jones, the Shakti Pithas were originally part of cult worship by the tribals as local deities, which over the centuries were syncretised to Shakthi Peethas under the influence of the Brahmins, and have now a permanent influence on the psyche of the people. In the syncretism of various religious beliefs in the country, as many as 108 goddesses were assimilated in the Shakti Pitha list. Annapurna, the goddess of food and form of Shiva’s consort Parvati, is given the epithet Vishalakshi, the “wide-eyed”. Her most famous temple stands at Varanasi, where patron goddess she is considered. The Skanda Purana narrates the tale of the sage Vyasa cursing Varanasi, as no one in the city offered him food. Finally, Vishalakshi appears in the form of a housewife and grants food to Vyasa. This role of Vishalakshi is similar to that of Annapurna, who offers food to her husband Shiva, whose hunger can be satiated by her food. Shiva gratified by Annapurna’s food, establishes Varanasi and appoints her as its presiding goddess. The goddess Vishalakshi of the Varanasi temple may have been identified with Annapurna in early times, however over time became a distinct goddess, resulting in the goddess temples. Vishalakshi, the “wide-eyed” goddess is often associated two other goddesses: Kamakshi, the “love-eyed” goddess of Kanchipuram and Minakshi, the “fish-eyed” of Madurai, prominently because of their similar names. Together the three are regarded the most important Goddess temples by South Indians. While Vishalakshi dwells in North India, the other goddess temples are in Tamil Nadu, South India. South Indians venerated Vishalakshi for ages and have strong ties with the temple. South Indian Tamil people also helped renovate the temple in 1971. Devotees can find Vishalakshi temple at D.3/85, Mir Ghat. They can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees generally combine prayers at this temple alongwith darshan of Visweshwar / Annapurna temple. Vishalakshi Gauri is one of the 9 Gauris which are worshipped in Navratri falling in March-April (9 days preceding Ram Navami). The entire area encompassing Vishalakshy Devi, Dharmeshwar, Vishwa Bhuja Gauri etc. is a powerful Shakti Peeth known as Dharma Peeth. Official Address
Vishwa Bhuja Gauri is located at D.2/15, near Dharam Koop (Dharmeshwar). This is very near to Vishalakshi Devi temple. Devotees can travel upto Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gulli or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and walk on foot to this place. Devotees generally combine prayers at this temple alognwith darshan of Visweshwar / Annapurna temple. Official Address
Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi Long time back several great Sages sitting atop Sumeru Mountain desired to know from Lord Brahma as to who was indestructible and supreme. Lord Brahma proclaimed himself to be that superior person. On hearing this, Yagyeshwar (symbolic of Narayan) reprimanded Lord Brahma for his hasty and audacious utterances. Both of them asked the same question to the four Vedas. Rig Veda replied that the omnipotent deity who controls all living beings, named Rudra is supreme. Yajur Veda replied that He, whom we worship through various Yagnas (Yagam) and other such rigorous rituals, is none other than Shiva, who is supreme. Sam Veda stated that the respected figure who is worshipped by various Yogis and that Person who controls the entire world is none other than Triambakam. Finally, Atharva Veda said, all human beings can see the Lord through Bhakti Marg and such a deity who can remove all the worries of human beings is indeed Shankar. In a nut shell, all the four Vedas proclaimed that Lord Shiva is the ultimate being. Both Lord Brahma and Yagya Narayan started laughing in disbelief. Shortly Lord Shiva appeared as a powerful divine light in their midst. Lord Brahma stared at that Being furiously with his fifth head. Lord Shiva immediately created one living being and stated that he (the new being) will be King of Kaal and will be known as Kaal Bhairav. (Here Kaal is denoted to mean the final time viz. death). Lord Shiva further stated Kaal Bhairav will always be in Kashi, removing all sins of the devotees and therefore, he will be known as Paap Bhakshak. Meanwhile, Lord Brahma’s fifth head was still burning with fury and Kaal Bhairav plucked that head (just as we pluck flowers from the garden). Immediately all the people present there started singing praises of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva directed Bhairav to go around various places but Brahma Hatya Dosh (affliction on account of hurting a Brahmin) will always follow him. Lord Shiva created a dangerous and fierce looking female figure, named Brahma Hatya and asked her to follow Kaal Bhairav wherever he went. Kaal Bhairav, with Brahma’s head in his hand, started going around various places in the world, took bath in various Teerths, worshipped various Lords, nevertheless saw that Brahma Hatya was following him all along. He could not get rid of that affliction. Finally, Kaal Bhairav reached the Moksha Puri, Kashi. The moment Kaal Bhairav entered Kashi, Brahma Hatya started shouting, screaming and finally disappeared into the netherworld. The head of Brahma, (Kapal) fell at a place which was called Kapal Mochan and there was a Teerth which was later called Kapal Mochan Teerth. Then onwards Kaal Bhairav stationed himself permanently in Kashi, giving shelter to all his devotees. Those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he grants protection to all his devotees. Ashtami day (eighth day after Poornima) in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Besides, Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. A person who circumabulates Lord Kaal Bhairav eight times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him. A devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for six months will attain all types of Siddhi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 31). Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav (taking his permission) and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav. Kaal Bhairav is located at K-32/22, Bhaironath. People can approach this place by rickshaw either through Bisheshwarganj cross roads or through Golghar (Maidagin). This is a very famous temple and devotees will be guided by the local residents. Official Address
Ruru Bhairav Temple, Varanasi In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Ruru Bhairav, also called as Anand Bhairav by locals, is located at B.4/16, Hanuman Ghat, Varanasi. Devotees can travel upto this place in a rickshaw. Hanuman Ghat is near Harishchandra Ghat, one of the cremation grounds and is a famous place. Devotees will have to get down at Hanuman Ghat main Road and walk towards the Hanuman Temple which is located near Ruru Bhairav. Official Address
Chand Bhairav Temple, Varanasi In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Chand Bhairav is located in the temple premises of Durga Devi at B.27/2, Durga Kund. This is a famous locality and devotees can reach this place by rickshaw or auto or car. Official Address
Asitang Bhairav Temple, Varanasi In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Asitang Bhairav is located at K.52/39, Maha Mrityunjay temple near Vriddh Kaleshwar. Devotees can reach this place by rickshaw by travelling through Bisheshwarganj G.P.O. Mrityunjay temple is quite famous. Official Address
Kapal Bhairav, Laat Bhairav Temple, Varanasi In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Kapal Bhairav (Laat Bhairav) is located at A.1/123, Alaipur. This falls almost on the outskirts of Varanasi towards the North Eastern side. Devotees can travel in a rickshaw/auto to reach this place. From Ashapur Chowmani, the road to the left goes to Sarnath. Devotees should take the road to the right and travel about 2 kms. to reach Laat Bhairav. Official Address
Krodhan Bhairav Temple, Varanasi After Goddess killed the evil demon Durgasur (Kindly refer Durga Devi), she created nine shaktis which were stationed in various places in Kashi to protect the holy city and its denizens. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 72). In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Krodhan Bhairav is known as Aadi Bhairav and is located at Batuk Bhairav temple at B.31/126, Kamachha, Varanasi. Devotees can reach this place in rickshaw from anywhere in Kashi as Kamachha and Batuk Bhairav are famous places. Some people say that Krodhan Bhairav is the small Bhairav located adjacent to Kamakhya Devi in the temple nearby. Official Address
Unmat Bhairav Temple, Varanasi In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Unmat Bhairav is located in the Panch Kroshi Marg at Deora Village, which is about 10 Kms. away from Varanasi. Official Address
Samhar Bhairav is located at A.1/82, Patan Darwaja, near Gai Ghat. This area falls towards the northern side of Kashi. Devotees can reach this place by rickshaw through Machhodari. They can also take a boat ride upto Gai Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
In the same way eight forms of Bhairavs were created who were positioned at various places in Kashi. These Bhairavs protect the devotees from all sorts of evils and give the devotees happiness and prosperity in their lives. Devotees who worship these Bhairavs will develop a strong mental frame work and will be courageous. Bheeshan Bhairav is located at K.63/28, Bhoot Bhairav, near Jyeshteshwar. This deity is also known as Bhoot Bhairav. Devotees can reach this place in a rickshaw through Sapt Sagar or Kashipura. Official Address
Yama Aditya Temple, Varanasi On an auspicious day when Tuesday, Bharani Nakshatra and Chaturdasi (14th day after Amavasya or Poornima) coincide, if a person performs rituals for his forefathers, he will attain all round happiness. It is believed that forefathers eagerly wait for their descendents to take bath in Yam Teerth and perform the rituals on the aforesaid day. A person who prays to Yama Aditya and Yameshwar after taking bath in Yama Teerth will always remain happy. Yama Aditya is located at No. Ck.7/135, on the steps leading to Sankata Ghat. People can travel upto Chowk by rickshaw and travel to this place on foot. Sankata Devi temple is an important landmark. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Sankata Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Vriddh Aditya Temple, Varanasi According to Kashi Khand, once a staunch devotee called Harit, who was very old in age, stationed himself near Visalakshi Devi and intensely prayed to Lord Surya. After a long time, Lord Surya appeared before him and told the old man that he (Lord Surya) was pleased and the old man may seek any divine boon. The old man said “for performing Tap (Tapas – rigorous ascetic practices), a devotee needs sufficient strength. There is nothing in this world as good as Tapas which gives prosperity, enlightenment and all joys. However, one needs to be young and virile enough for carrying out Tapas.” Accordingly, the old man requested Lord Surya that he should be made young. Vriddh Aditya is located at D-3/15, South of Bare Hanumanji at Mir Ghat. Devotees can approach this place by traveling upto Dasaswamdh Vishwanath Gulli by rickshaw and then on foot in the Gully. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Mir Ghat and climb up the stairs. Official Address
Vimal Aditya Temple, Varanasi Long time back, one person named Vimal was residing in a hilly place. Due to some sins committed in his earlier life, he was afflicted with Leprosy. He had heard about Kashi and he left his family and belongings, came to Kashi and started worshipping Lord Surya with all fervour. He performed all sorts of Poojas, Pushp Archana and other rituals as are prescribed for Lord Surya. His pious actions pleased Lord Surya who appeared before him and with his divine blessings, Vimal was cured of his ailment (Leprosy). Lord Surya also offered a divine wish to Vimal. Vimal appealed to Lord Surya that all his devotees should never be afflicted by this dreaded disease. They should not face any sort of difficulties in their life. Lord Surya granted accordingly and stated that devotees will know him as Vimal Aditya at that place. Further, Lord Surya will always remain in the idol of Vimal Aditya and will continue to bless his devotees. According to Kashi Khand, a mere darshan of Vimal Aditya is capable enough to cure all kinds of diseases. Vimal Aditya is located at No. D-35/273, Gully behind Khari Kuan, Jangambari, near Godowlia. People can reach this place by rickshaw. Official Address
Uttarark Aditya Temple, Varanasi The girl dutifully performed the rites of her parents and she started praying to Lord Surya in his form of Uttarark Aditya. She underwent severe penance for a considerably long time and observed that a white goat used to come daily and constantly stare at her. The goat used to take bath in the Kund in the morning, wait for the whole day and in the evening, it used to eat dry grass, drink water from the Uttarark Kund and go back. This went on for several years. One day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty were travelling above and they saw this girl (who had gone lean), praying before Uttarark Aditya. Both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty were deeply moved by the prayers of Sulakshana and Lord Shiva offered the girl a divine wish. Sulakshana thought for a moment and saw the Goat standing nearby. She requested Lord Shiva to grant a boon to the Goat instead of herself. Goddess Parvaty was moved by the philanthropy exhibited by Sulakshana and ordained that Sulakshana will always be with Goddess Parvaty as a companion. The goat will take rebirth as daughter of Kashi Raja in consideration of its devotion to Uttarark Kund. According to Kashi Khand, Goddess Parvaty stated that the Kund will be remembered for the sincerity of the Goat (because the Goat was regularly taking bath in the Kund even during severe winter months) and that all devotees should take bath in the above Kund in Paushya Month (December-January) on Sundays and pray to Uttarark Aditya. By performing the above ritual, they will be divinely blessed. The Kund was named Barkari Kund (reference : Sankshipta Skanda Puran, Gita Press, Page No. 831). The Kund is now known as Bakria Kund in local parlance. Uttarark Aditya is located in Alaipur, Bakaria Kund, near Varanasi City Station. Devotees can travel upto the place by Auto/Cycle Rickshaw. Official Address
Saamba Aditya Temple, Varanasi Soon Narad left the palace and Lord Krishna started keeping a close watch on Saamba but nothing untoward was observed in Saamba’s behaviour. However, the surveillance went on for quite some time. After some days, Narad again visited Dwarka Puri and precisely at that time, Lord Krishna was in his personal chambers alongwith various ladies. Narad called Saamba, who was loitering outside, and told him to inform Lord Krishna about his arrival. Saamba hesitated for a while. It was a double whammy for him. On the one hand, if he barges in and disturbs Lord Krishna, the latter may get angry. On the other hand, if he disobeys Narad, he may get angry because on the earlier occasion he had not respected Narad. With a dilemma, he went inside Lord Krishna’s private quarters, not knowing that Narad was following him. Both of them disturbed Lord Krishna who was in a compromising position. Lord Krishna suddenly got up very embarrassed. All the girls surrounding him were also equally embarrassed. Saamba silently left the place. Narad gave a wrong interpretation of the events to Lord Krishna stating that the ladies who were with Lord Krishna were indeed seduced by the appearance of Saamba. Lord Krishna got infuriated and cursed Saamba that he will be inflicted with Leprosy. However, Saamba pleaded innocence and Lord Krishna was very much moved. He told Saamba that to get rid of this curse, he should go to Kashi and pray to Lord Surya. Accordingly, Saamba came to Kashi, dug a Kund which was called Saamba Kund and undertook rigorous penance and pooja of Lord Surya. In due course, he was cured of this dreaded disease. Lord Aditya who is present at this place came to be called Saamba Aditya. According to Kashi Khand Chapter 48, a person who takes bath in Saamba Kund religiously on Sundays at sunrise and prays to Saamba Aditya will get cured of any incurable disease, any married lady performing such prayers will always remain Sumangali (Suhagin-lady whose husband is alive) and childless couple will be blessed with child. Saamba Kund is now known as Surya Kund / Suraj Kund. Saamba Aditya is located at D-51/90 Surya Kund (Suraj Kund). This is a famous locality. Devotees can travel upto this place in a cycle rickshaw. Official Address
Mayukh Aditya Temple, Varanasi Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty came to know about this and they appeared in person in front of Lord Surya. Lord Shiva gently touched Lord Surya, whereupon the latter’s extreme heat slowly subsided and he became more or less cool. Lord Surya opened his eyes and started singing praises of Goddess Parvaty and Lord Shiva whereupon both of them became extremely happy. They granted several divine wishes to Lord Surya. Lord Shiva told Lord Surya that when the latter was performing pooja of the former, only the sunrays were visible and the body of Lord Surya was not visible. Accordingly, Lord Surya will be called Mayukh Aditya. Mayukh means effulgence. Lord Shiva also stated that a devotee who worships Mayukh Aditya on Sundays will never fall ill. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 49). Mayukh Aditya is located at No. K-24/34, Mangala Gauri Temple, Panchganga Ghat. Devotees can travel upto Bhaironath (Kaal Bhairav) by rickshaw and walk on foot upto this temple through labyrinthine lanes. This walk usually takes about twenty to thirty minutes. Alternatively, they can take a boat ride upto Balaji Ghat/Panchganga Ghat and walk up the stairs. The idol of Mayukh Aditya always remains moist and cool. If we physically remove the moisture and make it dry, the idol will again become moist. The reason for this is Lord Shiva touched Lord Surya to reduce his intense heat (as mentioned above). Old timers in and around the temple believe that the hidden river Dhootpapa is flowing beneath the surface, causing this moistness. The temple also houses Gabhastheeshwar, Mangala Gauri and Mangal Vinayak. In the close vicinity are temples of Brahmacharini and Brahmeshwar. Official Address
Lolark Aditya Temple, Varanasi Great importance is attached to taking bath in this Pond in Magha Month when Shukla Shashti or Saptmi (sixth or seventh day after Amavasya) coincides with Sunday. Bathing on such a day in this kund and performing puja etc. will grant the devotees all their desires. The devotee’s sins accumulated over seven previous births will be cleansed away by the above religious act. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 46). A person who religiously prays to Lolark Aditya on every Sunday is absolved of all his sins and all his skin ailments will be healed. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 46). Lolark Aditya/Lolark Kund is located near Tulsi Ghat. Persons can travel upto Marwadi Seva Sangh, Assi in a rickshaw and walk on foot upto Lolark Kund. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Tulsi Ghat and climb the steps. Official Address
Sage Kashyap had many wives of which two were Kadru and Vinata. Kadru gave birth to children who were snakes and Vinata who was a huge bird gave birth to Garuda. Both the sisters were playful. While Kadru was cunning, Vinata was very innocent. Once Kadru, with an ulterior motive in her mind, asked Vinata to play a guess game and the sister who loses in the game will become slave to the winner. Vinata agreed. The guess game was “what is the colour of the Uchchaisrva, one of the horses which draws Lord Surya’s Chariot”. It was well known that the colour was white and Vinata told accordingly. But Kadru had other game plan in her mind. Upon her insistence, her children (snakes) twined themselves round the tail of the horse Uchchaisrva and started spewing venom. The colour of the horse became grayish black. Vinata lost the game and was enslaved to Kadru and her snake sons. She was very much ill treated and her son, Garuda was deeply pained at her woeful plight. He appealed to the sons of Kadru to release his mother. They agreed to do so on one condition that he should bring them Amrit (nectar). Garuda knew this was an arduous task because Nectar was closely guarded by the Devas. However, as a dutiful son, he left for Dev Lok to accomplish the mission impossible. In the process, he had to fight with Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was deeply touched by the respect which Garuda had for his mother as well as his filial obligations and told Garuda that henceforth he (Garuda) would be Lord Vishnu’s vehicle. As regards Amrit, Lord Vishnu let Garuda take it to the snake children as ransom for release of his mother but cautioned that under no circumstances the snakes were to drink it. Garuda took the amrit and gave it to the snake children. His mother was freed by the snakes as per the agreement. Before they could consume the amrit, Garuda told them that the amrit was the purest elixir and a person who wants to consume it should get himself purified first by having a holy bath. Accordingly, the snakes placed the vessel containing the amrit on a mat made of dry grass and left for performing ablutions. In their absence, Lord Vishnu took the vessel and vanished because it did not belong to the snakes rightfully. When the snakes returned they were anguished to see the vessel missing and with a view to getting at least a drop of amrit, they started licking the mat. The dry grass was very sharp and it slit their tongues. To this day, snakes are born with a forked tongue because they tried to consume something which they had not rightfully earned. Even now, elders advise people to take or consume only such things which have been rightfully earned. Later, Vinata told her son Garuda that she must have committed some sin which made her a slave. She desired to go to Kashi for atonement of her sins. Garuda took her to Kashi where Garuda installed a Shiv Ling and started praying ardently. Vinata started worshipping Lord Surya in his form as Khakholkh Aditya. Lord Shiva appeared in person and blessed Garuda stating that the latter would be known by everyone in the world as the vehicle/ride (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. Lord Surya also appeared in person before Vinata and blessed her, whereupon Vinata was absolved of all her sins. According to Kashi Khand, Chapter 50, Khakholkh Aditya finds mention in the proximity of Pilpila Teerth. Khakholkh Aditya is located at Kameshwar Temple at A-2/9 North of Trilochan. The temple is approachable from a famous locality called Machhodari. Devotees can travel upto Macchodari, take a right circular turn, reach Birla Hospital and take a right turn. Kameshwar temple is located in a Gully there. Pilpila Teerth mentioned in Kashi Khand is existent now in the form of a Koop (Well) near Trilochaneshwar. Official Address
Keshava Aditya Temple, Varanasi Once Lord Surya was travelling in the sky and from a distance he could see Adi Keshav (Lord Vishnu) worshipping a Shiv Ling. Being very curious, Lord Surya came down to the earth and after Adi Keshav finished the prayers, put forward a question to the latter. Lord Surya asked when the entire world regards Lord Vishnu as Antaratma, the latter should be worshipped. Lord Surya was surprised why Lord Vishnu was worshipping Lord Shiva. To quell his anxiety, Lord Vishnu replied that in Kashi Kshetra Lord Shiva is the supreme Lord and he should be worshipped by every one. Lord Vishnu extensively described the importance of Linga Pooja in Kashi inasmuch as a devotee who performs abhishek of a Shiv Ling and consumes the water as prasad, gets the punya of taking bath in all religious Teerths (Sacred Ponds). Lord Vishnu advised Lord Surya also to worship Lord Shiva in Ling form in Kashi. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 51). Lord Surya piously regarded Adi Keshav as his Guru for giving this sacred knowledge and Lord Surya came to be called as Keshava Aditya at that place. According to Kashi Khand, a person who takes bath in Padodak Teerth (Koop) and worships Keshava Aditya gets rid of all sins. Special importance is attached to Magh month (Jan 21-Feb 20) on any Saptami day (7th day after Amavasya or Poornima) when it coincides with Sunday. On such days, devotees are advised to take bath in Padodak Koop and worship Keshava Aditya. Keshava Aditya is located at No. A-37/51, Adi Keshav Temple, Rajghat Fort. Devotees can travel upto this place by autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw or car. Official Address
Ganga Aditya Temple, Varanasi Kashi Khand states that Lord Surya positioned himself at a particular place in Kashi so as to worship Holy river Ganges. It is believed that even today Lord Surya is residing at the above place reciting Stotras of Ganges and blessing his devotees. The form of Surya at the Ghat of Ganges came to be known as Ganga Aditya. Ganga Aditya is located at No. 1/68, below Nepali Mandir, Lalita Ghat. The deity is situated in a room covered with iron grill and facing the river Ganges. From Vishwanath temple, a devotee should approach Saraswati Phatak and proceed further straight and after walking about 200 metres, he will approach a place where Phoote Ganesh is located. It is advisable to ask for Nepali Pasupatinath temple for location. Nepali Pasupatinath temple is a landmark below which, devotees can find Ganga Aditya. Official Address
Draupad Aditya Temple, Varanasi When Pandavas went in exile, Draupadi was extremely sad to look at the plight of her husbands. (It is well known that Draupadi was married to the five pandavas and she also accompanied them to the forests and other places in exile). She came to Kashi and started intensely praying to Lord Surya. Lord Surya was deeply moved by her sincerity and appeared before her. He gave her one vessel and told her that the vessel would be a “never emptying vessel” inasmuch as she could go on feeding any number of guests and the vessel would never get empty. However, she should be the last one to eat. (Even now old timers say that Guests should be fed first and household ladies should be the last to eat). Lord Surya also told Draupadi about a divine wish that Lord Shiva had given to him. According to it, if a devotee who comes to pray to Vishveshwar in Kashi, prays to Lord Surya first, Lord Surya will have the power to remove all the sorrows which are clinging to the devotee. Lord Surya also states here that a person who sincerely prays to him at this place will never remain hungry. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 49). Draupad Aditya is located at Ck. 35/21, Akshay Vat, near Vishweshar Temple. There are three approach lanes one via Dashashwamedh Road, 2nd via Bansphatak and third via Gyanvapi. It is difficult to prescribe the convenient entry point because due to heavy police patrolling, entry points keep changing. During peak rush days like Mondays and other important festivals, the police may regulate the pilgrims through Gyanvapi and the exit point may be through Bansphatak etc. Since the temple is located in deep Gully, it is advisable to visit the temple alongwith a local person or Guide. This place also houses Nakuleshwar, which finds mention in Kashi Khand. Official Address
Arun Aditya Temple, Varanasi Lord Skanda was describing the predicament of Vinata whereby she had become slave once upon a time. Sage Agasthya wanted to know what made her become a slave, even though she was very pious in her daily activities. Lord Skanda described thus: Sage Kashyap had many wives of which two were Kadru and Vinata. While Kadru gave birth to hundred snakes, Vinata gave birth to three children, Owl, Garuda and Arun. Initially when Owl was born, he became the King of all birds, but due to his incompetency, the birds chose to disregard him. Therefore, to this day the birds do not have a king of their own. While Owl was her first offspring, the other two were still in the egg. Vinata wished her remaining eggs to hatch but to her utter dismay, the eggs did not hatch. She could not bear the agony of her first child being ridiculed. So, in her impetuousness to beget the baby, she decided to break open one of the eggs prematurely, hoping to get a son. As soon as she broke open the egg, she saw a child within, fully developed from thigh upwards, but the lower portion representing the legs was still under making. Thus, the premature new born child who was referred to as Arun (Dawn) in Kashi Khand, Chapter 51, was very furious at his mother’s impatience which resulted in his deformity. Arun cursed his mother that she would become a slave to the children of Kadru. Vinata pleaded innocence whereupon Arun took pity on her. He told her not to be impatient with the third egg. The child born out of this egg, will get her out of the slavery. Having said so, Arun in due course of time wanted to rid himself of the deformity. He came to Kashi and started penitently praying to Lord Surya, who became happy with Arun. He appeared in person and blessed Arun stating that the latter will always be with him (Lord Surya) as his charioteer. Lord Surya said a person who worships me in the form of Arun Aditya will not know what is sadness and poverty will always remain at a distance. According to Kashi Khand, a person who worships Arun Aditya will never fall ill and there will be no obstacles in the devotee’s smooth life. The devotee will not know what is misery. Arun Aditya is located in Trilochaneshwar Temple which is located at A-2/80, Trilochan Ghat. The temple is approachable from Birla Hospital after Machhodari upto which place, people can travel by Auto or Cycle Rickshaw and then on foot. Alternatively, they can have a boat ride upto Trilochan Ghat and climb the stairs. Official Address
This temple is located near Scindia Ghat at Varanasi. The temples’s history is relating to 5th century. The temple was demolished by invaders many times since then. The deity was reconsecrated during 16th century by Raja Man Singh. Again in 1682 the temple was demolished. The present temple built by Raja of Aundh (Satara, Maharashtra) in 19th Century. Large number of devotees visit this temple. During the Karthika Month, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is also one among the prominent festivals which marks the event of Lord Vishnu donating Kashi to Lord Shiva. In celebrations, Lord Vishnu offers Bael leaves to Lord Vishwanath and Lord Vishwanath offers tulasi leaves to Lord Bindu Madhav. As per directions of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu travelled from Mandarachal to Kashi with a divine mission of making King Divodas leave Kashi (Kindly read Divodaseshwar) After having accomplished his mission, Lord Vishnu was enjoying the serene beauty of Kashi, Pancha Nada Teerth, Padodak Teerth and other places. At Pancha Nada Teerth, he came across one extremely lean looking Sage who was undergoing Tapas. Lord Vishnu in his divine form approached the Sage whose name was Agni Bindu and stood in front of him. The Sage, on seeing the Lord in person, was ecstatic and he prostrated before the Lord. The Sage then started singing praises of the Lord. The Sage addressed the Lord by various names like Mukunda, Madusudan, Madhav, Narayan, Rama Bhadran, Chatur Bhuj, Janardhan etc. The Sage also mentioned that those who worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves or garland made of Tulsi Leaves will get lots of blessings. After having sung all praises about Lord Vishnu, Agni Bindu Rishi stood silently with folded hands. Lord Vishnu asked the Sage to seek any divine boon. The Sage, in reply, sought only one thing: that Lord Vishnu should always be available in the vicinity of Pancha Nada Teerth. Lord Vishnu granted accordingly. He further stated that Kashi is a Punya Kshetra and devotees can achieve several kinds of Siddhi by staying in Kashi. Lord Vishnu further told that he would stay in Kashi as long as Kashi is present and there will be no destruction of Kashi, as this holy city is situated atop the Trishul (Trident) of Lord Shiva. Therefore, even Maha Pralay (great deluge) cannot destroy the city. Agni Bindu Rishi was extremely happy at this and sought one more divine boon from Lord Vishnu. He desired that Lord Vishnu should always be available in the vicinity of Pancha Nada Teerth in the name of the Sage. Further, a devotee who takes bath in Pancha Nada Teerth and even if he dies elsewhere, he should attain Moksha. The Sage also sought that a devotee who bathes in Pacha Nada Teerth and worships Lord Vishnu should be blessed with wealth and prosperity. Lord Vishnu agreed to the request of the Sage. He stated that henceforth he (Lord) will be known as Bindu Madhav in Pancha Nada Teerth. By his presence, the Teerth will be extremely Sacred and devotees who bathe in this Teerth and honour learned persons, will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. The Teerth, which is capable of cleansing all Sins, will be called as Bindu Teerth. A person may have committed various sins, knowingly or unknowingly. But if, during the Kartik Month, he religiously bathes in Pancha Nada Teerth and worships Bindu Madhav, he will attain Mukti. Kashi Khand, Chapter 60 has given in detail the importance of Kartik Month in respect to Pancha Nada Teerth. Lord Visweshwar himself regularly takes bath in this Teerth during Kartik Month. Lord Vishnu further stated that he (Lord) was called as Aadi Madhav in Sat Yug, he should be worshipped as Ananda Madhav in Tretha Yug, he would present himself in Dwapar Yug as Shree Madhav. In Kali Yug the Lord should be known by the name of Bindu Madhav. Agni Bindu Rishi was extremely happy at the direct worship of Lord Vishnu and he prostrated before the Lord. 05:00 am to 12:00 pm 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm This temple can be reached by two ways. One way is to navigate through the narrow roads of Kashi from the Kala Bhairava Temple which is around 1.5 kms of a walk. The other way is to reach the temple through the Pancha-ganga ghat which one can walk from the other Ghats of Kashi such as Assi Ghat or take a boat ride from the other ghats. There are steep steps to reach the temple ascending from the Pancha-ganga Ghat which is the most magnificent section of the Varanasi riverfront and built by Akbar’s minister Todar Mal in the year 1580.
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhumi, is a state in Northern India that is steeped in spirituality and religiosity. It is home to several ancient temples and shrines that are revered by Hindus across the country. These temples are not only significant from a religious perspective, but they also hold great historical and architectural value. The state of Uttarakhand is dotted with numerous temples, each of which has its unique significance and history. The most famous among them are the Char Dham Yatra destinations – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. These temples are considered to be the holiest of all the pilgrimage sites in the Hindu religion. Apart from the Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand is also home to other prominent temples like the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, the Nanda Devi Temple in Almora, the Kainchi Dham Ashram in Nainital, and the Jageshwar Temple in Almora, among others. These temples attract a large number of devotees and tourists from all over the world, who come here to seek blessings, peace, and solace. The architecture of these temples is unique and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. The intricate carvings, the exquisite sculptures, and the stunning location of these temples make them a must-visit for anyone traveling to Uttarakhand. In conclusion, the temples in Uttarakhand are not just places of worship but also a testimony to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. A visit to these holy shrines is an enriching and fulfilling experience that offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural fabric of India.
This is Atariya temple located at 2 Km distance from Rudarpur Bus Station. Paanch Mandir is situated in centre of Rudrapur City. PantNagar is nearest airport from Delhi Rudrapur City is the nearest Railway Station for going to Atariya Temple, Paanch Mandir. The temple is 5 Km away from the Rudrapur City Railway Station. Paanch Mandir is in centre of Rudrapur. Rudrapur Bus Station is the nearest Bus Station for going to Atariya Temple. The temple is 2 Km away from the Rudrapur Bus Station. Paanch Mandir is in centre of Rudrapur. Atariya mandir, Gali Number 2, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand 263153 094109 54233
Another Shiva temple (Kandolia Devta) is located in the dense forest of Oak and Pine on Kandolia hills. Adjacent to this temple is a beautiful park, sports complex and a few mts ahead is Asia’s highest Stadium Ransi. During summers Kandolia Park Witnesses the cheering, laughing and funfilled families from the locale. One side of the park gives a beautiful view of Pauri town and other side of it gives a beautiful view of Gangwarsyun valley. The place is one kilometre ascend on foot from bus stand or 2km from motorable road. Professional or amateur photographer can capture a lot in their camera to cherish.
8th century Shiva temple established by Sankaracharya during his visit to Pauri with the view of, revival of Hinduism. The temple is well renowned in Pauri and nearby areas, people has a very strong belief in the temple with main Deities- Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya. Other Deities in the temple just behind the main temple are of Lord Rama, Lakshmana & Goddess Sita. One can have a spellbound sight of the magnificent Himalayan ranges along with Alaknanda Valley and town itself from here. Visitors have to partake in an easy trek amidst the forest in order to reach the temple. Nearest railway station is located 115 kms way in Rishikesh while Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, some 130 kms away. Unnamed Road, Uttarakhand 246001
Much worshipped temple of snake God (Nag) and situated in a dense forest of Pine and Rhododendron. On the way to the temple an observatory is installed from where one can get a gigantic and thrilling view of magnificent Himalayan ranges like Chaukhamba, Gangotri Group, Banderpoonch, Kedardom, Kedarnath etc. The temple is located on Pauri- Bubakhal road and is 5km from bus stop. One can reach there by a trek of 1and 1/2 kms. Pauri Rd, Godi, Uttarakhand 246001 084479 84322
Famous ShaktiPeeth of this area dedicated to Goddess Durga is around 33kms from Pauri on Pauri- Kotdwar motor road. A special worship is offered during Navratras’ people come from far and wide to pray for the fulfillment of their desires. Accommodation units like Tourist rest House (4 beds) and Dharamshala are available here. Temple is located on the Northern bank of river Nayar, nearby station is Satpuli some 17 km. Jwalpa Devi Temple is located between Pauri and Kotdwara. One can reach here by hire a taxi or take a bus from Kotdwara or Puari or Satpuli. Nearest railway station to Jwalpa Devi is Kotdwara Railway station (75kms) and the nearest airport facility is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun(146km). Jawalpa, Uttarakhand 246176
The temple dedicated to goddess Kali is a much worshiped Goddess of the region. People are of the opinion that the stone carved deity changes face of a girl, woman, and of old lady as the day progresses. A mythological account says that once a severe flood washed away a temple and Dhari Devi’s idol was trapped against a rock near the village Dharo. Villagers heard the wail of the idol and a devine voice directed them to install the idol there. Every year on the occasion of Navratras special worship is offered to Goddess Kaliasaur. People from far & near visit this sacred haunt in great number to get the blessings of Goddess Kali. An ancient cave is also present near the temple. The temple is 15km from Srinagar on Delhi- Niti National Highway 55 leading to Badrinath. A 1 km-cement pathway leads one to the temple on the bank of river Alaknanda. Distance between Srinagar-Dhari Devi and Dhari Devi-Rudraprayag is 16 km and 20 km respectively. One can reach here easily by bus or taxi from Srinagar and Rudraprayag. Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh railway station (119 kms) and airport at Jolly Grant airport (136 kms). Kalyasaur, Uttarakhand 246174
Situated at an elevation of 1428 mts., this temple has a great following among childless couples. The temple houses a Shivlinga and is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges in the east, Haridwar in the west and the Siddha Peeth Medanpuri Devi temple in the south. Legend has it that a village woman inadverdently hit a shiv Linga while digging. Divine voices were then heard, directing the people to construct a temple dedicated to Shiva. Accordingly, the Koteshwar Mhadev temple was erected. It is believed that childless couples who chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra during the whole month of Shravana with full faith & devotion are blessed by the Lord and their wishes are granted. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is located at 3 km from Rudraprayag . Rudraprayag is well conected and one can reach Koteshwar Mahadev Temple by hire taxi or take sharing jeep or bus from Rudraprayag. Nearest railway station to reach Koteshwar Mahadev Templeis at Dehradun (183 kms) or Rishikesh railway station (142 kms).
This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Is is 36 kms from Lansdowne, the headquarter of ‘Garhwal Rifle’. Surrounded by thick forests of Deodar & Pine, it is an ideal place for those who seek for beauty in nature. During Shivratri, a special worship is held. The temple committee provides a dharamshala for accommodation The Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple is situated at a distance of 38 km from the market of Lansdowne. In order to reach the aforesaidtemple, you can hire a taxi to the village of Gundalkhet. From there, you will have to trek a short distance of 1 km straight ahead to reach the ancienttemple. Tarkeshwar Road, Malara Bara, Uttarakhand 246155 084371 63169
Sureshwari Devi is an old tempale in Haridwar. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur. Situated in the peaceful forest area of Rajaji National park. Jolly Grant Dehardun Airport is the nearest airport to haridwar situated at a distance of 72 kms. Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights and is well connected by motor roads . The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway station. Haridwar is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express are the two major trains connecting Haridwar with major cities of India and has excellent rail network with all important cities like Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi etc. 5 kilometer from District Headquarter
At a height of 3000 mts. above sea level, Purnagiri is 20 kms. from Tanakpur, 171 kms. from Pithoragarh and 92 kms. from Champawat. Purnagiri temple is visited throughout the year by devotees from all parts of the country, who come here in large numbers, particularly during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March – April. The surrounding valleys echo with the holy chantings of the devotees climbing up to the top for darshan, creating an atmosphere of spirituality. From Purnagiri, also known as Punyagiri, the river Kali descends into the plains and is known as Sharda. For visiting this shrine one can go upto Thuligaarh by vehicle. From this place one has to trek (the road is under construction upto Tunyas ). After the ascent of Bans ki Charhai comes Awalakhan (the new name is Hanuman Chatti).The south – western part of ‘Punya Parvat’ can be seen from this place. Another ascent ends at the TRC of Tanki. The region of temporary shops and residential huts start from this place upto Tunyas. From the highest point (the temple) of Purnagiri hill the pilgrim can see the expanse of Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages. The old Buram Deo Mandi is very close to Purnagiri. From Tanakpur or Purnagiri it is possible to trek to Tamli and even to Jhulaghat along the Kali river. The nearest airport to Purnagiri is Pantnagar Airport situated 160kms away in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. Taxis are available from Pantnagar Airport to Purnagiri . Pantnagar is connected to Delhi with four round flight in a week. Purnagiri is situated at a distance of 60 kms from Champawat. Taxis and buses are easily available from Tanakpur Railway Station to Purnagiri . Tanakpur is well connected with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Kolkata. Trains are frequent to Tanakpur Railway Station and Purnagiri is well connected by motorable roads with Tanakpur. Purnagiri is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state and northern India. Buses from ISBT Anand Vihar are available to Tanakpur, Lohaghat and many other destinations from where you can easily hire a local cab or bus to reach
‘ADITYA TEMPLE,’ a beautiful temple of God Sun and Shiva is located at Ramak village of Champawat district in Uttarakhand. It is one of the famous and rare temples of God Sun, which was establishedby the kings of Chand dynasty in the 16th century. Legends also believe that during the exile, Pandavas visited this place and worshipped god ‘Shiva’ and consecrated the pious ‘Shivalinga’here. Since it is an abode of the two famous Hindu Gods – Sun and Shiva, it is also popularly known as‘ Shivaditya Temple.’This temple has a great religious significance in the vicinity and large number of pilgrims from various places and across sections visit here to perform worship. Every year during August/September on the auspicious occasion of ‘Surya Sasti’ a three days’ fair is also organized here where special worship of God Sun is performed. Near Aditya Temple, two other equally beautiful and renowned temples of God ‘Adi’ and God ‘Bhumia’are also situated. These temples are situated under two huge divine banj oak trees, which adds to itsmagnificence even more. The nearest airport to Aditya Temple, Ramak is Pantnagar situated around 150kms away in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. Taxis are available from Pantnagar Airport to Aditya Temple, Ramak. The nearest railway stations is Kathgodam, which is around 115 kms from Aditya Temple, Ramak. Taxis and buses are easily available from Kathgodam and Haldwani. Kathgodam/ Haldwani is well connected with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra etc. Ramak is well connected by motorable road now with major destinations of Uttarakhand state and northern India. Buses from ISBT Anand Vihar are available to Haldwani and many other nearby destinations from where pilgrims can easily hire a local taxi or bus to reach.
The Yogdhyan Badri Temple is as old as the temple of Badrinath. Pandukeshwar is 24 kms from Joshimath, it has the Yogdhyan Badri temple one of the panch badri . The image here, in a meditative posture, is worshiped as at Badrinath. According to the myth, the Pandavas made over Hastinapur to Raja Parikshit and retired here. Also, king Pandu, the father of Pandavas had spent his last days doing penance here before his Nirvana, and hence the name. Some famous copper plates carrying old inscriptions, providing valuable information on the history of the temple and early Katyuri Rajas have been found here. The surrounding region is Panchal Desh better known as UttarKhand. Surya Kund, which is on the top of the Milam glacier, is a hot water spring. Here Kunti is said to have given birth to Karna, fathered by Surya. Pandu married Kunti at Pandukeshwar near Sri Badrinath. Yogabadrī temple, Pandukeshwar The Yogabadrī temple is so different from the Gaṇeśa shrine and all other monuments in the Central Himalayas The Yogabadrī temple is so different from the Gaṇeśa shrine and all other monuments in the Central Himalayas that it baffled Kanti Prasad Nautiyal, the sole scholar to write about it. He wrote that it was “either influenced by the Buddhist stupa type because of the proximity of the place to the Tibetan region or it may have been just a reproduction of the Pala temple.” Close examination of the Yogabadrī temple’s structural components, however, shows its affiliation with temples in southern India, suggesting that it is a Drāviḍa alpa vimāna. The foundational moldings of Yogabadrī’s square-plan vimāna appear in the following sequence: minor projecting molding (kṣudropāna) lotus-formed molding (padmopāna), recessed band (antarita), tri-faced torus molding (tripaṭakumuda), recessed molding (golapāda) with block-projections (galas) and with crocodilian creatures (makaras) only at the corners, upper-fillet molding (ūrdhvakampa), minor molding (upāna), and oversailing fillet (mahāvājan). In contemporaneous Drāviḍa alpa vimānas in Tamil Nadu, this sequence constitutes the molded base (adhisthāna), and it invariably is set beneath the garbhagṛha’s floor level. Furthermore, in Tamil Nadu, a water chute (praṇāla) typically cuts through the mahāvājan or equivalent crowning course. The Yogabadrī temple’s floor level, however, is sited in the middle of this set of molding courses, a feature externally indicated by the water chute that cuts through the tripaṭakumuda. A wall frieze punctuated by rather plain pilasters rises above the temple’s foundational mahāvājana course. The uppermost portion of the wall frieze features a row of galas, which are sheltered by a heavy kapoṭa decorated with gavākṣas (dormer-window motifs) with trefoil finials. Sculptures of sejant lions are set on the four corners of the plank molding (pratis). Calling to mind a sculptural typology and an architectural convention first seen at the seashore temple at Mamallapuram, they symbolically protect the temple, weigh down a course carved with a diamond-and-pearl pattern, and safeguard the vulnerable junctures of walls. A rectangular, enclosed front hall (guḍhamaṇḍapa) fronts the vimāna. It shows the same base molding courses as the vimāna, but its wall frieze is plainer. Beaten copper sheets clad an older roof composed of sloping stone slabs. A short flight of stairs contained by a banister—reminiscent of the curvaceous balustrades of so many Drāviḍa temples in Tamil Nadu—leads devotees toward an unornamented portal. Stepping through this portal, one enters a dark hall, with a door at its far end leading into the garbhagṛha. A cluster of hitherto unpublished metal images of Viṣṇu and his celestial retainers are enshrined in this exalted space (fig. 18). The largest of these images, a golden sculpture depicting Viṣṇu seated in a cross-legged meditative posture (padmasana), appears to date from the time of the temple’s construction in the ninth or tenth century. (Details taken from here) Legends believe King Pandu was living with his wives Kunti and Madri in the Pandukeshwar after giving his throne to his elder brother Dhritrashtra. One day Pandu went on hunting in the jungle and unintentionally killed a sage making love in deer form. While the sage was dying cursed Pandu that to be unable to make love with anyone and if he does so, he will die instantly. To get cleanse of the sin of killing of sages, Pandu installed the bronze image of Vishnu in the Yogadhyan Badri shrine and mediated. Meanwhile, Kunti and Madri gave birth to Pandavas through yogadhyan. Once in a while Pandu got attracted to Madri who was taking bath in the Alaknanda river. Soon Pandu died due to the curse of the sage. During the 12 years of exile, Pandavas visit Pandukeshwar and perform the funeral of their father Pandu. Here, Arjun also meditated during the exile period and get a blessing from Indra. Pandavas also built a Lord Vasudev temple having idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and Madri. Pandukeshwar is open all around the year and can be visited all around the year. The ideal time to visit Pandukeshwar is from April to June and September to November. Pandukeshwar is located at mid way between Joshimath and Badrinath. Situated at a distance of 18 kms from Joshimath and 23 km from Badrinath, Pandukeshwar can be reach by sharing jeep or hiring taxi from Joshimath. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 282 km from Yogdhyan Badri which is situated in Pandukeshwar. Taxi and bus services are available from Dehradun airport to Pandukeshwar. Rishikesh Haridwar & Dehradun all have Railway Stations. The nearest rail-head from Yogdhyan Badri is Rishikesh (255 km approx). From Rishikesh, one can take a bus/Taxi to reach Yogdhyan Badri. Yogdhyan Badri is situated in Pandukeshwar(Badrinath-Rishikesh national highway). State transport buses play regularly between Pandukeshwar and Rishikesh (275 km). Local Transport Union Buses and State Transport buses operate between Pandukeshwar and Rishikesh (275 km), Haridwar (297 km), Dehradun (318 km), and Delhi (520 km).
Kasar Devi is a village near Almora, Uttarakhand. It is known for the Kasar Devi temple, a Devi temple, dedicated to Kasar Devi, after whom the place is also named. The temple structure dates to the 2nd century CE. Swami Vivekananda visited Kasar Devi in 1890s, and numerous western seeker, Sunyata Baba Alfred Sorensen and Lama Anagarika Govinda. A place also known for Crank’s Ridge, just outside the village, which was popular destination during the Hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and continues to attract trekkers and tourists, both domestic and foreign. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 105 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Kasar Devi is well connected through a road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, the road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Kasar Devi or hire a cab/taxi to reach Kasar Devi from Delhi or any other nearby cities. Binsar, Almora Rd, Khatyari, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601 099606 08919
Situated somewhere about 8kms from Almora, Chitai Golu is quite a famous temple in Uttarakhand. Presided by the deity of Golu Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav, Chitai Temple is easily recognised by the amount of copper bells hung in its premises. Golu Ji is reckoned to be the God of Justice and it is a common belief that when someone worships him in one of his temples in Uttarakhand, Golu Devta provides justice and makes wishes of his devotees come true. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Chitai Golu Temple is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Chitai Golu Temple or hire a cab/taxi to reach Chitai Golu Temple from Delhi or any other nearby cities. Chitai, SH 37, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Blessing Ranikhet and the area around it is Jhoola Devi Temple. The holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has been named as Jhoola Devi because the presiding deity is seen seated on a cradle. According to locals this temple is 700 years old and the original deity was stolen in 1959. Like Chitai Golu Temple, this temple is also recognized by the number of bells hanging in its premises. It believed that Jhoola Devi fulfils the wishes of her devotees and after the completion of the wishes; the devotees come here to offer the copper bell. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 125KMs from Ranikhet and 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand Jhoola Devi Temple, Ranikhet is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Jhoola Devi Temple, Ranikhet or hire a cab/taxi to reach Jhoola Devi Temple, Ranikhet from Delhi or any other nearby cities. Chaubatia, Uttarakhand 263645
Amidst the thick deodar is situated the holy temple of Binsar Mahadev. Along with its divinity and spiritual ambiance, this place is famed for its impeccable nature’s beauty. Binsar Mahadev is said to have been built in 9/10th Century and thus has been an important religious place in Uttarakhand since ages. With idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri and Maheshmardini, this temple is known for its architectural finesse. The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in ‘ Nagarilipi ‘ that dates back to 9th century. The shrine is believed to be built by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu and it is also known as Bindeshwar temple. Overlooking a small stream and surrounded by forest of deodar, pine and oak, this temple makes quite a place to visit in the state The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 125KMs from Ranikhet and 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand Binsar Mahadev Temple is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Ranikhet and than Soni Binsar or drive to Ramnagar and than Soni Binsar or hire a cab/taxi to reach Soni Binsar,Ranikhet from Delhi or any other nearby cities. Bisaona, Uttarakhand 263664
Gana Nath Temple, 47 kms from Almora, is famous for its caves and a Shiva temple. During the special Kartik Purnima carnival held at the temple, the entire region echoes with the sounds of rhythmic hymns and captivating folk songs. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 174 KMs from Takula ,the nearest Town from Gana Nath Temple and 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away from Almora. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand The nearest town from Gana Nath Templeis Takula and it is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Almora and than kosi or hire a cab/taxi to reach kosi ,almora from Delhi or any other nearby cities. You have enjoy an around 5 KM Track from Takula to Gana Nath. Almora Range, Uttarakhand 263628
Katarmal Temple is a magnificent Surya temple also known as Bara Aditya temple. Katarmal is located about 17 kms from Almora and is positioned at an elevation of 2,116 m. One has to trek almost three kms crossing Hawalbagh and Matela near Kosi River. The Katarmal Temple has the distinction of being the only Sun temple in Kumaon. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 142 KMs from Katarmal Sun Temple and 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand The nearest town from Katarmal is kosi and it is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Almora and than kosi or hire a cab/taxi to reach kosi ,almora from Delhi or any other nearby cities. You have enjoy a 1.5 KM Track from Kosi to Katarmal.
Banri Devi Temple is situated 26 kms from Almora on the Almora-Lamgarha Road. However, out of the 26 kms, one has to trek almost ten kms and hence reaching this temple is extremely arduous. The octagonal temple has an ancient idol of Vishnu with the Sheshnag pose, i.e. the four armed Vishnu sleeping on the Sheshnag. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 147 KMs from Banri Devi Mandir and 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 110 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Banri Devi Mandir is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Almora and than Banri Devi or hire a cab/taxi to reach Banri Devi,Almora from Delhi or any other nearby cities. Dharanaula, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
The Nanda Devi Mandir was built by the Chand Rajas. The idol of the goddess is located in the antechamber of a Shiva temple and is much revered by the locals. Every September, Almora comes alive as thousands flocks to this temple for the Nanda Devi Mela, a riot of pageantry that lasts for a full five days. The mela is an integral part of this temple for more than 400 years. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 90 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi Temple Almora is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Almora or hire a cab/taxi to reach Almora from Delhi or any other nearby cities.
Golu Devata or Lord Golu is the legendary mythological and historical God of the Kumaun region and is their deity. The Dana Golu devata Gairar, temple is about 2 km from the main gate of Binsar wildlife sanctuary & about 15 km. from Almora. Origin Golu Devata is thought to be as an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva), and is worshipped all over the region and regarded as the dispenser of justice by the devotees with extreme faith. It is said that Shri Kalyan Singh Bisht ( Kalbisht ) was born at Kotura village near a big village Patiya where Deewan of the king lived. At the very young age Shri Kalbisht overpowered and killed all devils (Shaitaans) of the Kumaon region and always helped the poors and oppressed. Shri Kalbisht was suspiciously beheaded with his own axe by his near relative,who was influenced by the Deewan of Patiya. He was beheaded by the king and his body fell at Gairar at Dana Golu and his head fell at Kaparkhan, a few km from Almora. At Dana Golu, there is the original and most ancient temple of Golu devata. Golu devata is seen in form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva devata is in form of Lord Shiva, his brother Kalva devata is in form on Bhairava and Garh Devi is form of Shakti. Golu devata is also prayed as key deity(Ista/ Kula devata) in many villages of Kumaun. Dana Golu devata is known as God of justice and prayed with great pride and enthusiasm. Dana Golu devata is offered with White Cloths, white pagari and white shaal. There are many temples of Golu Devata in Kumaun, and the most popular are at Gairad (Binasr), Chitai, Champawat, Ghorakhal. It is popular belief that Golu Devata dispenses quick justice to the devotee. Devotees in turn offer bells after the fulfillment of their wishes. Thousands of bells of every size can be seen hanging over the temple premises. Many devotees file a lot of written petitions daily, which are received by the temple. The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, the seat of a famous agricultural university, about 147 KMs from Gairad and 127 KMs From Almora. The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam situated around 110 KMs away. Kathgodam is connected by rail directly with Delhi, the capital of India, Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. Gairad Mandir is well connected through road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, road network is the best and easily available transport option. You can either drive to Almora and than Gairad or hire a cab/taxi to reach Gairad from Delhi or any other nearby cities.
Vasudav Mandir, Fazalpur, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh 244221
Yamunotri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. It is situated at an altitude of 3,293 metres (10,804 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas and located approximately 30 kilometers (19 mi) North of Uttarkashi, the headquarters of the Uttarkashi district in the Garhwal Division of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sites in India’s Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage. The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch Parvat. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti (7 km. Away). The actual source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at a height of 4,421 m above sea level, about 1 km further up, is not frequented generally as it is not accessible; hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer puja at the temple itself. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. The Yamuna, like the Ganges, has been elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization. Close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Surya Kund is the most important kund. Near the Surya Kund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes, tied in muslin cloth, to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam. The pujaris of Yamunotri come from the village of Kharsali near Janki Chatti. They are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites. They are well-versed in the Shastras. Yamunotri Temple is situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,235 metres (10,614 ft) near the river source.The original temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century. The current temple is of recent origin as earlier constructions have been destroyed by weather and the elements. There seems to be a confusion as to who built the temple of Yamunotri. However, according to sources, the temple was originally constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. According to the ancient legend, sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. All his life, he bathed daily both in the Ganges and the Yamuna. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri for him. The temple and the place opens every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya Tritya, which generally falls during the last week of April, or the first week of May. The temple always closes on the sacred day of Diwali in mid-October – first week of November, with a brief ceremony. The temple staff return to their villages and for the rest of the time the valley is gripped in no-man silence and covered with a white sheet of snow. With the melting of the snow next summer, the temple re-opens. Sangya is the birthplace of the Yamuna in the Champasar Glacier (4,421 m) just below the Banderpoonch Mountain. The mountain adjacent to the river source is dedicated to her father, and is called Kalind Parvat, (Kalind being another name for the sun deity – Surya). Yamuna is known for her frivolousness, a trait that she developed because, according to a common story, Yamuna’s mother could never make eye contact with her dazzling husband. Official Address
Gundiyat Gaon, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Gundiyat Gaon is a village located in the Rawain valley, in the foothills of the Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. The village is about 120 kilometres (75 mi) from Dehradun, capital of Uttarakhand and is at an altitude of 1,550 metres (5,090 ft). Gundiyat Gaon is the largest of the valley villages.There is a local deity temple in the middle of village. The temple has the idol of Kapil Muni Maharaj, Khandasuri Dev and Kali Mayya. The architecture of temple is an example of fine art of ancient time.[1] The walls of the temple is made of large rectangular blocks of fine and rare stone. Each block has engravings on it, showing drawings of gods and various designs. There is also temple of Lord Shiva, Kamleshwar, nearby the village. The temple has an ancient linga of Lord Shiva. People from far places come to visit the place in large number Official Address
Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Gangotri is a town and a Nagar Panchayat (municipality) in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is a Hindupilgrim town on the banks of the river Bhagirathi and origin of River Ganges. It is on the Greater Himalayan Range, at a height of 3,100 metres (10,200 ft). According to popular Hindu legend, it was here that Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dhampilgrimage circuit. The original Gangotri Temple was built by the Nepalese general Amar Singh Thapa. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri Official Address
Moteshwar Mahadev, Kashipur, Uttarakhand Shree Moteshwar Mahadev, also known as Shree Bheem Shankar Mahadev, is an abobe of Lord Shiva in Kashipur. This place was known as the Dakini State in ancient days.Kashipur (Govishn) is a historic place in Nainital district. Around 1 km away is a place known as Ujjanak. This is where Lord Shiva is situated in his full face as a Jyotirlingam known as Bheem Shankar. This is the Bheem Shankar Jyotirlingam. Shree Moteshwar Mahadev is also known as Shree Bheem Shankar Mahadev. In ancient days, this place was known as Dakini State. Kashipur or Govishn is a historic place in Nainital district. Around 1 km away Lord Shiva is situated in his full face as a Jyotirlingam known as Bheem Shankar at a place known as Ujjanak. The primary deity worshiped is Shiva. Other deities are Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Hanuman, Kali and Bhairo. Kashipur was known as Govishan or Govisana during the time of Harsha (606–647 AD), when Xuanzang (631–641 AD) visited this region. The ruins of the large settlement of those days are still near the city. Kashipur is named after Kashinath Adhikari, the founder of the township and governor of the pargana, one of the officers of the Chand Kings of Kumaon in the 16th-17th century. Poet Gumani wrote a poem on this town. Girital and Drona sagar are well-known spots and are associated with the story of the Pandavas. The Chaiti mela is the best known fair of Kashipur. Today Kashipur is an important industrial township. In autumn (after monsoon) one can see the snowclad peaks of Trishul and its surroundings. According to the Shiv Puran Bhima Shankar Jyotirlingam is in Kamroop. According to the historic and spiritual books, it is called the place of Bheem Shankar Jyotirlingam. In Mahabharata, this place was also known as Dakini. This was the reason Adi Shankaracharaya has illustrated the place by saying “Dakiniyam Bhimashankaram”. Its existence is also described by Kalidas in his “Raghuvansh”. The reason for the name Dakini is the forests which has gone from Saharanpur to Nepal consisted a Hidimba named devil which took birth in Dakini Yoni and got married with the victorious Pandava Bhushan. She was a Dakini but as she lived in a devil posture she was called a Devil. The lingam of this temple is very large and touching the whole ling with two human hands is impossible. This kind of lingam is not present in any other part of the country. It is believed that it rises and till now it has reached second floor. It includes a Bharav Nath temple and a Kund known as Shiv Ganga Kund; in front of this kund is the river Kosi. West is a temple of Maa Jagdamba Bhagwati Balsundari, and every year in month of chaitra a huge fair is organized here. There is a kila where Guru Dronacharya gave teaching to Kaurava and Pandava. Guru dronacharya motivated Bheemsen to reconstruct this temple which later was known as Bheem Shankar. Shravan Kumar rested here. West to this kila is Dronasagar which was also built by pandavas for their guru Dronacharya. The lingam is too fat so people here named it “Moteshwar Mahadev”. By Road Shree Moteshwar Mahadev is around 3 km from the Kashipur bus station. Kashipur is well connected by road with all major cities of North India and is linked to Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Ramnagar and Varanasi by train. Major cities are nearby the temple. All the road transport facilities are available to reach the temple. By Rail The nearest railhead is the Kashipur Railway Station at a distance of 1 km from the temple. By Air The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport at a distance of 60 km from the temple. Official Address
Surkanda Devi, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand Surkanda Devi is a Hindu temple situated close to the small resort hamlet of Dhanaulti in the village Uniyal gaon of Tehri District. It is at an altitude of about 3,030 metres, or 9976 ft lies close to nearby hill stations of Dhanaulti (8 km) and Chamba (22 km)walking distance of approx 3 km from Kaddukhal, the place where vehicles are parked. It is surrounded by dense forests and affords a scenic view of the surrounding region including the Himalayas to the north, and certain cities to the south (e.g., Dehradun, Rishikesh) The Ganga Dusshera festival is celebrated every year between May and June and attracts a lot of people. This is a temple which is situated among the trees of rounslii. It is covered with fog most of the time of the year. One of the most persistent mythologies concerning the origin of worship at the site is associated with the legend of Sati, who was the wife of the ascetic god Shiva and daughter of the Puranic god-king Daksha. Daksha was unhappy with his daughter’s choice of husband, and when he performed a grand Vedic sacrifice for all the deities, he did not invite Shiva or Sati. In a rage, Sati threw herself onto the fire, knowing that this would make the sacrifice impure. Because she was the all-powerful mother goddess, Sati left her body in that moment to be reborn as the goddess Parvati. Meanwhile, Shiva was stricken with grief and rage at the loss of his wife. He put Sati’s body over his shoulder and began his tandava (dance of cosmic destruction) throughout the heavens, and vowed not to stop until the body was completely rotted away. The other Gods, afraid of their annihilation, implored Vishnu to pacify Shiva. Thus, wherever Shiva wandered while dancing, Vishnu followed. He sent his discus Sudarshana to destroy the corpse of Sati. Pieces of her body fell until Shiva was left without a body to carry. Seeing this, Shiva sat down to do Mahatapasya (great penance). Despite the similarity in name, scholars do not generally believe that this legend gave rise to the practice of sati, or widow burning. According to various myths and traditions, there are 51 pieces of Sati’s body scattered across the Indian subcontinent. These places are called shakti peethas and are dedicated to various powerful goddesses. When Shiva was passing over this place on his way back to Kailashcarrying Sati’s body, her head fell at the spot where the modern temple of Surkhanda Devi stands and due to which the temple’s got its name as sirkhanda which in the passage of time is now called surkanda. Official Address
Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Ukhimath (also written Okhimath) is a small town and a Hindu pilgrimage site in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an elevation of 1311 meters and at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag. During the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple, and Madhyamaheshwar are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped here for six months. Ukhimath can be used as center destination for visiting different places located nearby, i.e. Madhmaheshwar (Second kedar), Tungnath (Third kedar) and Deoria Tal (a natural fresh water lake) and many other picturesque places. According to Hindu Mythology, Wedding of Usha (Daughter of Vanasur) and Anirudh (Grandson of Lord Krishna) was solemnized here. By name of Usha this place was named as Ushamath, now known as Ukhimath. King Mandhata penances Lord Shiva here. During winter the Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath is brought from Kedarnath to this place. Winter puja of Lord Kedarnath and year-round puja of Lord Omkareshwar is performed here. This temple is situated at Ukhimath which is at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag. Ukhimath has many other ancient temples dedicated to several Gods and Goddesses such as Usha, Shiva, Aniruddha, Parvati and Mandhata. Situated on the road connecting Guptkashi with Gopeshwar, the holy town is mainly inhabited by the head priests of Kedarnath known as Rawals. Official Address
Triyuginarayan Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. The ancient temple is dedicated to god Vishnu. Its fame is credited to the legend of god Shiva’s marriage to goddess Parvati witnessed by Vishnu at this venue and is thus a popular pilgrimage centre.A special feature of this temple is a perpetual fire, that burns in front of the temple. The flame is believed to burn from the times of the divine marriage.Thus, the temple is also known as Akhand Dhuni temple. The Triyuginarayan temple resembles the temple of Kedarnath in architectural style and hence attracts a lot of devotees. The present shrine is also called as Akhand Dhuni temple. It is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with building many temples in the Uttarakhand region. The shrine houses a silver, 2 foot image of god Vishnu (Narayana), accompanied with consort – goddess of wealth Lakshmi and the goddess of music and learning – Saraswati In front of the temple, the havana-kund with the eternal flame – the witness of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati – is situated. Devotees add samidha (sacrificial offerings of wood) to the flame and collect the ashes as blessings. A stone called the Brahma Shila – in front of temple – is regarded as the exact spot of the divine marriage.. A water stream called Saraswati Ganga originates in the courtyard of the temple. It fills all the holy ponds in the vicinity.The ponds of Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund, Brahma Kund and Saraswati Kund are holy spots situated near the temple.Rudra Kund is for bathing, Vishnu for cleansing, Brahma for sipping and Saraswati for offering libations. According to Hindu mythology, goddess Parvati was daughter of Himavat or Himavan – the personification of the Himalayas. She was the rebirth of Sati, the first wife of Shiva – who sacrificed her life when her father insulted Shiva. Parvati initially tried to allure Shiva by her beauty, but fails. Finally, she won Shiva by practising rigorous penance at Gauri Kund, which is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from Triyuginarayan. Pilgrims visiting Triyuginaryan temple also visit the Gauri Kund temple, dedicated to Parvati, which is the base camp for trek to Kedarnath Temple.Mythology states that Shiva proposed to Parvati at Guptakashi, before they got married in the small Triyuginarayan village at the confluence of Mandakini and Sone-Ganga rivers. Triyuginarayan is believed to be the capital of Himavat. It was the venue of the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati, during the Satya Yuga, witnessed in the presence of the holy fire that still burns eternally in front of the temple in a Havana-kund or Agni-kund, a four-cornered fireplace on the ground. Vishnu formalized the wedding and acted as Parvati’s brother in the ceremonies, while the creator-god Brahma acted as the priest of the wedding, that was witnessed by all the sages of the times. The exact location of the wedding is marked by a stone called Brahma Shila, in front of the temple.The greatness of this place is also recorded in a sthala-purana (a scripture specific to a pilgrimage centre). According to the scripture, pilgrims who visit this temple consider the ashes from the burning fire as holy and carry it with them.It is also believed that ashes from this fire are supposed to promote conjugal bliss. Before the marriage ceremony, the gods are believed to have taken bath in four kunds or small ponds namely, Rudra-kund, Vishnu-kund and Brahma-kund. The inflow into the three kunds is from the Saraswati-kund, which – according to legend – originated from Vishnu’s navel. Hence, the water of these kunds is considered to cure infertility. The ashes from Havana-kund are supposed to promote conjugal bliss Official Address
Madhyamaheshwar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva, located in the Mansoona village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an elevation of 3,497 m (11,473.1 ft), it is the fourth temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath, Tungnath and Rudranath to be visited before Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Madmaheshwar. The middle (madhya) or belly part or navel (nabhi) of the bull, considered a divine form of Shiva, is worshipped at this temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The temple in the north Indian style of architecture, is situated in a lush meadow, just below a high ridge. The older, so-called ‘Vriddh-Madmaheshwar’, temple is a tiny blackened shrine on the ridge, which looks straight up at the commanding Chaukhamba peaks. In the current temple, a navel-shaped Shiva-lingam, made of black stone, is enshrined in the sanctum.[1] There are two other smaller shrines, one for Shiva’s consort Parvati and the other dedicated to the Ardhanarishwara, a half-Shiva half-Parvati image. Bhima, the second Pandava brother is believed to have built this temple and worshipped Shiva here. To the right of the main temple there is a small temple where the image of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, made of marble is installed in the sanctum. In Mansuna village, it is a popular Lord Shiva’s temple in the Garhwal region of the state Uttarakhand. This popular Hindu temple in Uttarakhand is a prominent part of ‘Panch Kedar’ pilgrimage circuit, on which it comes on the fourth. Comfortably seated at a high elevation of 3497 m, the Madhyamaheshwar Temple is said to be built by the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, Pandavas. Since this Shiva temple is located at a countryside property bent towards the conservation of nature in order to give you the most surreal picturesque, its trail takes you on a short bumpy ride of escapades and adventure for that indelible holiday experience. In order to reach Madhyamaheshwar, one has to undergo a 21 km long moderate trek. The base point of this Panch Kedar Yatra is Uniyana. Moreover, the temple complex is considered as one of the busiest spots of Lord Shiva’s devotees. Though the structure of the temple is not gigantic, yet it is enough to disseminate an eccentric feeling amongst those who gather there. Tiny puddles which embrace the surrounding of the temple impute the calmness and sacredness to a great extent and making it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for peace and spiritualism. The legend of Madhyamaheswar is an integral part of the legend of Panch Kedar, which is a captivating narration of the efforts of Pandavas to atone for the sins of their fratricide (gotra- hatya) act of killing their cousins, the Kauravas, and Brāhmanahatya (killing of Brahmins – the priest class), during the epic Mahabharata war. On advice from sages and their trusted benefactor god Krishna they sought Lord Shiva to pardon them and bless them to attain salvation. Since Shiva was annoyed with them for their conduct during the Kurukshetra war, he tried to avoid them by assuming the animal form of a bull or Nandi and left for the Himalayan Garhwal region. But the determined Pandavas, after sighting Shiva in the form of the bull grazing in the hills of Guptakashi, tried to forcibly hold the bull by its tail and hind legs. But the bull disappeared into the ground to reappear later in his original self of Lord Shiva at five places; in the form of a hump at Kedarnath, in the shape of bahu (arms) at Tungnath, with his face at Rudranath, his nabhi (navel) and stomach at Madhyamaheswar and his hair (locks) called jata at Kalpeshwar. Pandavas, pleased with the revelation of Lord Shiva at five places in different forms, built temples at these five places, worshipped him and attained salvation with blessings of Shiva. Madhyamaheshwar Temple is located on a foothill, and thus, reaching there could have been a difficult task to achieve. But, the state transportation along the airway and Indian railway makes it a simple one. If you prefer airway as your prime mean of transport then for the information, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is around 196 km away from the Ukhimath. Ukhimath is the base point of Madhyamaheshwar Trek. Whereas, the closest railhead is in Haridwar which is around 210 km from the Ukhimath. To reach Ukhimath from the railway station, you can either board a taxi or can also opt to travel in state buses. For those want to cover their journey by road, visiting Uttarakhand is also pretty-much easy from other cities or towns through the vast network of roads and national highways. For the people travelling from other northern states or cities like Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh, NH7 and Nh334 will leads you to your destination. Route: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar Garhwal- Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Mansoona – Ransi – Gondhar – Madhyamaheshwar Moreover, if you’re visiting the temple from the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand like Nainital, Almora, or Champawat then in that case, drive through NH109 to reach Madhyamaheshwar. Route: Nainital – Kausani – Karnprayag – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Mansoona – Ransi – Gondhar – Madhyamaheshwar Once you reach Ukhimath, you’ll have to undergo a 21 km long Panch Kedar trek which starts from Uniyana and cuts through Ransi Village (3 km) to Gaundhar (6 km) to Bantoli (1 km) and further to Khatara to Nanu and finally takes you to your pilgrimage destination in Uttarakhand – Madhyamaheshwar. Official Address
Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Kēdārnāth Mandir (Kedarnath Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in India. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open only between the end of April (Akshaya Tritriya) to November (Kartik Purnima – the autumn full moon). During the winters, the vigrahas (deities) from Kedarnath temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, the historical name of the region. The temple is not directly accessible by road and has to be reached by a 18 kilometres (11 mi) uphill trek from Gaurikund. Pony and manchan service is available to reach the structure. According to Hindu legends, the temple was initially built by Pandavas, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva . It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, expounded in Tevaram. Pandavas were supposed to have pleased Shiva by doing penance in Kedarnath . The temple is one of the four major sites in India’s Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of Northern Himalayas. This temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas.Kedarnath was the worst affected area during the 2013 flash floods in North India. The temple complex, surrounding areas and Kedarnath town suffered extensive damage, but the temple structure did not suffer any “major” damage, apart from a few cracks on one side of the four walls which was caused by the flowing debris from the higher mountains. A large rock among the debris acted as a barrier, protecting the temple from the flood. The surrounding premises and other buildings in market area were heavily damaged. The temple, at a height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft), 223 km from Rishikesh, on the shores of Mandakini river, a tributary of Ganga, is a stone edifice of unknown date.It is not certain who built the original Kedarnath temple and when. The name “Kedarnath” means “the lord of the field”: it derives from the Sanskrit words kedara (“field”) and natha (“lord”). The text Kashi Kedara Mahatmya states that it is so called because “the crop of liberation” grows here. According to a mythological account, the god Shiva agreed to dwell here at the request of Nara-Narayana.[9] After the Kurukshetra War, the Pandava brothers, came here to meet Shiva on the advice of the sage Vyasa, because they wanted to seek forgiveness for killing their kin during the war. However, Shiva did not want to forgive them: so, he turned into a bull and hid among the cattle on the hill. When the Pandavas managed to track him, he tried to disappear by sinking himself head-first into the ground. One of the brothers grabbed his tail, forcing him to appear before them and forgive them. The Pandava brothers then built the first temple at Kedarnath. The portions of Shiva’s body later appeared at four other locations; and collectively, these five places came to be known as the five Kedaras (“Panch Kedar”); the head of the bull appeared at the location of the Pashupatinath Temple in present-day Nepal.The Mahabharata, which gives the account of the Pandavas and the Kurukshetra War, does not mention any place called Kedarnath. One of the earliest references to Kedarnath occurs in the Skanda Purana (c. 7th-8th century), which contains a myth describing the origin of the Ganges river. The text names Kedara (Kedarnath) as the place where Shiva released the holy water from his matted hair. According to the hagiographies based on Madhava’s Sankshepa-shankara-vijaya, the 8th century philosopher Adi Shankara died at Kedaranatha (Kedarnath); although other hagiographies, based on Anandagiri’s Prachina-Shankara-Vijaya, state that he died at Kanchi. The ruins of a monument marking the purported death place of Shankara are located at Kedarnath. Kedarnath was definitely a prominent pilgrimage centre by the 12th century, when it is mentioned in Kritya-kalpataru written by the Gahadavala minister Bhatta Lakshmidhara. According to a tradition recorded by the English mountaineer Eric Shipton (1926), “many hundreds of years ago”, the Kedarnath temple did not have a local priest: the priest of the Badrinath temple used to hold services at both the temples, traveling between the two places daily. Gaurikund is the last motorable point before Kedarnath. From here, it’s 14km up the mountains. One can walk up, ride a pony, or be hauled up in a palanquin. Alternatively, you can take a very short helicopter ride from Sirsi, Phata or Guptakashi and then walk up the short distance to seek the blessings of Shiva. Official Address
Guptakashi, Rudraprayag, Uttrakhand Guptakashi, Gupta Kashi or Guptkashi is a fairly large town located at an elevation of 1,319 metres (4,327 ft) in the Kedar-khanda (‘khanda’ means “sector”), in Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand, India. It is known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to the god Shiva, which is similar to the one in Varanasi (Kashi). The other well known temple here is dedicated to Ardhanareshvara, a half man half woman form of Shiva and Parvati. The name Guptakashi has legendary significance linked to the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.Its religious importance is considered next to that of Varanasi, believed to be the most pious of all Hindu pilgrimage places. The temple town is located on the way to the Kedarnath, one of the Chota Char Dhams and Panch Kedars. It has the scenic backdrop of the snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba and enjoys a salubrious weather throughout the year. The main temple is dedicated to Shiva as Vishwanath (ruler of the world). The architectural style of this temple is akin to other temples in Uttrakhand, such as Kedarnath, built in stone with a high tower over the sanctum and a wooden frame and sloping roof in typical architectural style of the region, at the top of the tower. At the entrance to the temple, there are two dwarpalakas (entrance guards) on both sides. The exterior façade is painted with lotuses. At the top of the entrance door, there is an image of Bhairava, a terrible form of Shiva. To the left of the main shrine, there is a smaller shrine dedicated to Ardhanareeshvara and at the entrance to this temple there is metallic statue of Nandi facing Shiva’s image in the temple and offering reverential worship. This statue has a Swastika, a typical Hindu symbol, painted on its side, with its arms aligned in a clockwise direction, considered as an auspicious direction. Apart from the main Vishwanath temple, a large number of Lingas, symbols of Shiva, are seen in and around Guptakashi, which has resulted in the popular terminology ‘jitne pathar utne shankar’ meaning “as many stones, those many ‘Shiva’s”. Another temple town called the Ukhimath is located on the opposite bank of the Mandakini river where, during the winter months when Kedarnath temple is inaccessible due to snowy conditions, the symbolic deity of Kedarnath is shifted via Gaurikund, Phata, Guptakashi to Ukhimath to continue worship uninterrupted. The temple priests of Kedarnath stay at Guptakashi during the winter period. In a small pond (kund) called the Manikarnika Kund here, in front of the temple, a Shiva-linga is bathed by two springs, representing the rivers Ganges (Bhagirathi) and Yamuna. The Yamuna spring water emanates from a goumukh (spout in the shape of a cow’s mouth) and the Bhagirathi spring flows through trunk of an elephant strategically placed above the linga. In addition, there are few other important sites to visit in the vicinity of the temple town. These are the Gandhi Sarovar (lake) 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the town where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. Vasukital, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kedarnath, is yet another enchanting lake that beholds the visitor with floating ice and sparkling water. At Ukhimath, on the opposite bank of the river, there is a stupa, which according to the local version represents the grave of Nala. There are also evidences of a love legend narrated, locally only, of Krishna’s grand son Aniruddha and demon king Banasura’s daughter Usha at Ramgarh (in Ronitpur), near Ukhimath, about3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away from Guptakashi. This love affair led to a war between Krishna and Banasura in which the latter was killed, resulting in the end of Banasura’s dynasty. Popularly-narrated legend holds that subsequent to the Kurukshetra war of the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas on the advice of god Krishna and other sages wished to atone for their sins of fratricide and Brāhmanahatya committed by them during the war by seeking pardon from Shiva and also pray for his blessings before attaining salvation. But Shiva was not willing to meet them since he was annoyed with them for the unjust events of the war. He, therefore, avoided meeting them at Kashi and went incognito as the bull Nandi to Guptakashi in Uttarakhand. But Pandavas pursued him to Guptakashi and recognized him in the disguised form of Nandi. When Bhima, the second Pandava brother tried to hold the bull by its tail and hind legs, Nandi vanished from Guptakashi, into the ground (into a cave for hiding), but reappeared later as Shiva in five different forms namely, hump at Kedarnath, face at Rudranath, arms at Tungnath, navel and stomach at Madhyamaheshwar and the locks at Kalpeshwar. The vanishing act of Shiva gave the name Guptakashi (hidden Kashi) to this place on the bank of the Mandakini River. In the upper reaches of the Bhagirathi River, there is another Kashi, called the Uttarkashi (North Kashi). Mythology also states that Shiva proposed to Parvati at Guptakashi before they got married in the small Triyuginarayan village at the confluence of Mandakini and Sone-Ganga rivers However the old route of 14 km from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath via Rambara was completely washed away in the 2013 North India floods, and new route of 15-16 km was made by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM). The distance of Guptakashi to Kedarnath however remains at 22 kilometers and 729.77 meters, which is most important to the celestial nupitials. According to Puranic literature, Kashi and Kanchi (Kanchipuram) are considered as two eyes of Shiva. Keeping this connotation in view, six more “Kashi”s have been prescribed to be as sacred and spiritual as the main Kashi – Varanasi. Pilgrims, who cannot undertake the long journey to the main Kashi, can travel to the closest Kashi. The six other “Kashi”s cover all the regions of the country. These are: Uttarkashi and Guptakashi in Uttarakhand in Northern Himalayas, Dakshinkashi in southern India, the Guptakashi in eastern India is at Bhubaneswar, the Kashi at Nashik (also Paithan) in western India and a Kashi in Mandi in Himachal Pradesh in Western Himalayas. The Puranas state that all the Kashis have the same degree of sanctity and reverence as the main Kashi – Varanasi. Another legend declares that when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb demolished the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1669, and constructed Gaynvapi Mosque (he had even renamed Varanasi as Mohammadâbâd), the Shiva Linga was shifted to Guptakashi for safe keeping. But the original linga of Kashi Vishwanath is stated to have remained here from the time it was shifted Official Address
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth, an aspect of Shiva. The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is one of the most revered holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. It is surrounded by dense forests and is adjacent to the mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan. It is enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and is located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati. The shikhara of the temple is adorned with sculptures of various Devas and Asuras depicting the Samudramanthan. Neelkanth Mahadev in the form of Shivalinga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple complex also has a natural spring where devotees usually take a holy bath before entering the premises of surrounded by dense forests. According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from the sea when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean in order to obtain Amrita. This poison that emanated during the Samudramanthan (churning of ocean) made his throat blue in color. Thus, Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth, literally meaning The Blue Throated One.Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous temple located at 32 km from Rishikesh. Scenically situated on a hill at a height of 1330 mtrs, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva. A famous pilgrimage near Rishikesh, the temple lies above Swargashram adjacent to Nar Narayan mountain range. Official Address
Garjiya Devi Temple, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand Garjiya Devi Temple is a noted Devi temple located in the Garjiya village near Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India, on the outskirts of the Corbett National Park. It is a sacred Shakti shrine where Garjiya Devi is the presiding deity. The temple is situated over a large rock in the Kosi River and is one of the most famous temples of the Nainital district,visited by thousands of devotees during Kartik Poornima, a Hindu holy day celebrated on the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik (November – December) Mostly worshiped by Uttrakhand peoples. The first priest was Pt. Keshav Dutt Pandey who began worship of Devi Girija. There is also a statue of LakshmiNarayan of 9th century, made from black granite. Many people go there every day to worship in the temple. Many people bathe in the Kosi river near Garjiya temple. Official Address
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Maya in the holy city of Haridwar of Uttarakhand state in India. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell in the region where the temple stands today and thus it is sometimes referred to as a Shakti Peetha. Goddess Maya is the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. She is a three-headed and four-armed deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri in reverence to this deity. The temple is a Siddh Peetha which are the places of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Templeand Mansa Devi Temple. The temple dates back to the eleventh century. It is one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar which are still intact, the other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. The inner shrine consists of murtis (icons) of goddesses Maya in the centre, Kali on the left, Kamakhya on the right. There are also two other goddesses who are also forms of Shakti, present in the inner shrine. The temple is located to the east of Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by buses and auto rickshaws. It is regarded as a must visit for devotees going to Haridwar. The temple is visited by many devotees from various parts of the country especially during the Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar. Maya devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya. Maya Devi temple is among the oldest temples of India. Goddess Maya is believed to be one of the form of Goddess Shakti. Maya Devi temple is located in the Dev bhoomi, Haridwar, Uttrakhand state, India. The temple is believed to be built in 11th century. The temple is among 53 siddha-peetha and also among panch-teertha in Haridwar. The devotees offer Coconut, flowers, garlands and incense sticks to the Devi. When King Daksheshwar did not invite Lord Shiva in the havan, then Devi Sati felt insulted and took Her life by jumping into the havan fire. The Lord Shiva started to move around the universe carrying the dead body of Devi Sati inn His hands. It is believed that at that time only the heart and Naval of Devi Sati fell at this place. After that Maya Devi temple was constructed at this place. Devotees come to worship the Devi in large gatherings during the Navratras. In the Maya Devi temple, The deity is shown to have three faces and four arms. Maya devi carries an idol of Kali devi in Her left hand and idol of Kamakhya devi in Her right hand. Maya Devi is one of the three Shakti peetha in Haridwar. The other two being are Chandi devi and Mansa devi. These three temple together make a triangle. It is said that Haridwar was known as Mayapuri once in history. The temple is situated in the east direction from Har Ki Paudi in Haridwar. Buses and auto rickshaws are easily available to reach this temple. Official Address
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple, also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar. The temple is known for being the holy abode of Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of the Lord Shiva. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Nāga (serpent) Vasuki. She is also believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva in his human incarnate. The term Mansa means wish and it is believed that the goddess fulfils all the wishes of a sincere devotee. There is a folk tale about this, once Mansa, a common girl who was unaware about her complete truth from her guardians decided to meet Lord Shiva and ask him about her truth. To meet Lord Shiva, she sat for Sadhana and after years of spiritual exercise, she got the fortune to meet Lord Shiva and clarify her truth from him. After learning her truth, she attained the powers of goddess of welfare for the world. Devotees who pray to Mansa Devi for fulfilling their wishes tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. Goddess Mansa is also offered coconuts, fruits, garlands and incense sticks for prayer. Mansa Devi Temple is a Siddh Peeth (These are known to fulfill the desires of the worshippers). It is one of three such Peeths located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.The inner shrine has two deities, one with eight arms and the other one with three heads and five arms. Mansa Devi Temple is considered as a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar.It enhances the holy tradition of Haridwar which persists in the place from many past centuries. It offers views of the River Ganges and the plains of Haridwar. To reach the shrine one has to either follow the trekking route up to this holy shrine or ride on rope-way service. The rope-way service known as “Mansa Devi Udankhatola” was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and it is also used for transporting pilgrims to the nearly located Chandi Devi Temple. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station directly to the Mansa Devi Temple. The total length of the rope-way is 540 metres (1,770 ft) and the height it covers is 178 metres (584 ft). On a normal day, the temple is open between 5 am and 9 pm, except for lunch closings of 12 pm to 2 pm. This temple along with the nearly located Chandi Devi Temple is visited by thousands of devotees from various parts of the country, and especially during the Navaratri and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar. It is said that Devi Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. This belief can also be found true in other case since near to the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, there is a Chandi Mandir located nearby in Chandigarh. Mansa Devi Temple is a popular temple of Goddess Mansa Devi located at Bilwa Parvat near Haridwar. Located at 3 km from Haridwar, Mansa Devi Temple has a 3 km Pedestrian path from Haridwar. Mansa Devi Mandir open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Haridwar is one of the most ancient pilgrimage centers in India that has been reverence from times immemorial. Hari means Lord/God and Dwar means Gateway. Hence Haridwar means Gateway to the Lord. According to the India mythology, it is one of the four places where drops of elixir, Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher or Kumbha, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. These four spots have today become places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in succession – Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad. Millions of devotees and tourist congregate from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges. Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar. The temple is known for being the holy abode of Manasa, a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of the sage (Rishi) Kashyapa. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Naga (Viper) Vasuki. The term Mansa means wish and it is believed that the goddess fulfils all the wishes of a sincere devotee. Devotees who want their wishes to be fulfilled by Mansa tie threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. Once their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to the temple to untie the thread from the tree. Mansa is also offered coconuts, fruits, garlands and incense sticks in order to appease her. Mansa Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Walking requires a one and a half kilometer hike uphill. The track is sealed but the exertion can be draining during the hot months. Hence, many people prefer to take the cable car (also referred to as a ropeway) up, and walk down. The first cable car starts running at 7 a.m. during April to October, and 8 a.m. the rest of the year. Tickets cost 48 rupees per person, return. The departure point is centrally located in town. Mansa Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Walking requires a one and a half kilometer hike uphill. The track is sealed but the exertion can be draining during the hot months. Hence, many people prefer to take the cable car (also referred to as a ropeway) up, and walk down. The first cable car starts running at 7 a.m. during April to October, and 8 a.m. the rest of the year. Tickets cost 48 rupees(2013 may) per person, return. The departure point is centrally located in town. . Its only 01 km far from Haridwar Station, 215 km from Delhi, 50 km from Dehradun, 45 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun,30 km from Rishikesh, 85 km from Mussoorie. You can go by the Rickshaw to the Temple and auto (Tuk TUk) is also available for Har ki Pauri. Official Address
Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, “Har” means “Lord Shiva” who is the god according to shaivite Rishav Bhagwan school of Hindu theology, “Ki” means “of” and “Pauri” means “steps”. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times. TheHaridwar The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1909, v. 13, p. 5 It is believed that it is precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. The ghat is on the west bank of Ganges canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Har Ki Pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela, which takes place every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years and the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi, a harvest festival occurring every year in the month of April . King Vikramaditya is said to have built it in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother, Bharthari who had come to meditate here on the bank of the Ganges. An area within Har Ki Pauri, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes places and which is considered most sacred is known as Brahmakund It is considered to be the spot where the drops of Amrit fell over from the sky, while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird, Garuda after the Samudra Manthan. Every day, Har Ki Pauri ghat witnesses hundreds taking a dip in water of the Ganges. The place is considered very auspicious. Over the years the ghats have undergone major extension and renovation as the crowds increased in subsequent Kumbh Melas. Several temples have come up on the steps, most built in late 19th century. The extension of the ghats took place in 1938 (done by Hargyan Singh Katara, a Zamindar from Agra in Uttar Pradesh), and then again in 1986. Official Address
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Daksheswara Mahadev or Daksha Mahadev temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. It is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati. Daksha is one of the fourteen Prajapatis, creator deities, who preside over procreation and are the protector of life in Hindu mythology. The present temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 and rebuilt in 1962. It is a place of pilgrimage for Shaivaite devotees on Maha Shivaratri Daksheshwara Mahdeva temple is one of the most revered temples of the state of Uttarakhand, India. This one of the most ancient temples of India is dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva. The devotees of Lord Shiva particularly during the month of Saavan visit the temple in large numbers to get a glimpse of their favourite Lord. This temple in Uttarakhand in Kankhal, Harydwar has been named after Daksha who was a king and the father of Sati. The temple was built in 1810 AD by the queen Dankor and was later on reconstructed in the year 1962. It is said that King Daksha after whome the temple had been named was born to Lord Brahma and was Sati’s father. Sati is believed to be the first wife of Lord Shiva and her father Daksha had once organized a Yagna at the place where the temple had been built, he invited all the deities there but he did not invite Lord Shiva. Upon which Sati felt a sense of insult for her husband and out of rage she jumped into the Agni Kund and she died. When Lord Shiva came to know about the death of Sati, he became very furious and called for a war by sending his disciples, Bhadrakali, Veerbhdra and Ganas to the site. During the war, king Daksha’s head was cut by Veerbhadra, but upon request from all the deities to forgive him, Lord Shiva restored his life by adding the head of a goat in the body of king Daksha and the king also realised his mistake. Standing next to the main temple is the Das Mahavidya temple, dedicated to the Mahavidyas. It is a venue for devotees of Devi to congregate for special pujas during the Navratri celebrations. There is also a temple in the complex dedicated to Ganga river. Next to the temple is the Daksha Ghat on the Ganges and close by is the Nileshwar Mahadev Temple. It is said that King Daksha after whome the temple had been named was born to Lord Brahma and was Sati’s father. Sati is believed to be the first wife of Lord Shiva and her father Daksha had once organized a Yagna at the place where the temple had been built, he invited all the deities there but he did not invite Lord Shiva. Upon which Sati felt a sense of insult for her husband and out of rage she jumped into the Agni Kund and she died. When Lord Shiva came to know about the death of Sati, he became very furious and called for a war by sending his disciples, Bhadrakali, Veerbhdra and Ganas to the site. During the war, king Daksha’s head was cut by Veerbhadra, but upon request from all the deities to forgive him, Lord Shiva restored his life by adding the head of a goat in the body of king Daksha and the king also realised his mistake. After all this, Lord Shiva said that, he would be present here at Kankhal every year during the time of Saavan and so a temple named Daksheswar Mahadeva was built at the site of the yagna. It is believed that, the yagna Kund where Sati went into the fire is still located at the same place. Devotees from different parts of the country come here to worship lord shiva and they also take holy dip into the Great River Ganga. The Hindu scripture, Vayu-Purana has the mention of the Yagna that king Daksha had organized. After the body of the king Daksha was restored, Lord Shiva out of grief took the body of his beloved and wandered across the universe. It is believed that Lord Vishnu in order to separate Lord Shiva from the grief and separate him from the dead body of Sati, shopped off her body. All the places where the parts of the body of Sati feel became Shakti Peeths and people started celebrating those places. As mentioned in the Mahabharata and other texts of Hinduism, King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati, Shiva’s first wife, performed yajna at the place where the temple is situated. Although Sati felt insulted when her father did not invite Shiva to the ritual, she attended the yajna. She found that Shiva was being spurned by her father and she burnt herself in the Yajna Kunda itself. Shiva got angry and sent his Gaṇas, the terrible demi-god Virabhadra and Bhadrakali to the ritual.On the direction of Shiva, Virabhadra appeared with Shiva’s ganas in the midst of Daksha’s assembly like a storm wind and waged a fierce war with the gods and mortals present culminating in the beheading of Daksha, who was later given the head of a goat at the behest of Brahma and other gods. Much of the details of the Ashvamedha Yagna (Horse Sacrifice) of Daksha are found in the Vayu Purana. The temple, from the Haridwar station is 5 kms away while from Rishikesh the temple is 35 kms away. It is convenient to hire a rickshaw to get to the site of the temple and can move around the nearby locations. The temple can be reached by all the three means of transportation that is by air, by road and by train. By Air While the temple is 210 kms from Delhi airport the temple is around 35kms from the Jolly Grant Airport which is situated in Dehradun. The Dehradun airport is nearer as compared to the Delhi airport. By Rail Haridwar railway station is the nearest and cab and a rickshaw can be hired from Haridwar to reach to the temple. Official Address
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh in his reign as the King of Kashmir. However, the main murti of Chandi Devi at the temple is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest priests of Hindu religion. The temple also known as Neel Parvat Teerth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located within Haridwar. Chandi Devi Temple is highly revered by devotees as a Siddh Peetha which is a place of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. The Temple is located at a distance of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Har ki Pauri. To reach the temple one has to either follow the three kilometre trekking route from Chandighat and reach the shrine by climbing a number of steps or climb the recently introduced rope-way (cable car) service. The rope-way service known as Chandi Devi Udankhatola was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and it caters to the pilgrims also to the nearby located Mansa Devi shrine. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station located near Gauri Shankar Temple on the Nazibabad Road directly to the Chandi Devi Temple located at an altitude of 2,900 metres (9,500 ft). The total length of the ropeway route is about 740 metres (2,430 ft) and height is 208 metres (682 ft). There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill and the ropeway offers scenic views of the Ganges River and Haridwar. The temple is run by the Mahant who is the presiding priest of the temple. On a normal day, the temple is open between 6.00 am. to 8.00 pm. and the morning aarti at the temple begins at 5.30 am. Leather accessories, non vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in the temple premises. Chandi Devi Temple, located on the top of Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi Temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Haridwar. It is also major religious site of this town. This is around 3 km from Chandighat. It is one of the Shidhh peeth. The temple is devoted to Goddess Chandi. The main temple is situated on top of Hill peak. Cahndi Devi is one of the most famous temples of India. This place is of great religious importance and is also considered as one of the Shakti peethas of North India. This temple is also known as Siddh peetha, as it is believed to have powers to fulfill the wishes of devotees. Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. According to legend, it is believed that Goddess Chandika Devi rested for a short while on Neel Parvat. This happened after she killed demon kings, Shumbh and Nishumbha. Chandi Devi Temple was constructed in 1929 by Suchat Singh, who was the reigning king of Kashmir. However, it was believed that the idol present in the temple was installed in 8th century, by Adi Shankaracharya. However, the main Murti (statue) of Chandi Devi at the temple is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest priests of Hindu religion. The temple also known as Neel Parvat Teerth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located within Haridwar. Almost every temple in India has some legends associated with it. According to Hindu mythology, the kingdom over which Lord Indra reigned was taken over by two demon kings named Shumbh and Nishumbh. These demons had begun to throw away gods from heaven. It was therefore time to create a powerful goddess. Finally, from the cells of goddess Parvati was created a goddess – Chandika Devi. Since the goddess was very beautiful, demon king Shumbh wished to marry her but was refused. This denial led to an enraged combat. The goddess first killed Chand Munda, the demon’s army chief and then were slain the demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh. Since the battle took place on the Neel Parvat, the temple is a tribute to the whole incident. Chandi Devi Temple, located on the top of Neel Parvat, is one of the most famous temples of India. This place is of great religious importance and is also considered as one of the Shakti peethas of North India. This temple is also known as Siddh peetha, as it is believed to have powers to fulfill the wishes of devotees. According to legend, it is believed that Goddess Chandika Devi rested for a short while on Neel Parvat. This happened after she killed demon kings, Shumbh and Nishumbha. This temple was constructed to welcome her back Chandi Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Though it is a wonderful experience to trek up to the temple, visitors also have the option of using the ropeway to reach there. If you enjoy steep climbs, you will take 45 minutes to reach the temple of Chandi Devi in Haridwar. However, you can cut the travelling time short as you choose the ropeway; reaching the temple by ropeway takes up just 5-10 minutes. Its only 06 km far from Haridwar, 30 km from Rishikesh, 215 km from Delhi, 60 km from Dehradun, 35 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 95 km from Mussoorie. Official Address
Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Rishikesh,also known as Hrishikesh is a city, municipal corporation and a tehsil in Dehradun district of the Indian state, Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’ and ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. It lies approximately 25 km (16 mi) north of the city Haridwar and 43 km (27 mi) southeast of the state capital Dehradun. According to Census of India, 2011 Rishikesh had a population of 102,138 making it the seventh most populated city in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places to Hindus. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate in search of higher knowledge.In September 2015, the Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma announced that Rishikesh and Haridwar will be the first in India to be given the title of “twin national heritage cities”. Due to the religious significance of the place, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh. The city hosts the annual International Yoga Festival. Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in northern Uttarakhand, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World’. Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga. Rishikesh is also a good starting Laxman Jhula point for treks to Himalayan pilgrimage centres such as Badrinath, Kedarnath , Gangotri, Yamnotri.It is rightly called the gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. 7 Story Temple Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre. It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centers of philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. An international yoga week is organized here every year by Uttarakhand Tourism between 2nd and 7th of February. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for white water rafting on the Ganga. The climate here is continental type but its location in the foot hills gives it a pleasant weather throughout the year. One can visit Rishikesh any time of the year. Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary ‘Kedarkhand’Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present ‘Lakshman Jhula’ bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge.The ‘Kedarkhand’ of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889. After it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by the present stronger bridge. Another similar suspension bridge Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at nearby Sivananda Nagar. The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. Here the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient and new, are along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Mandir are the ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya. Shatrughna Temple is near Ram Jhula and Lakshman Mandir is near Lakshman Jhula. Official Address
Mahasu Devta Temple, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Mahasu Devta Temple is located on the Tuini-Mori road at Hanol. The temple is dedicated to Mahasu Devta. Lord Mahasu is the chief deity of this area and is worshiped in Mahasu Devta Temple by the people of Hanol and nearby villages. It is the ancient temple of Mahasu Devta built in the 9th century. The temple was constructed in Huna architectural style initially but, over the ages, acquired a mixed style. It is included in the Archaeological Survey of India list of ancient temple in Dehradun circle, Uttarakhand. Mahasu Devta Temple is on the eastern bank of Tons River (Tamas) at Hanol village, near Chakrata, about 190 km from Dehradun and 156 km from Mussoorie. Mahasu Devta is not only the sole arbiter over the mortals, he also reigns supreme over the innumerable indigenous gods and goddesses. He exercises his authority over the religious dispensation of people and secular matters. Disputes among the people are settled through a unique LotaPani adjuration. For this purpose water is ritually filled in a metallic goblet in the name of Mahasu Devta by a neutral person, then the disputants are asked to drink that water in the name of Mahasu Devta. The party who has given the false statement suffers on drinking the water. The age-old theocratic governance of Mahasu Devta, although acceptable to people and local rulers, was not taken kindly by the British authority. One of their officers, Major Young, found the authority of Mahasu Devta ‘a great nuisance’. During land settlement of the territory under the British control in AD 1827 he felt that the traditional twelve-year sojourning of Mahasu (the Chalda Mahasu) with his large entourage to deitydom was extremely burdensome and exploitative to common people. To check the practice, Young passed a summary order in Kalsi in an assembly of the Senyanas banishing the Chalda Mahasu and his deputy attendants (birs) from Jaunsar and Bawar parangna. That order, however, did not have lasting effect because the people regarded the Rohru tehsil for his verdict. The deity decision is always regarded as final and irrevocable. Mahasu Devta is very touchy about the disposal of gold or gold ornaments by anyone of his subject to outsiders. The person involved in such offence may suffer the loss of property, a serious disease, or even life until he gets it back intact. However, that does not absolve the defaulter from the crime. As a punishment the defaulter is obliged to deposit the article in the treasury of deity. Therefore, the people in the deitydom have to be very careful about the transaction of silver and gold articles outside his realm. It is believed that the bullion in the Mahasudom, even if in the possession of people, belongs to the deity. If such gold goes outside his deitydom the person doing so provokes the ire of Mahasu Devta. Mahasu Devta appears in quadruple form as the four brothers. The legend tells when Krishna disappeared at the end of DwaparYuga the pandavas followed him. They cross the River Tons. Yudhishtra was fascinated by the beauty of place and asked Vishwakarma to build a temple here and stay with Draupadi for nine days. The place subsequently came to known as Hanol, after the name of Huna Bhatt. At the start of Kaliyuga demons wandered over Uttrakhand devouring people and devastating villages. The greatest demon was Kirmir who had devoured all the seven sons of a pious-hearted Brahmin named Huna Bhatt. Demon cast an evil eye and desired to have the Kirtaka wife of the Brahmin; she prayed to Lord Shiva to protect her chastity. Lord Shiva blinded Kirmir and thus she could run away to her husband. They then prayed to Hatkeshwari Devi of Hatkoti (ashtbhuji Durga) who advised the couple to go to the Kashmir mountains and offer prayer to Lord Shiva to help. They did, and Lord Shiva granted them their wish that all the evils will be killed shortly. Huna Bhatt was told to go back to his home and perform certain rituals and worship devi. On doing so the shakti emerged from the ground with flames around and told Huna Bhatt to plough every Sunday a part of his field with a plough of solid silver with a shoe of pure gold having yoked a pair of bullocks who had never been put on yoke before. On the seventh Sunday the Mahasu brothers with their ministers and the army will come out and rid the people from the clutches of demon. Huna Bhatt did accordingly, but on sixth Sunday when he had turned on five furrows out of each sprang a deity from the first came Botha from second Pavasi, out of third Vasik and Chalda from the fourth one. All the brothers were called by a common affix of Mahasu (Char Mahasu). From the fifth furrow appeared their heavenly mother Devladli Devi and their ministers. Countless army sprang out like mushrooms from the field. Huna Bhatt did as directed and the whole army of the demon was killed by Mahasu brothers. Kirmir was taken by Chalda Devta in a ravine of Mount Khanda. The marks of his sword on the rock can be seen today. During the absence of the Mahasu brothers, demon Keshi took control of Hanol. Chalda Devta and his warriors Shitkulia, Kaolu and others set out with the army to the mountains of Masmor where Keshi had gone. The demon was killed; Chalda Devta returned jubilantly to visit with his heroes the places named by him. He divided the country among the brothers so that they may rule their respective territory and guard against calamities of all the people who would worship them as god and perform jagara. However, a mistake erupted in the venture of the Mahasu brothers. In the beginning, Mahasu Devta had pledged their word to Huna Bhatt that they would appear on the seventh Sunday. Since they arrived a week earlier, the Mahasu brothers were hurt by the blade of Huna Bhatt’s plough — he was in the field unaware of their untimely arrival. As a result, Botha was hurt in the knee and became unable to walk. Vasik’s eye was damaged by the blade of grass which impaired his vision. Pavasi had a small piece cut out of his ear. Only Chalda and Devladli Mata remained unhurt. Thereafter Botha preferred to settle within his temple at Hanol on the right bank of river tons. Pavasi keep moving over his domain and spend years turn by turn at Hanol, Lakhmandal, Authana and Uttarkashi. Chalda, being sound of limb, was to exercise away in the whole dominion in the Botha Mahasu name — twelve years on end he roamed among his subjects. Official Address
Baleshwar Temple, Champawat, Uttarakhand Baleshwar Temple is ancient temple dedicated to Shiva, situated within city of Champawat in Uttarakhand.Built by the rulers of the Chand dynasty, Baleshwar Temple is a marvelous symbol of stone carving. There are not any historical manuscripts that date the Baleshwar temple; however, it is believed to have been built between the 10th and 12th century AD. The temple is situated in Baleshwar i.e 76 km from Pithoragarh within the city of Champawat in Uttarakhand. It is the most artistic temple of the area. Built by the rulers of Chand dynasty, Baleshwar Temple is a marvelous symbol of stone carving. The main Baleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known as Baleshwar. There are two other temples in the compound of Baleshwar, one dedicated to Ratneshwar and the other to Champawati Durga. The exteriors of these temples are carved with posters of local deities. The temple is an example of South Indian Architecture with magnificent stone carving works. There was a freshwater resource ‘Naula’ which has dried up now. This temple has been declared a National Heritage Monument and is looked after by the Archeological Survey of India(ASI) since 1952. It is constructed in south Indian construction style. The temple once had intricate structural features and a sanctuary with a mandap. The intricate carvings are still visible on the ceilings of these temples. It is an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence. The first story of Man-Eaters of Kumaon is related to this place. It is said that the ancient capital of the Chand rulers is well known for its temples and natural beauty. Champawat district is a source and origin of religion and culture of Uttarakhand. It was in Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared as ‘Kurma avatar’. Hence, Kumaon also came to be known as Kurmanchal. This isn’t any historical manuscript that dates the Baleshwar temple; however it is believed to have been built between the tenth and twelfth century AD. The legends associated to the temple relate to several Gods and Goddess. It has acquired the unique distinction of being the holy land of Gods and therefore, temples of very large variety dedicated to diverse gods including local deities and demons of restricted influence are spread over the whole expanse. By Road Champawat is accessible by road as well, however, the journey by road is very tedious and not much recommended. Champawat is about 455 km from Delhi. The shortest route will be to first reach Haldwani (294 km) then to Bhowali (29 km from Haldwani) and then via Bhowali to Champawat ( 132 km from Bhowali) but the terrain makes it an unfavorable bet to travel by road. Better options would be by train or flight, but if you’re willing to go by road, be prepared for a tough ride. By Rail Regular trains like the Sampark Kranti, Shatabdi and the Garib Rath that pass through the Kathgodam station, that is about 58 kms away from Champawat and the Tanakpur station, about 75 kms away. Your best bet is to cover the distance between is to take a tourist bus, since many individual cab drivers are not ready to drive to Champawat, since it’s a lesser known tourist destination. By Air The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, about 160 kms away, from where you can easily hire cabs, taxis, minivans, buses : both private and government run to reach Champawat. Official Address
Tungnath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tunganath in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Tunganath (literal meaning: Lord of the peaks) mountains form the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. It is located at an altitude of 3,460 m (11,352 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrashila. The temple is believed to be 5000 years old and is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata epic. According to Hindu mythology Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati both reside in the Himalayas: Lord Shiva resides at Mount Kailash. Parvati is also called Shail Putri which means ‘daughter of hills’. The Tunganath is indelibly linked to the origin of the Panch Kedar temples built by the Pandavas. The legend states that sage VyasRishi advised the Pandavas that since they were culpable of slaying their own relatives (Kauravas, their cousins) during the Mahabharata war or Kurukshetra war, their act could be pardoned only by Lord Shiva. Consequently, the Pandavas went in search of Shiva who was avoiding them since he was convinced of the guilt of Pandavas. In order to keep away from them, Shiva took the form of a bull and went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi, where Pandavas chased him. But later Shiva’s body in the form of bull’s body parts rematerialized at five different locations that represent the “Panch Kedar” where Pandavas built temples of Lord Shiva at each location, to worship and venerate, seeking his pardon and blessings. Each one is identified with a part of his body; Tungnath is identified as the place where the bahu (hands) were seen: hump was seen at Kedarnath; head appeared at Rudranath; his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar; and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar.[3][4][5][6] Legend also states that Lord Rama, the chief icon of the Ramayana epic, meditated at the Chandrashila peak, which is close to Tungnath. It is also said that Ravana did penance to Shiva, the lord of the peaks, when he resided here. Official Address
Rudranath, Garhwal,Uttarakhand Rudranath is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayan mountains in Uttarakhand, India. Located at 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) above sea level,this natural rock temple is situated within a dense forest of rhododendron dwarfs and Alpine pastures. The temple is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit includes: Kedarnath and Tungnath to be visited before Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Rudranath. The face (mukha) of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Trek starts from Sagar village which is approx 03 km from Gopeshwar. The other trek starts from Mandal which is 12 km from Gopeshwar. This trek goes through Anusuya devi temple. Trek is very hard with a distance of approx 24 km. The Rudranath temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing in the epic Kurukshetra war. God Shiva did not want to meet them and left in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tunganath, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheswar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar.[3] In winter, a symbolic image of Shiva is brought to Gopeshwar for worship. The Doli Yatra starts from Gopeshwar via Sagar. The Doli Yatris cross Lyuti Bugyal and Panar and finally reach Pitradhar. The worship of ancestors is done here. Then, after crossing Dhalabni Maidan, the Doli or the symbolic image of Shiva, reaches Rudranath.Here first the Vandevi is worshipped. The local belief is that Vandevi protects the area. The Kheshtra is protected by Vandevi or Vandevatas. The temple celebrates an annual fair on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Sravan (July–August) that is mostly on the day of Rakshabandhan. The fair is attended mainly by locals. The priests at the Rudranath temple are Bhatts and Tiwaris of Gopeshwar village. Official Address
Karnaprayag, Chamoli, Uttarakhand Karnaprayag is a city and municipal board in Chamoli District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Karnaprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River, situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda, and Pindar River. According to Kibanditi, “Karnprayag” has been named as Karna. The Mahabharata was an important character. Karna was born in the womb of mother Kunti and “Karna” was Pandu’s elder brother. Karna is a place dedicated to Karna. This place was ever in the water, and only a stone called the Karnasila was outside the water. After the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna did the cremation of Karna by keeping the balance of his palm on “Karnasila”. According to legendary myth or legend, in the mythical time, Karna stayed in the shelter of Uma Devi and in this Sangam site, Lord performed austerity of the sun. By which Lord Shiva was pleased to see Karna’s penance and Lord Sun had imparted him the impregnable armor, coil and Akshaya bow. Karna temple is situated at this place, donating it after bathing is considered very complete. It is also said that Lord Krishna had performed the funeral of Karna at this place. Therefore it is also important to give the floral to the place at this place. The other story of Karnapragh is that when Parvati had jumped into the fire after being insulted by Lord Shiva, she took her second birth as the daughter of the Himalayas in the form of Uma Devi and she got to get Shiva There was hard austerity and there is also an ancient temple of Mother Uma at this place. (History of Karan Pryang, mythology and beliefs and attractions) This temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. While this place was already established the statue of Uma Devi. It is said that Uma was born in a farm of Samasera. And it is also said that Goddess had given a demy Brahmin to dream of establishing his statue at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers. Karnamandir: – This temple is built on the edge of the Sangam site, which is in the name of Karna. The old temple has been rebuilt in the present time. And in this temple the temple of Karna and Lord Krishna is also bigger than the size of human beings. There is also a small temple inside the temple which is dedicated to Bhoomia Deity, Ram, Sita and Lakshman, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Karnprayag is one of the famous religious places of Uttarakhand. This is a city and municipal board in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Karnaprayag is located at the confluence of the five incarnations of the Alaknanda river (five confluence), the Alaknanda Sangam and the Pindar river. The city “Karnprayag” is a very beautiful city situated on the banks of the Alaknanda and Pindar river. From the confluence of the west towards the west there is the penitentiary and temple in the form of billet. While going to Badrinath Dham, devotees, sages, Munis and pilgrims have to go through the city of Karnprayag. Karnprayag was also an innovative market in mythical time, and people came from other parts of the country to live here because business opportunities were available here. In 1803, due to the breakdown of the Birey dam, these activities were stopped. At that time the old “Uma Devi temple” was also damaged in this place. The culture of Karnprayag is associated with the most mythological and wonderful Nand Raj Jat Yatra in Uttarakhand. (History of Karan Pryang, mythology and beliefs and attractions) Official Address
Kalpeshwar, Urgam, Uttarakhand Kalpeshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at an elevation of 2,200 m (7,217.8 ft) in the picturesque Urgam valley in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in India. The temple’s ancient legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of epic Mahabharata eminence is the fifth temple of the Panch Kedars (five temples) of Shiva’s five anatomical divine forms; the other four temples in the order of their worship are Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples; all in the Kedar Khand region of the Garhwal Himalayas. Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. At this small stone temple, approached through a cave passage, the matted tress (jata) of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Hence, Lord Shiva is also called as Jatadhar or Jateshwar. Earlier it was approachable only by 12 km (7.5 mi) trek from the nearest road head of Helang on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road but now the road goes up to Devgram village from where the trek now is just 300 metres. This road is good for bikes or cars with good ground clearance as it is half kuccha road which may get damaged during monsoons. Small cars can be taken except in monsoons. In Kalpeshwar Temple Lord Shiva is worshipped in his divine form of Jatas (Hairs). It is believed that in ancient times when Pandvas did Kurukshetra war and killed their relatives and brothers. Then they wanted to get pardoned by Lord Shiva but Lord Shiva didn’t want to meet them as he was convinced that they were dishonest and did a fratricidal sin. So Lord Shiva transformed in to a incognito form of bull. And then reappeared at the five places of Panch Kedars in divine forms. Like this his Jatas (Hair Locks) appeared at Kalpeshwar. Pandvas built a temple at this place to worship Lord Shiva and to please him. The epic legend narrated on the creation of the Panch Kedar temples is that Pandavas of Mahabharata epic history, while chasing Lord Shiva to seek his pardon for the fratricidal sins committed by them during the Kurukshetra war, realized that Shiva, in order to distance himself from the Pandavas, took the incognito form of a bull. But when this form of Shiva was discerned by Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers, tried to hold on to the bull’s tail and hind legs. But the bull vanished underground at Guptakashi. Subsequently, it reappeared in five different forms: His hump appeared at Kedarnath, his bahu (arm) was spotted at Tungnath, his head surfaced at Rudranath, the stomach and navel were traced at Madhyamaheswar and his jata (tress) was divined at Kalpeshwar. Another legend states that this place was much preferred by sages of folklore for meditation. Particular mention is made of sage Arghya who through his austere penance created Urvashi, the famous apsara (nymph) at this place. Durvasa, an ancient sage, son of Atri and Anasuya, considered an incarnation of Shiva, known for his short temper did penance and meditated under the Kalpavriksha, the wish fulfilling divine tree in the precincts of the temple.Further, it is said that Durvasa had given Kunti, mother of Pandavas, a boon that “she could invoke any of the forces of nature and they would appear before her and grant whatever she desired”. Once, when Pandavas, were in exile here, in order to test them Durvasa visited them along with his disciples and desired to be dined by them. Unfortunately, there was no food available within the house to feed the surprise guests. Draupadi, wife of Pandavas, sought Lord Krishna’s help. Krishna materialised on the scene and solved the problem. Kalpeshwar is only 253Kms away from Rishikesh via Rishikesh-Badrinath road. Earlier the trek was from Helang to Kalpeshwar via Urgam Village (10Kms Trek). But as per now a motorable road has been built up to Urgam from Helang. So after that only 2Kms trek remains up to Kalpeshwar. Itis the only temple of Panch Kedar which is accessible throughout the year. By Road: Kalpeshwar can be reashed up to Helang, 243 kms. on the Rishikesh – Badrinath road by bus and taxis. From Helang, the 12 kms. trek is off the main road. Boodha Kedar temple surrounded by potato fields is seen on the trek route. Also seen is the Dhyan Badri temple at Urgam Village, one of the Sapt Badri (seven Badri) temples. By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 272 kms By Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 255 kms Official Address
Jyotirmath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand Jyotirmath, also known as Joshimath is a city and a municipal board in Chamoli District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located at a height of 6150 feet (1875 m), it is gateway to several Himalayan mountain climbing expeditions, trekking trails and pilgrim centres like Badrinath. It is home to one of the four cardinal pīthas established by Adi Shankara. Shankaracharya Math is the math established by Adi Shankaracharya in North India. The Math is having a temple of Badrinarayan and Rajrajeshwari Devi. It has a sacred cave where Adi Shankaracharya supposedly undertook Tapasya. Narsinh Temple is an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu in Narsinh Avtar and main temple of Joshimath. It has an idol of Lord Narsinh, which is considered established by Shankaracharya. As per local belief, the right hand of this idol has become as thin as a hair. On the day when it will break, the mountains Jay-Vijay shall become one and Lord Badrinath of Badrinath temple will disappear from the present temple and re-appear as black stone (Shaligram) at a new place called Bhavishya Badri, which is situated at a distance of 10 km from Joshimath. Bhavishya Kedar Temple is the place as per local belief where disappeared Kedarnath along with Badrinath will re-appear. This temple has a small shivling.Tapovan is situated 10 km from Joshimath. It has natural hot water springs. It has a nice view of river Dhauliganga. Jyotirmath, also known as Joshimath is a city and a municipal board in Chamoli District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 6150 feet. It is a gateway to several Himalayan mountain climbing expeditions, trekking trails and pilgrim centres like Badrinath. It is a home to one of the four cardinal pithas established by Adi Shankara. Jyotirmath is the uttaramnaya matha or northern monastery, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankara, the others being those at Shringeri, Puri and Dwarka. Their heads are titled “Shankaracharya”. They are considered to be the leaders of the ten orders of the Dasanami Sannyasins associated with Advaita Vedanta. The principal eastern (Purvamnaya), southern (Dakshinamnaya) and western (Pascimamnaya) institutions are based at Puri (Orissa), Sringeri (Karnataka) and Dwaraka (Gujarat) respectively. The northern (Uttaramnaya) Sankaracharya seat is at Jyotirmath (also known as Joshimath) near Badrinath. In addition to these four, there are numerous other mathas throughout India, and the seven Dasanami Akhadas (Juna, Niranjani, Mahanirvani, Ananda, Atal, Avahan, Agni – the last is a Brahmacharin Akhada, not a Sannyasin one) that have their own separate administrations and leaders. According to the tradition initiated by Adi Shankara, this matha is in charge of the Atharva veda. Jyotirmath is close to the pilgrimage town of Badrinath. This place can be a base station for travellers going to Guru Gobind Ghat or the Valley of Flowers National Park. The temple Narasimha is enshrined Badrinarayan along with a pantheon of deities. The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is believed to have been established by Adi Sankara. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 Tamil poet-saints or Alvars. The history of Jyotirmath is extremely complicated. According to official accounts, after the period of one Swami Ramakrishna Tirtha in the 18th century, the matha was extinct for about 165 years, before it was revived in 1941, under Swami Brahmananda Saraswati. However, in the meantime, various Sannyasins had claimed to be the Sankaracharya of Jyotirmath, and for some time, many people thought that the Rawal (head-priest) of the Badrinath temple was also the Sankaracharya of Jyotirmath. Between 7th and 11th centuries C.E., Katyuri kings, who were originally from Joshimath, ruled the area of varying extent from their capital at “Katyur” (modern day Baijnath) valley in Kumaon, including from Brahmadev Mandi in Nepal in the east to Kabul in Afghanistan in the west, before fragmenting into numerous principalities by the 12th century.The Katyuri dynasty was founded by Vashudev Katyuri, ancient Basdeo temple at Joshimath is attributed to Vasu Dev. Vasu Dev was of Buddhist origin, but later followed Brahminical practices and the brahminical practices of Katyuri kings in general is sometimes attributed to a vigorous campaign of Adi Shankara (788-820 CE). Katyuri kings were displaced by the Chand Kings in the 11th century AD Official Address
Hemkund, Chamoli, Uttarakhand Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt), formally known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), the tenth Sikh Guru, and finds mention in Dasam Granth, a work dictated by Guruji himself. With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is according to the Survey of India located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet).It is approached from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The main town near Gobindghat is Joshimath. Shri Hemkunt Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Sikhs. Hemkund is the breathtaking Lokpal lake located at an altitude of 4329 m from the sea level. The picturesque natural settings make this hill region an amazing place for rejuvenating vacations. One can reach this majestic lake through a challenging but interesting and enjoyable trek from Ghangharia. Sikhs consider this as a scared region with one of the famous Sikh Gurudwara placed in the heart of the region. A Hindu shrine dedicated to mythological hero Lakshmana is attractive for Hindu Pilgrims. This temple is built on the banks of Hemkund.Hemkunt Sahib is nestled amidst seven snow capped peaks and marvelous snowy glaciers. The nature is reflected here with all its mighty appearance in the crystal clear alluring water. Hemkund lake is fed by the glaciers from majestic peaks known as Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. A small stream known as Himganga originates from this imposing lake. It is recorded in the holy Granth Sahib that the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh mediated on the serene banks of Hemkund in one of his earlier births. Guru Govind Singh is believed to be the Guru who founded all present characteristics of present Sikhism. The Gurudwara of the Sikhs on the banks of Hemkund is located at the place where Guru had meditated. Huge flocks of Sikh pilgrims pay their visit to this Gurudwara every year. Hemkunt has got mentions in the Ramayana. It is believed that the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana regained his health by meditating on the banks of Hemkunt after the severe injuries he received from Meghnath during Rama-Ravana war. The Lakshmana temple is built at the place where Lakshmana meditated to regain the health. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is know as one of the holiest place of the sikh This is the story of 10th Guru or last guru Shri Guru Govind Singh. In this story Guru Govind Singh is tell us about his past and tell us why he is come on the earth. He was busy in austerity on the hill of Hemkund which palace is know as ‘Sapt Shring’. there Guru Govind Singh was worship to god of death. Guru Govind Singh writes in his autobiography that Ram Chander son of Raja Dasrath had two sons Lava and Kushu. Lava and Kush regnant over the India for mant days.they colonized two cities Lahore and Kasur in Punjab.After that when they are died their sons could not tolerate to each other. they become enemies. they were fight to each other for get their suppermacy.One thousand child of Lava named Sodhi won the fight and turned into the lord of Punjab. He offered his kingdom to the Bedees with amazing privilege. He himself chose to go to backwoods with a specific end goal to mull over the Name of God. As Guru Gobind Singh had said, the place of his past incarnation in his auto-account, numerous sikh researchers made a decent attempt to find the correct place. In this field the names of Sant Sohan Singh, Hawaidar Moan Singh, Sant Thandi Singh and Sant Surat Singh are brought with awesome regard. They committed as long as they can remember to find the correct place keeping in mind the end goal to develop the Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib. In this field the administrations of the Hem Kunt-Trust are praiseworthy. The Trust has developed streets driving towards Hemkunt Sahib and for the advantage of the explorers it has manufactured huge Gurdwaras in transit. By Air :- Jolly Grant Airport is a nearest airport from Govindghat. You can reach Hemkund Sahib by horse, Pony, helicopter and by trek from Govindghat. By train:- Rishikesh Railway station is nearest Railway station from Govindghat. You can reach till Rishikesh by train then you can take taxi and bus to Govindghat. By road:- Govindghat is well connected to many cites like Delhi , Srinagar , Rudraprayag , Haridwar , Rishikesh etc. Official Address
Gopinath Mandir, Chamoli, Uttarakhand Gopinath Mandir is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Gopeshwar, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in Gopeshwar village now part of Gopeshwar town. The temple stands out in its architectural proficiency; it is topped by a magnificent dome and the 30 sq ft (2.8 m2) sanctum sanctorum, which is aessible by 24 doors. The remains of broken idols found around the temple testify the existence of several more temples in ancient times. There is a trident, in the courtyard of the temple, about 5 m high, made of eight different metals, which dates back to the 12th century. It boasts the inscriptions attributed to Anekmalla, the king of Nepal who reigned in the 13th century. Four short inscriptions written in Devanagri, which dates back to a later period, are yet to be deciphered, barring one. Legend is that the trident got fixed in this spot, when Lord Shiva threw it at Lord Kama to kill him. The metal of the trident is not weathered by the elements and this is a wonder. The legend goes that the trident belonged to Shiva who threw it at Kamdeva (The God Of Love) to kill him and it got fixed in this spot. It is believed that while brute force can not move this Trident, the slightest touch by a true devotee can cause a tremor in it. The metal of the trident does not appear to have become weathered by the elements over the century. The legend goes that the trident belonged to Lord Shiva who threw it at Kamadeva (The God of Love) to kill him and it got fixed at this spot. The metal of the trident is not weathered by the elements over the centuries. It is believed that while any kind of strong force cannot move this divine trident, the slightest touch by a true, honest devotee can cause a tremor in it. Another legend says that, when Lord Shiva turned Kamdev into ashes, Rati, the wife of Kamdeva, did penance at Gopeshwar. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared at Gopeshwar. Shiva blessed her with a boon that her husband will reappear. Another hearsay is that, when Shiva was annihilating the Kshatriyas, the trident of Parshuram broke into 3 parts while pacifying Lord Shiva. A part of that trident is found in Gopinath temple. By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (258 km) which is located at Dehradun. By Rail: The nearest railhead is Rishikesh (220 km). By Road: Gopeshwar village is 10 km from the Chamoli and 212 km from Rishikesh. Buses and taxis are available from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar to reach the Gopinath temple. Official Address
Badrinath Temple, Chamoli, Uttarakhand Badrinath or Badrinarayan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu which is situated in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. The temple and town form one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Badrinath—holy shrines for Vaishnavites. It is open for six months every year (between the end of April and the beginning of November), because of extreme weather conditions in the Himalayanregion. The temple is located in Garhwal hill tracks in Chamoli district along the banks of Alaknanda River at an elevation of 3,133 m (10,279 ft) above the mean sea level. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India, having recorded 1,060,000 visits. The image of the presiding deity worshipped in the temple is a 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, the black stone statue of Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be one of eight swayam vyakta kshetras, or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. Mata Murti Ka Mela, which commemorates the descent of river Ganges on mother earth, is the most prominent festival celebrated in the Badrinath Temple. Although Badrinath is located in North India, the head priest, or Rawal, is traditionally a Nambudiri Brahminchosen from the South Indian state of Kerala. The temple was included in the Uttar Pradesh state government Act No. 30/1948 as Act no. 16,1939, which later came to be known as Shri Badarinath and Shri Kedarnath Mandir Act. The committee nominated by the state government administers both the temples and has seventeen members on its board. The temple is mentioned in ancient religious texts like Vishnu Purana and Skanda Purana. It is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. There is no historical record about the temple, but there is a mention of the presiding deity Badrinath in Vedic scriptures(c. 1750–500 bc). According to some accounts, the temple was a Buddhist shrine till the 8th century and Adi Shankaraconverted it to a Hindu temple.The architecture of the temple resembling that of a Buddhist vihara (temple) and the brightly painted facade which is atypical of Buddhist temples leads to the argument.Other accounts relate that it was originally established as a pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the ninth century. It is believed that Shankara resided in the place for six years from ad 814 to 820. He resided six months in Badrinath and the rest of the year in Kedarnath. Hindu followers assert that he discovered the image of Badrinath in the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. A traditional story asserts that Shankara expelled all the Buddhists in the region with the help of the Parmar ruler king Kanak Pal. The hereditary successors of the king governed the temple and endowed villages to meet its expenses. The income from a set of villages on the route to the temple was used to feed and accommodate pilgrims. The Parmar rulers held the title “Bolanda Badrinath”, meaning speaking Badrinath. They had other titles, including Shri 108 Basdrishcharyaparayan Garharaj Mahimahendra, Dharmabibhab, and Dharamarakshak Sigamani. The throne of Badrinath was named after the presiding deity; the king enjoyed ritual obeisance by the devotees before proceeding to the shrine. The practice was continued until the late 19th century. During the 16th century, the King of Garhwalmoved the murti to the present temple.When the state of Garhwal was divided, the Badrinath temple came under British rule but the king of Garhwal continued as the chairman of the management committee.The selection of priest is done after consultation between Garhwal and Travancore royal families. The temple has undergone several major renovations due to its age and damage by an avalanche. In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the Kings of Garhwal. After significant damage in the great 1803 Himalayan earthquake, it was largely rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.It was still under renovation as late as the 1870s but these were completed by the time of the First World War. At that time, the town was still small, consisting of only the 20-odd huts housing the temple’s staff, but the number of pilgrims was usually between seven and ten thousand.The Kumbh Meld festival held every twelve years raised the number of visitors to 50,000.The temple also enjoyed revenue from the rents owed to it by various villages bequeathed by various rajas. During 2006, the state government announced the area around Badrinath as a no construction zone to curb illegal encroachment. The temple is located in Garhwal hill tracks along the banks of the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, a state in North India. The hill tracks are located 3,133 m (10,279 ft) above the mean sea level. The Nar Parbat mountain is located opposite to the temple, while the Narayana Parbat is located behind the Neelakanta peak. The temple has three structures: the Garbhagriha (sanctum), the Darshan Mandap (worship hall), and Sabha Mandap (convention hall).The conical-shaped roof of the sanctum, the garbhagriha, is approximately 15 m (49 ft) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof.The facade is built of stone and has arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to the main entrance, a tall, arched gateway. Just inside is a mandap, a large, pillared hall that leads to the sanctum, or main shrine area. The walls and pillars of the hall are covered with intricate carvings. The main shrine houses the 1 m (3.3 ft) Shaligram (black stone) idol of Lord Badrinarayana, which is housed in a gold canopy under a Badri Tree. The idol of Lord Badrinarayana shows Him holding a Shankha (conch) and a Chakra (wheel) in two of His arms in a lifted posture and the other two arms resting on His lap in a Yogamudra (Padmasana) posture. The sanctum also houses images of the god of wealth—Kubera, sage Narada, Uddhava, Nar and Narayan. There are fifteen more images that are also worshipped around the temple. These include that of Lakshmi (the consort of Vishnu), Garuda (the vahana of Narayan), and Navadurga, the manifestation of Durga in nine different forms. The temple also has shrines of Lakshmi Narasimhar and for saints Adi Shankara (ad 788-820), Nar and Narayan,Ghantakarna, Vedanta Desika and Ramanujacharya. All the idols of the temple are made of black stone. The Tapt Kund, a group of hot sulfur springs just below the temple, are considered to be medicinal; many pilgrims consider it a requirement to bathe in the springs before visiting the temple. The springs have a year-round temperature of 55 °C (131 °F), while outside temperature is typically below 17 °C (63 °F) all year round.The two water ponds in the temple are called Narad Kund and Surya Kund. According to Hindu legend, god Vishnu sat in meditation at this place. During his meditation, Vishnu was unaware of cold weather. Lakshmi, his consort, protected him in the form of the Badri tree (jujube or Indian date). Pleased by the devotion of Lakshmi, Vishnu named the place Badrika Ashram. According to Atkinson (1979), the place used to be a jujube forest, which is not found there today. Vishnu in the form of Badrinath is depicted in the temple sitting in the padmasana posture. According to the legend, Vishnu was chastised by sage Narada, who saw Vishnu’s consort, Lakshmi, massaging his feet. Vishnu went to Badrinath to perform austerity, meditating for a long time in padmasana. The Vishnu Purana narrates another version of the origins of Badrinath. According to the tradition, Dharam had two sons, Nar, and Narayan—both of which are modern names of Himalayan mountains. They chose the place to spread their religion and each of them wed the spacious valleys in the Himalayas. Searching for an ideal place to set up a hermitage, they came across the other four Badris of the Pancha Badri, namely Bridha Badri, Yog Bhadri, Dhyan Badri and Bhavish Badri. They finally found the hot and cold spring behind the Alaknanda River and named it Badri Vishal. Official Address
Jageshwar Temples, Almora, Uttarkhand Jageshwar Temples, also referred to as Jageswar Temples or Jageshwar valley temples, are a group of over 100 Hindu temples dated between 7th and 12th century near Almora, in the Himalayan Indian state of Uttarakhand.The valley has a number of temple clusters such as the Dandeshwar and Jageshwar sites. Some locations have attracted construction of new temples through the 20th-century. Together these clusters over the valley consist of over 200 structural temples built from cut stone. Many are small, while a few are substantial. They predominantly illustrate North Indian Nagara style of architecture with a few exceptions that show South and Central Indian style designs, many are dedicated to god Shiva, while others in immediate vicinity are dedicated to god Vishnu, Shaktigoddesses and Surya traditions of Hinduism. Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town and one of the Dhams (pilgrimage region) in the Shaivism tradition. The site is protected under Indian laws, and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It includes Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, Nava-grah temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple. The site celebrates the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan (overlaps with July-August) and the annual Maha Shivratri Mela (Shivratri festival), which takes place in early spring. There are other Hindu temples in the Himalayan region that are called Jageshwar Temple such as one in Dalash, Himachal Pradesh Jageshwar is located 36 kilometres (22 mi) northeast of Almora, in the Kumaun region. The temples site is on the south of the road, across which is an eponymous village at an altitude of 1,870 m, in the Jataganga river valley near a Deodar forest (Cedrus deodara). The temple clusters begin starting from satellite road branching off east from the Artola village on the Almora–Pithoragarh highway, at the confluence (sangam) of two streams Nandini and Surabhi after they flow down the hills in the narrow valley.The site is about 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) long along the Jataganga rivulet, is a narrow forested valley of oaks, deodara, rhododendrons and pines. Around the valley is human habitation which provide services to the pilgrims and travelers visiting these temples or passing through to other sacred sites in the Uttarkhand region. The resident villages are Mokshadham, Dandeshwar, Jageswar and Koteshwar. Jageshwar is about 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of the historic Baijnath Temple and about 100 kilometres (62 mi) northeast from the resort town of Nainital. It is mentioned in Hindu texts dated prior to the 10th-century as a tirtha (pilgrimage) site. The nearest rail head is Kathgodam 125 km. Jageshwar has direct road links with Almora (35 km), Haldwani (131 km.), Pithoragarh (88 km) and Kathgodam. State transport, and private jeeps and taxis ply from these place for Jageshwar regularly. The origins of the Jageshwar temples site are unclear. Its remote location has limited its studies and scholarly attention. The site shows evidence of different architectural styles and building periods for both temples and stone steles, which range from the 7th to the 12th century, and then in the modern times.Estimates for the same temple or stele varies widely, sometimes 1,400 years. According to the ASI, some belong to the post-Gupta or the second half of 1st millennium while others belong to the 2nd millennium. Some colonial era guesses attribute them to the Katyuri or Chand hill dynasties but there is no textual or epigraphical evidence to support or refute these proposals. Another prevailing theory is that Adi Shankara built some of these temples, but once again there is no textual or epigraphical evidence to support this claim. Instead, the architectural features and style of some of these Hindu temples is from early 7th century, which is about 50 to 100 years before Adi Shankara lived (c. 788-820 CE). The lack of systematic studies of Indian temples and ruins in many parts of the remote Himalayan regions limits what can be said about the chronological sequence of monuments in the Jageshwar valley. According to Chanchani, it is likely that the valley had reached a prominent position in Indian architecture by the 10th century, with the earliest monuments from the 7th-century. The valley has two major clusters of Hindu temples, and a number of roadside shrines. Of these some 151 temples have been numbered by ASI as protected pre-12th century monuments. The two largest groups are locally called as the Dandeshwar group temples (Dandeshwar samuh mandir, 15 temples) and the Jageshwar group temples (Jageshwar samuh mandir, 120 temples). Of these, temple number 37, 76 and 146 are the largest, all dated to the late centuries of the 1st millennium. In historic text, Jageshwar is also referred to as Yageshvara. Jageshwar was once the center of Lakulish Shaivism, likely by monks and migrants who left the plains of the Indian subcontinent from places such as Gujarat and settled in the high mountains. The resemblance between Kumaoni language and Gujarati language probably hints at the fact that followers of Lakulish settled at Jageshwar. The temples site over time was positioned as and grew as a sacred geography in the form of northern (uttara) Kashi (Varanasi). Official Address
Golu Devata, Almora, Uttarakhand Golu Devta or Lord Golu is the legendary God of the Kumaun and eastern Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state of India and is their deity (predominantly Kumaon). In eastern Garhwal, he is worshipped as Goril Devta. The Chitai Golu Devta temple is the most celebrated temple dedicated to the deity and is about 4 km (2.5 mi) from the main gate of Binsar wildlife sanctuary & about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Almora. Golu dev used to travel far distances on his horse and used to meet people of his kingdom, Golu Darbar used to take place and Golu Dev used to hear the problems of the people and help them in any way possible, he had a special place for people in his heart and he was always ready to help them, due to his complete dedication to people, he led a very simple life and lived his life on the principles of brahmacharya. Golu dev still meet with his people and in many villages the practice of Golu darbar is still prevalent, where Golu dev appear in front of people and listen to their problem and help people in every way possible, the most common form of Golu Dev Darbar these days is Jagar. Golu Dev always had a special place for his White horse in his heart, he still do love his horse. So it is believed by many that he still travels on the back of his horse . He is the god of justice and he serves it well. That is why people worship him as The God of Justice “Jai Nyay Devta Golu apki Jai ho” There is a special reverence for the goddess of Uttrakhand, it is the god worshiped in the house-house. In the Kumayun Mandal of Uttarakhand, there are three main temples in Champawat, Chaiti and Ghodakal and in Pauri Garhwal, one of their temples is named after Kandolia Deity. Temple of Goddess Gulau is also required in every village in Kumaun Mandal and in such a house. It is mentioned in the history that Golu devta has been a fair king of Uttarakhand, people in their court come to the hope of justice and after getting proper justice they went back to glorifying Golu Raja. Their nobility put them in the hearts of people and people started worshiping them, as a result, today Golu Devta is worshiped with respect in the house-house. Official Address
Temples in West Bengal: A Glorious Display of Art and Architecture West Bengal, a state located in eastern India, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. The state is also known for its many exquisite temples, each a unique display of art and architecture that reflects the region’s deep spiritual and religious roots. These temples are not only significant as religious sites but also as cultural landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world. The temple showcase a blend of different architectural styles, including classical, medieval, and modern. The state has a rich history of temple-building dating back to the 8th century AD, and many of the temples here are steeped in legend and mythology. The architecture of the temples is characterized by intricate carvings, delicate filigree work, and exquisite sculptures. The temples are also adorned with murals and frescoes that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Some of the most famous temples in the state include the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the Kalighat Kali Temple, and the Birla Mandir in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. Apart from Kolkata, West Bengal has several other temple towns that are equally famous for their temples. These include Tarapith, Mayapur, Nabadwip, and Bishnupur, among others. Each of these towns has a unique temple architecture, reflecting the cultural and religious traditions of the region. In conclusion, the temples in West Bengal are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the state. These temples not only attract devotees but also art enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world. With their intricate architecture and spiritual significance, the temples in West Bengal are an essential part of India’s cultural landscape.
In a far, far land, in a little village called Dakshindihi in Birbhum, West Bengal, lies a shrine dedicated to Adi Shakti- the female force of Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the river Ishani, the temple lies on the Labhpur to Ahmedpur Road which is a distance of about 15 km. The exact location of the temple is around 5 km prior to Ahmedpur. The deity inside the temple is Maa Phullora. The Bhairav Vishwesh is said to be guarding her. The temple has a stone deity that is around fifteen feet long –which, incidentally, symbolises the lower lip of the goddess. A natural pond that has now gone into disuse sits right adjacent to the temple complex. An interesting fact about this pond: Hanuman was said to have collected a hundred and eight lotuses from this very pond when Shree Rama needed them for worship of the Goddess Durga. Gracing the same temple complex is a beautiful marble idol of Mahadev sitting on a stone lotus. The temple in itself is an architectural marvel. Although not very large and extravagant, the temple has been done up artistically and is extremely pleasing to the eye.
Eight kilometres from Katwa in Burdwan, there is yet another manifestation of the female spiritual energy of the universe. West Bengal is blessed with the Bahula temple which is located on the banks of the Ajay river at Ketugram. The Bahula Temple is an ancient temple which boasts of wonderful architecture. The temple has a large courtyard right in the front of the garbhagriha and the flooring has been done in red stone. The temple has a serene environment that will immediately calm your senses. God can truly be attained in that environment when you hear the chiming of temple bells and the chanting of mantras fusing together with your faith. Bahula Shakti Peeth is located in West Bengal near Katwa. The village where the popular temple is located is Ketugram. Ketugram is roughly at a distance of 190 kms from Kolkata. It is at a distance of about 56 kms from Bardhaman. Travelers visiting Bardhaman from Kolkata could travel another 56 Kms to reach this ancient yet significant temple of Maa Sati.
The Bakreshwar Temple of West Bengal lies on the banks of the Paaphra River in the district of Birbhum, around 24 km from the town of Siuri and 240 km from Kolkata. The temple is renowned for its Oriya-style of architecture. Inside the temple complex are the Mahishmardini and the Vakranath temple. The former has ancient paintings of the goddess, preserved well by the Archaeological Survey of India There are plenty of private and public transportation options available for travel to Birbhum from all major cities including Kolkata. The Panagarh-Moregram Expressway linking Grand Trunk Road (NH 2) with NH 5 cuts across the district. Apart from this, there are several other entry points for the place as well. Regular bus services from Kolkata, Siliguri and other cities connect Birbhum to all the districts in West Bengal. The nearest railway station is Birbhum. Birbhum is very well connected to various major cities by railways. The Howrah-Sahibganj circle of the Eastern Railway passes through this district while the junction at Nalhati connects Birbhum to Azimganj in Murshidabad district. The nearest airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport in Kolkata. On getting down at Kolkata, you could take a private vehicle, a bus or train to Birbhum which is at a distance of 190 Kms.
Ratnavali Shakti Peeth is situated on the banks of Ratnakar River at Khanakul-Krishnanagar, district Hooghly, West Bengal, India. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Kumari’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Bhairav’.It is locally known as Anandamayee Sakthi Peetha.According to the Hindu legends, Ratnavali Shakti Peeth is among the 52 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that, dakshina skandha (right shoulder) of the Goddess fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve Lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right Shoulder, this temple was constructed. Rail Road transportation is the most common means of coming to this part of the country. Although there is no direct train to this part, so pilgrims need to change the train to reach here. Howrah is a major railway station which is about 81 kms from Khanakul.
Anandamayee Shakti Peeth is situated on the banks of Ratnakar River at Khanakul-Krishnanagar, district Hooghly, West Bengal, India. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Kumari’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Bhairav’.It is locally known as Anandamayee Shakti Peetha. According to the Hindu legends, Anandamayee Shakti Peetha is among the 52 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that, dakshina skandha (right shoulder) of the Goddess fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve Lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right Shoulder, this temple was constructed. Rail Road transportation is the most common means of coming to this part of the country. Although there is no direct train to this part, so pilgrims need to change the train to reach here. Howrah is a major railway station which is about 81 kms from Khanakul.
Tristrota Shakti Peeth is located on the banks of Tista River in Shalbari village of Falakata in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as Goddess Bhramari / Bumblebee and the lord Shiva is worshipped as Ishwar (form of Lord Shiva). There are regular buses to Falakata village. Direct trains are also available to Jalpaiguri, which is the nearest railway station. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport is the nearest airport and national as well as international flights are available till here.
Bheemakali Temple or Vibhasha Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati, located on the banks of the River Roopnarayana at Tamluk village, Purab Medinipur in West Bengal, India. It is the place where Devi Sati’s left ankle fell. Here Devi is worshipped as Kapalini or Bhimarupa and Lord Shiva as Sarvanand. In the Sanctorum of the temple, there is a large ‘Shiv Ling’ and it is made of black stone. Priest and pilgrims worship here and Ygya are also carried from time to time. All around the ‘Shiv Ling’ is the White marble boundary. The temple is also known as Bheemakali Temple. Tamluk is a junction, thus is well connected by both road and rail. There are six bus routes originating from Tamluk. There are also direct trains from Howrah to Tamluk. Nearest airport is in the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International in Kolkata, and national flights as well as international Flights are available from here. Tamluk Srirampur Rd, Tamluk, West Bengal 721636
Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also known as Birla Mandir. Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, built by the industrialist Birla family. This temple is open in the morning from 5:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. and in the evening from 4:30 P.M. to 9 P.M. On Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, devotees come from faraway places to pay their respect to the deities. The Birla Mandir depicts the ideals of Hinduism as enshrined in the Vedas and Upanishads and their application to everyday life. The magnificent Birla Mandir of Kolkata is an exemplary work of art. It is one of the finest architectural beauties of the city. The indigenous craftsmanship of the temple is the hallmark of its grandeur. It represents a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary art. The Temple is spread over 44 kathas of land. The height of the temple is 160 feet. It is designed by the architect Nomi Bose. The structure of the temple resembles the famous Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. There is a pictorial depiction of messages from Bhagavad Gita in its stone engravings and some intricate Rajasthani temple architecture. The exterior of the temple is built of sandstone, whereas the interiors are plated with white marbles. Sculptors were called from Agra, Mirzapur and Muzaffarpur to sculpt the beautiful and unique patterns on the walls. There are some artifacts in the temple which are made of silver and Belgian glass. The total cost incurred to build the temple was Rs. 180 million. By Road: The temple is situated on on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge. Birla Temple can be easily accessible by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Kolkata state or from neighboring state. Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses. The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Howrah (13.7 km) and the closest Metro Station is Maidan. By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport(20.6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. 5/1A, Paddapukur Ln, Chakraberia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Madanmohan Temple is a famous Hindu temple. It is situated in Mellock, near Samta in the state of West Bengal. This temple is also called as Gopaler Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Radha Krishna. The main deity of this temple is Radha Krishna. Radha and Madangopal-jiu temples are the largest temples. The temple is a large, beautiful, terracotta ornamented, dilapidated temple of Radha & Madangopal-jiu and was built in 1651 AD by a wrestler, Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury, who was a family member of the Roy Zamindars, who then ruled the village of Samta. It was earlier situated on the banks of the Rupnarayan River but now the river has changed its course. This is one of the largest atchala (roof with 8 slopes) temples in Bengal. Presently, the condition of the temple is derelict; however, the reconstruction has been started at present. A temple was built at the site in 1651 AD by Mukundaprasad Roychowdhury, a family mamber of the “Roy Zamnidars” of Samta. Also known as Gopaler Mondir, the temple is a large, beautiful, terracotta ornamented, dilapidated temple of Radha & Madangopal Jiu (Radha & Krishna). This temple is one of the largest aat-chala (roof with 8 slopes) temples in Bengal. Main entrance with three arches is on the south face. Two additional entrances, one each on the west and east faces. By Road: The temple is located in the village of Mellock, near Samta, Howrah District. It can be accessed by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Kolkata state or from neighboring state. Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses. The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus. By Rail: The Temple is well connected through nearest Howrah railway station (13 kms) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (27.6 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and other metropolitan cities.
Nalateswari Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, one of the 51 places where parts of Devi Sati’s body fell. This temple is very sacred and visited by devotees from all over the country. Since the throat or ‘nala’ of Sati is believed to have fallen here, the temple came to be called as the Maa Nalateswari Temple. It is believed that no matter how much water is poured down the throat of the goddess, it will never get overflowed or dried up. Nalhati is a small town of district Birbhum and connected to Railway. You can also visit Tarapith, Jagdhari Ashram, or Shantiniketan in a 2-3 days weekend. There aretemple managed lodge at Nalateswari temple where you can stay. Puja and prasad can be availed at adjacent temple office during 9-12am everyday on payment. Parbati Tola Rd, Nalhati, West Bengal 731243
Nandikeshwari temple is located in earlier Nandipur village, which is now a part of Sainthia town, Birbhum district, West Bengal (220 Km from Kolkata). The Sainthia town is located on the bank of river Mayurakshi. According to Hindu scripture Neck lace of Sati fell here. Goddess Shakti is worshipped here as Nandini and Lord Bhairav as Nandikeshwar. The name Sainthia is derived from ‘Sain’, a Bengali term used to refer to an Islamic priest. Sainthia is also known as ‘Nandipur’, after Nandikeshwari Temple Sainthia is known as business capital of Birbhum district and it is famous for itstemple of Nandikeshwari Mata. There are many direct buses starting from various places in Birbhum. If one wants to reach through Railway route, one have to stop atSainthia Railway station and the walking distance is hardly 10 minutes. 165, Mayurakshi Sarani, Netaji Pally, Sainthia, West Bengal 731234
Kiriteswari Temple is one of the famous temples in West Bengal which is situated in Kiritkona village under the Nabagram in Murshidabad district. It is also one of the Sati peeth amongst other 51. This place considered to be the sleeping place of Mahamaya and is more than 1000 years old. The temple is one of the well known devi temples in West Bengal. The temple is located in Kiritkona village which is popularly known as Kiriteswari. Nabagram-Lalbag Road pass through the village. The nearest railway route is Dahapara Dham railway station (5 km from the village). Lalbag Court Road railway station is near about 3 km from the temple. Kiriteshwari Road, Mursaktabad, Dist, Kiriteswari, West Bengal 742104 097326 44825
Kanak Durga Temple is nestled in the Jamboni area in the Jhargram sub division which was earlier also known as the Gateway to Bengal. It is one of the old temples in West Bengal and is actually situated quite neat to the border of Jharkhand. It is another renowned Devi temple in West Bengal.
Sarva Mangla Devi Temple is a famous Devi temple in Burdwan District in West Bengal. This temple is constructed around 16th and 17th century and is surrounded by a fort. It is believed that the idol of devi is very old around 2500 years old and historically this temple holds a special place. Moreover, this temple is a famous attraction in the Burdwan District of West Bengal.
Hangseshwari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Hangseswari which is also one of the forms of Kali. It is another well known Kali temple in West Bengal and is visited by locals and tourists both. This temple was started by Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy Mahasay and then later it was completed by his widow Rani Sankari in 1814. This temple has another temple called as Ananta Basudeba temple which is situated beside the main temple. Hangseshwari Temple is quite popular for its unique structure which is one of the major attractions amongst the tourists.
Kankalitala Temple is another well known temple in West Bengal. This temple is nestled 9 kilometers from Bolpur on the Bolpur-Labhpur road and is situated on the banks of River Kopai. It is also one of the Shakti Peethas where kankal of Parvati fell and the presiding deity of the temple is goddess Parvati. Kankalitala is about 10 km from Santiniketan. Buses ply on the Bolpur-Labhpur route. Bolpur is the nearest railway station. One can hire a taxi or take a rickshaw from Bolpur.
It is an eminent temple of goddess kali anup in the year 1970s.d is located at Malo Pada, old katwa near the Gouranga Baddi. Khaepa Kali Tala is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess kali. It is another major Kali temples nestled in West Bengal and was set up in the year 1970s. Goai, West Bengal 713130
Kripamayee Kali Temple is also referred to as Joy Mitra Kalibari and is a famous Hindu temple which is situated on the eastern banks of River Hoogly. The presiding deity of this temple of West Bengal is a form of Kali called “Kripamayee” the one who is merciful. It is another famous Kali temple in West Bengal and it was built in the year 1848 by a famous zamindar Jayaram who was a dedicated devotee of goddess Kali. It is a colossal nabaratna (nine-spired) temple with twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, Kali’s consort. Of the twelve Shiva temples; six are on each side and they had a fresh coat of paint like the main temple. The twelve Shiva temples are dedicated to Pashupatinath; Biswanath; Baidyanath; Chandranath; Amarnath; Bhubaneswar; Adinath; Taraknath; Somnath; Kedarnath; Umananda and Rameswar. All the twelve aatchala Shiv mandirs are on a raised platform and a flight of stairs is there to reach there. Traditional Bengali architecture mostly uses brick and wood, often reflecting the styles of the wood, bamboo and thatch styles of local vernacular architecture for houses. Decorative carved or moulded plaques of terracotta (the same material as the brick) are a special feature. The brick is extremely durable and disused ancient buildings were often used as a convenient source of materials by local people, often being stripped to their foundations over the centuries. Kripamayee Kali Devi Temple was built in the town of Baranagar by Jay Mitra. This person was a famous landlord during the seventeenth century when places like Baranagar in West Bengal were populated by Dutch traders. Jay Mitra was a devout follower of Goddess Kali and being a devotee he decided to establish this Kripamayee Kali Temple in 1848. The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, another famous Kali Temple of West Bengal, was built much later than this one, in 1855. So this is even more ancient. Baranagar has a rich heritage that flourished during this time period. It is said that Swami Vivekananda visited this temple. Even the great Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the famous devotee of Goddess Kali too visited the temple several times. It is heard that he called the Kripamayee Kali Maa ‘Mashi’. Mashi in Bengali translates to a maternal aunt or more precisely mother’s sister. This is an interesting fact regarding this temple. A large number of people assemble here on the day of Deepavali and fireworks are lit. Instead of anna bhog luchi bhog is offered to the Goddess. Most of the Kali temples in Bengal celebrate the various Kali Pujas that are celebrated among the Bengalees. Though there is one big yearly Kali puja festival in Bengal, there are several others too. Kali Puja Dipantwika is the main celebration in the honor of Goddess Kali and mostly coincides with Diwali. This is celebrated on Amavasya, or newmoon day in Bengali month known as Kartika. This is usually the month of November. This Kali Puja is celebrated in a grand way in West Bengal and many devotees stay awake all night to worship the goddess at midnight. Two other kinds of Kali puja celebrations are held too in Bengal. One is Phalaharini Kali Puja and other is Ratanti Kali Puja. Ratanti Kali Puja is celebrated on Amavasya in the month of Magha and Phalaharini Kali Puja on Amavasya in the month of Jyestha. – Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kalibari, Hindu Temple in KolkataKamar Para Lane, Barada Basak Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
Rampara Kalibari is another Hindu temple in West Bengal which is around 35 kilometers away from Kolkata. The presiding deity of this temple is goddess Siddheshwari Kali which is the feminine form of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple was built by Nandy family of Rampara who were the great devotees of Kali Maa. Rampara Kalibari is also famous for its Kali Puja which is held in the month of October and November during Diwali every year. Devotees visit this temple during this puja in large numbers. It is one of the famous Kali temples in West Bengal. By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station which is approx 227 KM. By Road: The temple is well connected by good roads with all the major towns of West Bengal. Cabs, Auto-Rickshaws, Local buses and Taxis are available to reach the temple.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple which is situated on the eastern bank of River Hoogly. The presiding diety of this popular temple of West Bengal is Bhavatarini. This beautiful temple was founded in the mid of 19th century by a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali “Rani Rashmoni”. It is one of the biggest Kali temples in West Bengal and equal divinity to Radhe Krishna and Lord Shiva is given at this temples and hence it is one of the must visit temples in West Bengal for the peace lovers and devotees of Kali Maa. Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076
Kalyaneshwar Mandir is more-than-500-year-old Shiva temple situated in Bally, Howrah near Belurmath. It is very famous and visited by millions of monks and devotees around India every year. It is surrounded by Kali, Ganesh, Vishnu and Bajrangbali Temples.
The Mahakal Temple or Mahakal Mandir Nepali: महाकाल मन्दिर. Translation: The master of Kaal [time]) is a sacred Hindu temple located in Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva, the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. The Temple was built in 1782 by Lama Dorjey Rinzing and is perched atop the Observatory Hill in Darjeeling and is an amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist religions. It is a unique religious site where both religions coexist harmoniously Mahakal Temple is located behind the Chowrasta and encircled by the Mall Road on the ridge of Darjeelingtown. The approach is a uphill narrow road about 100 yards from the Mall and is accessible by foot only. Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Lake Kalibari Bengali: is a Kali temple located in Southern Avenue, Kolkata. The official name of the temple is Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir after the name presiding deity Karunamoyee. The temple is managed by the Sree Sri Karunamoyee Kalimata Trust. The temple is undergoing reconstruction since 2002 and is due to be completed by 2013 but due to financial issues it has still not completed. Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir 107/1, Southern Avenue, Rabindra Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029 033 2465 6658
Choto Rashbari or Harihar Dham of 93, Tollygunge Road, Kolkata – 33 is a Grade-I heritage building under Kolkata Municipal Corporation The temples were founded by Pyarilal Mondal and Monimohan Mondal. The construction started on 27th Phalgun,1252 and it took almost a year to complete. The temples were officially inaugurated on 31st Chaitra,1253 as per the Bengali calendar and when converted to Gregorian, it comes to April 1847. The temple complex are by the side of Adi Ganga, which one time served as a major pilgrim route and there is also a ghat named as Choto Rashbari Ghat with four columns; but alas now in pathetic state and the plasters have peeled. There was also a nahabatkhana. Earlier there happened to be a room on either side of the ghat but now a wall has been put up thereby preventing access.
Birla Mandir in Kolkata, India, is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, built by the industrialist Birla family. This temple is open in the morning from 5.30 A.M. to 11 A.M. and in the evening from 4 .30 P.M. to 9 P.M. On Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, devotees come from far away places to pay their respect to the deities. To reach the Birla Madir from any part of the city, you have various options of taking a local bus, metered taxis and mini buses. The nearest metro stations to the Birla Temple are Rabindra Sadan, Maidan Metro Station and Kalighat, from where you can hail a taxi or rickshaw to the temple premises. 29, Ashutosh Chowdary Ave, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019 033 2461 5717
Baikuntha Temple, also called Vaikunthanathar Kovil, is a South Indian Hindu temple situated in Jorasanko, Central Kolkata, India. Baikuntha It is known for its distinct South Indian architecture. It was completed in 1960. The temple sanctum sanctorum has a stone image of Lord Baikuntha with two consorts, Sridevi and Budevi, on either side. The inside of the temple is constructed with white marble and has several pillars. 12/A, Kali Krishna Tagore St, near ganesh talkies, Santoshpur, Bara Bazar, Jorabagan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007 090389 23109
Lake Kalibari, Kolkata, West Bengal Lake Kalibari is a Kali temple located in Southern Avenue, Kolkata. The official name of the temple is Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir after the name presiding deity Karunamoyee. The temple is managed by the Sree Sri Karunamoyee Kalimata Trust. The temple is undergoing reconstruction since 2002 and is due to be completed by 2013 but due to financial issues it has still not completed Lake Kalibari” – One of the most famous religious seats of Bengal, where the remembrance of God was kindled by Sree Sree Haripada Chakroborty, our revered Gurudev,was established more than 60 years ago. For his spiritual sadhana and ardent love for the almighty mother – ‘Maa Kali’, suddenly the divine mother became an effulgence and a Light of Divinity, luminous like a thousand suns, and appeared in his thatched hut where mother Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata has been consecrated. The mind of Gurudev blossomed and bathed in such hued light of Divinity and, at the directive of the divine mother, Gurudev constructed a seat of five skulls (Panchamundi’s Ashan) for the performance of ‘Tantra Kriya’ to ensure the proper solace of mankind and, thus, dedicated his life to a vast Karmayagya. In 1987, out of his innumerable disciples, Gurudev ultimately picked Sri Nitai Chandra Basu as his competent torchbearer and trained him for the advancement of his Karmayagya. Thus yesterday’s Karmayagya has been transformed into a present day Dharmayagya: A vast project for the construction of a ‘Temple Complex’. To prepare the infrastructure Sri Basu devoted his 15 years of service and source and now has been able to obtain a temple plan and model prepared by a renowned temple Architect of India Padmashree Achyut Kanvinde, in consonance with Kolkata Municipal Corporation rules. The temple will be constructed upon a land of 15 cottahs (10800 sq.ft.), at 107/1, Dr Meghnad Saha Sarani, Kolkata – 700 029, West Bengal, India. The temple will be erected in a number of steps from the road, the height of the temple will be 42.5 feet from the ground level and the view of the facade will be splendid. Apart from temples for worship there will be an auditorium for discussions on religious, social and educational matters, as also for seminars and conferences. A community hall for social and religious purposes; conference rooms for exchange of views and ideas on educational, social cultural and religious matters, guest rooms for stay, free medical advise and treatment centers, ambulance services, free help-line services for common people in their need, have also been conceived. Soon it will be a place of harmony for performing various archanas. Lake Kalibari was established by Sree Sree Haripada Chakroborty on 13th April, 1949 and during his lifetime he maintained the same temple and performed the Tantra Kriya for the solace of hundreds of thousands of people who approached him during their hour of need. Prior to his demise he appointed and nominated Sri Netai Chandra Basu as Executor cum sole Sebait by his last Will dated 11/12/1985 read with Codicil dated 14/06/1987 and since he is devoting his life for the benevolence of mankind at large who are assembling before him with grace of Divine Mother Karunamoyee Kailmata, popularly known as Lake Kalibari. Official Address
Dwadash Shiva Temples, Kolkata, West Bengal Ancient Hindu temples located in Barisha locality of Kolkata dedicated to God Shiva. The cluster of 12 temples were built in athchala style by Raja Santosh Ray Chowdhury over 300 years ago. Official Address
Shobhabazar Lal Mandir, Kolkata, West Bengal The Lal Mandir is an old Hindu temple in the locality of Shobhabazar of Kolkata, India.It is said to be built by the Raja of Shobhabazar. Official Address
Tarapith, Birbhum, West Bengal Tārāpīṭh is a Hindu temple town near Rampurhat in Birbhum district of the Indian state of West Bengal, known for its Tantrictemple and its adjoining cremation (Maha Smashan) grounds where sādhanā (tantric rituals) are performed. The Tantric Hindutemple is dedicated to the goddess Tara, a fearsome Tantric aspect of the Devi, the chief temples of Shaktism. Tarapith derives its name from its association as the most important centre of Tara worship and her cult. Tarapith is also famous for Sadhak Bamakhepa, known as the avadhuta or “mad saint”, who worshipped in the temple and resided in the cremation grounds as a mendicant and practised and perfected yoga and the tantric arts under the tutelage of another famous saint, Kailashpathi Baba. Bamakhepa dedicated his entire life to the worship of Tara Maa. His ashram is also located in bank of Dwaraka river and close to the Tara temple. The Tara temple in Tarapith steeped in the narrated myths is a medium-sized temple in the rural precincts of Bengal. Its fame as a pilgrimage centre with the deity of Tara enshrined in it is due to “the temple’s founding myths, its type of worship (which includes blood offerings), the hymns sung there, the powers of the nearby tank, and the inhabitants and rituals of the adjacent cremation ground”. The temple base is thick with thick walls, built of red brick. The superstructure has covered passages with many arches raising to the pinnacle with a spire (shikara). The image of the deity is enshrined under the eaves in the sanctum. There are two Tara images in the sanctum. The stone image of Tara depicted as a mother suckling Shiva – the “primordial image” (seen in the inset of the fierce form of the image of Tara) is camouflaged by a three feet metal image, that the devotee normally seen. It represents Tara in her fiery form with four arms, wearing a garland of skulls and a protruding tongue. Crowned with a silver crown and with flowing hair, the outer image wrapped in a sari and decked in marigold garlands with a silver umbrella over its head. The forehead of the metal image is adorned with red kumkum(vermilion). Priests take a speck of this kumkum and apply it on the foreheads of the devotees as a mark of Tara’s blessings. The devotees offer coconuts, bananas and silk saris, and unusually bottles of whisky. The primordial image of Tara has been described as a “dramatic Hindu image of Tara’s gentler aspect”. The priests of the temple offer puja (worship) with great reverence to bring out her motherly aspect to the devotees, blending the North Indian fierce depiction of the Sati myth of the goddess with the peaceful motherly visionary form of Tara seen by Buddha and his disciple Vasishtha of the Tantric tradition – the Buddhist Tara form. At Tarapith, though the softer motherly aspect of the fierce goddess is emphasized. Chanting hymns or poems in her praise is also a part of the devotional appeal made to the goddess. The devotees take a holy bath at the sacred tank adjacent to the temple before entering the temple premises to offer worship and even after the worship. The waters of the tank are said to have healing powers and even restore life to the dead. Blood sacrifice of goats is the daily norm in the temple. Devotees who offer such goat sacrifices seek blessings from the deity. They bathe the goats in the holy tank near the temple before the sacrifice. They also purify themselves by taking bath in the holy tank before offering worship to the deity. The goat is then tethered to a stake, the designated post in a sand pit, and the neck of the goat butchered with a single stroke by a special sword. A small quantity of the blood of the goat is then collected in a vessel and offered to the deity in the temple. The devotees also smear their forehead with a bit of blood from the pit, as a mark of reverence to the deity. There are several legends narrated on the origin and importance of this place, all related to the goddess Tara deified in the Tarapith temple. A well-known legend relates to the Shakti Piths. Sati, the consort of Shiva, felt insulted when her father Dakshadid not invite Shiva to the great yajña “fire sacrifice” he organized. Unable to bear this humiliation, Sati gave up her life by jumping into the yajña fire. Infuriated by this tragic turn of events, Shiva went wild. Then, Vishnu, in order to pacify Shiva, decimated the body of Sati with his chakram. Sati’s body part fell all over the Indian subcontinent. The places where the body parts fell have become centres of worship of the Goddess in different manifestations. There are 51 such holy temples which are called Shakti Piths; in West Bengal, there are many such piths, such as the Kalighat. Vashistha had seen this form and worshipped the goddess Sati in the form of Tara. Another legend narrates: Shiva had drunk the poison that had emerged by the churning of the cosmic oceans, to save the universe. To relieve the intense burning in his throat, Sati – in the form of Tara – breast fed Shiva to relieve him of the effect of poison in his throat. Another local narration is that Vasishtha chose this place for the worship of Sati as it was already known as a Tarapith. Among piths, Tarapith is a siddha pith, which grants enlightenment, wisdom, happiness and siddhis (“supernatural powers”).[10] Another oral legend about the temple states that sage Vashishtha practised austerities to Tara, but was unsuccessful, so on the advice of a divine voice, he went to meet the Buddha – an avatar of Vishnu according to some schools of Hinduism – in Tibet. The Buddha instructed Vasishtha to worship Tara through the practices of vamachara. During this time, Buddha had a vision of Tarapith as an ideal location for enshrining the image of Tara in a temple there. Buddha advised Vasishtha to go to Tarapith, the abode of Tara. At Tarapith, Vasishtha did penance by reciting Tara mantra 300,000 times. Tara was pleased with Vasishtha’s penance and appeared before him. Vasishtha appealed to Tara to appear before him in the form of a mother suckling Shiva on her breast, the form that Buddha had seen in his divine vision. Tara then incarnated herself in that form before Vasishtha and turned into a stone image. Since then Tara is worshipped in the Tarapith temple in the form of a mother suckling Shiva on her breast. Tarapith, Kalighat and Nabadwip are considered the most important tirthas (holy places with a sacred water body) for Bengali Hindus. Official Address
Kalyaneshwari Temple, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal Kalyaneshwari temple is one of the most revered sights around Asansol. Located at the bank of River Barakar which is situated in the Bardhaman district of west Bengal, this temple is often known for its legends. While the original temple existed from a time which is unknown, the recent structure was built by Raja of Panchkot during the 3rd century BC. With a simple structure the temple is built on the mound which contains the deity of the goddess. This forms the garbhagriha of the temple. Because of its strange look the deity is covered with a red cloth which shows the right hand of the little child. Surrounded with some ancient frescoes the temple is always flooded with devotees who travel from far off places to reach the temple and offer their homage to the goddess. Though originally located at the bank of River Barakar this temple is now surrounded with some local shops as the river has changed its course to a great extent. The temple is surrounded with the most picturesque site of Maithan dam which is built on River Barakar. While the original temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali in the form of Maa Kalyaneshwari, its original structure was built by Maharaja Hari Gupt who was fleeing from the Kushans. This was later on renovated by king of Panchkota some five centuries ago. Kalyaneshwari is a 500-year-old centre of Shakti worship. Legend has it that human sacrifices were offered at Kalyaneshwari in the remote past. The present temple, however, is not very old and was constructed by the Panchkot Raj. The temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women. By Road: The temple is situated in Asansol, Bardhaman district of the Indian state of Kolata. It is 181 km from Ranchi, 231 km from Kolkata and 297 km from Patna and is quite close to the Barakar railway station. By Rail: The Temple is well connected through nearest Barakar railway station (4 kms) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad. By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Ranchi Airport (181 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. Official Address
Madangopal Jiu Temple, Mellock, West Bengal Madangopal Jiu Temple is a temple in Mellock, very close to the more popular village Samta in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple is locally known as Gopaler Mondir which literally means the temple of Gopala. The temple is a large, terracotta ornamented, dilapidated temple of Radha and Madangopala and was built in the 17th century AD by Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury, who was a family member of the Roychowdhury Zamindars, who then ruled the village of Mellock. It was earlier situated on the banks of the Rupnarayan River but now the river has changed its course and moved farther. It is an aatchala (roof with 8 slopes) temple. Reconstruction work was started in the early 2010s but suddenly stopped midway. The village of Mellock has a history that dates back to centuries. Both the village and the temple are situated on the fertile plains of the river Rupnarayan. The temple is dilapidated and was under reconstruction and renovation since the early 2010s but work suddenly stopped midway. It was built in the 17th sentury AD by Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury, who was reputed in the village to be very strong and muscular. He was a wrestler too. And in those days, the road to the temple was connected to the barrage by a small wooden bridge. It is said that Mukundaprasad would carry two heavy stone dumbbells in his arms to the temple. This meant to be his exercise. He would cross the wooden bridge with those stones and neither did he use to get tired nor did the wooden bridge ever break. One of the stone dumbbells is still kept in the campus of the temple and one can notice the impressions of the arms of Roychoudhury, which is a result of the force exerted by him while carrying it. The temple is a terracotta ornamented temple and its roof has eight slopes. The main entrance with three arches faces the south. One additional entrance is on the east side. The east entrance leads to a small room, adjacent to the garbhagriha, or the main room. The temple is approximately 40 feet high. The temple has number of sculptures and designs on it. Madanmohan Temple is a famous Hindu temple. It is situated in Mellock, near Samta in the state of West Bengal. This temple is also called as Gopaler Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Radha Krishna. The main deity of this temple is Radha Krishna. The Janmastami and Holi are celebrated in this temple. In bengal, Radha and Madangopal-jiu temples are the largest temples. In 1651, Mukundaprasad Roychowdhury was built this temple. This temple is located on the bank of the Rupnarayan River. This temple is called as “The Temple of The Respected Lord”. ‘Mandangopal’ is a combination of two words. ‘Madan’ means The lord of love and ‘Gopal’, which means one who plays with the cowherds. According to the history, Both the village and the temple are places near the river Ruonarayan. This temple was destroyed and re-constructed in the year of 2010. But suddenly the work was stopped. In the 17th century, it was rebuilt by Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury. The temple was constructed by using the fired clay and its roof has 8 slopes. The main entrance of this temple has three arches. The temple faces to south. In the east side one additional entrance are there. The temple has number of sculptures and designs on it. As per the priest of the temple, “A hundred Ashvamedh Yagyas equivalent is giving charity and taking bath in Rupnarayan River on the auspicious day of kartik purnima. A large number of devotees from the nook and corner of West Bengal visit this temple. Official Address
Belur Math, Howrah, West Bengal Beluṛ Maṭh is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal, India and is one of the significant institutions in Kolkata.[2] This temple is the heart of the Ramakrishna Movement. The temple is notable for its architecture that fuses Christian, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist art motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. In 2007 Belurmath railway station was also inaugurated which is dedicated to Belurmath temple. Belur Math or Belur Muth is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal. It is a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world professing different religious faiths. Even people not interested in religion come here for the peace it exudes. The serene campus of belur math on the Ganga includes temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna order. The place has been sanctified by the stay of Swami Vivekananda and most of the monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna who spent several years here. Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi also visited this place on several occasions. The room in which Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi has been preserved here. The headquarters of the worldwide twin organizations known as Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are also situated here. Belur math is a place of pilgrimage for people of different religious faiths. This place of religious importance is visited by people from all over India and abroad. The main gate of belur math leads to the Ramkrishna Sarada Mandir. Swami breathed his last breath on 4th July, 1902 at this place. His memorial lies within the Math. His commodities are carefully kept in his room and is displayed to the people. belur math has also provided other things such as an art college, an industrial school and charitable dispensary. belur math is free from bigotry and sectarian rational and is modern in outlook. The Math and the Mission are committed to the task of ushering in a new age in which distinctions of caste, creed and class do not exist. In January 1897, Swami Vivekananda arrived in Calcutta with his small group of Western disciples. Two monasteries were founded by him, one at Belur, which became the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission and the other at Mayavati on the Himalayas, in Champawat District, Uttrakhand, called the Advaita Ashrama.These monasteries were meant to receive and train young men who would eventually become sannyasis of the Ramakrishna Mission, and to give them a training for their work. The same year the philanthropic activity was started and relief of the famine was carried out. Swami Vivekananda’s days as a parivrajaka (wandering monk) before his visit to Parliament of Religions, took him through many parts of India and he visited several architectural monuments like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri palaces, Diwan–I–Khas, palaces of Rajasthan, ancient temples of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other places. During his tour in America and Europe, he came across buildings of architectural importance of Modern, Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is reported that Vivekananda incorporated these ideas in the design of the Belur Math temple. Swami Vijnanananda, a brother-monk of Swami Vivekananda and one of the monastic disciples of Ramakrishna, who was, in his pre-monastic life, a civil engineer, designed the temple according to the ideas of Vivekananda and Swami Shivananda, the then President of Belur Math laid the foundation stone on 16 May 1935. The massive construction was handled by Martin Burn & Co.. The mission proclaims the Belur Math as, “A Symphony in Architecture”. Official Address
Ananta Basudeba Temple, Hooghly, West Bengal Ananta Basudeba temple is a temple of Lord Krishna in the Hangseshwari temple complex in Banshberia, in the Hooghly District in the Indian state of West Bengal. Built by Raja Rameswar Datta in 1679, this temple is noted for the exquisite terra cotta works on its walls. It is built in the traditional eka-ratna style, with curved cornices. The tower on top of the temple is octagonal. The terracota works depict stories from the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as from lilas of Krishna. Ananta Vasudeva temple is another famous temple of Bansberia that represents traditional ‘Ekaratna’ style of architecture. The temple has curved cornices, triple arched entrance and an octagonal tower. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. Intricate terracotta carving on the walls of the temple showcases scenes of love, war, everyday life and Gods. Built in 1649, it is located in the premises of Hangeshwari temple. It was constructed by Raja Rameshwar Datta who was a strong follower of Vaishnavism. The architecture and artistry of the temple have a stark resemblance with the terracotta temples of Bishnupur. Besides the temple, the remains of Dattaroy Palace are also located here. Fragments of arches and broken walls of the palace are still found around Ananta Vasudeva temple. Anant Vasudeva temple and Hangeshwari temple are the major tourist attractions of Bansberia. The temple edifices are embellished with elaborate and exquisite terracotta carvings. Ananta Basudeba temple is a temple of Lord Krishna in the Hangseshwari temple complex. This temple is noted for the exquisite terra cotta works on its walls. It is built in the traditional ekaratna style, with curved cornices. The tower on top of the temple is octagonal. The terracotta works depict stories from the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as from divine works of Krishna. The terra cotta works on buildings were a new style in the 17th century and the Anant Vasudeva temple was a fine example of it during that period. The temple inspired many craftsmen during that period and similar structures including temples were builtin nearby areas. The Ramachandra temple built in Gupti Para is an example of this. The terra cotta work became a symbol of Bengal architecture during this period and contributed to the extreme popularity of the Anant Vasudeva Temple during this period. n 1656, the Mughal emperor appointed Raghab Dattaroy of Patuli as the zamindar of an area that includes the present-day Bansberia. Legend has it that Raghab’s son Rameshwar cleared a bamboo grove to build a fort, inspiring the name Bansberia. The Ananta Basudeba temple was constructed by Rameshwar Datta, an ardent follower of Vaishnavism, in 1679. Three sides of the one-storeyed temple are decorated with richly carved terracotta panels. The turret also contains terracotta carvings. Its decorative scheme is similar to that of the terracotta temples, situated in Bishnupur. Bansberia’s importance in pre-Muslim Bengal was religious, owing to its location at the Tribeni or confluence of three rivers (Ganga, Jamuna, and Saraswati). After Muslim occupation in the late 13th century, it continued to be an important city under the Tughlaks, as a military base, mint-town and port. After the Mughal conquest of Bengal in the mid-16th century, the city started to decline due to the loss of royal patronage, but some areas such as Bansberia continued to prosper up to the 19th century. By Road: The temple present in Bansberia district. We can reach the Temple easily by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Kolkata state or from neighboring state. Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses. The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus. By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Howrah which is 49 km from the temple By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport(40 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai. Official Address
Hangseshwari Temple, Hooghly, West Bengal Hangseswari temple or Hanseswari temple is a Hindu Temple of goddess Hangseswari (the goddess who came in a dream of Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy Mahasay) in the town of Banshberia at Hooghly District, Indian state of West Bengal. Banshberia is an industrial town positioned in between Bandel and Tribeni. Rani Hanseswari was the mother of Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy, hence the deity is worshipped as Maa Hanseswari. The deity is worshipped as a form of Maa Kali in Hindu mythology. The temple complex has another temple — Ananta Basudeba temple — besides the main temple. Also near is the Swanbhaba Kali temple built by Raja Nrisinha Deb Roy Mahasay in 1788.The Hanseswari temple has a distinctive architecture different from the usual pattern present in this area, consisting 13 minars or Ratnas, each built as a blooming lotus bud. The inner structure of the building resembles human anatomy. It was started by Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy Mahasay and later completed by his widow wife Rani Sankari in 1814. The architecture of the temples is the representation of “Tantrik Satchakrabhed”.The structure tells about the structure of a Human Body. Because the five storied temple is like the five parts of our Human body, such as : Bajraksha, Ira, Chitrini, Pingala and Sushumna. In 1673, Zamindar Rameshwar Ray left Patuli and settled in Bansberia or Banskabati as it was known earlier in Hooghly. Bansberia is located besides our holy river Ganga, and in between Tribeni and Bandel. Zamindar Rameshwar Ray was gifted this village of around 400 Bigha of Land and its Zamindari by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who also gifted him the prestigious title of King. From this time onward many of his kith and kin settled in Bansberia.The Hanseswari temple was built in the beginning of the 19th century. The main deity is the blue neem-wood idol of the four-armed goddess Hanseswari, a manifestation of Goddess Kali. The temple is 21 meter high and has 13 towers. The peak of each tower is shaped as a lotus flower. Built according to Tantric principles, this five-storey shrine follows the structure of a human body – Ira, Pingala, Bajraksha, Sushumna and Chitrini.The temple complex has another temple— Ananta Basudeba temple — besides the main temple. There is also the Swanbhaba Kali temple nearby built by Raja Nrisinhadeb Roy Mahasay in 1788. This temple too holds a very special position as a terracotta temple with exquisite terracotta works on it. The Hanseswari temple has a distinctive architecture different from the usual pattern present in this area, consisting 13 minars or ratnas, each built as a blooming lotus bud. The inner structure of the building resembles human anatomy. It was started by Raja Nrishinghadeb Roy and later completed by his wife Rani Shankari. According to a legend King Nrisingha Dev Rai, while staying in Varanasi during the year 1792 to 1798 learnt deeply “Kundalini” and “Six cyclic centers (Six Chakras)” in the human system. Cancelling his plan to visit Britain he endeavored to build a temple at Bansberia based on “Kundalini and yogic concepts”. At that time rupees one lakh or more was spent in procuring marbles from a hilly area called Chunar situated near Benaras (Varanasi, U.P). Skilled artisans were also brought from this place to build up the temple. Unfortunately the King left for his heavenly abode in the year 1802 in the midway of construction of the temple. His queen Shankari took the initiative and the temple was completed in the year 1814.The Hanseswari temple has a distinctive architecture different from the usual pattern present in this area, consisting 13 minars or ratnas, each built as a blooming lotus bud. The inner structure of the building resembles human anatomy. It was started by Raja Nrishinghadeb Roy and later completed by his wife Rani Shankari. According to a legend King Nrisingha Dev Rai, while staying in Varanasi during the year 1792 to 1798 learnt deeply “Kundalini” and “Six cyclic centers (Six Chakras)” in the human system. Cancelling his plan to visit Britain he endeavored to build a temple at Bansberia based on “Kundalini and yogic concepts”. At that time rupees one lakh or more was spent in procuring marbles from a hilly area called Chunar situated near Benaras (Varanasi, U.P). Skilled artisans were also brought from this place to build up the temple. Unfortunately the King left for his heavenly abode in the year 1802 in the midway of construction of the temple. His queen Shankari took the initiative and the temple was completed in the year 1814.The temple has both the Deities of Shiva and Shakti and hence the name is “Hansheswari”. On the top of thousand petals blue lotus, lies the eight petals bloodred lotus. Image of white “Shiva” is found to be found lying on six triangular marbles. From the navel of “Mahadeva”, a lotus stem has come out carrying twelve petals blood-red lotus. On this, four-handed “Mother Shakti” is standing on her right legresting the left leg on her right thigh. The upper left hand is carrying a sword to represent her power to curb the demons, the lower left one is carrying a severed head of a demon; the upper right palm is posed in a “Fearless-Mudra (Abhaya Mudra)” so as to depict her as the “Protector” of the world from the evils whereas the lower right hand is posed in a way as if to offer her blessings to all (“Bar-Mudra”). The Deity is blue in colour and made of wood derived from “Neem” tree. The room beneath the Central Minar has a white marbled “Shiv linga”. Official Address
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, meaning, ‘She who liberates Her devotees from the ocean of existence i.e. Saṃsāra’.The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali. The temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna, a mystic of 19th Century Bengal. The temple compound, apart from the nine-spired main temple, contains a large courtyard surrounding the temple, with rooms along the boundary walls. There are twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva—Kali’s companion—along the riverfront, a temple to Radha-Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river, a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. ‘Nahabat’, the chamber in the northwestern corner just beyond the last of the Shiva temples, is where Ramakrishna spent a considerable part of his life. Built in the traditional ‘Nava-ratna’ or nine spires style of Bengal architecture, the three-storeyed south-facing temple has nine spires distributed in upper two storeys, and stands on a high platform with a flight of stairs, overall it measures 46 feet (14 m) square and rises over 100 feet (30 m) high. The garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) houses an idol of goddess Kali, known as Bhavatarini, standing on the chest of a supine Shiva, and the two idols are placed on a thousand-petaled lotus made of silver. Close to the main temple are the row of twelve identical Shiva temples built facing the east in the typical aat-chala Bengal architecture, they are built on either side of the ghat on the Hooghly river. To the North east of the Temple Complex is the Vishnu Temple or the Radha Kanta Temple. A flight of steps lead to the columned verandah and into the temple where a silver throne rests with a 21 1⁄2-inch (550 mm) idol of Lord Krishna and a 16-inch (410 mm) idol of Radha. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple was founded around the middle of the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni.Rani Rashmoni was a Mahishya by caste and was well known for her philanthropic activities. In the year 1847, Rashmoni, prepared to go upon a long pilgrimage to the sacred Hindu city of Kashi to express her devotions to the Divine Mother. Rani was to travel in twenty four boats, carrying relatives, servants and supplies.According to traditional accounts, the night before the pilgrimage began, Rashmoni had a vision of the Divine Mother, in the form of the goddess Kali in a dream and reportedly said There is no need to go to Banaras. Install my statue in a beautiful temple on the banks of the Ganges river and arrange for my worship there. Then I shall manifest myself in the image and accept worship at that place. Profoundly affected by the dream, Rani immediately looked for and purchased a 20-acred plot in the village of Dakshineswar. The large temple complex was built between 1847 and 1855. The 20-acre (81,000 m2) plot was bought from an Englishman, John Hastie and was then popularly known as Saheban Bagicha,[8] partly old Muslim burial ground shaped like a tortoise, considered befitting for the worship of Shakti according to Tantra traditions, it took eight years and nine hundred thousand rupees to complete the construction, and finally the idol of Goddess Kali was installed on the Snana Yatra day on 31 May 1855, amid festivities at the temple formally known as Sri Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali, with Ramkumar Chhattopadhyay as the head priest; soon his younger brother Gadai or Gadadhar (later known as Ramakrishna) moved in and so did nephew Hriday to assist him.On 31 May 1855 more than 1 lakh Brahmins were invited from different parts of the country to grace the auspicious occasion. The next year, Ramkumar Chattopadhyay died, the position was given to Ramakrishna, along with his wife Sarada Devi, who stayed in the south side of the Nahabat (music room), in a small room on the ground floor, which now a shrine dedicated to her. From then until his death 30 years later in 1886, Ramakrishna was responsible for bringing much in the way of both fame and pilgrims to the temple. Rani Rashmoni lived only for five years and nine months after the inauguration of the temple. She seriously fell ill in 1861. Realizing that her death was near she decided to handover the property she purchased in Dinajpur (now in Bangladesh) as a legacy for the maintenance of the temple to the temple trust. She accomplished her task on 18 February 1861 and died on the next day.After her death in 1861, her sons-in-law took to celebrating Durga Puja in their respective premises. Dakshineswar Temple is located at a distance of 20 km north from the central part of Kolkata. It is located alongside the Vivekananda Bridge. The temple admires the eastern bank of River Hooghly. Official Address
Thanthania Kalibari, Kolkata, West Bengal Thanthania Kalibari is a Kali temple in Kolkata.The deity in the temple is known as Siddheshwari. On the occasion of Kali Puja, devotees gather at the temple for worship. The Thanthania Kalibari was founded by Shankar Ghosh in 1803, a mentioned in the temple building itself. However, according to a different tradition it was built in 1703. The image of the presiding deity Siddheshwari is made of clay and the idol is painted every year with the colors red and black. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered auspicious for a visit to the temple. The temple is 300+ years old, and the idol is even older. Kolkata is the place where religion, festival, celebrations and devotion are inculcated within people. Goddess Kali is worshipped here in various forms, with immense devotion and faith. There are many temples of the Goddess in Calcutta, which remain flooded with devotees throughout the year. One such temple is the Thanthania Kalibari Temple. Located in the Shyambazar, it is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the city. Thanthania Kalibari is said to be built in 1703. However there is a little ambiguity over the fact, as a sect of people considers it to be built in 1803. However, on one of the stones of the temple ‘1110’ is inscribed, which when converted from Bengali calendar to Gregorian calendar, states 1803. So, the more popular belief is that the temple was built in 1803. This temple is dedicated to Siddheswari Mata, a form of Goddess Kali and was built by Sankar Ghosh. Thanthania Kalibari has a small clay idol of Goddess Kali, which is reconstructed every year. The temple also houses a small idol of Lord Shiva. The best days to visit the temple are considered to be Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these are considered to be the holy days of Mata Siddheswari. Visiting the temple on any “Amavaysa”, or Lunar Eclipse, is also considered fruitful. People in Kolkata also visit the temple on the day of Kali Puja. Official Address
Firinghi Kalibari, Kolkata, West Bengal Firinghi Kalibari is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali located on B.B Ganguly street in the Bowbazar locality of Kolkata, India. The temple is said to be over 500 years old, and is named after its association with Anthony Firingee, a European who converted to Hinduism and was a great devotee of Kali. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali. It is situated on B.B Ganguly Street in the Bow bazar locality of Kolkata state, India. The temple is said to be over 500 years old. This temple got its name after its amalgamation with Anthony Firingee who was a European and thus converted himself to Hinduism. He was a great devotee of Goddess Kali. One of the famed Directors- Srijit Mukherjee has done the Muhurat (Inauguration) of his new Bangla film“Jatismar” at Firingi Kalibari of Bowbazar area with Puja ceremony and the Rituals associated with the inauguration functions on 2nd of July, Tuesday. Actor Prosenjit and Actress Swastika also performed the worship and religious customs to offer greetings and homage to God and Goddess. As per the script of the shot, star Prosenjit would be performing the role of Anthony ‘Firingi’ in the movie which was really an entertainer. Previously, Uttam Kumar played the role of Anthony Firingi. This magnificent temple of Kali is about 500 years old. And this religious pilgrim centre is not only famous for the rituals and Puja Ceremonies performed during occasions and festivities, the temple also plays a vital and significant role in the scenario and site scenes for tourists and visitors. Official Address
Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple in West Bengal, India dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Kalighat was a Ghat (landing stage) sacred to Kali on the old course of the Hooghly river (Bhāgirathi) in the city of Calcutta. The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat. The river over a period of time has moved away from the temple. The temple is now on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects to the Hoogly. The Adi Ganga was the original course of the river Hoogly. Hence the name Adi (original) Ganga. The Temple at Kalighat is revered as an important Shakti Peetha, by the Shaktism sect of Hinduism. The mythology of Daksha yajna and Sati’s self immolation is the story behind the origin of Shakti Peethas. Daksha, the son of Brahma was an ancient entity called Prajapati or the keeper of the beings in Hinduism. He had a lot of daughters, one of whom was Sati, an incarnation of the Primordial Mother Goddess or Shakti. She was married to Shiva, the ascetic, whose abode was in the cold and snowy recesses of the Kailasa Parvat. Daksha had frowned upon the marriage, as Shiva was a penniless man, quite unlike the King that Daksha was. In time, Daksha decided that he would arrange a yajna or a ritual where he would invite all the gods, except for Shiva. Sati, his daughter came to her father’s place, uninvited and faced a flurry of insults from her father about her husband. Unable to bear the insults, she immolated herself. The news of the death of his beloved wife set Shiva on a delirious rage, as he started the Tandav or the Dance of Destruction with the body of Sati, calming down, only when Vishnu managed to chop her body down into fifty one pieces, which would fall all over the length and breadth of India. (A lot of these places are in modern day Pakistan and Bangladesh as well.) Shakti Peethas or divine seats of Shakti or the Primordial Mother Goddess, thus came into being wherever these severed parts of Sati’s body had fallen. Each of the 51 Peethas have a temple dedicated to the Shakti or the Primordial Mother, and a temple dedicated to the Bhairava or Shiva, the All-Father, essentially forming important historical centres to mark the marriage of Shaivism and Shaktism, and also the philosophical fact that a man is nothing without his Shakti or Woman and vice versa. The Shakti here is thus Dakshina Kali (the benevolent Mother of the World) while the Bhairav being Nakulish or Nakuleshwar. It is believed that the right big toe of Sati fell here at Kalighat. However, some Puranas also mention that the Mukha Khanda (face) of the Goddess fell here, got fossilized, and is stored and worshipped here. The 51 Shakti Peethas are linked to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit, each carrying the power to invoke one of the goddesses associated with them. These Alphabets are called Beeja Mantras or the seeds of the primordial sounds of creation. The Beeja Mantra for Dakshina Kali is Krīm. The mythological texts which include the Kalika Purana (Ashtashakti,) recognize the four major Shakti Peethas — Bimala where resides the Pada Khanda (feet) (the temple is inside the Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha), Tara Tarini housing the Stana Khanda (Breasts), (near Brahmapur, Odisha), Kamakshya, Yoni khanda (vagina) (near Guwahati, Assam) and Dakshina Kalika, Mukha khanda (in Kolkata, West Bengal) originated from the lifeless body of the goddess Sati. The Kalighat temple in its present form is only about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century.The present structure of the temple was completed under the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family’s patronage in 1809. Mention of the Kali temple is also found in Lalmohon Bidyanidhis’s ‘Sambanda Nirnoy”.Only two types of coins of Chandragupta II, who incorporated Vanga in the Gupta Empire, are known from Bengal. His Archer type coins, which became the most popular type of coinage with the Gupta rulers after Kumaragupta I, have been found in Kalighat. This is evidence of the antiquity of the place.The image of Kali in this temple is unique. It does not follow the pattern of other Kali images in Bengal. The present idol of touchstone was created by two saints – Atmaram Brahmachari and Brahmananda Giri. Presently, the three huge eyes, long protruding tongue made of gold and four hands, which all are made of gold too. Two of these hands holding a scimitar and a severed head of the asura king ‘Shumbha’. The scimitar signifies Divine Knowledge and the asura (or, human) head signifies human Ego which must be slain by Divine Knowledge in order to attain Moksha. The other two hands are in the abhaya and varada mudras or blessings, which means her initiated devotees (or anyone worshiping her with a true heart) will be saved as she will guide them here and hereafter. Kalighat is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India, where the various parts of Sati’s body are said to have fallen, in the course of Shiva’s Rudra Tandava. Kalighat represents the site where the toes of the right foot of Dakshayani or Sati fell. Kalighat is also associated with the worship offered to Kali by a Dasanami Monk by name Chowranga Giri, and the Chowringee area of Calcutta is said to have been named after him. Official Address